James E. Plew

James E. Plew
Born	Template:Birth date Brown County, Illinois, U.S.
Died	April 16, 1938(1938-04-16) (aged 75)
Occupation(s)	Entrepreneur, aviation pioneer
Known for	Early aviation entrepreneur; original leaseholder of Valparaiso site that became Eglin Air Force Base

James E. Plew (July 3, 1862 – April 16, 1938) was a prominent Chicago entrepreneur whose early fascination with aviation led him to secure the original lease in 1934 on the Valparaiso, Florida site that eventually became Eglin Air Force Base.

Early years

Originating from Brown County, Illinois, Plew began his professional journey with a modest linen supply business in Chicago, which expanded into the Chicago Towel Company, ranking among the largest in its sector. Subsequently, he served as the Chicago representative for White Motor Car Company and launched a dealership for Curtiss airplanes in 1909. By 1910, he was operating a Curtiss aircraft from a small airfield near what is now Midway Airport.

As an officer of the Aero Club of Illinois—established in 1910—Plew took over the presidency from Octave Chanute until 1912, when Harold F. McCormick assumed the role. A significant event during this period was Chicago’s first fatal airplane accident involving a Curtiss biplane owned by Plew during a pilot licensing attempt in 1911.

In 1914, Plew collaborated with McCormick and Bion J. Arnold to create Lake Shore Airline, providing commuter seaplane service connecting North Shore suburbs to downtown Chicago. Although fares were high, inconsistent weather led to frequent disruptions, causing the airline to cease operations within its inaugural year.

Plew briefly employed Victor and Allan Loughead on aviation projects; Allan later co-founded what became Lockheed Aircraft Company after Plew withdrew from aircraft sales following an accident.

Later years

Relocating in 1922 to Northwest Florida’s Panhandle, Plew emerged as a pioneering developer in the area. He selected the tranquil fishing village of Valparaiso, Florida for his ventures, establishing the Bank of Valparaiso, constructing the Valparaiso Inn in 1924, and launching the Chicago Country Club which developed into the Valparaiso Country Club golf course. Plew was instrumental in numerous community enhancement initiatives.

He endowed the Plew Trophy, an annual golf tournament held throughout the Southeast. His other enterprises included founding Shalimar Winery to process excess local grape harvests and creating the Valparaiso Novelty Company. Additionally, he helped initiate a knitting mill; however, the Valparaiso Hosiery Mill was lost to fire in 1939. He also invested in various ventures aimed at fostering economic growth in the region.

The Plews’ efforts stimulated development across Okaloosa County, drawing many newcomers from northern states, particularly Chicago. After Nettie Plew passed away in 1951, she was honored as the "Widow of [the] Valparaiso Founder."

Military development

To aid economic recovery during the Depression, Plew leased a 137-acre airfield known as Valparaiso Airport—cleared in 1933—from local authorities. In 1934, he offered an additional 1,460 acres of neighboring land to the U.S. government for establishing a bombing and gunnery range. This site became known as the Valparaiso Bombing and Gunnery Base, activated on June 14, 1935 under Captain Arnold H. Rich’s leadership—the precursor to Eglin Air Force Base.

Death

Plew passed away on April 16, 1938, four days after suffering a heart attack. He was survived by his wife and two daughters. His funeral took place privately at his residence with Rev. F. H. Fox officiating. His remains were cremated in Jacksonville and his ashes scattered over Choctawhatchee Bay.

Commemoration

A memorial plaque at the East Gate of Eglin Field recognized Plew's instrumental contribution to establishing the facility. Revealed on Decoration Day in 1939, the inscription stated: "In memory of James E. Plew, 1862-1938, whose patriotism and generosity made this field possible." Although the plaque and stone entrance gates have vanished due to base expansions, the Okaloosa News-Journal anticipated considerable development following Plew’s passing.

Constructed between May and October 1941 by Paul A. Miller Construction Company from Leesburg, Florida, a Defense Housing Project at Eglin Field was named Plew Heights to honor him. This residential area, intended for both civilian and military occupants, was dismantled in recent years.

The James E. Plew Terminal Building at the Okaloosa Air Terminal, situated on State Road 85, commenced operations in February 1975. The dedication event included remarks from notable figures such as Congressman Bob Sikes and Southern Airways President Frank Hulse.

See also

• History of Eglin Air Force Base