Alberta Hunt Nicholson papers, 1940-1997

Alberta Hunt Nicholson was born on April 20, 1914 in Baker City, Oregon to James and Christiana Folkman Hunt along with twin brother Albert (1914-1991). She attended the University of Utah where she studied music. After graduation, she taught elementary school; during this time, she developed an interest in flying airplanes.

When the United States entered World War II, the Air Force established the Women's Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs). Due to her experience flying, Nicholson volunteered and was accepted for training at Avenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas. She served in the WASPs from 1943 until the group was disbanded in 1944. After graduation, she served as an Engineering Test Pilot. After the war, Nicholson served as Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Civil Aviation in the State Department in Germany. When she returned to the United States, Nicholson taught flying and flew competitively in eight women's Transcontinental Air Races between 1955 and 1957. She was involved in regional and national organizations for the WASPs and the Ninety-Nines, an international organization of women's pilots.

Alberta Hunt married Walter E. Nicholson on November 23, 1957. In addition to aviation, Nicholson taught piano at the University of Utah. In 1952, she began working as a recreational therapist for the Veterans Administration Hospital in Salt Lake City, a job she held for 25 years. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Nicholson served many roles in her ward and stake.

Alberta Hunt Nicholson died on June 25, 2002.

Source: Obituary: Deseret News. (2024, January 17). Alberta H. Nicholson. Deseret News.