J. Fife Symington Jr. (1910-2007), 2003 August 5

J. Fife Symington Jr. began working for Pan American World Airways in 1934. His interest in flying was sparked by his uncle, John Hambleton, who was one of the founders of Pan American. Symington flew in South America for many years before an assignment brought him to London, where he managed trans-Atlantic traffic for the navy in 1939. He retired in 1948 and founded Baltimore County Supply Company, which sold lumber, general hardware, and building supplies. Symington ran for Maryland state congress in 1958, 1960, and 1962. Though his campaigns were unsuccessful, the experience allowed him to forge new collections. Symington met the future President Richard Nixon in 1964, and when Nixon was elected President in 1969, he made Symington the Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago. Symington held the post until 1971.