Beatrice Hitchins Memorial Collection of Aviation History Western University, Western Libraries Subjects Airplanes; Aeronautics, Military; Aviation--History History The collection was established ca 1930. It was assembled by Professor Fred H. Hitchins (1904-1972) with research files compiled by himself and others in the field. It is reported to be the largest private collection on the subject in Canada. Description The collection includes material on aviation history, military aeronautics, and the First and Second World Wars. Significant primary source material and many rare book items are present. The collection attempts to be comprehensive on Canada and other members of the Commonwealth between 1914 and 1945. Material on the United States and other non-Commonwealth countries is selective. All acquisitions are selective at present. Language English, French and selected foreign language material. English and French materials are currently acquired. Holdings 1,500 monographs; 26 serials; 1 serial currently received; 91 picture files; 350 vertical files; 50 manuscripts; card files (15,000 cards). Bibliographic Access The collection is catalogued in a separate published catalogue (see below). LC subject headings and classification are used. Physical Access The collection is in a special collections area which is open to the public, Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. From October to April, it is also open Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.; and 1:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. For further information visit: http://www.lib.uwo.ca/archives/benson.shtml. Interlibrary Loan: As the condition of the material warrants. Reprography: Yes. Reference Assistance: Yes. Publications Describing Collection Hopkinson, Marvin W. -- The Beatrice Hutchins Memorial Collection of Aviation History: catalogue. -- Presented by the family of Fred H. Hitchins; compiled by Marvin W. Hopkinson. London, Ont. : D.B. Weldon Library, University of Western Ontario, 1976.