Written by JM (12/1974); Transcribed & Formatted by JS (06/2010); Updated by JS (09/2022)
Profile of a Life Member Jack Baugh
The sign in front reads “Almahurst Farm. Part of an original land grant to James Knight, 17501831, for his Revolutionary War services. Famous horses bred, foaled, and raised on this farm. GREYHOUND – World Champion of all time, PETER VOLO – Founder of the great trotting family, EXTERMINATION – known wherever thoroughbreds are raced.”
A quilt work of olive meadows laced with oak trees and freshly painted fences, Almahurst Farm lies in the heart of Lexington, Kentucky’s fabled blue grass region. The largest harness race horse farm in North America, it has become the leading breeder of average money winners per starts in the United States, and breeder of two world champions in 1972.
I asked if the owner Jack Baugh might see me for a moment. Ushered through sterile-clean stables to the main offices, they explained this was the front door for everyone. Could Jack take a minute to reminisce? We talked of model airplanes of another day. His favorite engine was the ignition Delong .30. With a far off look he told me of his Sal Taibi Power House, Arden powered, of his Custom Cavalier, Buzzard Bombshell, his Zippers, and stagger-wing Beech. In a flash the interview was over, Jack had to be in New York in a few minutes. Did he have time for a picture? Just one maybe, and don’t forget the horse. Before I could close the Polaroid this warm and pleasant southern gentleman had already scurried away to board his personal jet. Still young, Jack has already lived a storybook life. A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, he graduated Dean’s List from Duke in 1954, having edited the DUKAKET, earned the Air Science Leadership Medal. Commissioned in the U.S. Air Force, he graduated first in class at Graham Air Base, rose to Captain, served two years as a jet fighter pilot.
In 1956, he became Executive Vice President of Baugh and Mouchet, and Vice President of Quaker Meadows Mills as well. In 1960, he organized Kimberly Yarn Mills as President and then merged all three companies into P.J. Baugh Industries. Other enterprises were added including Almahurst Farms and Arlington Aircraft Research Company. This latter aircraft firm of Jack’s built the famous all metal SISU 1A Sailplane. The SISU 1A recaptured the World’s free record of 646 miles from Germany and the World’s distance to a predetermined goal record of 490 miles from Russia. This craft now hangs proudly in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C.
His government service includes two terms in the North Carolina House of Representatives and two terms in the North Carolina Senate. He enjoys flying real sailplanes and family activities with his wife Patricia and their four children.
Somewhere along the way, Jack got a distress call from a proud old society. The Academy of Model Aeronautics was in deep financial trouble, could anyone help? He responded immediately with a thousand dollar contribution and was the first to do so. There was no thought of reward. Life members were unheard of. For his unselfish 1963 donation, the Academy has subsequently issued and reserved forever the unique AMA membership number L-1, its first Life Member. Jack proudly lists Leader Member of AMA beside other activities, such as member of the New York Athletic Club, President of the Duke Alumni Association, Director of the United States Trotting Association, Director of the Lexington Trots Breeders Association, and more others than there is space here to list. He is one of our heroes and we wanted you to meet him.
This page is a text transcription of the original document, made automatically and may contain errors. .