This week in history in Douglas County. Written By: Rachel Barduson | × The old Bellanca Aircraft building at the Alexandria Airport. (Echo Press file photo) This Week in 1911, 110 years ago: Four carloads of emigrants from Russia, Germany and Prussia arrived at the Forada depot. They came from Kansas, along with their household goods, cattle and 50 horses. They will live on the Fredenberg, Strang, LeRoy and Taylor farms in Douglas County. 1971, 50 years ago: In less than three weeks after running ads in two national aviation magazines, the Bellanca Aircraft Corporation people have more than 3,000 requests for information about their new “Champ.” The Champ is not a new design, but in aviation circles its purpose is new, that is, it’s a plane for those who like to fly for fun, and don’t want to mortgage their homes to do so. According to Bellanca President, Robert E. DePalma, the Champ is a re-designed model of the 7AC Champ first produced in 1946 by the Aeronca Manufacturing Corporation. Over 7,200 were built before production halted in 1948 and production rights were acquired by Champion Aircraft Corporation in 1961.