This collection contains three scrapbooks and four certificates relating to Edwin C. Parsons' aviation career.
Scope and Contents:
This collection contains three scrapbooks and four certificates relating to Edwin C. Parsons' aviation career. The three scrapbooks include photos, news clippings, and mementos from Edwin C. Parsons' expatriate years, 1914-1924. Included in the albums are photos of Parsons' service in France with the Lafayette Escadrille and Les Cigognes squadron, his repatriation certificate, French military citations, and his memoir Fighting Men of the Sky, published in 40 installments weekly beginning 24 March 1918. Also included are news clippings of Parsons' exploits during his varied career.
Arrangement:
This collection is arranged by type of material; the scrapbooks are in original order and the loose items are housed at the end of the collection.
Biographical / Historical:
Rear Admiral Edwin C. Parsons (1892-1968) had a varied aviation career, serving in two World Wars. Parsons graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy in 1910 and after attending the University of Pennsylvania, he moved to California where he learned to fly at Dominguez Field. Parsons was commissioned with the Mexican Aviation Corps in 1914 where he trained Pancho Villa's pilots. In 1915, he worked his way to Europe where he joined the Lafayette Escadrille, and was credited with eight kills, making him an ace. From 1920 until 1923, Parsons was a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He then went to Hollywood where he became a script writer and technical advisor, working on such films as Wings, Dawn Patrol, and The Great Adventure. In 1934 he joined the Naval Reserve where he advanced to the rank of Rear Admiral. During World War II Parsons served on an aircraft carrier and took part in amphibious landings in the South Pacific. He retired from the service in 1954.
Provenance:
Adm. Edwin C. Parsons, Gift, unknown, NASM.XXXX.0308
Restrictions:
No restrictions on access.
Rights:
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests
The Jack McRae Aviation Photography Collection consists of seven scrapbooks containing a large number of mostly black and white photographs. A preponderance of the images were taken in the New York Metropolitan area and relate to general aviation in the 1920s and 1930s. Racers (many which are one of a kind) and military aircraft are also featured. Most of the photos seem to have been taken by Jack McRae, but there are also many gathered from other sources, most notably the Air Force and Wright Field Collections.
Scope and Contents:
This collection consists of seven scrapbooks containing a large number of mostly black and white photographs. A preponderance of the images were taken in the New York Metropolitan area and relate to general aviation in the 1920s and 1930s. Racers (many which are one of a kind) and military aircraft are also featured. Most of the photos seem to have been taken by Jack McRae, but there are also many gathered from other sources, most notably the Air Force and Wright Field Collections.
Arrangement:
The Jack McRae Aviation Photography Collection is arranged in the original order of each scrapbook.
General:
NASMrev
Provenance:
Jack McRae; Cradle of Aviation Museum, Transfer from Cradle of Aviation Museum, Garden City, NY, 1999, 1999-0058, unknown
Restrictions:
No restrictions on access
Rights:
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests
This collection consists of a scrapbook, largely concerned with ballooning in France. Many items in the scrapbook are illustrations of early balloon flights, and there are illustrations of imaginary air vehicles, some of which are quite fanciful. The scrapbook also contains content pertaining to airships and aircraft.
Scope and Contents:
This collection consists of a scrapbook, largely concerned with ballooning in France. Many items in the scrapbook are illustrations of early balloon flights, and there are illustrations of imaginary air vehicles, some of which are quite fanciful. Most of the text in the scrapbook is in French, although some of the text is in English and there is a very small amount in German. The scrapbook also contains some material on early aircraft and aviation up through the early 1930s. The scrapbook features information on balloons and ascensions relating to Sadler (James), Coutelle (Jean), Garnerin (André), Garnerin (Elisa), Blanchard (Jean-Pierre), Blanchard (Madeleine-Sophie), Blanchard-Jeffries, Nadar (Félix Tournachon), and the Montgolfier Brothers. Content also pertains to airships, including Renard (Charles) & Krebs (Arthur), "La France;" SCA (Stabilimento di Costruzione Aeronautiche), N.1 "Norge;" and the LZ 127 "Graf Zeppelin." Aircraft shown in the scrapbook includes the Dewoitine D.1 C1, Blériot XI, Blériot XII, Curtiss and Wright biplanes, Breguet-Richet Gyroplane, Breguet Bre.280 T, Dornier Do R Superwal (Super Whale), and the Short S.5 Singapore Mk.I. Notable people depicted in the scrapbook, other than those previously listed, include Ernst Udet, Dieudonné Costes, Jacques-Louis Dusmesnil, Richard Evelyn Byrd, Georges Pelletier d'Oisy, and Maurice Bellonte.
Note: Blank pages have not been digitally reproduced in slideshow, any gaps in numbering are due to their omission. Pages have been rotated to the orientation of their contents for easier viewing.
Arrangement:
Collection is in original order.
Provenance:
F. R. Wright, Purchase, 1943, NASM.XXXX.0254.
Restrictions:
No restrictions on access
Rights:
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests.
George Byron "Slim" Purington was chief mechanic for Curtiss at the North Island Aviation Camp in San Diego, California. This collection consists of a photograph album created by Purington in the early 1900s. The photographs in the album depict a number of early aviators and a variety of early aircraft.
Scope and Contents:
This collection consists of a photograph album created by George Byron "Slim" Purington in the early 1900s. The photographs in the album depict a number of early aviators and a variety of early aircraft. Photographs were taken in and around North Island, as well as at various airshows and exhibitions in the midwestern and western United States. In addition, there are photographs in the album depicting various crash sites and recovery of damaged aircraft from land and water, as well as several pages of photographs pertaining to the crash that killed Cromwell Dixon, Jr. at the Spokane Interstate Fair in 1911. There are also photographs in the album of ships, sailboats, and trains. Aircraft shown in the album include the Curtiss Model D; Curtiss Beachey Tractor; Curtiss Hydro, Original; Curtiss Model E Hydro Headless; Curtiss Flying-Boat No.1; Curtiss Flying Boat No.2 "The Flying Fish"; Curtiss Model M (Morris) Boat; Curtiss F Boat; Curtiss Tractor Hydro; Curtiss Hydro Triplane; Curtiss A-1 (AH-1); Aerial Experiment Association Aerodrome No 4 Silver Dart; and the Curtiss G (Army 1913 Tractor). Besides Purington himself, notable figures in aviation shown in the album include Castle W. Shaffer ("Lucky Bob St. Henry"); John D. Cooper; Frank J. Bell; Hugh Armstrong Robinson; James J. "Jimmie" Ward; Julia E. Clark; Frank J. Terrill; Holden Chester "Dick" Richardson; Theodore Gordon "Spuds" Ellyson; Terah T. Maroney; John W. McClaskey; John Lansing Callan; Man Mohan Singh; Glenn Hammond Curtiss; Charles Francis Walsh; Beckwith Havens; Carl T. Sjolander; Lincoln Beachey; John A. D. McCurdy; Floyd E. Barlow; and Arthur F. Lym (Arthur Fook Yuen Lyn, Lin Fuyuan, Art Lin, Lim Fook Yin).
Arrangement:
Collection is a single item.
Biographical / Historical:
George Byron "Slim" Purington was chief mechanic for Curtiss at the North Island Aviation Camp in San Diego, California. Prior to working for Curtiss, Purington had been an engineer for the Tecopa Railroad Company which ran between mines in Nevada and California. In addition to his work at North Island, Purington was sent by Curtiss as part of a delegation to Russia relating to the sale of Curtiss K flying boats and was there from 1916 to 1917. The contents of the scrapbook in this collection suggest that Purington also traveled to some extent in the midwestern and western United States with the Curtiss Exhibition Company.
Provenance:
Mrs. T. C. [Margaret S.] MacAulay, Gift, 1964, NASM.XXXX.0248.
Restrictions:
No restrictions on access
Rights:
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests.
Charles Francis Ritchel was a mechanic and general inventor, who by the mid-1880s claimed to have obtained 150 patents for various devices. This scrapbook consists of material relating to Ritchel's flights and activities between 1878 and 1901.
Scope and Contents:
This scrapbook consists of material relating to Ritchel's flights and activities between 1878 and 1901, including his patent for propelling an airship by foot pedals. Also included are articles relating to his other inventions.
Arrangement:
Collection is in original order.
Biographical / Historical:
Charles Francis Ritchel was a mechanic and general inventor, who by the mid-1880s claimed to have obtained 150 patents on such devices ranging from windup toy motors, to his boring machine used in the manufacture of brushes, to his airship experiments.
Provenance:
Paul E. Garber, Gift, unknown, XXXX-0325, unknown
Restrictions:
No restrictions on access
Rights:
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests
On February 9--10, 1909, the balloon "Berlin" made one of the first balloon crossings over the Alps. This collection contains a scrapbook documenting the flight that includes photographs, news clippings, and telegrams.
This collection is in German.
Scope and Contents:
This collection contains a scrapbook documenting the flight across the Alps made by the balloon "Berlin" in February 1909. The scrapbook contains 27 black and white photographs, with German captions, including both ground shots of the balloon as well as aerial shots taken from the balloon in flight. Besides the balloon's crew and various spectators, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg are shown in the photographs. The scrapbook also includes several newspaper clippings and two telegraphs, all in German.
Arrangement:
This collection is in original order.
Biographical / Historical:
On February 9--10, 1909, the balloon "Berlin" made one of the first balloon crossings over the Alps. The balloon ascended from St. Moritz, Switzerland and landed 30 hours later near Sárbogárd, Hungary. The pilot of the balloon was Oskar Erbslöh, Julius Zumtanwald was the guide, Friedrich Gruneberg kept the log, and Fritz Reimann was a passenger.
Provenance:
Unknown, found in collection, NASM.XXXX.0578.
Restrictions:
No restrictions on access
Rights:
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests.
This collection consists of one scrapbook containing newspaper clippings pertaining to rocketry during the 1930s.
This collection is in English.
Scope and Contents:
This collection consists of one spiral bound scrapbook, 12.5 by 10 inches, containing newspaper clippings pertaining to rocketry during the 1930s. The subject of the articles is primarily Dr. Robert H. Goddard, but Lester D. Woodford, Johannes Winkler, Rheinhold Tiling, Bernard Smith, Gerard Zucher, Charles A. Lindbergh, and Harry F. Guggenheim are also mentioned. The articles discuss rocketry achievements in Germany, Japan, the United States, and the Soviet Union. The front cover is printed with the words "Roto Scrap Book" in gold. "Franklin M. Gates," possibly the owner, is written on the first page.
Arrangement:
Collection is in original order.
Biographical / Historical:
Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, Robert Hutchings Goddard (1882--1945) received his B.A. from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1908 and received his M.A. in 1910 and Ph.D. in 1911 from Clark University. Dr. Goddard, trained as a physicist and engineer, is recognized as a space pioneer due to his concepts of rocket propulsion systems. He served a research fellowship with Princeton University from 1912--1914 and there began to develop his theories of rocket action. Returning to Clark, he conducted experiments that culminated in a 1916 report to the Smithsonian Institution, published as A Method of Reaching Extreme Altitudes. With the advent of World War I, Goddard began work at the Mount Wilson Observatory of the Carnegie Institution of Washington, developing various innovations such as reloading mechanisms for artillery and a forerunner of the bazooka. By 1920, Goddard had turned his attention to liquid-fueled rockets and by 1926 had accomplished the world's first flight of a liquid-fuel rocket. In 1930, Goddard moved to Mescalero Ranch near Roswell, New Mexico, continuing with his rocket experiments until 1932. After a return to Clark and laboratory testing, Goddard came back to Roswell and in 1936 published Liquid-Propellant Rocket Development. In 1940 he was made Chief of Navy Research on Jet-propelled Planes.
Provenance:
Unknown, found in collection, NASM.XXXX.0820.
Restrictions:
No restrictions on access
Rights:
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests.
This collection consists of a scrapbook detailing Ward Hitt's Korean War service
Scope and Contents:
This collection consists of a 16 by 11 inch white scrapbook detailing Ward Hitt's Korean War service. The scrapbook contains newspaper articles, military orders, detailed correspondence, and photographs, both snapshots and official photography, showing aircraft (North America F-86 Sabres), base life and Air Force pilots and personnel.
Arrangement:
Just one item.
Biographical / Historical:
Ward Hitt, Jr. was a North American F-86 Sabre fighter pilot during the Korean War, 1950-1951. Hitt entered Air Force cadet training in 1948 and graduated from Williams Field in February 1949. He received his promotion to first lieutenant after he completed his radar training later in October 1949. Hitt was then stationed at Johnson Air Force Base (AFB), Japan, followed by Kimpo Field, Seoul Korea, where he saw General MacArthur visit. Hitt was on the first jet fighter mission, on December 17, 1950, as a member of the F-86 Sabre-equipped 4th Fighter Interceptor Group which destroyed eight MiG MiG-15 Fagot jets. Hitt was then ordered to Forward Aircraft Controller Duty, and was assigned to the 5th Republic of Korea (ROK) Corps, 36 Regiment February 3 through 26, 1951 in central Korea. Hitt returned to Japan in June of 1951 to attend the Combat Orientation School at Johnson AFB until September 1951. For his service during the Korean War, Hitt received the Air Medal.
Provenance:
Ellen L. Whitman, Gift, 2012, NASM.2012.0044
Restrictions:
No restrictions on access.
Rights:
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests
0.88 Cubic feet (2 flat boxes and 1 oversized folder)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Scrapbooks
Photographs
Tickets
Blueprints
Date:
1903-1945
bulk 1909-1912
Summary:
This collection chronicles the exploits of Charles F. Walsh during the years 1909-1912. There are five scrapbooks and three packets of information.
Scope and Contents:
This collection chronicles the exploits of Charles F. Walsh during the years 1909-1912, including the following: numerous photos of the Walsh 1911 Silver Dart, Curtiss biplanes and aircraft engines; photos of personalities such as Lincoln Beachey, Glenn Curtiss, Thomas Sopwith, Eugene Ely, John McCurdy, and Beckwith Havens; an original drawing of the Silver Dart dated 1908; miscellaneous memorabilia including a business card, tickets to air shows, benefits, and state fairs during 1911-1912; Walsh's Aero Club of California and Aero Club of America licenses; and a ticket to the Panama-California Exposition of 1915.
Arrangement:
The collection is arranged according to type of material; albums are arranged according to size of enclosure required to safely house them.
Biographical / Historical:
Charles F. Walsh (1877-1912) is credited with being the first man in California to build a practical flyable airplane, the Walsh 1911 Silver Dart, and received Pilot's License No. 1 issued by the Aero Club of California. Walsh was taught to fly by Lincoln Beachey in 1909, and he quickly gained fame as an aviator, travelling throughout the US and Cuba from 1910 through 1912. Walsh flew as an exhibition pilot for the Curtiss Company and was killed October 3, 1912 when his plane experienced structural failure at Trenton, New Jersey.
Provenance:
Frank E. Martin, Gift, 1968
Restrictions:
No restrictions on access.
Rights:
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests
The Bowman Family Papers contain 1.28 cubic feet of material related to the aviation careers of Leslie (Les), Marguerite (Martie), and Larnie Bowman.
Scope and Contents:
The Bowman Family Papers contain: log books, licenses, and membership cards for Marguerite, Larnie, and Leslie Bowman; loose materials including maps, newspaper clippings from the 1930s, 1972 and 1985; and miscellaneous photographs, including two of Charles Lindbergh. Three scrapbooks at the end of the collection (1923-1931, 1932-1935, 1936-1987) include photographs (some autographed), personal and business correspondence, and newspaper clippings.
Arrangement:
The Bowman Family Papers are arranged by content type.
Biographical / Historical:
Leslie (Les) and Marguerite (Martie) Bowman were married in October 1919 and had both learned to fly by 1925. Les, a mechanic, worked as an engineer and salesman for the Kinner Engine and Aircraft Company and was involved in both the production and testing of airplanes. Martie was a charter member of both the Ninety-Nines, a women pilots' association, and the National Air Race Association. She set women's speed records and swept three women's racing events on one day in 1938. Les and Martie both tried wing walking, as did their daughter, Larnie, at the age of eight. Larnie learned to fly by the time she was twelve. During World War II, the Bowmans ran one of five civilian schools for the training of Navy fighter pilots. Les and Martie retired from aviation after the conclusion of the war.
Provenance:
Mrs. M. Lorraine Allen, gift, 1991, NASM.1991.0042
Restrictions:
No restrictions on access
Rights:
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests.
The Transcontinental Air Transport (TAT) was the first US airline associated with railroads (Pennsylvania and Santa Fe) in providing a rapid form of coast to coast transportation service. This collection includes material that Daniel M. Sheaffer collected about Transcontinental Air Transport (TAT).
Scope and Contents:
This collection includes material that Daniel M. Sheaffer collected about Transcontinental Air Transport (TAT), including: tickets, advertisements, brochures, route maps, schedules, TAT business documents, TAT Air Mail and Postal Telegraph documents, photographs, postcards (showing "TAT plane over" various geographical landmarks), correspondence, and scrapbooks.There is also some material pertaining to Curtiss-Wright Corporation. The photographs show TAT terminals and aircraft, and famous personalities including Amelia Earhart and Will Rogers.
Note: The digital images in this finding aid were repurposed from scans made by an outside contractor for a commercial product and may show irregular cropping and orientation in addition to color variations resulting from damage to and deterioration of the original objects. In addition, images of some material in the collection have been excluded from online display due to possible copyright restrictions.
Arrangement:
Collection is arranged by type of material.
Biographical / Historical:
The Transcontinental Air Transport (TAT) was the first US airline associated with railroads (Pennsylvania and Santa Fe) in providing a rapid form of coast to coast transportation service. Daniel M. Sheaffer, as the chairman of the executive committee of TAT, was a pioneer in the development of commercial aviation for mail express and passengers. He assisted in the actual development of the TAT line and with the inauguration of the service.
Provenance:
Mrs. Daniel M. Sheaffer, Gift, unknown, NASM.XXXX.0267
Restrictions:
No restrictions on access
Rights:
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests
The Transcontinental Air Transport (TAT), Inc. Air-Rail Service Scrapbooks collection consists of three large, fabric covered scrapbooks. The set documents the pre- and post-inaugural activities of TAT for the period of time between June and November, 1929.
Scope and Contents:
This collection includes three scrapbooks. The news clippings in Volume I cover the period of July 6-10, 1929, when the first transcontinental air-rail service was inaugurated. Volume II, covering the period of June 11 through August 23, 1929, documents the pre- and post-inaugural activities surrounding the establishment of the TAT. Both volumes contain newsprint with images of high-profile travelers and stakeholders, such as Charles and Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, Ina Claire, Douglas Fairbanks, and Mary Pickford. The third volume (untitled) covers the time between September 4 and November 1, 1929, when the news of the TAT Ford Tri-Motor "City of San Francisco" disappearing in the mountains of New Mexico captivated readers nationwide.
Arrangement:
This collection is in orginal order, with each scrapbook compiled in chronological order.
Biographical/Historical note:
The Transcontinental Air Transport (TAT) was the first U.S. airline associated with railroads (Pennsylvania and Santa Fe) to provide a rapid form of coast-to-coast transportation. Daniel M. Sheaffer, chairman of the executive committee of TAT, was a pioneer in the development of commercial aviation for passenger and express mail services. Both he and founder Clement Melville Keys were instrumental in the development of the TAT line and with the inauguration of the service.
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests.
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests.
Collection Citation:
Transcontinental Air Transport (TAT), Inc. Air-Rail Service Scrapbooks, Acc. XXXX.0081, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution.
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests.
Collection Citation:
Transcontinental Air Transport (TAT), Inc. Air-Rail Service Scrapbooks, Acc. XXXX.0081, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution.
[Transcontinental Air Transport, Inc., Volume III]
Extent:
1 Scrapbook
Type:
Archival materials
Scrapbooks
Date:
1929-09-04-1929-11-01
Collection Restrictions:
No restrictions on access
Collection Rights:
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests.
Collection Citation:
Transcontinental Air Transport (TAT), Inc. Air-Rail Service Scrapbooks, Acc. XXXX.0081, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution.
This collection consists of four albums and some additional material including photographs (many of which appear to be originals); news clippings; catalogues and advertisements; event programs; and other ephemera.
Scope and Contents:
This collection consists of four albums and some additional material including photographs (many of which appear to be originals); news clippings; catalogues and advertisements; event programs; and other ephemera. The collection includes images of aircraft and pilots with whom Charles Arens worked or came into contact with during his working years, and some of the photographs have been autographed. Also included are images of many aircraft at the Cicero and Ashburn Fields in Chicago; photographs taken at the 1930, 1931 and 1932 National Air Races; aerial photography; images of airships including the U. S. Navy ZR-3 Los Angeles; and some U.S. Army Signal Corps photographs. There is a considerable amount of material relating to Arens Controls Company, Inc. in Volume D, as well as in additional items that were added to the collection in 2006.
Aircraft seen in the photographs include numerous models of aircraft made by Curtiss, LWF, and Laird ("Matty") and many other aircraft including the Sperry Messenger; Sperry Curtiss JN-4 Monoplane; Verville (Alfred) VCP-R (R-1); Thomas-Morse S-4C; Standard (NJ) Handley Page O/400; Burnelli (Remington-Burnelli) RB-1; John's Multiplane (1920); Ansaldo S.V.A.; SPAD XIII (S.13); Nieuport 27; Martin (Glenn L.) MB-2; Fokker T-2 (F.IV); Stinson (Aircraft) SM-1 Detroiter; Ireland Meteor; Loening (Corp) OL-1; Ryan NYP Spirit of St Louis; Lockheed Model 5 Vega Yankee Doodle; Bellanca WB-2 Miss Columbia; Fokker C-2, Civil America; Breguet Bre.19 A2 Nungesser-Coli; Boeing Model 80A; Sikorsky S-38B Amphibion untin Bowler; Howard (Benjamin O.) DGA-3 Pete; Lockheed Model 8 Sirius Tingmissartoq; Springfield Bulldog (V High Wing Racing); Wedell-Williams Model 44 I (NR 278V) (Race #s: 44, 91); Chester (Art) Goon; Robinson (W. C.) Monoplane; Curtiss NC-3 and NC-4 (P2N-1); and the Vought VE-10.
Besides Arens himself, other notable figures in aviation that are seen in the photographs include Laura Bromwell; Bertrand Blanchard Acosta; Russell L. Maughan; Alford Joseph "Al" Williams; Harold James Brow; Lillian Boyer Werner; William S. "Billy" Brock; Perry Hutton; Henry S. "Pop" Keller; Charles Augustus Lindbergh; Anne Spencer Morrow Lindbergh; Richard Reginald Blythe; Arthur C. "Art" Goebel; Ruth Elder; Lloyd W. Bertaud; Guiseppe Mario Bellanca; Charles W. "Speed" Holman; Erwin E. "Eddy" Ballough; Emil Matthew Laird; Joseph Le Brix; Dieudonné Costes; Clarence Duncan Chamberlin; Robert F. "Bob" Shank; Florence Klingensmith; Arthur Charles Chester; Will D. "Billy" Parker; Anthony "Tony" Stadlman; Stanley Van Winkle Hiller; Robert G. Fowler; Warren Samuel Eaton; Leslie L. Irvin; Benjamin Delahauf Foulois; Henry Harley "Hap" Arnold; James Harold "Jimmy" Doolittle; Roscoe Turner; Otto W. Timm; Overton M. "Rusty" Bounds; Katherine (Otero) Stinson; Arthur R. "Art" Smith; Mickey McGuire; Marjorie C. Stinson; Victor Carlstom; Charles B. Kirkham; George E. "Buck" Weaver; Henry B. Crewdson; Edward Albert "Al" Johnson; Charles W. "Pop" Dickinson; Joseph Lee Cato; and Harold W. Blakely.
Arrangement:
Albums are labeled in sequence with a letter code and they are housed in this order. Additional material added to the collection in 2006 is housed at the end.
Biographical / Historical:
Charles Anthony Arens (1895-1967), an early aviation enthusiast, was active in aviation from 1911 until the end of his life. He was active at the Cicero Flying Field (1912-1919) and the new Ashburn Field (1916) in Chicago. He worked with E. M. Laird and George "Buck" Weaver of Waco Aircraft. He built and flew a biplane in 1915 which qualified him for membership in the Early Birds. He was elected secretary of the Early Birds in 1960 and was active in this organization until his death. In December 1916, Arens went to work for the LWF Engineering Company, College Point, Long Island, as a mechanic. He worked for LWF until they went out of business in 1923. He held A&E Mechanic License No. 240. In 1923 he went to work for the E. M. Laird Airplane Company. He later developed a control system for aircraft. He formed his own company in 1923, and provided controls for early Ford and Boeing aircraft. He opened his own plant in 1934, and founded Arens Controls Company, Inc. in 1939. He was also secretary of the E. M. Laird Airplane Company, which provided control systems for many World War II aircraft. Arens sold his interest in the company in 1944. He later formed a company to do engineering work.
Provenance:
Charles Arens, Gift, 1971, NASM.XXXX.0016
Restrictions:
No restrictions on access
Rights:
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests
Floyd E. Barlow (1889-1977) was an early aviator. This scrapbook contains photographs, newspaper clippings, telegrams, licenses, and correspondence documenting Barlow's aviation career.
This collection is in English.
Scope and Contents:
This scrapbook contains photographs, newspaper clippings, telegrams, licenses, and correspondence documenting Barlow's aviation career. There are also photographs of noted aviators, some of which are autographed.
Arrangement:
Collection is in original order.
Biographical / Historical:
Floyd E. Barlow (1889-1977) soloed in 1911. In 1912 Barlow attended the Curtiss School, and then barnstormed for Curtiss Aeroplane Company at county fairs. He tested bombs and machine guns during World War I, but after the war he returned to barnstorming and established an agency for Eaglerock and Monocoupe aircraft. From 1924-1932 Barlow was an instructor for Rapid Airlines, and for the years 1937-1939 he was the Commissioner of Aviation for South Dakota. During World War II he was an instructor for the Royal Air Force at Lancaster, CA and also assisted the United States Air Force. After World War II, Barlow retired from aviation.
Provenance:
Floyd E. Barlow, Gift, Date unknown, NASM.XXXX.0388.
Restrictions:
No restrictions on access
Rights:
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests
Frank Coffyn (1878-1960) was a pioneer flyer and aviation consultant. Coffyn learned to fly from the Wright Brothers in Dayton Ohio, and was a member of the original Wright Flying Team. This collection consists of scrapbooks and photo albums documenting his career.
Scope and Contents:
This collection consists of five scrapbooks. Scrapbook A contains photographs and newspaper clippings relating to Coffyn's visit to the aviation meet of the Michigan Aero Club on June 19-23, 1911. Scrapbook B is comprised of newspaper clippings pertaining to Coffyn's flights in various parts of the U. S. during the year 1912. Scrapbook C is a photo album covering the years 1910-1932, with photos labeled by subject and date. This scrapbook contains some images of a model B Wright Biplane. Book D includes photographs of Coffyn in New York harbor, images of the Lachapelle Gliding Boat, a photo and letter from portrait artist Lewis Eugene Thompson, and a Halcyon Caravel ship photo. Book E is a photo album containing images of Coffyn and a Burgess Flying Boat in 1913.
Arrangement:
Scrapbooks/photo albums have been arranged according to size of enclosure required to safely house each item.
Biographical / Historical:
Frank Coffyn (1878-1960) was a pioneer flyer and aviation consultant. Coffyn learned to fly from the Wright Brothers in Dayton Ohio, and was a member of the original Wright Flying Team.
Provenance:
Frank Coffyn, Gift, unknown, NASM.XXXX.0065
Restrictions:
No restrictions on access
Rights:
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests
This collection consists of scrapbooks belonging to Caroline S. Mitchell, relating to William Mitchell. The scrapbooks contain photos from the first two decades of Mitchell's military career, from 1898 through 1920. Although no photos cover the World War I period, there are a number of photographs relating to the periods just before and just afterward. The photos depict Signal Corps camps in Cuba, the Philippines (including the January 29, 1911 eruption of the Taal Volcano), and various U.S. locations; polo tournaments; horse tournaments; a few aviation tournaments; and Mitchell's children. The collection also includes Mitchell's original commissions in the United States Army Signal Corps.
Biographical / Historical:
Brigadier General William "Billy" Mitchell (1879-1936), pilot and aviation and aerial bombing advocate, joined the army as a private and, by the Spanish-American War, was the youngest lieutenant involved in the operation. Mitchell saw service in the Philippines, Cuba, and on the Mexican border, and graduated from the Army School of the Line (1908) and Army Staff College (1909) before serving on the Army General Staff (1913-1916). He held a number of command and staff posts in the Air Service in France during World War I (1917-1919) and first soloed in 1917. After a short period as Director of Military Aeronautics (1919) and Chief of Training and Operations (1920), he became Assistant to the Chief of Air Service (1921-1926). During this period he advocated the creation of an independent Air Service and demonstrated the utility of air power through the famous bomber vs. battleship trials (1921), the group flight to Alaska from the continental US (1923), and Army's Around the World Flight (1924). Unfortunately, Mitchell's public criticism of government policies, in defiance of Army regulations, resulted in his court martial for conduct prejudicial of "good order and military discipline" and insubordination in October-December 1925. Found guilty and suspended for five years, Mitchell resigned his commission in January 1926. He continued to promote aviation and decry government inefficiencies until his death.
Provenance:
Caroline S. Mitchell, Gift, Unknown
Restrictions:
No restrictions on access.
Rights:
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests
This scrapbook chronicles the return of the Wright 1903 Flyer to the United States, beginning with the early negotiations with England to the reception at the Smithsonian following receipt of the aircraft.
Scope and Contents:
This scrapbook chronicles the return of the Wright 1903 Flyer from the early negotiations with England to the reception following receipt of the aircraft. The scrapbook includes the following types of material: reception invitation and program; remarks from the reception; a letter sent by Harry Truman which was read during the reception; newspaper articles; and photographs, including shots of the curators setting up the display and hanging the aircraft in the National Air Museum in the North Hall of Arts and Industry Building.
Arrangement:
This collection is in original order.
Biographical / Historical:
After disagreements with the Smithsonian Institution, Orville Wright elected to loan his Wright 1903 Flyer to the Science Museum in England. Upon his death, an agreement was reached to return to aircraft to the United States where it would be housed by the National Air Museum.
Provenance:
Prepared by the National Air Museum, Transfer, unknown, NASM.XXXX.0393
Restrictions:
No restrictions on access
Rights:
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests