1941
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The Jack and Helen Frye Story!
Copyright © 2003
Sedona Legend Helen Frye Website
Created By R. D. Reynolds
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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!
The Frye Legacy-
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.
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.
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.
Photo above of the Frye-Vanderbilt Wedding was offered to Sedona Legend by Helen Varner
Frye's family. Jack Frye (36) and Helen Vanderbilt (32) are seen (center) on horses with TWA
Director Ralph Euler (Sewicklye PA.) as best man (left, also on horse). Helen Vanderbilt's good
friend, and mother's best friend, Mrs. Anita L. Smith (is center) with hat. The wedding took
place against the red cliffs of Echo Canyon with 10 people in the wedding party (only 8 appear in
the above image). Others which are unidentified are Mrs. Ralph Euler and Mrs. Paul L. Hibbard
(Westwood CA.). It is thought Paul Hibbard (also a TWA Director) was there as well. The
wedding was performed by Justice of the Peace Paul V. McCaw. Above is only 1 of 2 images of
the wedding known to exist, the 2nd, a different pose (AP photo). Helen Vanderbilt wore a
buckskin skirt and jacket with wedding corsage made from Ocotillo blossoms. The skirt is still
owned by one of her best friends, I have seen it and it is petite. The Fryes and the wedding party
were staying at the Camelback Inn at Scottsdale, which adjoined the beautiful preserve called
Echo Canyon. The wedding party rode horses to the ceremony and all were required to wear
costumes of western attire. The wedding breakfast was a hearty sunrise fare to include bacon
and eggs cooked over a crackling campfire. The new Mrs. Frye acted as hostess, not only
helping to cook the breakfast but also serving her wedding guests. The Fryes left Scottsdale for
Los Angeles and Palm Springs for the initial stage of their honeymoon shortly after the
ceremony. Please note, at one point Jack Frye mentioned to reporters he was awaiting a last
minute guest, his brother Don Frye, who was returning from Mexico City for the wedding.
Entertaining headlines preceded the wedding with photos of Jack Frye and Helen Vanderbilt
nationwide to include- "Cupid on the Desert?" and "Love is Literally in the Air", and "The
Cowboy and the Lady", (Frye was wearing cowboy boots in the image).

"There were many rumors printed in the media about the expected Frye wedding but the
following is the general story, as verified by newspapers. Jack Frye left Kansas City, Missouri
on December 24, 1940 in his private plane, Lockheed Electra 12A, NC18137. It is not known if
he had passengers or a TWA co-pilot. He landed at El Paso, Texas because of hazardous
headwinds. Waiting reporters badgered Frye after his arrival regarding the rumored wedding to
Mrs. Vanderbilt, but Frye was mum, only sharing a photo of Mrs. Vanderbilt which he had in
his briefcase. The next day (Dec 25) he left his El Paso hotel and continued west in his plane to
Tucson, arriving around 1:00 P.M., relating to Arizona reporters it was a very bumpy flight. he
was met by the attractive Mrs. Vanderbilt who was smartly dressed in pale green slacks and a
beige sport jacket. Just a "Christmas visit", the couple would not divulge any wedding plans to
reporters. Jack stated he had come to get some sunshine and was recovering from a bad cold.
Mrs. Vanderbilt (recently arrived from Los Angeles) and wearing dark glasses, said she was in
Arizona to visit friends and mentioned plans to open a millinery (ladies hat shop) in Beverly
Hills after the first of the year. She said Frye was her new business advisor. It was known
publicly that Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt, who was an accomplished illustrator and artist, also
designed women’s clothing and hats. One personal friend and recipient of Mrs. Vanderbilt’s
designs was Paramount cinema star Marlene Dietrich. The Fryes continued to Phoenix by limo.
The Frye-Vanderbilt Wedding
Scottsdale Arizona- New Year's Day- 1941
Jack Frye was the most dedicated executive of Transcontinental & Western Air, Inc. For the 13
years he served as president and director he was never far away from his airline as no one else
could possibly fill his shoes. His involvement with the company was 24/7 and even his marriage
and honeymoon took a backseat to TWA business. On the day of the wedding Jack and Helen
flew over to his office at Los Angeles and checked into the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Within days
they arrived at Palm Springs California. By January 6th they were at Washington D.C. where
they had a suite at the Mayflower Hotel. TWA had an office there. By January 18th press
photos captured them exiting a TWA airliner at LaGuardia Airport NYC, yet another place of
business for TWA. Somewhere during that time Jack's plane briefly cooled its engines at the
Kansas City Airport (10 Richards Road) where the TWA administration offices were located.
Jack also had a flat nearby which enabled him to be close to work. This was also the location of
the 5-acre Frye estate with swimming pond at, 5720 Foster Street, Overland Park, KS.
Frye Ranch @ Sedona- a 'Place Of Our Own'
Even before Jack and Helen married they sought a place of their own to live. Helen was not
fond of Jack’s boyhood ranch in the Texas panhandle yet Jack desired a working cattle ranch.
One need remember the Fryes spent much time together from the fall of 1938 on- both still
married to other mates. In the fall of 1940 Jack and Helen would slip away from Jack’s hectic
life at TWA to canvas the Western United States looking for the perfect ranch property.
According to interviews with Jack they flew in his private plane over parts of California and
most of New Mexico looking for any suitable property that had water. From there they started
looking in Northern Arizona. When they passed over the area now called Sedona they both
looked out the cockpit windows and said “that’s our place!” The area was so primitive back then
that Sedona was not even found on flight charts and had no airport. Jack and Helen continued
to Los Angeles, eventually Jack identified the area. In June of '41 he surprised Helen with a
flight to Prescott Arizona, one of the closest communities to Sedona which had an airport.
There they left his Lockheed Twin L12, rented a car and drove old 89A highway through
Jerome and down into what is now "Old Town" Cottonwood. Eventually they located Sedona
realtor Andrew Baldwin who met them at Sedona and showed them the old Armijo Ranch, now
Cross Creek Ranch, which they bought on the spot. Jack immediately started buying up
adjoining parcels, and by October, they purchased the large acreage next door called the
Schuerman Ranch. They re-named the first ranch Deer-Lick Ranch and the second Smoke
Trail Ranch. The second property is where Red Rock State Park is now. The Fryes had found
“their” Sedona ranch and it soon came to encompass an estimated 700 some acres!
Designer Extraordinaire!
Flyer Designer- Mrs. Jack Frye
A Hat Shoppe in Beverly Hills
Spring of 1941
A Millinery Shop is Launched-
Often times the keys to a person's past are misplaced and lost forever- but not in the case of
Helen's fashion connections! For years, I have heard that Helen designed clothes and hats for
Marlene Dietrich, helped design new uniforms for Transcontinental & Western Air hostesses,
and had a fashionable Hat Shoppe in Beverly Hills California, in the 1940’s. Helen is
remembered as being a very talented seamstress and designer. In regard to TWA, some
doubted the rumors, saying it must be fantasy. However, persistence does indeed pay off!
Finally I have found the evidence of this endeavor and hope to someday find even more
information. As far as the Hat Shop, I always assumed it was during her Vanderbilt days. But a
surprise! Helen actually opened the shop soon after her marriage to Jack Frye who fervently
supported her fashion insights! In addition to Helen’s fashion interests, she was an illustrator
of note, canvas artist, sculptor, and writer, certainly multi-talented! In addition to all this Helen
was a pilot, amateur architect, and marvelous cook who was instrumental in streamlining
TWA's in-flight food service of the the 1940's.
Jack and Helen Frye often stayed at the
Ambassador Hotel when in Los Angeles, home
of the famous Ambassador Cocoanut Grove
nightclub where they were often seen with
their friend Howard Hughes. Their home in
N.Y.C. was @ 345 Park Avenue, the world
famous Hotel Ambassador, where they kept a
posh penthouse apartment for many years.
By mid-March, two months after their January marriage, Jack and Helen Frye were again back
in Los Angeles, this time at the Ambassador (instead of the Beverly Wilshire). Jack was there
on TWA business as was always the purpose of his travels while Helen was promoting her new
millinery shop which was recently opened in Beverly Hills.

The new hat fashion shop was a joint venture between Mrs. Frye and Mrs. Mark T. McKee. The
enterprise was financed in part by Jack Frye. Mrs. Mark McKee of Pasadena was also known as
Evelyn McKee, married to wealthy airline executive Mark T. McKee, who was a long time board
member (30 years) with Pan American Airways among other executive positions. She and
McKee were divorced in November 1942, after 10 years, in a well-publicized scandal ridden
divorce custody trial, after which, a 10-year court battle over their son Terry Alexander ensued.
It seems unlikely that Evelyn had much time to devote to hat making being the mother of a
2-year-old child. Likely, Helen was more involved with the shop after 1942. It is not known the
street location of the business or what became of it. My feeling is that by the mid-1940's the
shop was closed due to the war or McKee's complicated divorce proceedings. You can be sure
Jack Frye was not keen on Helen being associated with the Evelyn McKee scandal (as a business
partner) and wouldn't have wanted any negative McKee publicity to cast a shadow on TWA.

Helen (a designer since high school) was interviewed and photographed in the Frye suite at the
Ambassador with an interesting array of over 2 dozen hats- all Helen Frye creations! One would
wonder if she had all the hats flown out from the east coast on TWA, but before the former
Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt, Jr. (daughter-in-law of Grace Vanderbilt) married Jack Frye, she
lived in exclusive South Pasadena and it was there she was stockpiling her creations at her
home studio. A March 14, 1941 interview and photos ran in the Los Angeles Times but because
of copyright restrictions I am unable to republish such here. However, we can certainly explore
the details of the article and some of Helen’s quotes (which are not subject to copyright) along
with interjected facts and details that enhance the interview.

Helen was described by Los Angeles Times Fashion Editor, Sylvia Weaver, as an auburn-haired
blue-eyed beauty, dressed on the day of the interview, in a smart “tailleur” of beige gabardine
(a tailored jacket) with a bright green silk blouse and slacks all highlighted by a beige straw hat
of red and green with a high crown and wide brim. Helen stated that she felt a lady’s hat should
“frame the face” not deter from it. All of her hats were pre-approved by Jack Frye before she
wears them (which is certainly a courteous concession for the very independent Helen Frye, in
my mind). Helen was described as the picture of "chic", an aviator and flyer, herself. Helen was
indeed a pilot and this fact has surfaced in an interview with her former husband Cornelius
Vanderbilt, Jr. in the 1950's. I would imagine she was taught by Jack Frye and or her former
hometown pal Tommy Smith who was a noted aviator in his own right. It does not seem that
Helen kept her piloting skills current after the mid-1940’s.   

Helen Frye’s creations were described as “daring and original”. This is certainly a compliment,
as so many of Helen’s personal friends throughout the years have described her thusly! One of
her new hats resembled a mock birthday cake in cream fabric with a full spray on top (which
simulated candles), while another consisted of a cooper wire frame work with antennae. Helen
explained a creation she was at work on which would be crafted out of Philippine grass, actually
inspired by a piece of furniture she spotted once which utilized the same medium. Mrs. Frye
also exhibited to the reporter an array of exotic fabrics and materials used in designing.

Direct Helen Frye quote: “I get ideas for hats all the time” Helen explained, “when Jack and I
were in Florida recently (honeymoon) I wanted something to keep the sun out of my eyes so I
cut up a newspaper and folded it like a little boys soldier hat, and presto, I had a bonnet which
folds into nothing for packing yet unfolds into a very attractive off-the-face-hat. I’m having it
patented now. Jack encourages me in designing. I tie scarves around my head in a circle halo on
top my hair, letting three corners hang down in back which gives a new line.” Mrs. Frye
continued, “a man wants to look at a woman’s face; if he can’t see her eyes, he complains.
What’s the use of hiding your eyes, your hairline, under a lot flowers or straws, or ribbons? I'm
having a hat made now of Philippine grass which I saw on a piece of furniture- and of course,
you've seen my hat made out of copper chicken wire and antennae, haven't you?"

Mrs. Frye, an ardent sportswoman, has traveled every corner of the United States and receives
her fashion ideas from the country’s styles at large, and as well, the women she meets. In the
past she would travel with her dogs in her automobile from region to region often alone. The
former Mrs. Vanderbilt has also traveled extensively by steamer, back and forth across the
Atlantic, throughout Europe and the Orient, two regions, which no doubt have also influenced
her fashion creations. Just as the orient-influenced art deco trend has swept across world
influencing fashion and décor. In her travels with her husband, TWA president Frye, they
recently returned from Florida and the Caribbean. They also have traveled extensively on the
east coast and throughout the mesas of the southwest. No region, Helen stated, has the
“California sport style” a trend she admires for its smart appearance, simplicity and vibrant
array of colored fabrics.

Mrs. Frye conveyed to Sylvia that she felt Los Angeles would someday replace Paris as the
fashion center of the world, especially in regard to the Hollywood studio factory of clothing
styles which have greatly influenced current trends and clothing designs nationwide. At the time
of the article, Helen Frye wassaid to be designing a complete "air wardrobe" an ensemble of
smart and practical outfits for the modern woman to wear who travels on airplanes extensively.

Another Helen Frye quote from the article: “My shop? Oh, yes, I am part owner of a hat shop.
But my fashion career comes second, definitely second, to my marriage. Why should I bother
about selling hats when I’m happily married for the first time in my life!”
The Very First TWA Suit
Designed by Mrs. Jack Frye
Helen Frye is remembered within Transcontinental & Western Air to have contributed to the
redesign of the 1940's TWA uniforms. It was Jack and Helen Frye's desire to update the dowdy
and dated TWA hostess attire. Other TWA associates were also involved in this endeavor.
Retired TWA Captain Walt Gunn was most specific about Helen's contributions, even to the
point of describing the end result in detail, as implemented and seen clothing hostesses on
flights. Walt Gunn knew Helen and Jack Frye personally, so it is not a surprise that he was
privy to this information.

On May 31, 1941, again, Los Angeles Times fashion editor Sylvia Weaver addressed a revelation
in new uniform design created in Hollywood, in an article with a photo of herself standing in
front of a Douglas DC-3 with 7 smartly dressed WAL (formerly WAE) airline stewardesses.

Although the stewardesses were from Western Airlines (WAE) the outfits were designed in part
by two women "quite familiar with the aviation industry" as the article stated, Mrs. Jack Frye
(TWA) and Mrs. Mark McKee (PanAm). The article specifically mentioned that the new
stewardess hat was designed in Beverly Hills by the two hat makers at their shop. Quote: "The
gay hat of open-crown beige cloth and brown silk jersey drape is a radical departure from severe
uniform hats." The outfits were accompanied by smart brown pumps and a large brown leather
bag (clutch) -likely for stewardesses personal items for transit to and from the plane to airport.
You will notice an identical leather bag in the photo of another Helen Frye uniform design below.

The stewardess outfits (unnamed designer) were said to be the very first ever designed in
Southern California. The tailleur outfits were of beige light wool material (jacket) accompanied
by an open necked lemon silk blouse with skirt (matching the jacket) which hung at knee
length. I must say, that I feel the outfits were more typical of the 1950's than the 1940's and
were quite stylish and futuristic for 1941! The new uniforms were being modeled for the June 6
1941 Long Beach event, "Wings Over The Nation", which honored and celebrated stewardess
nationwide. Out of the seven Western Air employees Sylvia had the difficult task of picking one
girl to represent the tailored outfit at the event. The honor was bestowed on "Sky Hostess"
Margaret Patricia Gillette, from Butte Montana, who is the Western Airlines stewardess
assigned to Western Airlines flights from Salt Lake City to Lethbridge Canada.        
Helen Frye modeling the first TWA "suit" for Jack Frye with a
backdrop of the magnificent Cathedral Rock @ Sedona Arizona
A Helen Frye exclusive creation- designed and sewn by herself
Western Airlines (WAL) Uniforms and Hats
Above Mrs. Jack Frye models the new TWA suit she designed and tailored, one of many new
designs she created for TWA flight personnel. This particular design (a suit) was not
implemented at TWA to my knowledge. You will notice this uniform is quite a departure from
the typical outfits (skirts) worn by TWA hostesses. The (tailleur) sport jacket top and the slacks
are khaki in color with a kerchief in the left jacket pocket and wide collared blouse folded out.
Helen is holding under her right arm a large brown leather clutch (as discussed in WAL design).

A remarkable lost image which shows that Helen Frye (a talented seamstress) was involved in
the re-design of TWA uniforms just as I have been told. I hope to find more evidence to this
end as time goes on. As I have said many times over, Helen Frye was not just a president’s wife,
she stood beside her husband and helped in any way she could with projects suited to her talents.
Jack Frye was always most appreciative of Helen's contributions to his company.

Helen Frye contributed to TWA with novel ideas for improved in-flight food service according to
former TWA associates. Helen also either implemented an employee manual for hostesses or
helped with one as her name was said to be mentioned in regard to her suggestions in a manual
used for many years by TWA employees. Unfortunately, these rich and priceless Helen Frye
TWA connections have been largely overlooked by current TWA historians.

Because Jack Frye died so very young (at 54) his contributions to TWA history in his golden
years have been sorely missed. Instead, we hear largely from historians that never knew the
man and remember nothing of the little known details of the TWA Frye era, a real tragedy.

The creation of Transcontinental & Western Air Hostesses is traced back to Jack Frye, who
decided shortly after becoming president of TWA, that a stewardess program was long overdue.
American Aviation Magazine had this to say from Clancy W. Dayhoff, (TWA Public Relations
Director), (excerpt) “late In 1935, Jack Frye gave T. Park Hay and myself the job of researching
the thought of femininity on TWA planes and after a day's wrangling over 'stewardette' and
'hostess' Jack Frye settled the argument by voting for ‘hostess’. He had good reason, too, Jack
said the girls were to treat the passengers as if they were guests in their own homes”.  

A gracious thank you to Helen Frye's family for the rare never before seen image above! On
the back of the old color photo from about 1943 it states simply, as written by Helen's mother
Maude, "the first 'TWA Suit' and it was designed by Helen!" I am currently trying to get a
better scan of the image for the Sedona Legend project.
Helen Frye Fashion in the press-
Tucson Airport- incoming TWA mini-airliner
December 25, 1940
President of TWA Jack Frye’s private plane
(NC18137) landed in Tucson Arizona in the
A.M. of December 25 just long enough to board
Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt. Soon after the
Lockheed-twin powered up and departed for
Phoenix Sky Harbor where reporters
questioned the couple upon deplaning about
marriage plans which they both denied. When
asked about future endeavors Mr. Frye said he
was there on TWA business and to get over a
bad cold while Mrs. Vanderbilt stated “I’m
planning to go into business, to open a
millinery shop in Beverly Hills after the first of
the year. Mr. Frye is acting as my business
advisor!” Mrs. Vanderbilt is known as an
expert clothing designer and was wearing a buff
sport jacket with pale green slacks accented by
dark sun glasses. Both were booked at the posh
Scottsdale Camelback Inn.
Hotel Ambassador @ New York City
Late January 1941
Glamorous Mrs. Jack Frye was spotted having
cocktails with friends- dressed in a shimmering
copper lame blouse accented by a lovely
off-the-face hat of copper fabric trimmed in
black velvet bows- a Helen Frye creation! Mrs.
Frye finished off her smart outfit with a
luscious fox fur jacket! The Fryes lived in a
penthouse here at 345 Park Avenue.
That Fabulous Bird Cage Hat!
An ‘oft told story by Helen and her many hats as told to amused acquaintances was when she
was wearing one of her more creative designs, one day, while shopping in Beverly Hills. Helen
passed a little boy being led down the sidewalk in hand by his mother when Helen overheard the
little boy say as he passed, “Mommy, Mommy, look at the lady with the bird cage on her head!”
The mother looked over toward Helen, and embarrassingly, told her little boy to shush!
Marlene Dietrich- one of Helen's clients
Helen was at a party in Beverly Hills, and as always, she was wearing one of her famous hats.
Marlene Dietrich was also in attendance and joined Helen to chat. After introductions, Marlene
exclaimed, "Darling, where did you buy that lovely hat?" to which Helen replied, "I designed it
myself!" Marlene said, "please Helen dear, won't you design some hats for me?"

Helen, thereafter, graciously agreed to supply Marlene with smart stylish hats and a wonderful
friendship was cemented in the process. At one time, I contacted the Marlene Dietrich Museum
in an effort to track down hats made by Helen Frye in their collection. Unfortunately, though,
none of the Helen Frye creations have been preserved in the collection.

Later, Helen also designed clothing for Marlene, specifically slacks. Marlene Dietrich was a
trend setter in regard to slacks! Could it be that Helen herself helped contribute to this Marlene
signature look? Helen, at one time, actually delivered an entire Helen Frye design to Marlene in
Beverly Hills. Marlene had the outfit produced by her favorite Hollywood seamstress where it
could be properly fitted.

It is true that Marlene did visit Jack and Helen's Sedona ranch for more than one western
get-a-way vacation bringing her exquisite beauty and presence with her, as witnessed by Frye
friends in the early 1940’s. As a Frye ranch guest, Marlene graciously entertained the Fryes and
their friends with her husky singing style in front of an Arizona campfire down by Oak Creek.
Jack’s (late) cousin Tom had a photo (long since misplaced) of Jack and Helen standing in front
of Jack’s Electra Jr. somewhere in Mexico or Cuba. He described the plane as parked on the
beach of some resort with white sands and palm trees. Jack flew everywhere, he never had the
time to travel by train or car. TWA was nationwide, this is why Frye was called the "Flying
President" by the press and always had his own private plane, as he often had meetings on the
west and east coasts -sometimes on the same day! The Frye's were one of the busiest couples in
the country in the 40's and Helen often accompanied Jack on his private-business flights in the
(right) co-pilot's seat and on commercial flights (passenger area). Back then all was 1st class.
Below the Fryes pose for photographers which seemingly was a regular event any time they
boarded or exited a plane. This image was taken at LaGuardia Airport (NJ-NYC), one among
many which ran in media publications countrywide- Jack Frye was always front page news. The
pose below ran in the TWA in-house publication Skyliner. Below (right) is the only surviving
image of the Frye honeymoon as captured in Cuba or Florida.
The honeymoon destinations of Louisiana,
Florida, and Cuba were postponed many times
over, as a matter of fact I have never been able
to determine the actual dates, only that they
did eventually travel to Florida and Cuba in
Jack’s private Lockheed NC18137. Photo to
right was either Florida or Cuba 1941.
Mayflower Hotel Lounge, Washington D.C. December 20, 1944
Mrs. Jack Frye cocktailed with girlfriends, movie star Faye Emerson, and Garnett Gardiner,
(soon after Baroness Stackelberg) at the Mayflower Hotel lounge for a martini lunch. The Fryes
had flown home for the holidays to their Arlington (Doubleday Mansion) estate from the west.
Faye Emerson Roosevelt was meeting the first family. The luncheon was interrupted by many
dignitaries and celebrities all anxious to meet Elliott Roosevelt’s new wife to include Senator
Albert Benjamin “Happy” Chandler. Media reports ran the story with photo of Helen and Faye
in front of three martini glasses. Garnet was not in the image as she stood up so Faye and Helen
could be in the photographed at the small round table. Mrs. Roosevelt, with perfect complexion
and blonde hair held in a chignon, was wearing a light blue wool suit coat combo with beret
taupe felt hat, cocked low over her right brow framed by a full length mink coat. Mrs. Frye was
sporting a wide brimmed straw colored hat with wide ribbon around the crown, enhanced by a
cream tailored suit with embroidered trim and large medallion buttons, framed with uplifted
heavily padded shoulder treatments, all accented by ruby red lipstick and matching nails.  
Mrs. Jack Frye W.V. Flight- 1943
The Ambassador Hotel
Los Angeles
The Bride Wore Buckskin- Cowboy Affair
Rumors and Denials- Reporters Dodged
Front Page News- Media Darlings
Frye Married to TWA- Limited Personal Life