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Thank you for visiting Sedona Legend-
The Jack and Helen Frye Story!
The Jack and Helen Frye Story!
Copyright © 2003
Sedona Legend Helen Frye Website
Created By R. D. Reynolds
All Rights Reserved
Sedona Legend Helen Frye Website
Created By R. D. Reynolds
All Rights Reserved
Sedona's Celebrity Love Story!
This is the official not to mention only web portal in the world
dedicated exclusively to the legacy of Jack and Helen Frye!
dedicated exclusively to the legacy of Jack and Helen Frye!
The Frye Legacy-
a Lifetime of Accomplishment!
a Lifetime of Accomplishment!
By Randall Reynolds
The Sedona Legend Web Site is a historical narrative enhanced with photos presented for
educational and entertainment purposes. Some materials may be displayed in regard to the
United States Fair Use Act. This web portal is totally non-profit and generates no income, nor
does it seek or has it ever accepted a single donation. It is an independent venture.
educational and entertainment purposes. Some materials may be displayed in regard to the
United States Fair Use Act. This web portal is totally non-profit and generates no income, nor
does it seek or has it ever accepted a single donation. It is an independent venture.
While this web site is not "officially" affiliated with Red Rock State Park in any way, it was
envisioned and created to give park visitors a more indepth historical perspective in regard to
the former 700 acre Frye Ranch property.
envisioned and created to give park visitors a more indepth historical perspective in regard to
the former 700 acre Frye Ranch property.
Sedona Legend is encouraged and supported by the Jack Frye Family, to include Jack's
daughter, Nevajac Frye, Jack's late sister, "Sunny" Frye Thomas, the Helen Frye family,
and the many friends of Jack and Helen Frye.
daughter, Nevajac Frye, Jack's late sister, "Sunny" Frye Thomas, the Helen Frye family,
and the many friends of Jack and Helen Frye.
Herein you will find a historic perspective of Sedona that was nearly lost to time itself. The
REAL HISTORY of Red Rock State Park. A rich and valuable legacy which must not ever be
forgotten or swept under the carpet. Sedona's history with T.W.A., one of the world's largest
airlines and how this association helped put Sedona Arizona on the map! Red Rock State Park,
the "Crown Jewel" of the Arizona State Park system, one time private playground of the rich
and famous. Originally owned and discovered by one of the most glamorous couples in America
and one of the greatest aviation legends this country has ever known! An association so
powerful that the original identity of the property will always be known as the Frye "Smoke
Trail Ranch." Dare to delve beneath the surface and discover the hidden and forgotten history
of one of the most pristine, beautiful, and most valuable real estate parcels of the
Southwestern United States! Thousands of park visitors each year are overwhelmed by this
beautiful former ranch property once owned by co-founder and president of Transcontinental
and Western Air (TWA) and his beautiful West Virginia wife, now you can be astounded by
"the rest of the story!"
REAL HISTORY of Red Rock State Park. A rich and valuable legacy which must not ever be
forgotten or swept under the carpet. Sedona's history with T.W.A., one of the world's largest
airlines and how this association helped put Sedona Arizona on the map! Red Rock State Park,
the "Crown Jewel" of the Arizona State Park system, one time private playground of the rich
and famous. Originally owned and discovered by one of the most glamorous couples in America
and one of the greatest aviation legends this country has ever known! An association so
powerful that the original identity of the property will always be known as the Frye "Smoke
Trail Ranch." Dare to delve beneath the surface and discover the hidden and forgotten history
of one of the most pristine, beautiful, and most valuable real estate parcels of the
Southwestern United States! Thousands of park visitors each year are overwhelmed by this
beautiful former ranch property once owned by co-founder and president of Transcontinental
and Western Air (TWA) and his beautiful West Virginia wife, now you can be astounded by
"the rest of the story!"
WHO?
William John Frye-
known as Jack Frye
Corporate Legend
TWA Legend
His World Legacy
known as Jack Frye
Corporate Legend
TWA Legend
His World Legacy
Jack Frye is considered the "Father" of Transcontinental and Western Air, or as you may
know it (TWA) Trans World Airlines. Why is this and what do we know about his life? Jack
created an airline dynasty. In brief, Jack had a dream and he fought for that dream for 25 long
years. With a passion for flight he created the first transcontinental air service for our vast
country, later with the development of the Lockheed Constellation airliner- the first
Trans-Atlantic air service, which soon became the first round-the-world air service. Few people
on this planet have not been affected by this great man's vision, for it is he who envisioned the
first pressurized modern airliner. As an avid entrepreneur from the onset, Jack, at 18, bought
a half ownership in a struggling airplane venture in Los Angeles, California. One year later, he
included two partners, Walter A. Hamilton and Paul E. Richter, Jr. The operation eventually
became known as Aero Corporation and Standard Air lines with Jack Frye as president.
know it (TWA) Trans World Airlines. Why is this and what do we know about his life? Jack
created an airline dynasty. In brief, Jack had a dream and he fought for that dream for 25 long
years. With a passion for flight he created the first transcontinental air service for our vast
country, later with the development of the Lockheed Constellation airliner- the first
Trans-Atlantic air service, which soon became the first round-the-world air service. Few people
on this planet have not been affected by this great man's vision, for it is he who envisioned the
first pressurized modern airliner. As an avid entrepreneur from the onset, Jack, at 18, bought
a half ownership in a struggling airplane venture in Los Angeles, California. One year later, he
included two partners, Walter A. Hamilton and Paul E. Richter, Jr. The operation eventually
became known as Aero Corporation and Standard Air lines with Jack Frye as president.
To list all the associations of Jack Frye would be quite impossible. To give one an inkling, he
was inducted into Harvard Business School's "Twentieth Century Greatest Business Leaders
Hall of Fame." At no more than 1000 members, Frye is well placed having exercised
phenomenal business connections and accomplishments in a very short life (only 54 years.) In
1992, William John Frye most certainly received his highest posthumous honor, being inducted
into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in Dayton, Ohio. As one of the greatest aviation
legends in the country, this aviator-entrepreneur is now listed along side his friends and peers
at this world famous "hall of fame." Wherever Jack was, at Smoke Trail Ranch or anywhere
else in the country, his life was consumed with the operation and responsibility of TWA. On his
shoulders rested the safety of thousands of airline passengers and the management of the
many employees which enabled TWA to exist! Jack was a rancher at heart; a lover of nature
and rural living, yet his career consumed his time and Sedona was enjoyed in stolen moments.
was inducted into Harvard Business School's "Twentieth Century Greatest Business Leaders
Hall of Fame." At no more than 1000 members, Frye is well placed having exercised
phenomenal business connections and accomplishments in a very short life (only 54 years.) In
1992, William John Frye most certainly received his highest posthumous honor, being inducted
into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in Dayton, Ohio. As one of the greatest aviation
legends in the country, this aviator-entrepreneur is now listed along side his friends and peers
at this world famous "hall of fame." Wherever Jack was, at Smoke Trail Ranch or anywhere
else in the country, his life was consumed with the operation and responsibility of TWA. On his
shoulders rested the safety of thousands of airline passengers and the management of the
many employees which enabled TWA to exist! Jack was a rancher at heart; a lover of nature
and rural living, yet his career consumed his time and Sedona was enjoyed in stolen moments.
Helen Varner Anderson Vanderbilt Frye
Society Hostess
Corporate Wife
Fashion Designer
Artist
Sedona Legend- Her Legacy
Society Hostess
Corporate Wife
Fashion Designer
Artist
Sedona Legend- Her Legacy
Helen Frye- truly a remarkable woman, married Jack Frye during the years in which TWA
really matured as a world airline. Jack had just brought his friend, Howard Hughes on line,
after which TWA enjoyed a seemingly endless flow of capital. A time-period appropriately
coined the "Camelot Years of TWA." Jack and Helen Frye were one of the first "power
couples" in a time when wives were expected to be seen and not heard! Standing solidly beside
her husband, not behind him, Helen offered support and an innate knowledge of execution.
Helen Frye was much more than a social figurehead. Previously married to a direct descendant
of one of the wealthiest and most powerful families of American history, she gained much
experience observing an exclusive "man's world" of money, power and business. At the side of
Jack Frye, one of the nation's most powerful and influential corporate leaders, Helen was an
invaluable asset and was treated accordingly, by Jack Frye and Howard Hughes.
really matured as a world airline. Jack had just brought his friend, Howard Hughes on line,
after which TWA enjoyed a seemingly endless flow of capital. A time-period appropriately
coined the "Camelot Years of TWA." Jack and Helen Frye were one of the first "power
couples" in a time when wives were expected to be seen and not heard! Standing solidly beside
her husband, not behind him, Helen offered support and an innate knowledge of execution.
Helen Frye was much more than a social figurehead. Previously married to a direct descendant
of one of the wealthiest and most powerful families of American history, she gained much
experience observing an exclusive "man's world" of money, power and business. At the side of
Jack Frye, one of the nation's most powerful and influential corporate leaders, Helen was an
invaluable asset and was treated accordingly, by Jack Frye and Howard Hughes.
The first telephone service in "rural" Sedona? That came directly as associated with Helen Frye
and Transcontinental and Western Air, or TWA, as we know it today! Many attempts were
made by the Fryes to establish a phone link from the rural Frye Ranch to the outside world
with the local phone company which had limited resources. The matter was only resolved after
Helen got the brilliant idea to send the short sighted telephone company copies of Jack's TWA
telephone bills. In no time at all a dedicated phone line was installed at the TWA ranch. This
primitive telephone connection was soon smoking with Jack's frequent calls to TWA and
Howard Hughes. As an entrepreneur real estate developer, Helen Varner Frye, with a partner,
Nassan Gobran, and other associates, developed a small portion of the Frye Smoke Trail Ranch
into the beautiful "Cup of Gold Estates." Envisioned and planned for all homeowners to have
unfettered access to Oak creek, the development was a Sedona real estate success of 1955!
and Transcontinental and Western Air, or TWA, as we know it today! Many attempts were
made by the Fryes to establish a phone link from the rural Frye Ranch to the outside world
with the local phone company which had limited resources. The matter was only resolved after
Helen got the brilliant idea to send the short sighted telephone company copies of Jack's TWA
telephone bills. In no time at all a dedicated phone line was installed at the TWA ranch. This
primitive telephone connection was soon smoking with Jack's frequent calls to TWA and
Howard Hughes. As an entrepreneur real estate developer, Helen Varner Frye, with a partner,
Nassan Gobran, and other associates, developed a small portion of the Frye Smoke Trail Ranch
into the beautiful "Cup of Gold Estates." Envisioned and planned for all homeowners to have
unfettered access to Oak creek, the development was a Sedona real estate success of 1955!
WHAT?
At one time, more than 700 acres of Sedona's
most valuable and pristine creek front
property known as the Frye "Smoke Trail
Ranch" as named by the Fryes. Currently a
remaining portion (286 acres) of this famous
ranch remains today as Red Rock State Park.
most valuable and pristine creek front
property known as the Frye "Smoke Trail
Ranch" as named by the Fryes. Currently a
remaining portion (286 acres) of this famous
ranch remains today as Red Rock State Park.
The Frye Ranch consisted of the adjoining
Frye- Deer-Lick Ranch- (1941 to 1947) now as
Cross Creek Ranch. In 1954, Helen Frye
developed an adjoining parcel, as Cup of Gold
Estates. To the north, a section added in 1950
by Jack Frye, is known today as Smoke Trail
Ranch Estates.
Frye- Deer-Lick Ranch- (1941 to 1947) now as
Cross Creek Ranch. In 1954, Helen Frye
developed an adjoining parcel, as Cup of Gold
Estates. To the north, a section added in 1950
by Jack Frye, is known today as Smoke Trail
Ranch Estates.
As a society leader in early Sedona, Helen Vanderbilt Frye forged several bridges of cultural
and artistic expression. Her interest in the arts stemmed from her own talents as an artist and
gifted writer. Helen strived to find support for other early Sedona artists as well. Helen's aunt,
in a previous marriage, was Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, a consummate artist and the
founder of the Whitney Museum of American Art, in New York City. This added association
likely influenced a young Mrs. Helen Vanderbilt toward a lifelong association with the fine arts.
In the spring of 1959, Helen Frye, George Babbitt Jr., and his wife Madeline Hunter Babbitt,
Nassan Gobran, and other associates, launched "Canyon Kiva" which evolved into the Sedona
Arts Center "Barn." The Sedona Artist's Studios is yet another association of these efforts.
and artistic expression. Her interest in the arts stemmed from her own talents as an artist and
gifted writer. Helen strived to find support for other early Sedona artists as well. Helen's aunt,
in a previous marriage, was Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, a consummate artist and the
founder of the Whitney Museum of American Art, in New York City. This added association
likely influenced a young Mrs. Helen Vanderbilt toward a lifelong association with the fine arts.
In the spring of 1959, Helen Frye, George Babbitt Jr., and his wife Madeline Hunter Babbitt,
Nassan Gobran, and other associates, launched "Canyon Kiva" which evolved into the Sedona
Arts Center "Barn." The Sedona Artist's Studios is yet another association of these efforts.
As a life-long animal lover, Helen saw the need for an animal shelter in Sedona. Earlier in life
as Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Jr., Helen was shopping on Fifth Avenue in New York City, when
she noticed unsavory people beating a German Shepherd police dog in an alley. Without an
ounce of fear, this woman walked up to the dog, grabbed the leash and walked away, to the
amazement of the abusers. Sonja, as Helen named the rescue, became Helen's loving
companion for the remainder of (Sonja's) life. This experience galvanized Helen and opened her
eyes to the plight of unwanted pets. This humanity eventually resulted in her co-founding the
Sedona Humane Society. Previously with no Sedona facilities, the cast-aside-pets of Sedona
were housed by Helen and other founding members in their own homes, at their own expense.
as Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Jr., Helen was shopping on Fifth Avenue in New York City, when
she noticed unsavory people beating a German Shepherd police dog in an alley. Without an
ounce of fear, this woman walked up to the dog, grabbed the leash and walked away, to the
amazement of the abusers. Sonja, as Helen named the rescue, became Helen's loving
companion for the remainder of (Sonja's) life. This experience galvanized Helen and opened her
eyes to the plight of unwanted pets. This humanity eventually resulted in her co-founding the
Sedona Humane Society. Previously with no Sedona facilities, the cast-aside-pets of Sedona
were housed by Helen and other founding members in their own homes, at their own expense.
Frye landmarks include the House of Apache
Fires or the "Apache Fires" house as Jack and
Helen called it. The Wings of the Wind House
and the Willow House, so named by Helen
Frye. Other landmarks were various other
ranch buildings to include the historic dwellings
at the now named, Cross Creek Ranch Estates.
Sky Fires House (now demolished) at the Ridge
in the Village of Oak Creek, Sedona.
Fires or the "Apache Fires" house as Jack and
Helen called it. The Wings of the Wind House
and the Willow House, so named by Helen
Frye. Other landmarks were various other
ranch buildings to include the historic dwellings
at the now named, Cross Creek Ranch Estates.
Sky Fires House (now demolished) at the Ridge
in the Village of Oak Creek, Sedona.
Frye cattle ranches outside of Sedona included the 22,000 acre Frye Sunshine Ranch near
Meteor City and Sunshine Arizona, now known as the Red Gap Ranch. The 4500 acre Frye
Spring Valley Ranch, north of Williams, Arizona at Spring Valley, Arizona adjoining the Grand
Canyon Railway right-a-way. By 1948, the Frye's owned over 50,000 acres of ranching property
in the state of Arizona alone, according to newspaper articles. Jack Frye also had sizeable ranch
holdings in the panhandle of Texas, as well as, oil interests.
Meteor City and Sunshine Arizona, now known as the Red Gap Ranch. The 4500 acre Frye
Spring Valley Ranch, north of Williams, Arizona at Spring Valley, Arizona adjoining the Grand
Canyon Railway right-a-way. By 1948, the Frye's owned over 50,000 acres of ranching property
in the state of Arizona alone, according to newspaper articles. Jack Frye also had sizeable ranch
holdings in the panhandle of Texas, as well as, oil interests.
In the 1950's, Jack bought the "Nevajac Ranch" at Crystal River, Florida. Mr. Frye was the
first rancher outside of the King Ranch in Texas to own and breed Santa Gertrudis cattle at his
Sedona and Crystal River ranches. Sedona Airport on Tabletop Mountain? Jack and Helen Frye
personally surveyed the location in the early 1940's, finding it suitable for an airstrip. However,
in 1941, Jack Frye acquired another section of property near Cornville, Arizona and developed
it into an landing field, to be called Verde Valley Airport. This became a local semi-private
airport and was known locally as the Sedona Frye Ranch private airstrip.
first rancher outside of the King Ranch in Texas to own and breed Santa Gertrudis cattle at his
Sedona and Crystal River ranches. Sedona Airport on Tabletop Mountain? Jack and Helen Frye
personally surveyed the location in the early 1940's, finding it suitable for an airstrip. However,
in 1941, Jack Frye acquired another section of property near Cornville, Arizona and developed
it into an landing field, to be called Verde Valley Airport. This became a local semi-private
airport and was known locally as the Sedona Frye Ranch private airstrip.
A long time ago in a decidedly different time,
over the spires of Sedona, a silver airship climbed.
Banking, dropping, low to the ground,
Jack and Helen Frye had found their little town.
Property rugged, too rough to land,
they both vowed to return, as soon as they can.
Return they did, with maps in hand,
staking their claim, to this most beautiful land.
A vision, Jack and Helen willed, became the House of
Apache Fires, which took years to build.
On the Wings of the Wind, Jack and Helen Frye came,
Smoke Trail Ranch, they soon tamed.
These two celebrities, travelers from afar,
in the end- became Sedona's First Celebrity Stars!
over the spires of Sedona, a silver airship climbed.
Banking, dropping, low to the ground,
Jack and Helen Frye had found their little town.
Property rugged, too rough to land,
they both vowed to return, as soon as they can.
Return they did, with maps in hand,
staking their claim, to this most beautiful land.
A vision, Jack and Helen willed, became the House of
Apache Fires, which took years to build.
On the Wings of the Wind, Jack and Helen Frye came,
Smoke Trail Ranch, they soon tamed.
These two celebrities, travelers from afar,
in the end- became Sedona's First Celebrity Stars!
On the Sedona Legend Web Site you can
immerse yourself in the infancy of Sedona as
experienced by The Fryes! However, by clicking
on Sedona Information Logo to the right you
can learn what this unparalleled "utopia" has
become in our current day of 2010!
immerse yourself in the infancy of Sedona as
experienced by The Fryes! However, by clicking
on Sedona Information Logo to the right you
can learn what this unparalleled "utopia" has
become in our current day of 2010!
The most Comprehensive Sedona Business- Services and Visitor Information Website.
LINKS
Sedona Biz Internet Portal- with news, editorials, and information, you will
always be informed and intrigued. Please click to the right on the giant "S."
always be informed and intrigued. Please click to the right on the giant "S."
The following Web Sites have linked Sedona Legend as a courtesy-
Sedona Legend background music is provided by Elan Michaels. Please click on his purple logo
above. This Native American music is more than appropriate when one considers that
Transcontinental and Western Air, Inc. was born out of the deserts of the Southwestern United
States and this is where Jack and Helen Frye's hearts resided. From flights over ancient
pueblos and worn trails, utilized for thousands of years, TWA, with Jack Frye's incredible vision
expanded to encompass the world! What a legacy! The tune used on this page is an Elan
original- titled "Through Eagle Eyes." Thank you, Elan!
above. This Native American music is more than appropriate when one considers that
Transcontinental and Western Air, Inc. was born out of the deserts of the Southwestern United
States and this is where Jack and Helen Frye's hearts resided. From flights over ancient
pueblos and worn trails, utilized for thousands of years, TWA, with Jack Frye's incredible vision
expanded to encompass the world! What a legacy! The tune used on this page is an Elan
original- titled "Through Eagle Eyes." Thank you, Elan!
The Sedona Legend Website is undergoing extensive restructuring to modernize and streamline
the historic archive into a more simplistic format. You will encounter a lack of continuity until
this process is complete. Thank you for your loyalty, patronage, and continued interest in Jack
and Helen Frye- and their TWA & Sedona association.
the historic archive into a more simplistic format. You will encounter a lack of continuity until
this process is complete. Thank you for your loyalty, patronage, and continued interest in Jack
and Helen Frye- and their TWA & Sedona association.
Important Notice:
The Frye Ranch at Sedona Arizona? Only a
portion remains today as the 286-acre Red Rock
State Park. But still it remains one of the most
undeveloped parcels in Sedona. For information
on visiting this beautiful property, click to the
left for the official Red Rock State Park Website.
portion remains today as the 286-acre Red Rock
State Park. But still it remains one of the most
undeveloped parcels in Sedona. For information
on visiting this beautiful property, click to the
left for the official Red Rock State Park Website.
Jack and Helen Frye's Poem
Photo shows Jack Frye at the
height of his TWA career, likely
about 1946. Courtesy of Jack's
sister Sunny Frye Thomas.
height of his TWA career, likely
about 1946. Courtesy of Jack's
sister Sunny Frye Thomas.
Written by Randall Reynolds
Administrator and Creator of Sedona Legend Helen Frye
Photo by Robby Robinson- (Frye L12A NC18137 Pilot.)
Administrator and Creator of Sedona Legend Helen Frye
Photo by Robby Robinson- (Frye L12A NC18137 Pilot.)
Helen Frye shown with her two neices, Sharla and Sheryl
Reynolds at Clarksburg, West Virginia. Jack and Helen
had flown out there in the Frye Lockheed Electra
NC18137. About 1942 or 1943.
Reynolds at Clarksburg, West Virginia. Jack and Helen
had flown out there in the Frye Lockheed Electra
NC18137. About 1942 or 1943.
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