Great War Presentation at Local Historical Society

On Monday, November 14, 2022 the Greene County Ohio Historical Society will host Jon Frye and his collection of WW1 items at 7 PM, in the Brantley Carriage House, 74 West Church St. Mr Frye is a retired history teacher at Xenia High School, where he taught World Studies and American History for 31 years. His father served in North Africa during World War II, where he repaired flight instruments on planes returning from bombing raids on Romanian oil fields. In February of 1945, he was one of three men selected to guard Roosevelt’s plane on his return from Yalta. When Jon was a boy, his father gave him his first flight helmet which piqued his interest in war-time aviation. His real interest in collecting First World War aviation militaria came about following retirement, made much easier with the miracle of eBay.

Jon’s collection includes flight gear from various nations that participated in the war including flight helmets, goggles, flight suits and much more along with photos and stories of the aviators that used them. There are even a few items related to the German zeppelins that initially terrorized the major cities of Europe. He has displayed his collection for a number of years at the World War I “Dawn Patrol” held every other year at Wright Patterson Air Force Museum as well as other events in the Dayton area including school presentations.

This event is free and open to the public; light refreshments will be served. For further information about the Greene County Ohio Historical Society or its programs, please contact them at 937-372-4606 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..