Some of the greatest stories about Cole Palen were never written down, published, or aired on
television.  They were experienced by those that knew and worked alongside Cole during the sixty
seven years of life God blessed him with.  This section of Cole Palen.com will bring you some of those
stories, as told by those who were there. These pages will also include reflections on Cole's life,
personality, influence and legacy.
Memories & Reflections from Don Bodeen

The Palen Farm -Here Mr. Bodeen shares memories of his friendship with Cole going back to                
the days when the six original aircraft from Roosevelt Field were still stored in chicken coops at              
the Palen farm. This page also includes several photos of the farm as it appears today.

The Haircut -Cole gives fourteen year old Don Bodeen a haircut.

The Flight of the Bleriot -Don Bodeen recalls the first flight of Cole's Bleriot at Stormville Airport.

Faith & Trust -Don Bodeen recollects flying Cole's Fleet Finch for the first time.

Johnny And The Quarter Inch Drill -Cole plays a practical joke on a friend... With unexpected                     
results.

Meeting One's Hero -Mr. Bodeen recalls the day he and Cole met Eddie Rickenbacker.

Going to the Movies with Cole -Cole added a unique touch to everything he did, always creating              
special memories in the process.  Here Don Bodeen shares what a typical trip to the Juliet                      
Theater with Cole was like.

The Ice Cream Man - Don Bodeen recalls the reconstruction the Spad's Hispano Suiza engine, and
reflects on Cole's love of vanilla ice cream.


Memories & Reflections from Ian Shippee

The Autograph -Cole autographs Ian Shippee's free-flight Sopwith Camel.


Memories & Reflections from Warren Disbrow

Flying the Band - Cole fulfills a long-time desire to fly a band!


Memories & Reflections from Robert G. Waldvogel

The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome - A wonderful article with a brief history of ORA and reflections on
Cole's accomplishments.  

Temporary Barnstormer - Memories of a ride in the New Standard.
Indicates separate page of associated photos