From the Hangars

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Delta Stories: How Delta Became “Delta”

Dec 10, 2013

According to C.E. Woolman, Delta’s principal founder and first CEO, it was his longtime assistant Catherine FitzGerald (picture), who coined the name “Delta” in 1928.

As Woolman recalled, “When we got into the passenger business and decided to change the company name, we looked for a short name, preferably with five letters. It was Miss FitzGerald who said, ‘Delta.’”  The new name fit the crop-dusting company, formerly known as Huff Daland Dusters. It was based in Monroe, Louisiana, and operated throughout in the Mississippi Delta region.

The new name influenced the shape of Delta's first passenger service logo—a triangle—representing the “D” of the Greek alphabet, which is “Delta.” At center is a winged Mercury, the Roman god of travel and commerce. 

Like to see more Delta logos? Check out our logo timeline.

Marie Force

Archives Manager

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4 comments

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  1. Kenny Friedel | Feb 16, 2019
    In spite of what some people say, there is greatness here in St. Lawrence County, N.Y.  I tell people you just have dig for information.  Ogdensburg people can be proud of what Huff-Daland did here so long ago. Thank You- You made my day.
  2. Laura Galvan | Nov 17, 2015
    Hello, I have been trying to find information on Catherine FitzGerald. I cant find anything on her life or pictures of her or if she is still alive. Can anyone help me? My daughter is writing a paper for school on  her and cant find much. Only the little bit about her in 1930's. All help is appreciated! Thank you.
  3. Juli Bishop | Dec 23, 2013
    Would it be possible for my Father's brick to be placed near the bricks of his Delta friends? He was John W. Bishop. I know he would like for his brick to be near those of Mr. Woolman, Tommy Bridges, Dale White, Pre Ball, Bob Moore and many others that were founding pilots for Delta? Their names just won't come to me right now. Please use email contact as I want this to be a surprise. Thank you, Juli Bishop
  4. HERBIE RYLAND | Dec 10, 2013

    I have wonderful personal letter from Catherine Fitzgerald in the spring of 1966 when I had congratulated her on her 40 years with DELTA>  Mr. Woolman had just awarded her 40 yr pin.

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