The Academy of Model Aeronautics Foundation would like to thank the family of Dewey Orville Broberg Jr. for creating the Dewey O. Broberg Jr. Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded to a student competitor who shows dedication to the team, determination, and adherence to the rules and purpose of the competition.
Dewey Broberg Jr. is the inventive genius and founder behind Du-Bro Products. He played an instrumental role in designing and developing many products that aeromodelers still use today. Dewey is also remembered as being one of the founders of the Radio Control Hobby Trade Association (RCHTA) in the early 1980s and the annual trade show, now known as iHobby Expo, they host annually in Chicago.
Dewey began modeling at the young age of six and his passion for the hobby has grown throughout his life. He invented the first Du-Bro product in the 1950s when glow engines were started with lantern batteries attached to the engine with two alligator clips. Dewey modified a plastic clothespin to simplify the connection and the first Du-Bro product, the Kwik Klip, was born.
Dewey created a line of lightweight, nylon-hubbed wheels, followed by a nose wheel brake and steerable nose wheel hardware for early RC fliers. An expanded and upgraded line of these products are still available through Du-Bro.
Du-Bro’s continued to expand their company thanks to Dewey’s inventive mind. Due to the expansion, the company moved to Niles, IL in 1959. The company moved again in 1967 to Wauconda, IL, where they are still located today.
Du-Bro produced the first Radio Control helicopter kit in the United States, known as the Whirley Bird. The aircraft is on display at the National Model Aviation Museum and at the Smithsonian. The Whirley Bird was followed by a larger Hughes 300, a 60-powered Shark, and a smaller Tri Star.
Dewey applied his innovative skills to other areas as well such as fishing accessories, archery products, bird houses, and more.
Dewey’s children, Jim Broberg, Kathy Broberg Weiland, and Gayle Broberg Lundgren currently own and run Du-Bros Products.
Sadly, Dewey “Orv” Broberg passed away on January 12, 2015. He will be dearly missed by the aviation community, but his legend will live on through the Dewey O. Broberg Memorial Scholarship.
To learn more about Dewey “Orv” Broberg visit the AMA History Project website.
