Description

Karl Taylor Compton and Margaret Hutchinson Compton receive gifts from around the world during the 'aerial shower'. They stand on the dock of the sailing pavilion in front of seaplane that landed on the Charles River Basin. Margaret Hutchinson Compton holds a parasol from Japan and wears a lei from Hawaii. Stamp on verso reads "Jun 13 1948".

Original Caption: "Boston Traveler, Friday, June 11, 1948 Wife of MIT President Receives 'Aerial Shower' The world's first 'aerial shower' was given today in honor of Mrs. Karl T. Compton, wife of the president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, by the M.I.T. class of 1898 which is marking its 50th anniversary during the institute's annual alumni reunion. Gifts Flown Here Gifts sent by the airlines of the world, and coming from every part of the globe, were flown by amphibian plane from Logan airport, where they were collected, to the Charles River basin, with the presentation ceremonies taking place at the M. I. T. sailing pavillion there. From Peru came a hand-wrought silver jewel case of Inca design, while Trans-Canada Airlines offered a beaded purse made by Indians of British Columbia, and from Quebec a French-Canadian carving in wood. From Ecuador Pan American-Grace Airways brought an elaborately carved mahongany tray in addition to the Peruvian jewel case. Enough shamrocks fresh from Ireland, for each lady at the 50-year luncheon given by Dr. and Mrs. Compton were flown over by British Overseas Airways, which also carried perfume from France and heather from Scotland. American Overseas fAirlines brought a white rug from Iceland and a wood carving from Norway, a brooch from Sweden and a tam-o-shanter from Scotland, as well as a paperweight from London made of stone from which the Houses of Parliament are built. A parasol from Japan and a sandalwood fan from Shanghai arrived by Northwestern Airlines, while Pan American World Airways brought a fresh ginger flower lei and wood carvings from Honolulu and a luncheon set from the Phillipine Islands woven from pineapple fiber. From Brazil and other South American countries came other gifts. The airline cooperated in the affair in recognition of the pioneering contributions of M.I.T. to the advancement of aviation."