Grass Roots

He was one of St. Louis' early aviation pioneers in aircraft building and flying. Aviation was his life, from his humble beginnings with a Wright Brothers' biplane all the way to the space age in the 1960s. He always enjoyed telling his colorful stories regarding the early days of flight to his family members, friends, work colleagues, and just about anyone who showed interest. Before these stories are lost to history, his son has taken it upon himself to pass on the highlights of his life and his dedication to the field of aviation. Special emphasis was placed on his success in the building and flying of his own airplane during the Great Depression. "My father's legacy has always endured and has lived on inside of me through my own passion for the field of aviation. Airplanes have always been a part of my life from as far back as I can remember because my Dad 'lived airplanes' on a daily basis. One thing I have to say, though, he never pushed flying on me. It was just there--I didn't have to go far to find it. I feel that I honor him by telling his story, the early days of aviation technology, and by allowing his roots to spread up through his grandchildren and out to his great grandchildren; all of whom embody the variety of innovative and creative grasses found throughout the vast lawn of the Cieslak family."