Stanley Switlik

Stanley Switlik (December 4, 1890 – March 4, 1981) was a parachute pioneer. Born in Galicia, now part of Poland, he immigrated to the United States at the age of 16.[1] Originally, his company made heavy sewn items such as golf bags and mailbags.

Stanley Switlik
Born(1890-12-04)December 4, 1890
Galicia
DiedMarch 4, 1981(1981-03-04) (aged 90)
Marathon, Florida, U.S.
OccupationParachute pioneer

Parachute tower

With his partner George P. Putnam, he built the first parachute training tower in the United States. The first jump from this tower was on June 2, 1935 by Amelia Earhart, who described the experience as "Loads of fun!".[2][3]

Death

He died of a heart attack in Marathon, Florida on March 4, 1981.[1]

Great Adventure Controversy

In 1973 Switlik initially agreed to sell 800 acres (320 ha) of property he owned to the original company that eventually became Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey. The controversy was how the property was to be utilized. It was his position that it would be used for a drive through animal park, but the plan of the buyers was also to include an amusement park. As a conservationist, Switlik believed the amusement park should not be built. In a long protracted legal battle which eventually went to the US Supreme Court, Mr. Switlik lost his case. A judgement of $4.8 million had been originally awarded, but the long battle increased the payment substantially due to interest on the original judgement. This resulted in the bankruptcy to him and his family. Great Adventure was built and now includes both amusement rides and a drive through animal park.

Legacy

The Stanley Switlik Elementary school in Marathon, Florida is named for him,[4] as is the Switlik Elementary School[5] in Jackson, New Jersey. Switlik Residents Hall at Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey is also named after Stanley Switlik. He served on the Board of Trustees of Rider for 16 years and received an honorary degree in 1954.

References
  1. "Stanley Switlik, 90; Parachute Expert". New York Times. 7 March 1981. Retrieved 16 January 2010.
  2. Bellis, Mary. "First Parachute Training Tower". History of the Parachute. About.com. Retrieved 16 January 2010.
  3. "AMELIA EARHART USES HER FIRST PARACHUTE; Flier Makes Her Initial Jump, With a New Device From a 115-Foot Tower". The New York Times. 3 June 1935. Retrieved 17 January 2010.
  4. Stanley Switlik Elementary School website
  5. Switlik Elementary School
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