Birch Industry Demands Correction: 'It's Not Even Spruce'

The nation's birch growers issued a statement today demanding that newspapers stop calling the Hughes H-4 Hercules the 'Spruce Goose.' The giant flying boat is built almost entirely of laminated birch, glued and pressed in a process Hughes called Duramold, because wartime planners wanted to save aluminum for other aircraft.

'Spruce gets the name, birch does the work,' said a spokesman, standing beside a very proud tree. Mr. Hughes, who reportedly hates the nickname, has suggested 'Hercules.' The public has suggested 'Spruce Goose' again, louder.

Satire. For what actually happened, see the “What really happened” box in the full issue.

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