Nora Norry's Collecting Journal #3
Earhart's Errand September 1929
9/13/20242 min read


It was a dark and stormy early fall night when Amelia Earhart and her mother stepped out of the small plane and onto the rain-soaked tarmac of the Sunbury airport. The wind whipped their hair into a frenzy as they gazed around at the dimly lit hangar. Suddenly, a car emerged from the darkness, its headlights casting a warm glow. Nora Norry, resplendent in a fur-trimmed coat, smiled brightly as she leapt out to greet them.
"Welcome, my dear Amelia! And Mrs. Earhart, delighted to meet you," Nora exclaimed, ushering them into the car's plush interior. Soon they arrived at Nora's charming estate, a warm fire crackling in the hearth, and steaming cups of tea awaiting them.
Amelia handed Nora a carefully wrapped package. Nora’s teasing remark sparked a playful exchange:
"Ha! The famous Amelia Earhart, girl aviatrix! Reduced to a delivery service extraordinaire!"
Amelia chuckled, her eyes twinkling with mirth.
Nora's eyes widened in amazement as Amelia said, "I flew all night to deliver this little gift to you, Nora. I couldn't let a little thing like weather stop me from repaying my debt!"
"Amelia, you're a true adventurer at heart! Flying through the stormy night, just to keep your promise. I'm honored, truly." said Nora.
Amelia smiled, her face aglow with the thrill of flight. "It was nothing, really. The storm made it a bit of a challenge, but I've flown in worse conditions. Besides, I knew you were eager to get your hands on this book."
Nora's eyes sparkled with delight. "Eager is an understatement, my dear. This book is a true treasure. This is the first edition of "A Farewell to Arms" by Ernest Hemingway, sent by the author himself!”
Nora's eyes widened as she opened the book, revealing the author's signature and a personal inscription: "To Nora, with admiration and gratitude, Ernest". She gasped, her voice barely above a whisper. "Oh, Amelia, this is...this is incredible! A true masterpiece, and I know it’s going to be a piece of literary history."
As the night wore on, the three women chatted about flying, books, and life's adventures, their laughter and conversation flowing as smoothly as the tea. Amelia and her mother retired to their cozy guest rooms, feeling grateful for the warmth and hospitality of Nora Norry's home. It was good to have such a friend.
In the morning the famed flyer climbed into her personal aircraft and took off into the bright blue sky. And on the ground Nora Norry waved goodbye until the plane was just a speck in the distance…
In 1929, Amelia Earhart did land at the Sunbury Airport twice… once in July for an airshow, and again in September during a storm. She was famous at the time for her adventures, but still a few years until her final fateful flight.
Ernest Hemingway published ‘A Farewell to Arms’ in September 1929, and it was considered his breakout novel. Sales of the book made him independently wealthy. A signed first edition can currently sell for over $40,000.



