The replica Thompson trophy entered the collection in 1941 as part of an intended educational exhibit on the development of high speed plane technology. The Thompson air race, sponsored by Thompson Product Inc., was one of the most popular competitions of its time. The replica trophy, modelled after the original won by Don Davis in 1929, was placed in the center of the exhibit with airplane models of ten trophy winners hanging around it. At the time of the exhibition, the owner of the Thompson trophy was not ready to donate it; therefore, a replica trophy was used. The replica was created out of bronze colored papier-mâché in 1929 by Thompson Products Inc., which additionally produced the airplane models used in the exhibit. The acquisition of the replica was facilitated by Charles Hubbell (1898 – 1971), an aeronautical artist who illustrated the annual Thompson Products Inc. aviation calendars.

-C Rasmussen 9/19