U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for May 15

WASHINGTON, May 15, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

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TUESDAY, MAY 15: FIRST FLIGHT ATTENDANT

Profile America — Tuesday, May 15th.  Flying became more comfortable on this date in 1930 —when United Airlines made the first flight with an airline stewardess, Ellen Church.  She tended passengers on a flight from San Francisco to Cheyenne, Wyoming.  The criteria for the job was that she could be no older than 25, no taller than 5 feet, 4 inches, and weigh no more than 115 pounds and be a registered nurse.  The idea caught on, and being a stewardess became one of the most sought-after jobs for young women.  Today the proper term is "flight attendant," and they are a vital part of the U.S. airline industry.  In 1930, there were just under 500 airliners in service.  Today, that number is more than 7,800.  You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at www.census.gov.

Sources:  Chase's Calendar of Events 2012, p. 267
Historical Statistics of the United States:  Colonial Times to 1970, p. 1069
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2012, t. 769

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for "Multimedia Gallery" by the "Newsroom" button). 

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau