William H. and Mary L. Dillon, BiographyPorter County biographical sketches . . . .
Transcribed biography of William H. and Mary L. Dillon
DILLON, WILLIAM & MARY
DILLON, WILLIAM H. & MARY L., 511 Strongbow Tail, Chesterton, moved to present address in May of 1955 from Chicago. In 1958 the Dillons joined the Civil Air Patrol unit in Michigan City. In 1962, William Dillon, was made Group VIII Commander, assumed rank of Lt. Col. Moving his plane to Porter County Airport, he had many activities and flights. Through these many efforts along with the publicity by Major Mary Dillon, they were responsible for the growth of the Valparaiso Squadron. During this time the Dillons were also active with other activities such as Little League, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4-H, (giving airplane rides as rewards), Brownies, Girl Scouts, American Legion, and Auxiliary, and the Moose. Mary Dillon had been active in Women of the Moose, and Toastmistress. She is now active in American Legion Auxiliary #503, and Porter County Assn. of Insurance Women. Bill is active in American Legion, Moose, and is a member of two bowling teams.
Most memorable of their experiences was the Great Snowstorm of '67 when Bill Dillon was in the aircraft painting business at the Porter County Airport. They opened their hangar to stranded motorists and eventually numbered 55. They were snowed in for over a week with only a two-burner electric plate, a large coffee pot, and a 3-lb. coffee can to make soup in. Each person had to save their plastic serving ware (to make it last).
Currently, the Dillons enjoy summers fishing in the waters of Lake Michigan from Burns Harbor to Michigan City.
Son, William R. USAF for 13 years, is married, 2 children, living in Calif. Daughter, Bonnie, married, lives in Kenosha with her husband and 4 children. Michael, single, lives in Burns Harbor and daughter, Sue, with her daughter is presently living at home.
Source: American Revolution Bicentennial Committee of Porter County. 1976. A Biographical History of Porter County, Indiana. Valparaiso, Indiana: American Revolution Bicentennial Committee of Porter County, Inc. 180 p.
Page(s) in Source: 99
This biography has been transcribed exactly as it was originally published in the source. Please note that we do not provide photocopies or digital scans of biographies appearing on this website.
Biography transcribed by Steven R. Shook