I purchased my Stearman in 1978, and flew the aircraft in 1985.  This airplane was built in Wichita Kansas by Boeing and was commissioned into the Navy, February 3, 1943.  It was based in Michigan for one year, than based in Illinois for one year, after which the War ended.  This aircraft spent two more years in surplus, than sold for $275.00 to a man from New Mexico.  It spent 5 years in New Mexico and then began a carrier as an "Aerial Application" (Duster).  From 1952 until 1978 it worked through the entire Southern Region of the U.S.  After I purchased the airplane, it had to be completely rebuilt.  I have flown the aircraft 1,058 hours to date.