Photos of Pan American Clippers and Wake Island in 1936
From the collection of William B. Voortmeyer

 

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Riding the Reef - A Pan American Adventure, with Love, by Bert Voortmeyer and Carol Nickisher. Published by Paladwr Press.The following photographs are from the collection of William B. Voortmeyer, who was a member of Pan Am's second expedition to Wake Island, at the end of which Pan Am flew him from Wake to Honolulu on the Clipper's third voyage. He was 20 at that time.

These photographs are reproduced here, with the very kind permission of Carol Nickisher, daughter of William Voortmeyer.

The story behind these photographs is told in "Riding the Reef - A Pan American Adventure, with Love" by Bert Voortmeyer and Carol Nickisher, published by Paladwr Press. The book contains the story of William Bert Voortmeyer's experience as one of the workers Pan Am hired to build the Wake Island base, as seen from the photos he took and letters he wrote to the beautiful woman he loved. The book contains 50 photographs, most of which are not posted on this website, and is available now from the author and from Paladwr Press. For additional information, contact the webmaster.
Martin 130 Clipper berthed at the Alameda base September 23, 1936. William B. Voortmeyer is on the left, standing next to the aircraft.
Martin 130 Clipper berthed at the Alameda base September 23, 1936. William B. Voortmeyer is on the left, standing next to the aircraft.		The Martin 130 China Clipper (NC 14716) on beaching cradle at the Alameda Base, 1936.
The Martin 130 China Clipper (NC 14716) on beaching cradle at the Alameda Base, 1936. The aircraft has all four engine assemblies removed. The engine servicing scaffold is visible in the background on the right. The passenger boarding stairs is visible on the left.		Martin 130 China Clipper (NC 14716) anchored in Wake Lagoon, 1936.
The Martin 130 China Clipper (NC 14716) anchored in Wake Lagoon, 1936. Photo by William Bert Voortmeyer.
The Martin 130 Philippine Clipper (NC 14715) taxing across the lagoon at Wake Island.
Pan American Airways maintenance crew posed in front of a Martin 130 Clipper. Wake Island, 1936. Photo by William Bert Voortmeyer.		The Philippine Clipper at Wake Island.
The Martin 130 Philippine Clipper (NC 14715) taxing across the lagoon at Wake Island. Photo by William Bert Voortmeyer.		The Wake Island locomotive, 1936.
The Wake Island locomotive, 1936. Bert Voortmeyer (wearing bandana) at the controls. Location was 200 yards from the landing area on Wilkes Island.
The Pan American hotel at Wake Island, 1936.
The Pan American hotel at Wake Island, 1936. The photo was taken after the hotel was constructed, just before being painted. Photo by William Bert Voortmeyer.		The Martin 130 China Clipper (NC 14716) anchored in Wake Lagoon, 1936.
The Martin 130 China Clipper (NC 14716) anchored in Wake Lagoon, 1936. Photo by William Bert Voortmeyer. 		The Philippine Clipper at Wake Island.
The Martin 130 Philippine Clipper (NC 14715) at Wake Island. Photo by William Bert Voortmeyer.
 View out the window, Martin 130 China Clipper (NC 14716).
View out the window!
Martin 130 China Clipper (NC 14716), starboard side, number 2 passenger compartment, looking forward. Photo by William Bert Voortmeyer, February 10, 1937, enroute to Honolulu from Wake Island.		 

All photographs on this page are copyright 1936, 1937, 2004, 2005 William B. Voortmeyer, Carol Nickisher.
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