EARLY
AIRPORTS AND FLIERS.
ARKANSAS
CITY.
PART
II.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 3, 1920.
MORE
ABOUT AIR FROLIC
Commander of Post Field
Heard From and Will Be Here.
Errett Williams and Pete Hill, of the Williams-Hill
Airplane Co., of this city, are in receipt of the news from the commander of
Post Field at Lawton, Okla., that he will accept the invitation of the local
air men to come here on December 12 and take part in the air frolic. He says he
will bring along five DeHaviland planes, with Liberty motors; and he will also
bring the German Fokker machine, which belongs at that field.
Mr. Mays, of Wichita, landed on the local
field yesterday afternoon; and he too has accepted the invitation to appear
here on the date named with an American Curtiss plane. He is highly elated over the prospects of a
big time on that date and has entered the races for that day.
Williams and Hill report that all the
details in connection with the air frolic to be held here have now been
arranged, and many entries have already been made for the seven big events on
that date. The program is to begin at one o’clock and there will be several
events that have never before been seen here by the air fans. The loving cups,
to be given as prizes for the various events, have been arranged for and the
sale of tickets for entrance to the field that day is now being carried on. The
tickets will be on sale in nearly all the business houses on Summit street.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 4, 1920.
TICKETS
ARE SELLING NOW
Prizes Offered for School
Students for Selling for Air Frolic.
The Williams & Hill Airplane Co.
today began the sale of tickets for the air frolic to be given on the landing
field north of the city one week from Sunday, December 12, and the tickets can
now be purchased in all the leading business houses in the city. The committee
which was appointed to see to the ticket matter has been busy and has now
placed the tickets on sale. There is great interest being taken in the sale of
tickets and the high school students have become interested in the sale, as
there are some nice prizes offered in this connection by the management of the
affair. The student selling the greatest number of tickets will be given a 50
mile air ride free of all charge. The second prize is a stunt ride, and this
will be worth the money there is no doubt. Third prize is a free ride, probably
of a short distance.
Frank Armstrong, the parachute jumper who
is to perform that day, was in the city today conferring with the management in
regard to his stunt and he will be ready to go at the appointed time, he
states. The jump here on that date will be Armstrong’s 978th jump with the
parachute.
The Human Squirrel has sent word that he
will be sure and be here to perform his hair-raising stunts; and this is going
to be the feature of the air circus, it is said by the management. Other
members on the program, which have been described in the former notices, will
surely be given and the management of the affair is highly elated over the
prospects of entertaining a big crowd on the date set for the air frolic.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 6, 1920.
TAKE
MOVIES OF AIR FROLIC
Grounds North of City
Will Be Policed in Proper Manner.
Williams and Hill, of the local airplane
company, have now about completed all the details in connection with the flying
frolic to be put on at the landing field north of the city next Sunday. There
will be moving pictures taken there on that day of the crowd in attendance and
of planes while they are in action by the Pathe company. This will be a feature
never before seen in this section of the country. The road leading into the
grounds will be kept open, it is said, and this part of the affair will be in
charge of a crowd of deputy sheriffs of the county. The cars will be compelled
to park inside the fence in order to keep the road open at all times during the
day. There will be no flying over the crowds and protection of the spectators
is guaranteed. The members of the local American Legion Post will police the
grounds and will see to it that the crowd is kept back of the danger line.
The DeHaviland plane with a Liberty motor
and also the German Fokker plane will be located so that the spectators may see
them and go over them for inspection. These planes will be well worth the price
of admission to see.
Williams and Hill are now in a position
to say that the events of this day are all arranged for and that there will be
a wonderful show in this line given on the field next Sunday. Feature attractions of the day will be the
parachute leap and the work of the human squirrel. Many planes are expected to take part in the
frolic and the affair is going to be one that has never before been witnessed
in this part of the country.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 7, 1920.
STILL
MORE PLANES COMING
Some Unusual Features Are
Promised For the Flying Circus.
Williams and Hill, of the local airplane
company bearing that name, this morning received a telegram from the management
of the Central Continental Flying school, located at Oklahoma City, stating
that this school was going to send two or more planes here to enter all the
contests to be held on the flying field north of the city next Sunday
afternoon. The planes from that place
are expected to reach the city on or before Saturday of this week.
Geo. N. Belser, manager of the Southwest
Aviation Co. of Tulsa, has notified the local men that he will be here on that
date with the big Curtiss Oriole, which has a K-6 self-starting motor, and
which costs the sum of $8,900. Mr. McIntire, assistant manager of the same
company, will enter the K-6 standard with self-starter. Both of these are new
planes, and the latter cost the sum of $6,750. These new model planes are the
kind for which the Williams-Hill company are agents in this territory, and they
expect to place some of them here in the near future. These machines will be
brought here more for demonstration purposes.
It is also expected that the - J L 6 - an
eight-passenger, enclosed cabin, monoplane, which cost $30,000, and is all
metal, will be here from Tulsa on that date. W. E. Graham and Lieut. Stowell
are expected to come here with this machine. Lieut. Stowell was at Kelly field
at the time Errett Williams was there in the air service of the army and they
worked together there. The big eight-passenger plane will remain in the air for
a period of seven and one-half hours, and carries gas enough to last that
length of time. It will travel at the rate of 110 miles an hour.
Williams and Hill this morning received a
telephone message from the human squirrel, whose name is Cyle Horchem, and who
is now in Wichita, stating that he would be here in time for the banquet to be
given for the performers of the circus at the Osage hotel on Saturday evening.
Several other of the visitors will be here at that time and will be guests of
the local chamber of commerce at a banquet at 6:30 o’clock Saturday in the
Osage hotel. Further announcements along
this line will be made before the week end.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 8, 1920.
THE
FLYING FROLIC
Promoters Receive More Good
News of Planes That Are Coming.
Twenty-five airplanes and seven big
events in the program outlined for the first flying frolic to be given on the
landing field of the Williams-Hill company, north of the city next Sunday
afternoon. The affair is bound to be a success, according to the promoters, and
there is going to be a record crowd here on that day. The human squirrel, the
greatest air thriller in the world, is to be a feature attraction and the
planes to be seen on that date will be many and of various designs.
Manager Anderson, of the Continental
Flying school of Oklahoma City, has written to Secretary Seyster of this city,
telling all the details of the events given there some time ago; and this
company will have representatives here on the date named for the frolic. They
will also have several planes here at that time.
Walter Beech, pilot for the Williams-Hill
company, has gone to Forrest City, Mo., to bring a Standard plane here for the
events. This plane was sold to Mr. Williams by a local company and he is going
to enter the events here and wanted a pilot to drive the plane here for him.
The ticket sale is going fine the local
men report and the paid admissions will be many. The proceeds of the air exhibitions and
frolic here are to go to the fund for the erection of hangars on the hill north
of the city.
Sheriff B. R. Day was here today from
Winfield, and he promises the company that he will have a force of deputies on
hand that day to police the grounds and to keep the cars on the road on the
move so that the road will not become congested at that time. The sheriff will
appoint local men to police the grounds and all possible care will be taken to
prevent accidents of any kind on the field or on the road leading to and from the
flying field.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 9, 1920.
BIG
CROWD FROM POST FIELD.
Williams and Hill Airplane Company today
received a telegram from the commander of the air service, Post field, in
Oklahoma, stating that the government post was going to send nineteen men here
for the flying frolic to be held next Sunday.
The message also stated that there would
be five De Haviland planes and the German Fokker plane sent here at that time.
The squadron will arrive here some time Saturday afternoon, it is stated. The
commander sent word for a description of the landing field here and the
location of the same. This information was sent the commander this morning by
wire.
Secretary O. B. Seyster of the chamber of
commerce today received a letter from Major Follett Bradley, commander of Post
field, stating that he would send five DeHaviland planes here on that day in
charge of First Lieut. William E. Lynd. They will arrive on Saturday afternoon
some time before dark and will land on the field north of the city. This will
be a wonderful sight to witness and the people of this city and vicinity will
watch with interest for the battle planes to arrive that day.
“Hun” Griffin of Oklahoma City has wired
that he will be here on Saturday afternoon with a 150 horsepower Hispano Suiza
plane. He is the Oklahoma state representative of the Lincoln Aircraft
corporation and is quite well known here.
With fair weather on Sunday there will
without doubt be several thousand spectators at the field north of the city and
the local men are planning for a big time with the flying stunts that
afternoon. Ponca City has written for all the information on the affair and
will send many visitors here that day, it was said by the promoters today.
The loving cups, to be awarded to the winners
of the seven different events on this day, have arrived in the city and will be
on display in the show windows of E. L. McDowell’s jewelry store tomorrow.
These cups are furnished by the following business firms of the city: Finney Creamery Co.; E. L. McDowell;
Hill-Howard Motor Co.; Collinson Hardware Co.; Keefe-LeStourgeon Co.; Sollitt
& Swarts Drug Co., and Copple-Holt-Sturtz Real Estate Co.
Next Saturday evening there will be a
banquet at the Osage hotel for all the air men who are going to take part in
the affair here on Sunday, as all of them are expected to arrive here on the
afternoon of that day. Already about 50 have been assigned plates for the
banquet, which will be served at 6:30 under the direction of the chamber of
commerce.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, December 11, 1920.
AIR
MEN COMING IN TODAY.
The first of the visitors who will take
part in the contests of the flying frolic to be put on here tomorrow arrived at
the landing field north of the city yesterday evening and others came in today.
The first to reach the field last night was Aviator Mays, of the Wedell Motor
Co., of Wichita, who flew here in his American Curtiss plane. He is the man who
won the cross country derby at the frolic held in Wichita recently. He has entered
his plane in all the events here.
C. A. Williams and daughter, of Forrest
City, Mo., piloted by Walter Beech of the local company, arrived here after
dark last night and landed north of the city. They made most of the trip of 500
miles after dark and report a fine trip. Williams and Hill sold this plane, a
Curtiss Standard, to Mr. Williams some time ago for his private use and he came
here to enter the events. He is greatly impressed with the city and the landing
field here and has leased space for his plane in the hangars that are to be
erected on the field north of the city.
He will leave the plane here during the remainder of the winter.
Walter Beech went to Covington, Okla.,
this morning to bring back a man named Knox with a plane that was sold by the
local company and which will arrive here this evening and will be entered in
the events also.
Shirley DeVore, of Central, Kansas, has
arrived with his Curtiss Standard, which was sold by Williams and Hill, and it
is also entered in the events for tomorrow.
The great sight today, however, was the
arrival of the government planes from Post field. These planes, seven in all, had among them
the German Fokker. They landed here between 12 and one o’clock. Crowds of
sightseers rushed to the landing field as soon as the arrival of the government
planes was known and many viewed them at the field this afternoon.
There was a slight accident upon the
arrival of one of these planes when the pilot of a DeHaviland, Lieut. Prime,
misunderstood the signals of the leader and landed against the wind on the
east slope of the field. In the landing the plane turned over on its back; but
fortunately, the driver was not injured in any way and neither was the plane
hurt, it is said. All the others of the
government squad landed safely and in proper formation, the local men reported
this afternoon.
The seven government planes and the men
from Post field attracted a lot of attention here and the army men were
registered at the Osage hotel this afternoon, which is to be the headquarters
of the air men taking part in the events of tomorrow. There were a number of
them there for the noon luncheon; and all of the visitors will be on hand at
the banquet to be served for them at 6:30 o’clock this evening under the
direction of the Arkansas City Chamber of Commerce.
The weather today has been perfect for
flying and the planes were seen all day hovering over the city and cutting some
capers. The promoters are hoping for a fair day, just like this one has been,
for tomorrow’s events.
The ticket sale will be closed this
evening, and the managers desire that all the tickets not disposed of be
turned in by 8 o’clock this evening in order that a check may be had on the
number that have been disposed of. Tag day was carried out today and the school
students were busy placing the tickets on all those they found running around
without the proper credentials to enter the landing field. The students took a
great interest in the sale of tickets as there was a contest on, with three
prizes offered. The first is for the team selling most, which is a 50 mile
aeroplane ride. The second is a stunt ride, and the third a free short ride.
The human squirrel will perform and the
parachute leap positively will take place tomorrow as planned, the promoters stated
today. The program of seven events will begin at 1 o’clock and only those who
are tagged will be permitted to enter the field and examine the airships. The
roads will be kept clear of cars, it is said, and Sheriff Day and the local
Legion men will have charge of the policing of the grounds.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 13, 1920.
THE POST FIELD BOYS
CARRIED AWAY 5 CUPS
First Flying
Frolic Here Was a Huge Success.
FOUR
THOUSAND ATTEND
Events as
Planned Carried Out to the Letter.
FOUR
SLIGHT MISHAPS.
Fully four thousand people, who were on
the inside of the field, and many more than that number, who were on the
outside looking in, witnessed the first flying frolic put on for the benefit of
this community Sunday afternoon at the landing field north of the city. The
receipts probably will total $1,700, it is estimated, but the returns in this
regard were not all in this morning. The proceeds are to go to the fund for the
building of permanent hangars on the field here. The first flying frolic here was
put on by the Williams and Hill Aeroplane company, of this city, under the
auspices of the chamber of commerce, and there seems to be no doubt at this
time but that it will become an annual event for Arkansas City.
The Post Field boys from Fort Sill with
their five DeHavilands and the German boat carried away five of the silver cups
given as prizes for the different events and the other two were won by
commercial planes.
The winners of the various events were as
follows, according to the judges, who were Oliver Fuller, R. W. Oldroyd, and
Lieut. Lynd; and Foss Farrar, who was the official time keeper.
Thirty mile derby to Winfield and return,
Lieut. Johnson, time 10 min. 39 1-5 seconds.
Landing for mark, Lieut. Beverly. The
first try at this event was a tie between Beverly and Lucas; and in the second
trial, Beverly was announced the winner.
Fifteen mile derby to Chilocco and
return, C. J. Lucas, time 12 min. 20 seconds.
Loop the loop from a height of 2,500
feet, down to 1,000 feet, Lieut. Mille in the German Fokker. He looped twelve
times in that distance.
Altitude climb of two minutes for
government planes, Lieut. Johnson, who climbed 2,500 feet.
Altitude climb for commercial plane, Dick
Phillips.
Three landings and take offs, Lieut.
Beverly.
The first event of the afternoon’s
program was the flying of the five DeHavilands and the German Fokker, in battle
formation. This was a wonderful sight and one that had never before been
witnessed in this section of the country. The motion picture operator for the
Pathe News service had his machine attached to the lead plane and made pictures
of the others bringing up the rear.
John N. Floyd was the official announcer,
and he used a large megaphone to make the announcements of the coming events
and the results of the same.
Pete Hill and Errett Williams were as
busy as bees all the afternoon and they certainly handled their part of the
program in fine fashion. They received many compliments for the manner in which
they staged the entire affair, carrying out every number on the program for the
day. They are well satisfied with the results and with the manner in which they
were treated in putting on the first event of this kind here. It is considered
as good or better than the events put on at either Oklahoma City or Wichita
recently.
The
Right Spirit.
The Lesh refinery furnished 1,000 gallons
of gasoline for the planes taking part in the events of the day and delivered
the gas to the men on the grounds. They also gave to the visitors enough
gasoline to fly each of the planes to their home towns.
The Ark-Superior Oil Co. furnished a
barrel of the famous Mobile B oil for aviators on this day. These two firms
gave this material absolutely free of cost to any one, and they are to be
commended for the proper spirit and thoughtfulness in carrying out this part of
the day’s program.
Four
Accidents.
There were four slight accidents during
the first flying frolic here, or to be more explicit, there were two on that
day and two on Saturday. Lieut. Prime, piloting one of the big DeHaviland
planes from Post field, made a bad landing Saturday afternoon on account of a
misunderstanding in regard to the signals of the local company, and turned his
plane over. In the fall the wings were
broken and the plane was left here for repairs. The pilot was not injured.
The “Human Squirrel,” Mr. Horchem,
piloting his own plane carrying his wife and little daughter, was forced to
land in the brush on the Ernest Young farm, just north of Riverview cemetery
Saturday afternoon at 5 o’clock on account of the plane running out of
gasoline. In the landing one wing of the
plane was damaged and it was put out of use. Fortunately, there was no one hurt
as he coasted down. And he came near making the field, at that, he stated. It
was at first thought the wing could be repaired in time to use the plane
yesterday afternoon, but this could not be done. The plane was taken apart and
hauled to the field today and was left here to be repaired by the Hill garage
on South Summit, which is equipped for all sorts of airplane repairs. Horchem
came here from his home in Oklahoma City and returned there today.
The third accident was on Sunday
afternoon when Pilot McIntire, a Tulsa man, was driving his own plane; and on
account of engine trouble, was compelled to land in a field some distance
northwest of the landing field. He nosed into the ground and broke one end of
the propeller. He was not injured. The Oldroyd ambulance, which was kept on the
field all afternoon, was rushed to the scene of the accident, but was not needed
there. This plane will also be repaired here.
The fourth accident was when the DeVore
plane was forced to land near Winfield. The pilot was not injured.
There were thirteen planes on the ground
Sunday, all of which took part in the different events. Had the DeHaviland and
the plane of the Human Squirrel been on hand, there would have been fifteen.
But as it was, most of the crowd of spectators on that day saw more airplanes
in one bunch than they had ever seen before. Those on the field that day
included the five DeHavilands and the German Fokker from Post field, which is
made of steel and is very substantial and a swift flyer as was demonstrated in
the loop-the-loop contest; two planes belonging to Williams and Hill; a Curtiss
Standard, owned by C. A. Williams of Forrest City, Mo.; a Curtiss Standard
owned by Shirley DeVore of Central, Kansas; a Standard Curtiss owned by Mr.
Knox of Covington, Oklahoma; and an American Curtiss, owned by the Wadell Motor
Co. of Wichita; and a Curtiss belonging to the Curtiss South-west Aircraft Co.
of Tulsa.
Walter Beech, of this city, piloted the
plane on which the Human Squirrel put on his stunts. Dick Phillips, also of
this city, piloted the plane in which Frank Armstrong of Ponca City, the
parachute man, leaped from a distance of 5,000. He made a fine landing, just
east of the landing field and west of the Santa Fe tracks.
Both the Human Squirrel act and the
parachute leap were pulled off in fine shape and, in fact, every number on the
program took place as advertised. The Human Squirrel hung from the plane by his
knees on the trapeze, walked the lower wing, and stood on the upper wing while
the plane looped-the-loop.
Williams & Hill have received many
compliments for the manner in which they put on the flying frolic for Arkansas
City and everyone is for them in making the show an annual event.
The contestants in the various events all
stated that they had never before competed for such elegant and costly loving
cups.
The grounds were well taken care of
yesterday by Sheriff Day and a force of deputies, and there were no accidents
of consequence on the road it is said. But there was an awful jam of cars and
there were about as many people on the outside looking in as there was on the
inside looking on.
Ralph Oldroyd and Foss Farrar each got a
nice ride in one of the big 12-cylinder government planes on the last event,
the altitude fly, and they enjoyed the ride very much.
Make
Motion Pictures.
V. A. Simes of Kansas City, who is the
staff photo man for the Andlener & Simes Co., known as the Pathe News
Service, was on the ground Sunday afternoon and he made motion pictures of all
the events at the frolic. He told the men interested in the affair that he
secured some fine pictures and they would be shown all over the United States.
Mr. Simes is also the staff photo man for the big Newman theatre in Kansas City
and these pictures will be shown first in that theatre, he stated, probably
within a few days. Then they will be sent here and shown at the Rex theatre.
They will be here in a week or ten days, it is expected, and Mr. Burford will
show them to his patrons. One of the pictures taken on this occasion was a
group picture of the pilots of the government planes, the human squirrel, the
parachute man, and Secretary O. B. Seyster, of the local chamber of commerce.
Mr. Simes was a very busy man all the afternoon. He returned to his home in
Kansas City last night.
The
Banquet.
The banquet served Saturday evening at
the Osage hotel for the visiting aviators was a very pleasing affair to say the
least. There were fifty in attendance all told, seventeen of whom were
visitors. A. H. Denton, for the chamber of commerce, was the toastmaster and he
greeted the visitors with a well chosen address. There was joy and good cheer
mingled with all the talks of the evening, and it was evident that the visitors
were well pleased with the affair from start to finish. The dinner was one of
the nicest that has been served by the management of the Osage and it
was put up in ship shape.
O. B. Seyster gave an explanation of the
loving cups that were presented by seven different business firms for the
events of yesterday and the cups were on display there. The visitors expressed
the belief that they were the nicest ever offered to the flying fraternity as
prizes. All were pleased and all who had a chance to respond stated they were
anxious to win a cup. Mr. Seyster explained that the cups were donated to the
cause by the Finney Creamery company, E. L. McDowell, Hill-Howard Motor Co.,
Collinson Hardware Company, Keefe-LeStourgeon Company, Sollitt & Swarts
Drug company, and the Copple-Holt-Sturtz Real Estate company.
Lieut. Lynd of Post Field was the first
speaker. He is a native Kansas and is from Winfield. He has served in the army
several years and saw active service in air tactics in France. He told of the
progress in air service from the army standpoint and said that in another year
the class of aircraft used would be greatly improved upon. Passenger service by
air is now very common in many lands, he said, and Germany is in the lead in
this business, and with the class of planes and ships used. He said the
machines that Post Field force had here, five planes, were DeHaviland, Liberty
motors, made in America. The German Fokker, he also explained, was made in
Germany.
Lieut. Lynd said the commander of the
Post Field was unable to be here, but he had sent eight men and six planes. He
assured the men present that aircraft was still in its infancy in America and
that greater things were expected. He complimented Arkansas City on her landing
field and paid tribute to Williams and Hill as the first to take up the work
here.
J. B. Heffelfinger spoke from the
commercial standpoint of air service. There is a great advantage for the cities
that provide landing fields, he said. He also paid a tribute to Williams and
Hill on their progress here and said they had certainly put Arkansas City on
the air map of the United States.
Mr. Belser of the Curtiss Southwest
Aircraft Company of Tulsa said his company would consider a proposition of
moving to Arkansas City. This brought great applause. He said they had not
received any sort of encouragement from the city of Tulsa, and he knew the
business men of this city would at least give their moral support to such a
company, as has already been demonstrated. He said his company did a $300,000
business in a year. He said Arkansas City would become well known on the air
map. He also said that the United States was behind in the aircraft movement.
The Curtiss company will build a great many planes for the army in the near
future, he stated. If the army were to quit, the aircraft would fall flat, he
said.
R. T. Keefe said Arkansas City was ready
to help Williams & Hill at any time. He said by all means, make it an
annual event. His address was a spirited one and he received much applause and
told some interesting stories to the men present. All the speakers, in fact,
said let it be an annual event and the toastmaster was very much enthused over
the proposition. Mr. Keefe said, “Undoubtedly
we are ready to help Williams & Hill whenever they are ready for help.”
Errett Williams, one of the promoters of
the day’s frolic, was the next speaker. He said he was overjoyed at the turnout
and told the men present that the affair was going to be a big success. He said
the business men had always been ready to “kick in” whenever the occasion
demanded and he thanked everyone who had taken any part in the success of the
company in its efforts so far. He said the company started here with one plane
and told how the business had grown. He is a bright young man and has made many
friends during his stay in the city.
Harry Collinson was introduced as “Buick
Collinson” and he told some facts in regard to the automobile business in
relation to aircraft. His talk was made more spicy by relating several good and
very enjoyable stories.
The visitors present at the banquet were
as follows:
Lieut. Wm. E. Lynd, Post Field; Lieut. H.
A. Johnson, Post Field; Lieut. Harry H. Mills, Post Field; Lieut. Joseph H.
Davidson, Post Field; Lieut. Geo. H. Beverley, Post Field; Lieut. J. T. Morris,
Post Field; Lieut. C. P. Prime, Post Field; Lieut. Donald Wilson, Post Field;
Chas. E. Knox, Covington, Oklahoma; Lieut. Russell H. Cooper, Post Field; C. J.
Lucas, Arkansas City; Frank L. Armstrong, Ponca City; Cyle Horchem, Central
Continental Flying School, Oklahoma City; A. O. Williams, Forrest City,
Missouri; Chas. Mayse, Pawhuska; Chester F. Colby, Post Field; Everett L. Pond,
Post Field; Mr. Belser, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 14, 1920.
CROWD
AT AEROPLANE SHOW
Two Accidents But No
One Hurt Says the Free Press.
The flying circus attracted quite a
number of visitors on the field between Winfield and Arkansas City. Some of the
planes flew over Winfield encircling the city.
Two small accidents occurred but were not
serious. One plane flew into a fence and one plane lost a propeller and had to
nose to the ground. Someone tried to make a joke claiming Winfield witnesses
did not have the price to go inside but kept to the road and around the fence.
However, others took pains to count and found that there were as many Arkansas
City viewers in the highway as there were from Winfield and that Winfield visitors
paid as freely as anyone else.
There was quite a crowd in attendance.—Free
Press
Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1920.
AIRPLANES
REPAIRED HERE
Two
of the Damaged Machines
AIRPLANES
REPAIRED HERE
Two of the Damaged
Machines Made Ready to Leave Today
Dec. 15, 1920.—Owners of airplanes who
experience accidents of any kind to their machines, while they are within
landing distance of this city, need not have any worry in regard to picking
them up and transferring them to some larger city in order to have them
repaired, as there is a garage located here for the purpose of doing just such
work. This is the Arthur Hill garage, located on South Summit street, and Mr.
Hill and his assistants have just completed two neat jobs of this character,
which were turned over to the owners today.
The Laird plane belonging to Cyle Horchem, the “Human Squirrel,” which
made a forced landing northwest of the city last Saturday evening when the
pilot discovered his plane was out of gasoline, has been repaired and was ready
to be flown today. Horchem will pilot the plane to his home at Oklahoma City
tomorrow, it is said.
The plane which belongs to the Curtiss
Southwest Aircraft Co., of Tulsa, which was damaged in a forced landing last
Sunday during the flying frolic, has also been repaired at this shop; and Mr.
McIntire, the pilot, and Mr. Belser of that company left the city this morning
with the plane.
Both of these planes had the wings
damaged; and Art Hill and Walter Beech, wing expert, repaired the damage right
here in Arkansas City.
The Shirley DeVore plane, which also was
damaged, is here for repairs, and it will be ready to fly in a day or two it
was stated this afternoon. The Laird plane, referred to above, was built in
Wichita.
The DeHaviland plane from Post Field,
which was damaged last Saturday while landing on the field north of the city,
was taken apart and shipped back to the government field. The German Fokker was
shipped back to the field, also, on account of some slight damage to the
engine, which rendered it unsafe to fly at this time. Two of the DeHavilands which
have been on the field north of the city since last Saturday, and which took
part in the flying frolic, left the city today for Post Field.
THE
HUMAN SQUIRREL HERE
Cyle Horchem and His
Wife Flew to Oklahoma City Today
Dec. 16, 1920.—The “Human Squirrel” was
in the city today and called at the Traveler office to say “Howdy” to
the force. The Human Squirrel has another name. It is Cyle Horchem. His home is
in Oklahoma City and he was en route to that place today after a visit of
several days in Wichita. Mr. Horchem and his wife left the city this afternoon
for their home in their airplane. He expects, however, to make some stops
between this city and his home city for the purpose of making some exhibition
flights. His plane was repaired here at the Art Hill garage and was ready to be
flown yesterday. The plane was damaged last Saturday when Horchem and his wife
were compelled to land because the supply of gasoline carried in the plane was
exhausted. They were not injured in the fall, which took place northwest of the
city near Riverview cemetery. One of the wings of the plane was damaged when it
struck a tree. Horchem took part in the flying frolic here last Sunday and put
on a thrilling exhibition at that time, and one that was never before witnessed
by the flying fans here. Mrs. Horchem accompanies him on his trips about the
country to make exhibitions and enjoys riding above the terra firma as well as
he does.
FLYING
FROLIC PICTURES
Will Be Shown at
the Rex Next Monday and Tuesday
Dec. 30, 1920.—Word was received in the
city this morning by the Williams & Hill Airplane company that the motion
pictures, taken of the flying frolic here several weeks ago, will be shown here
at the Rex theatre next Monday and Tuesday, both afternoon and night. On this occasion the home pictures will be a
great treat to those who attended the flying frolic; and those interested are
invited to come and see themselves as others see them. There will be 500 feet
of these pictures and they are said to be fine. A report comes from Emporia,
from people who reside there, who saw the pictures and who are acquainted here,
that they recognized many of those in the pictures. You can’t afford to miss
seeing yourself in action so come out on Monday and Tuesday and witness the
local show in motion pictures.
Next Saturday afternoon at 3:30 o’clock,
the Williams & Hill fliers will put on a novel exhibition as an
advertisement for these pictures, which will be an attractive sight. Errett
Williams will take a live guinea up in his airplane and will release the bird
while at a height of 1500 feet. To the person who catches the guinea as it
alights, ten free tickets will be given to the show on Monday or Tuesday. This
prize may be competed for by anyone and the bird may light in the country or in
the city: no one can tell about this part of the show.
This afternoon Williams & Hill took
the local people who won the prizes in the ticket selling contest for the
recent flying frolic on the rides that were promised them in this connection.
This morning the flying men took two of
the actors who are playing at the Rex this week for an air spin over the city.
They were Mrs. Effie Aiken and Palmer Brandow.
AEROPLANES
ARRIVED
Large D. H. Flying
Machines From England Came Yesterday
Jan. 25, 1921.—The Hill-Williams
Aeroplane company announced this morning that the two large DeHaviland
aeroplanes which have been ordered for some time arrived in Arkansas City this
morning and that they would be assembled and tested out at once. The machines
are different from any that have been flown from the local aviation field and
are expected to cause considerable comment.
The planes were purchased for two local
businessmen, whose names are withheld for the time being. Mr. Williams stated
that the new planes are a wonderful piece of work and will no doubt become a
very prominent commercial plane. You can expect anytime to see the new D. H.’s
“Zooming” around in the air.
URGES
AVIATION BILL
Senator R. C. Howard
Attracts Special Attention at Topeka
Topeka, Jan. 26.—R. C. Howard, publisher
of the Arkansas City Daily Traveler, who has been promoted from the house of
representatives to a seat in the senate from the 27th senatorial district, has
prepared the first bill to regulate aviation ever placed before a Kansas
legislature. Senator Howard’s bill would establish a state department of
aviation that would have the power to make rules and regulations for flying.
Under this bill every flyer in Kansas
would be required to pass an examination and procure a license before taking up
passengers and every plane would have to be submitted to an inspector.
Arkansas City, Senator Howard’s home
town, has an aviation field and a number of planes. The senator is optimistic
over the future of the airplane—in fact, he is so confident that it is going to
find a place in the everyday life of Kansas that he believes it is time for the
state to consider seriously legislation of this character.
Senator Howard also has a bill to permit
cities of the second class to vote bonds to establish an incinerator, and some
time ago he announced that he would introduce a bill to protect game in Kansas
through the year and the matter was given wide publicity because of the fact
that he jocularly said this bill would forbid the killing of game at any season
of the year with any weapons except a bow and arrow.
BILL
MAKES FLYING SAFE
For the Folks Down
Below, Unless the Plane Comes Down
Topeka, Jan. 27.—A future age, perhaps
not far distant, when airplane traffic will be the common mode of passenger and
freight transportation, is anticipated in a bill to regulate air traffic now
before the Kansas legislature. Senator R. C. Howard of Arkansas City, author of
the measure, is receiving numerous inquiries concerning his bill which is one
of the first of the kind introduced in any state legislature. One of the latest
requests for a copy of the bill was from the Omaha Chamber of Commerce.
Although the Howard bill lost in the
preliminary skirmish in the house, the fight for its passage has not been
abandoned.
The bill calls for creation of a state
aircraft inspection board consisting of the adjutant general and two
experienced pilots. No person would be permitted to navigate the air in any
kind of aircraft without obtaining a license from the board. Nor would it be
permissible to operate any aircraft until it has passed an inspection and is
determined safe. Especially careful and frequent inspection is provided for
passenger carrying craft.
Every Kansas city with a population of
3,000 or more would be authorized to acquire and maintain a municipal landing
field with proper marking to be used exclusively by commercial, United States
army, and United States mail planes.
The proposed statute contains traffic
rules for the purpose of making flying safe and sane over the entire state.
These rules include:
“The board shall not permit any pilot to
fly over any city at an altitude from which he cannot glide out of the city
limits in case of motor trouble.
“No pilot or other persons traveling in
an aircraft shall be permitted to perform any acrobatic feats, athletic stunts,
tail spins, or any other perilous or dangerous experiments while passing over
or making a near approach to a city or center of population.
“No pilot shall fly over any premises at
an altitude lower than 100 feet above the highest tree or building situated on
the said premises, except he be compelled to fly at a lower level in the event
of a fog or in attempting to make a forced landing.
“In the event of making a forced landing,
a pilot may land at any convenient place, but nothing herein contained shall be
construed to release him from actual damages to crops, persons, livestock, or
other property committed by him in making such landing.”
NEW
PLANES IN AIR
Feb. 2, 1921.—The two new DeHaviland
aeroplanes which were recently purchased by the Williams-Hill Aeroplane company
have been assembled and were tested out this afternoon by Mr. Williams and Mr.
Hill. The new planes are very pretty and bear the finest inspection of the
pilots here. The planes were purchased for Arkansas City business men who in
all probabilities will learn to fly them in the near future. With the purchase
of these new planes, the list of private owned planes in this city will make 10
planes.
TESTED
OUT AEROPLANE
Feb. 3, 1921.—More than 100 people were
present yesterday afternoon at the aviation field north of the city to witness
the testing out of the new DeHaviland aeroplane which was flown for the first
time.
Pilot Walter Beech was the first man to
take off with the plane. He flew rather low until he was sure that the plane
was in good mechanical condition and then made an altitude climb. The machine
took off fine and is said to be a very fast plane.
The next pilot to take off was Errett
Williams. Mr. Williams climbed to an altitude of more than 5000 feet in 18
minutes and tested the machine with stunts. He made ten consecutive loops
without losing hardly any altitude. Both Williams and Beech announced they
expect it to do wonders in the air.
The new planes are entirely different
from anything which has been flown around here and are expected to become very
popular among the local pilots. The other DeHaviland plane it is expected will
be tested out Sunday afternoon. Several prospective aeroplane buyers were on
the field yesterday and the fever was very high with these men. The new
DeHaviland plane which was used yesterday has a Curtiss 90 horse power engine.
The new plane also carried several passengers yesterday.
ARKANSAS
CITY IN LIMELIGHT
London Paper
Carried Recent Story on Airplane Frolic
Feb. 3, 1921.—The following story was
published in “The London Flight,” a copy of which was sent to the Williams-Hill
Aeroplane company by Lieutenant Johnson of Post Field, Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
“From an account on hand the people of
Arkansas City, Kansas, U. S. A., went nearly crazy over a successful aviation
meet held in the states last December. A local concern, the Williams-Hill
Aeroplane company, was responsible for the show, and they hope to make an
annual event of it. Five of the seven prizes awarded were secured by DeHaviland
machines and one German Fokker.”
OUR
CITY ON THE MAP
Aero Club Asks
Arkansas City to be One of Stopping Places
Feb. 4, 1921.—Errett Williams of the
Williams-Hill Aeroplane company received a letter this morning from members of
the Los Angeles Aero club, which brings the information regarding the stops
which will be made on the big trans-continental aeroplane trip from Los Angeles
to New York and return. In the communication the writer asked Mr. Williams if
Arkansas City, Kansas, would like to be one of the stopping places. This matter
has been taken up and Mr. Williams had advised that this town would be very
pleased to receive the pilots and assist them when lighting here. The Aero club
in deciding on landing places learned that Arkansas City has a much better
field to land on and take off than that of Wichita, and gave this city
preference over Wichita. This event will be pulled off in the near future and
the business men who have any suggestions to offer the local aeroplane company
are invited to get in communication with either Mr. Williams or Mr. Hill, who
will go into detail with them on this proposition.
WILL
ERECT HANGARS
Feb. 7, 1921.—The committee appointed for
the purpose of assisting to secure the erection of aeroplane hangars north of
the city reported late Saturday afternoon that they had made final arrangements
for a 5 year lease on the ground which is now occupied by the Williams-Hill
Aeroplane company north of the city. This committee will get to work at once
and push the movement to completion. It was stated this afternoon that work on
a 12 ship hangar would be commenced within the near future and rushed to an
early completion.
In accomplishing this task the chamber of
commerce has spared no time in doing what it was proposed to do. The fact was
brought out that the coming events planned for Arkansas City and its good,
derived from the publicity which the city has been given through aviation,
makes this project one of the most important ones to come before the business
men of this city at present. Williams-Hill have at no time failed to tell the
world that they were from the best town in the world, for its size, Arkansas
City, Kansas; and this kind of advertising has helped to bring the city into
the limelight. The new hangars will be built according to specifications which
have been followed out in the bigger cities. The field will also be marked so
as to direct aviators from other parts of the country who decide to land here
at any time.
IN
THE FLYING GAME
Feb. 8, 1921.—This week’s issue of the
“Aerial Age,” published in New York City, carries an article relative to the
flying frolic which was pulled off in this city last December. In the article appears the names of Foss
Farrar, Ralph Oldroyd, and Oliver Fuller, who acted as judges and time-keepers.
The article gives Arkansas City a big send-off and carries quite a lengthy
story regarding the judges and time-keepers of the derby. Mr. Oldroyd and
Oliver Fuller acted as judges and Foss Farrar acted as time-keeper. This aero
publication has a circulation of over 500,000 and is read by more than a
million people.
PLANNING
AERO TRIP
Feb. 8, 1921.—The Williams-Hill Aeroplane
company of this city received a special delivery letter this morning from the
aviation department of the Chamber of Commerce at Topeka, informing them that
the new aviation bill would come before the legislature tomorrow evening, and
was very desirous of having the local aeroplane men come to Topeka if possible.
Local business men made up a public subscription
this afternoon to defray the boys’ expenses, who will fly to Topeka tomorrow to
be present when the bill comes up. In the party will be four planes, which will
carry Arkansas City advertising matter and drop hand bills from their planes
into the various towns between Arkansas City and Topeka.
The local aviators were trying to get
four business men to make the trip with them and at a late hour this afternoon
Ralph Oldroyd, Foss Farrar, Rae Hudson, and John Floyd advised that they would
make the trip. The flyers who will represent Arkansas City on this advertising
campaign are: Cecil Lucas, Standard plane; Dick Phillips, Standard plane;
Errett Williams, DeHaviland plane; Pete Hill, Curtiss plane.
OFF
FOR TOPEKA
Feb. 9, 1921.—At 9:30 o’clock this morning
Pilot Williams, Hill, Phillips and Lucas with passengers John Floyd, Ralph
Oldroyd, Rae Hudson, and Foss Farrar, took off from the aviation field north of
the city for Topeka, where they expected to arrive before noon, to be present
there to participate and assist in negotiating an aviation bill which comes up
this evening. Along the road the boys will drop Arkansas City advertising
matter to let the people know where they are from.
The following Arkansas City business men
and firms contributed to defray the expenses of the pilots who made the trip:
Home National bank, Hill Investment Company, Traders State bank, Union State
bank, R. H. Rhoads, H. D. Howard, K. W. Daniels, J. R. Burford, Wm. Gardner, R.
T. Keefe, New Era Mill, Security National Bank, Dohrer Shoe Company, News
Publishing Company, I. E. Cornell, Frank Axley, Finney Creamery Co., Puritan
Billiard Parlors, Lions Club, Arkansas City Milling Co., and the Kanotex
Refining company.
THE COMMITTEE APPROVES
PLANE REGULATIONS
Feb. 10, 1921.—“Kansas men interested in
flying and air craft construction gave approval of the bill to regulate airplanes
at a committee hearing last night. The committee then voted for the bill. Eight
Arkansas City men flew to Topeka from Arkansas City yesterday to attend the
meeting. The bill is fashioned after the automobile law, imposing an annual
license fee of $20; only trained pilots would be granted licenses; regional
inspectors would be employed by the state to see that planes are fit for
flying, a fee of $2.50 being charged for each inspection. Air supervision would
be under a state aircraft board of which the state adjutant general would be
chairman ex-officio.”
CECIL
LUCAS INSTRUCTING
Aeroplane Field
South of City Used For Pilots to Fly
Feb. 10, 1921.—Pilot Cecil Lucas of the
Lucas-Hume Aeroplane company has recently enrolled five members in his flying
class, whom he will instruct in the art of flying. Bob Turner of Blackwell, Rae
Hudson, and John Turner of this city are three of five students who are receiving
their instructions in this city.
Mr. Lucas is a pilot who has had
considerable experience in the air, having served with the 135th air squadron
in France. He flew under Captain Eddie Rickenbacher and Captain Roosevelt while
in France. Pilot Lucas went to Topeka yesterday with the aero squadron from
Arkansas City and expects to arrive home this evening according to word
received in a telegram by Mrs. Lucas.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, February 10, 1921.
NEWS
FROM THE FLYERS
Boys
Arrive at Topeka Yesterday.
Flying
Time 2 hours 35 Minutes
The Arkansas City flying squad which left
here yesterday morning for Topeka arrived in that city yesterday afternoon a
little after 3 o’clock. They were compelled to make 3 forced landings but
encountered no serious mishaps.
From Pete Hill to his wife, “Arrived fine
and dandy, no trouble. Made trip in 2 hours and 30 minutes flying time.”
From Ralph Oldroyd to his wife: “Arrived
Topeka OK. 3 forced landings, no serious mishaps.”
From John Floyd to Mrs. Floyd: “Arrived
safely. Enjoyed trip very much. Will return today on the train.”
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, February 10, 1921.
Frank
Clough Writes
Frank Clough, who is attending college at
Emporia, writes to the Traveler that he had a fine visit with the
Arkansas City airplane men and their passengers in this city yesterday afternoon.
The local flyers stopped at Emporia for gasoline and they made a decided hit
with the people of that city, according to all reports. Frank says he certainly
enjoyed his visit with the home business men yesterday.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, February 10, 1921.
AIRMEN
IN EMPORIA
Arkansas City
Flyers “Bomb” That City Yesterday
Four airplanes from Arkansas City
bombarded Emporia Wednesday noon with thousands of dodgers boosting Arkansas
City. The airmen composing the Arkansas City flying squadron were on their way
to Topeka to lobby for Senator R. C. Howard’s bill to establish aviation
fields, in the state legislature.
The planes appeared over Emporia about 12
o’clock, and after flying low and releasing great quantities of bills, turned
to the northwest and landed on the Hatcher pasture. Gasoline and supplies were
taken and the flying squadron continued its journey to Topeka.
The dodgers call Arkansas City “The best
town on earth for its size” and list the following advantages:
Two aviation fields, 12,000 population,
bank deposits over $6,000,000, 55 miles of paved streets, four oil refineries,
surrounded by finest farm land in the state, two chambers of commerce, two
daily newspapers, and 99.1 per cent pure city water.
The planes are from the Williams-Hill
airplane company, which owns ten planes, two of which were in Emporia last
summer for commercial trips.
Several business men were with the planes
including John Floyd, Foss Farrar, Ralph Oldroyd, and Rae Hudson. The pilots
were Errett Williams, Cecil Lucas, Pete Hill, and Dick Phillips. They also
threw out literature advertising the New Era Milling company and Ark-Superior
oil and gas, refined in Arkansas City.—Gazette, Emporia.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, February 11, 1921.
FLYING
SQUADRON RETURNS
Thrilling Ride To
and From Topeka, as Told by Flyers
Report Fine Time and nice
Visit there and it Developed that This City
has
a Real “Flying Squirrel.”
The Arkansas City flying squadron,
composed of Pilots Williams, Lucas, Hill, and Phillips, and the passengers,
Oldroyd, Farrar, Floyd, and Hudson returned last evening from Topeka, landing
at the aviation field north of the city at 6 o’clock.
When the boys flew over Topeka, the
entire city was watching for them and when they bombarded the town with
literature advertising Arkansas City, the boys at the Capitol city knew
someone was in town. The town was literally covered with hand bills, after
which the boys flew to the Topeka aviation field where they were received by
members of the Topeka chamber of commerce and other delegations, who had been
waiting for them to land. After landing they were entertained with a dinner by
the Elks club, after which they were taken to the Capitol building and met by
Senator R. C. Howard. Mr. Howard had been looking for the boys all morning and
was much relieved when he knew they had arrived safely in Topeka. After a brief
visit with Senator Howard, several of the pilots gave flying exhibitions.
In the evening the chamber of commerce
had planned some very interesting entertainment for the boys, and had invited
several senators from different parts of Kansas. Here, the Arkansas City boys
met representatives and senators from every part of the state, renewing old
acquaintances and making new ones. Wednesday night the boys were taken to the
National hotel, where arrangements had been made to take care of them.
Yesterday morning Pilots Lucas, Williams,
and Phillips gave the senators some exhibition flying showing them just what
kind of flying should be prohibited and which kind of flying they would like to
have made a law.
Pilot Williams showed the crowd the kind
of flying that was most dangerous. He made an altitude climb with his ship and
“nosed” it down, encircling the dome of the capital building several times, driving
the spectators from their standing places to the inside of the building.
Pilot Phillips also did some stunt flying
which raised the hair on their heads. He gave the boys some tail spins, nose
dives, loops, and other spectacular stunts, which should be forbidden.
Pilot Lucas gave a conservative
exhibition of flying and was warmly received by the spectators.
Each one of the boys in the party gave
good talks along the lines of aviation and many good features were brought out,
which had never been explained before.
The flying party left Topeka yesterday
about noon and made the trip home in 1 hour and 55 minutes flying time. The
trip was surely a successful one, the flyers and ships encountering no
hardships whatever and the weather was ideal.
Sidelights
on the Trip
The line-up leaving Arkansas City was as
follows: Ralph Oldroyd flying with Pilot Williams, John Floyd with Dick Phillips,
Foss Farrar with Pete Hill, and Rae Hudson with Cecil Lucas.
The first forced landing was made by Pete
Hill and Foss Farrar, when they were forced down just east of New Salem,
Kansas. One bank of the motor went out and it was necessary to change spark
plugs. All ships encircled the disabled ship, landed, and gave their
assistance.
The boys landed at Emporia for gasoline
and oil and were charged 34 cents per gallon for gasoline, which gave them a
great surprise. It was not high test, either, they say.
Next forced landing was made just north
of Emporia, when Pilot Williams came down for water. His temperature gauge read
in centigrade renominations instead of Fahrenheit, which should be 70.
It developed on this trip there was
another human squirrel in the world, namely John Floyd. John was flying with
Dick Phillips, and at the request of Phillips, who asked John if he would climb
out on the cockpit and take the canvas off from the radiator, John got out of
the seat and took the canvas off as requested. [John said later that there were
two or three big knots raised in his throat.] Pilot Phillips thinks John would
make a good wing walker and is thinking seriously of employing him for this
work.
On the trip home Pete Hill and Cadet
Farrar had quite a time taking off at Topeka due to the fact there were several
bad air pockets in the air and it was hard for them to get altitude. Foss says
that feeling of dropping is sure a real sensation. They finally got their
altitude and gave the other boys a fast run for their money.
John Floyd, who had never been up before,
upon leaving Arkansas City was busily engaged fastening his belt on himself,
not thinking he had left the ground, but thought they were merely taxiing
about. He looked out of the ship and found they were more than 1000 feet in the
air. He says, “You just separate yourself from the ground.”
On the return trip home John Floyd and
Dick Phillips made many landings; the other boys landing to see what was the
trouble found they had landed merely to have a smoke. Dick excused John on several occasions, but
he has other ideas regarding the landings.
Foss Farrar was kept busy on the trip
keeping the grass picked off the flywheel wires of the plane. It was necessary
for Pilot Hill to land and padlock the safety belt, to hold him in, in case he
was “looped.”
The boys were surprised at a statement
made by Ralph Oldroyd when they flew over the capitol building at Topeka. Pilot
Williams thought of course Ralph would recognize the capitol city. Just as the
boys were flying over the dome of the capitol, Ralph turned and said to
Williams, “Isn’t that a beautiful church!”
The most exciting experience of anyone on
the trip was told on Rae Hudson. Anyone wanting to know the circumstances will
please call on Mr. Hudson. or any of the other boys, who will tell of the sad
thing which took place.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, February 11, 1921.
SENATOR
HOWARD’S LETTER
Another Spicy
Epistle That’s Filled with Much News.
Tells of Arkansas City’s Airmen—Puts
Their Town and Themselves in the Limelight
of
State of Kansas.
Dear Traveler:—Arkansas City has
been strictly on the map for the past few days. The airmen and their passengers
arrived yesterday evening and created quite a sensation. The flying time was
two hours and thirty-five minutes. They visited several cities on the way,
stopping in Emporia an hour or so and while there they took gas, and were
charged 34 cents per gallon. They claimed that this was ten cents higher than
the market price.
Last night a dinner was given by the
aeronautic committee of the chamber of commerce of Topeka, at the Elks club,
and about forty people were in attendance and it was a swell affair. The
Arkansas City flyers were all present, also the Arkansas City business men.
After the dinner the bunch appeared before the State Affairs committee and
explained the bill to the satisfaction of that committee, which reported it
out at the morning session of the senate.
At noon today the four Arkansas City
airmen and two Topeka boats gave a flying exhibition. One made an altitude
flight and went so high that the boat was barely visible to the eye. The other planes did all sorts of fancy
stunts, diving within a few feet of the dome of the statehouse, almost scraping
the tall buildings of the city in their daredevil experiments. Many people of Topeka were out to witness
these stunts and a large number with whom I have talked stated that they
considered the exhibition the best ever given in and around Topeka.
Topeka has an airplane factory here,
operated by the Longren Company, and I am informed that this company has sold
two hundred airplanes within the last year, in Kansas. Some of them were sold to farmers. The airmen
offered to take up any member of the legislature that wanted to go, but none of
them were particular about trying it after Senator Coleman made the statement
that all who went up would be sure to come down. Several of my friends and the
airmen invited me to make the trip, but I concluded that I was better suited
for riding in a Cole Eight than in a DeHaviland. The Arkansas City airmen did a
good job of advertising for Arkansas City, and enjoyed themselves while here,
having been splendidly entertained. This afternoon they started on the return
trip.
Just how far the aeronautic bill gets
towards being a law I am unable to state at this time. It may not get very far this session, but it
will probably attract enough attention at this time to have a proper law passed
next time.
[THE REST OF SENATOR HOWARD’S LETTER
PERTAINS TO OTHER MATTERS, BUT IS VERY INTERESTING.]
The bills for an incinerating plant
prepared at the request of Mayor Hunt have passed the senate and are now in the
house. It is possible that they will pass, as indications are favorable.
Last Sunday the Missus and myself were
entertained at the O. H. White home at dinner and there were also present Dr.
McCarter and Mrs. Margaret Hill McCarter. After dinner, Dr. McCarter took the
party out riding in his Cadillac, driving us through the city of Topeka and out
over the new hard surfaced road which Shawnee county has put in east of the
city. It is the intention of the county
to build this hard surfaced road to the county line, and then Douglas county
will take it up and build the same kind of a road through that county, and on
to Kansas City. This road is built of concrete. It is eighteen feet wide and is
already finished for eight miles east of Topeka. It cost the county $33,000 per
mile and it is claimed that the contractor lost $24,000 on the job. This road
is a wonderful one and for pleasure driving cannot be surpassed. For eight
miles each side of the road was almost continuously lined with machines, so
thick in fact that in order to turn around, it was necessary for one to drive
into an open field beside the road, in order to accomplish the feat.
Mrs. McCarter is a most interesting
talker. She knows the history of this section and relates it in a most
interesting style. The road mentioned above passes by Tecumseh, where the first
territorial government convened, and the old house which housed that government
is still standing and is in use as a storehouse and store. There are no windows
in the first floor, they are all in the second story.
One of the most interesting days in my
life was last Sunday due to the visit to historical places in this section,
having them explained by Mrs. McCarter. It is much more interesting to hear her
tell a story than it is to read it. It will be remembered that the O. H. White
family lived in Arkansas City some years ago. A matter of considerable interest
to people there is that Mr. and Mrs. White have a daughter who is the wife of a
missionary who is now in Turkey. They were driven out of Russia by the
Bolsheviks and are now under the protection of the Turks.
The Lambertson stock is going down. His
attack on Governor Allen has made him lose his prestige. For a while the house
appeared to be with him, but now they are just about as strong against him.
Wednesday afternoon I had quite a set-to
in the senate trying to amend the election law.
Senator Johnson of Brown county had a bill before the senate increasing
the amount to $75.00 to be allowed for election expenses at the primary and at
the general elections. The present law permits the expenditure of $50.00 by the
candidate and also allows him to spend all he wants for traveling expenses and
hotel bills. I moved to amend the law to permit the candidate to have the same
privilege for advertising as for traveling expenses and hotel bills. Other senators present agreed that they had
spent all the law allowed and that other parties had spent a great deal more to
elect them; and one was frank enough to say that if he came back again, he
would possibly let the street car company or electric light company pay his
expenses unless he was permitted to spend what he thought was necessary in the
way of advertising. However, the senators refused to amend the law and it sill
stands that a candidate cannot expend more than ten percent of his first year’s
salary, or fifty dollars as candidate for senator or representative. After an
hour or two of discussing, someone moved to knock out the enacting clause, and
that ended the controversy. The Topeka Journal contains the following
report of the scrap:
The senate Wednesday bared trade secrets
as to how they came to Topeka and searched their souls for words to tell what
they thought of the newspapers during a discussion of a bill by Johnson of
Brown which is designed to increase the amount of money which may be spent in
campaigns by candidates for office.
Most of the senators seemed in favor, at
first, of making the limit $75 for the primary and $75 for the general
election, in each county. The present limit is $50. But there was a provision
in the bill which required candidates who own newspapers to charge themselves
for personal notices at the same rate that they would have charged other
candidates. Senator J. M. Satterthwaite, who publishes the Douglass Tribune
in Butler county, objected vigorously to this provision.
Senator Satterthwaite took the stand that
the editor has as good a right to use the columns of his own paper in
furthering his candidacy, as the lawyer has to use the eloquence which is a
part of his own stock in trade. The other members of the senate, however, were
unable to see the point of the Tribune editor’s argument, and voted down
the amendment.
Then Senator “Dick” Howard took a whack
at another provision of the bill. Under it and under the present law, certain
expenses—traveling and hotel, are not counted in as campaign expenses, and
that candidate may spend as much money as he likes on these items. Senator Howard maintained that advertising
should come under the same head, and that the candidate should spend what he
pleases for this purpose. He pointed out that it would take very few
advertisements to use up the entire fund which the candidate is allowed to
spend. Of course, the “friends” of the
candidate who feel like extolling him through the press are at perfect liberty
to do so under the present law, to any extent they wish.
But the Howard amendment brought down the
deluge. Everybody took a whack at the practical, wolfish editor, who goes
about seeking whom, among the candidates, he may devour.
Most of the senators love their
newspapers just about as they cherish the hold-up man, to hear them tell it. Of
course, they almost invariably pointed out, it didn’t affect them personally
because they had not had to spend any money whatever themselves to win their
$3 a day jobs. It was marvelous, the unanimity with which they had avoided
incurring campaign expenses. But one of the essential items had almost always
been the insertion of advertisements in various papers, to keep on the good
side of the editors, and prevent those trenchant penmen from “roasting them.”
Of course, there were in most cases friends to foot the bills.
Senator Laing, of Russell, advanced the
theory that the constituents wanted to see and talk with the candidates
personally rather than to get their views and impressions second-handed through
the columns of the newspapers. He declared that he believed it better to spend money
for traveling and get out and meet the people personally than to spend it for
advertising.
Senator Hegler took the opposite view of
the matter, urging that in a district such as his own it was not only a
physical impossibility to get out and meet the people face to face but that the
people refused to be bothered and didn’t want their candidates coming around to
meet them.
“Wouldn’t live in such a community,” was
Laing’s retort.
Hegler declared that he loathes, hates,
and despises the use of newspaper advertisements, but regards them as necessary
evils, very evil indeed.
Senator Fisher, of Shawnee, then proposed
an amendment which would require the candidate to do his own advertising and
would prevent any third parties from doing it for him.
This didn’t appeal to the senators; and
they finally, after knocking out the various amendments, voted to kill the
entire bill over the protest of its author that it was designed to permit a
candidate to spend a “reasonable” amount of money to land his coveted $3 a day
job.
Yesterday afternoon at the governor’s
home, Mrs. Allen gave a tea for the wives of the members of the legislature. It
was some affair and a large number of the ladies were present. Mrs. Howard and Mrs. Price presided and had
the honor of pouring the tea. Society is getting to be so fast and furious here
that I do not see my wife only during sleeping time.
The senate this week has been getting
down to business, and I have had but very little time for writing; however, if
nothing happens, I will be more prompt with my future letters.
—R.
C. Howard.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, February 12, 1921.
MADE
HIT IN TOPEKA
Advertising Matter
from This City Surely was Recognized
Topeka, Feb. 12.—In their flight from
Arkansas City to Topeka last Wednesday, four Arkansas City business men in the
four planes utilized the opportunity to advertise their city by bombarding
cities and town en route from the skies with small posters. In bold type
heralding “Arkansas City, Kansas, the Best Town on Earth for its Size,” the
booster posters set forth that the city has “two aviation fields, 12,000
population, $5,000,000 bank deposits, 55 miles of paved streets, four big oil
refineries, two chambers of commerce, 99 99.100 per cent pure water, two daily
newspapers, surrounded by finest farm land in the state.”
The novel trip was made to attend a
hearing on a bill regulating air travel in the state, before the senate
committee on state affairs. Senator R. C. Howard of Arkansas City was author of
the original air bill; but this measure was substituted by a bill drafted by
Harry H. Colmery of Topeka, former army aviator.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, February 12, 1921.
FLYERS
COME IN PLANES
New Measure
Puts Air Traffic Under State Control
Favorable comment on the new aircraft
bill before the legislature by men interested in aircraft brought about an
early and unanimous decision by the senate committee on state affairs to report
the bill out favorably at a public hearing last night. It will go to the senate
on general orders today.
Visitors at the hearing were the pilots
and business men interested in the Arkansas City airplane school who came here
yesterday in planes to be at the hearing and incidentally to demonstrate the
progress aeronautics has made in the state.
A dinner was given the visitors at the
Elks’ club last night by A. L. Oliver, secretary of the Kansas Motor Trades
association. Senator R. C. Howard, of Arkansas City, was a guest.
Senator
is in Air
“I am a good pilot,” he said. Being a
member of the legislature gives me good practice of being up in the air most
of the time.”
State regulation of air traffic is the
short way of stating the provision of the bill. It is as near the automobile
licensing system as is possible with the variance of mode of travel.
A state aircraft board is proposed. The
adjutant general would be chairman ex-officio of the board. Two other members
would be appointed by him.
License fees would be $20 a year. A tag
on the lower wing would indicate that the license is paid.
State
to Inspect Machines
Regional inspectors would be kept by the
state to see that all planes are kept fit for flying. A fee of $2.50 would be
charged for each inspection.
Only pilots who have reached the “solo
stage” would be granted a license to fly. A certificate from the instructor
would be proof of eligibility.—Topeka Capital.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, February 15, 1921.
FALSE,
WRITES SEN. HOWARD
Report Circulated that
Senate is not Friendly to American Legion
Praises Ark Bacon—Tells
of R. T. Keefe of Henneberry & Co.,
Sending
Him Slab of Wonderful Bacon
Dear Traveler:—There was quite a
scrap Friday in the senate over the bill of Senator Laing’s in which he
endeavored to get a measure passed that would prevent any one voting in bond
elections—except school bond elections—who did not own property. It created a
great deal of discussion. Judge Skidmore probably made the best speech against
the measure and Senator Laing for the bill. After the speeches were all made,
the senate knocked out the enacting clause. I was opposed to the bill for the
reason that it was un-American and apparently made voting a closed corporation.
I would rather be for a bill that would make everyone vote. Senator Laing was
for the bill because he claimed that the floating population voted the bonds
upon the property owners. It has been my experience that such is not the case.
I have always noticed that when bonds were voted the business men, commercial
clubs, and newspapers as well as property owners were for the proposition. I
think all the bonds we have ever had voted in our town were voted by the
business men, newspapers, chamber of commerce and tax payers. I do not believe
that any floating vote ever put any taxes on our community. I know in the last
bond election in Arkansas City that it was the working men who defeated the
memorial bonds. At any rate the life of the bill under discussion was short
after it got on the floor of the senate, and it went where most of the “good”
bills should go.
Friday Grant Wilkins and Joe Henderson of
Burden were in the city. Mr. Henderson is chairman of the republican county
central committee and put up the last campaign. While Mr. Henderson never told
me so, I understand that he is a candidate for the appointment of prohibition
enforcement officer. A. Q. Miller, publicity man of the republican state
central committee in the last campaign, and Herb Caverness of the Chanute
Tribune are also candidates.
Senate Bill No. 34 regulating state
aeronautics was reported out by the state affairs committee for passage and is
now on general orders. There is a possibility of its passage in the senate, and
it has already been reported out of the house and is on second reading. It is
just possible that this bill may become a law, and if it should, it will be due
to the fact that the Arkansas City airmen came here and put on their splendid
exhibition. I have had a great deal of aid also from the aeronautic committee
of the Topeka chamber of commerce.
Sunday afternoon Mr. and Mrs. W. K. Etter
called up room 403 at the National and asked Mr. and Mrs. Howard and Mrs.
Norris to go riding. The invitation was accepted and Assistant General Manager
Etter drove us all over the city and through the parks. The drive was very much
enjoyed and the weather here was of the summer variety.
Mrs. George Norris, delegate to the
executive council of the American Legion from the Arkansas City local, arrived
in the city this morning and what time she could spare from Legion work has
been visiting with Mrs. Howard. They have had a very nice time. Mrs. Norris has
had to devote considerable time to attending the meetings of the executive
council. Mrs. Norris is becoming state-wide known in the American Legion work
and possibly may become a national figure. Members of the Topeka American
Legion suggested that if she desired they would get behind her and push her for
member of the national committee. She told the overseas boys here that she
would give the matter consideration and if she thought that she could give the
position the attention it needed she might accept their offer. There is but
little doubt if Mrs. Norris should become an active candidate for this position
it would be given her. If she does not secure it, it will be because she came
to the conclusion that she could not look after it as it should be and give it
the time it should have.
One afternoon this week Mrs. Howard
attended a reception given by the Woman’s Club at the home of Mrs. H. P.
Dillon. Mrs. Dillon has the reputation of having the finest furnished home in
Topeka. Her husband, who was a railroad attorney, spent years of his life in
building the home and furnishing and selecting the furniture. The missus claims
that it was a treat just to see the interior and furnishings of this home. The
guests of the club that day all had a most enjoyable time and remarked upon the
splendor of the Dillon mansion.
Yesterday afternoon and today Mrs. Watt Weightman and Mrs. Charles
Searle, wives of Topeka members of the house, entertained for the ladies of the
legislature, celebrating the 75th birthday of Mrs. Weightman. Mrs. Howard was
fortunate enough to be invited to both of these affairs.
Representative Bob Murray, who is about
to get his name in the papers up here oftener than I do, went home Friday and
will return for the session the first of the week. As soon as Bob gets there,
he will regale you with some wonderful stories and I believe they are
absolutely true. I think there is hardly a man in the house who is more popular
than Bob. He is one of the best story tellers of my acquaintance. After the
day’s work is done and members convene in the hotel lobby, Bob will entertain a
number of his friends with very interesting stories of his experiences and
descriptions of the proceedings of the house. It is no trouble for Bob to
entertain and amuse all listeners from 7:30 until 11:00. One evening this last
week a crowd was gathered around him listening to his stories and I want to
assure you that he absolutely made me laugh until my sides ached. Bob is
usually bubbling over with humor and his stories and fun seem to be
inexhaustible. All the members of the house with whom I have talked say that
Bob is making an excellent representative and that he is very watchful and
careful in considering all bills that come before that body.
Representative James McDermott has had
but little time to devote to any legislative work except that of the
administration. He is floor leader and has given nearly all of his time to the
work mapped out by Governor Allen and his administration. Up to this time he
has given very little time to community bills. Jim has gotten wonderful results
for the administration. He has put bills through that at first looked
impossible. He is one of the best debaters in the house and he generally makes
a clear and forcible argument in behalf of any subject he takes up.
On Lincoln’s birthday only a short
session of the senate was held, from eleven to eleven-thirty. The Woman’s
Relief Corps put on a little program from 11:30 to 12. There was a reading of
Lincoln’s speech at Gettysburg, given by a talented young lady of this city,
and America, Star-Spangled Banner, and Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean, were
sung after which a short talk was given by Mrs. Fitzgerald, representing the
W.R.C. Mrs. Fitzgerald is a sister of Mrs. W. I. Martin of Arkansas City.
My old friend, Mrs. Myra McHenry, is on
duty in the third house. Whenever the legislature is not in session, you can
generally find a group of legislators standing around listening to her. When
the legislature is busy, Mrs. McHenry can generally be found doing her share of
polishing the brass rail in the rotunda. Usually, however, she is giving
someone fits and I often wonder how I escape her; but she told a bunch of the
legislators the other day that she had known me for years and that she had been
in my city in jail for ten days and made the city feed her. She also said that
I was her friend and one of the best men she ever knew. I always try and manage
to keep away from her for fear that she may change her mind.
The legislature has now a gridiron press
club made up of the editor-members of the house and senate. Thursday at
Pellitier’s the active editors who are members of the legislature and their
wives met and broke bread together. I was elected president of the club and
Charles Mann of the house, secretary. We had at this meeting one of the most
delightful times I have ever had in Topeka. There were about seventeen present
and around the banquet table and all told newspaper experiences. Ever since I
began life in the printing office I have always had the feeling that printer’s
ink makes the atmosphere just a little purer, and I breathe freer when in the
company of the newspaper boys. This bunch of editor-members of the legislature
got their newspaper education in Kansas and the most of them were old-timers,
men who had been in the newspaper business when the silver dollar appeared to
be as large as a cart wheel when it came to taking it in or expending it. As a
guest of the club, Mrs. Noble Prentis was present. Mrs. Prentis has spent a
great portion of her life in Kansas and the most of it in Topeka. She is the
wife of the lamented Noble Prentis, one of the pioneer editors of the sunflower
state. Everyone who has lived in Kansas a score of years knew Noble Prentis or knew
of him.
The Rotary club puts on a mock session of
the legislature at its next luncheon and I have a bill I am going to introduce,
which I think will be satisfactory to the club members, but which will no doubt
get the enacting clause struck out.
The house has resolved to quit
introducing bills on the 16th of February. The senate has not yet agreed to
concur in the resolution.
The other day I got a letter from Richard
T. Keefe, and in answering I told him that I wished I had a slice of his good
Ark bacon and you can’t guess what Dick did to me. By return mail he sent me a
slab of bacon which would last me a month at home; but if I can get someone to
cook it, I am going to have some real bacon, the palatable kind, the more you
eat the more you want to eat. I am arranging with the legislators of the press
club to have a bacon supper some evening next week at Pellitier’s. I am going
to have that slab of Ark bacon served to all the editors and wives that belong
to the club. I have told them what wonderful bacon is turned out by Henneberry
& Company and I have their mouths all watering in anticipation of that
supper.
There are several members of the senate
who were overseas and several other senators who had sons overseas. I mention
this fact because I understand that the report has been circulated in Arkansas
City that there are no members of the senate friendly to the American Legion,
which report I desire to say is false and without foundation.—R. C. Howard
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, February 15, 1921.
AVIATORS
IN LIMELIGHT
Arkansas City Cadets
Receiving Telegrams from California
Foss Farrar of the Home National bank
received the following telegram from Ralph Dixon this morning, who is spending
a few weeks in California. The telegram reads as follows: “Farrar, Oldroyd, and Floyd, Aviators,
Arkansas City, Kansas, ‘One Hundred Per Cent on Nerve, nothing on judgment.’”
It is evident that Dr. Dixon is receiving the Arkansas City Traveler and
saw the account of the flying squadron which recently made a trip to Topeka.
The boys were very much pleased to hear from Dr. Dixon.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, February 18, 1921.
HOME
FROM TEXAS
800 Mile Trip
Made by Aeroplane by Local Men
H. E. Chouteau of the ReNu Tire company
of this city and Chas. Mays of Pawhuska, have returned from an 800 mile
aeroplane trip through Texas and Oklahoma, where they went several days ago,
with the intention of buying some farm lands; however, they did not purchase
any land. The trip was made without any mishaps, save a couple of forced
landings. The boys report a very
enjoyable time on the flying trip to the south.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, February 21, 1921.
COMMENCE
WORK ON HANGAR
Workmen Have Laid
All Plans For Building North of City
Lee Biggs and Foss Farrar completed all
arrangements Saturday for the erection of the aeroplane hangars which will be
erected on the land north of this city, which is at the present time occupied
by the Williams-Hill Aeroplane company, as a landing field. Mr. Biggs recently
returned from Wichita where he purchased the necessary material to build the
building. Work was started this morning and the ground has already been laid
off. It is thought this work will be completed within the course of a week or
so and the new hangars will then be ready for occupancy. The Chamber of
Commerce recently got behind this proposition and put it through in a hurry,
thus making it possible for Arkansas City to be recognized as a stopping place
for transit aeroplanes.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, February 22, 1921.
WILL
MOVE SHOPS
Williams-Hill Aeroplane
Company Soon to Occupy New Hangars
The Williams-Hill Aeroplane Co., which
has been occupying the front part of the basement in the Overland agency
building in this city, is making preparations to move their work shop to the
aviation field north of this city, where they will be located in the
future. As soon as the hangars are
completed, this firm will install a new and up-to-date machine shop to do all
kinds of repairing to aeroplane motors as well as doing other kind of work on
an aeroplane or the parts of a plane.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, February 23, 1921.
KANSAS SOLONS WORK TO
CLEAR LEGISLATION
HOWARD’S
AIR CRAFT
Not to be Circulated by Manufacturers
of Material, a Howard Bill, Passed Senate.
[Excerpts
from Topeka paper]
Senator
Howard’s Aircraft Bill
Senator Howard’s bill creating an
aircraft inspection board and regulating air navigation was passed by the house
today on third reading. It received a barely constitutional majority of 64 to
52.
Mustn’t
Solicit Work
A bill under consideration in the senate
today would make it a violation of law for any dealer or manufacturers of
highway making materials such as cement or brick or his representative to
circulate a petition to pave any street, avenue, or alley in a second or third
class city. Senator Howard of Arkansas City is chairman of the committee which
submitted the measure.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, February 23, 1921.
PLAY
JOKE ON SEN. HOWARD
While Making Eloquent
Speech on His Aircraft Bill Senators Leave
City Attorney Dale Wants Bill
Passed Changing Sewer Law—Sen. Howard
Says
Arkansas City Always Late.
Dear Traveler:—There has been a
considerable change in the weather up here, a very heavy snow is falling at
this writing; however, it is melting about as fast as it falls. Up to this time
we have had nothing but sunshiny weather, and several days it was not cold
enough for an overcoat; as a result, the change and snow is very disagreeable,
but it will not last long.
Last Saturday was the time for
discontinuing the introduction of bills, except those introduced as committee
bills. Of course, there are many who still have bills they want to get in and
are trying to get them in as committee bills, and a number are succeeding. It
looks like at this time the legislature would be in session a month longer.
I saw Rev. Gardner when he was here with
the basketball team last week, and trimmed the Washburn team; also saw Harry
Hart of the Winfield Free Press, and had a very pleasant visit with Rev.
Gardner.
Saturday night I met W. L. Cunningham in
the hotel lobby. It was quite a surprise to me, as I did not know he was in
town. He brought his mother to her home in Topeka Saturday. Will’s mother is quite old and he accompanied
her home to see that she arrived safely. She had been down there visiting for
about six weeks and did not intend to stay that long, but while she was there
William Cunningham, Jr., contracted a case of scarlet fever and the Cunninghams
were quarantined and Mrs. Cunningham had to remain there until the quarantine
was lifted, which was last week some time.
Saturday senate bill No. 34, the aircraft
bill, came up in the senate on general orders and while the reading was in progress
the entire senate except five members walked out on me and went up in the
gallery where they sat during the reading of the bill so they could be up in
the air, you know. Just before the vote was taken Senator Coleman, who remained
in the senate chamber, made a motion that the sergeant-at-arms be instructed to
remove the rough-necks from the gallery; and when the attention of the chair
was called to the senators in the gallery, he ordered the sergeant-at-arms to
see that all those senators who were physically able be returned to their seats
in the senate chamber and that each senator who was not in his seat during the
reading of the bill be fined a box of apples. The senators returned and tried
to get excused from the apples, but the chair overruled them; then they
appealed to the senate and the senate voted unanimously to sustain the members
who went to the gallery, but the chair announced the vote contrariwise. As it
turned out the joke was on the senators rather than me. They are not only stuck
for the apples, but they walked out on general orders instead of third reading.
The joke is supposed to be, to walk quietly out on some senator who has a bill
up on third reading, and roll call is on, so when the senator wakes up by
hearing no answers to the roll call, he begins to wonder what the trouble is.
This joke was planned by Senator Paul Kimball, who claims that they wanted to
get up in the air as high as they could in order to help my aircraft bill
along. Senator Kimball also claims that this kind of a joke is never attempted
except on members they like or members they consider good fellows.
I meet George and Byron Wagner
occasionally. They are former Arkansas City people, and are well known. Byron
Wagner married a sister of Mrs. J. W. Heck of Arkansas City.
City Attorney Kirke Dale arrived in the
city this morning. He wants a bill passed changing the sewer law; and if it
goes through, it will take some exceptionally hard work. In this connection I want to say that the trouble
with Arkansas City is it never has its legislation ready to present until the
last minute. You take Wyandotte and Sedgwick counties and other counties that
have a great deal of special legislation to be put through; they have
everything ready in the early part of the session and as a result they get
nearly everything they want.
The Topeka Capital contained the
following report of the joke pulled on me in regard to the aircraft bill.
“When Senator Howard’s aviation bill came
up in the senate on general orders yesterday, the other senators did their best
to show that they are for it. While the author and sponsor of the bill was
making an eloquent speech on its merits, the senators one by one left their
seats and went up in the balcony as high as they could get.
“Senator Howard didn’t notice the crowd
diminishing. The practice of carrying on business in the senate with an almost
empty house is getting to be a common thing anyway.
“However, the joke wasn’t altogether on
Howard. Senator Fisher, acting as chairman, continued to put motions and carry
on other business with only five senators in their seats.
“Senator Howard ‘tumbled’ to the joke by
seeing Senator Johnson glance toward the gallery. Then the fun started. Senator
Coleman made a motion that the sergeant-at-arms be instructed to clear the
gallery of rough-necks. The motion prevailed and the galleries were at once
cleared.
“Senator Fisher fined each senator who
was out of his seat at the time a box of apples. A motion to override his ruling was lost so
the senate is expecting to have an all week’s apple feast.”
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, February 23, 1921.
PICTURES
BY AEROPLANE
Strand Received
Views From 101 Ranch For Program
Pilot Cecil Lucas and E. J. Reid, a
representative of the Traveler, went to the 101 ranch this afternoon to
get a feature picture which will run at the Strand theatre tonight. The regular
shipment of pictures that were supposed to come here for today’s program did
not arrive, and it was necessary to get a program at once. W. L. Baldridge
thought of the aeroplane and employed Cecil Lucas of the Hume-Lucas Aeroplane
company of south of the city to make the trip. The trip from Arkansas City to
the 101 ranch was made in 19 minutes.
Joe Miller, of the ranch, was notified of the proposed trip and had a
big dinner awaiting the arrival of the boys. After dinner Mr. Miller was given
a short ride after which the boys left for home, making the trip here in 35
minutes. The Strand theatre received the pictures in due time for the afternoon
matinee. The trip was made without any mishaps and the verdict of the invited
guest was that it was a wonderful trip.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, February 24, 1921.
PLANES
TO DODGE CITY
Machines and
Eleven Passengers Go To Elks Meeting
Pilots Lucas, Phillips, Beech, Hill, and
Williams with passengers Dick Butler, Burton Hess, Ike Stewart, Walter Mathews,
Harley McElhinney, and Earl Hart left Arkansas City this morning for Dodge
City, Kansas, where they will be present at the inaugural exercises of an Elk
lodge at that city tonight. The Hutchinson lodge will have charge of the
meeting and will be assisted by Arkansas City Elks. A big time has been planned
and many Elks from all over Kansas will be there. The trip by air line
constitutes more than 200 miles, but the boys expected to make the trip in less
than 3 hours. They will return tomorrow.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, February 24, 1921.
PICTURES
AT STRAND
Real Old Time 101
Ranch Pictures Exhibited Last Night
The Strand theatre presented a very
unusual program last night to its patrons, the program coming from the 101
Ranch. The picture, “The White Dove’s Sacrifice,” a feature picture made at the
101 Ranch, was an Indian story with an all star Indian cast and was very
pleasing. In connection a one reel picture of the 101 Ranch Wild West show in
California was shown and a one reel special picture of ranch life showing the
modern equipment used on this big ranch. The picture looked very familiar to
those who attended and who have been guests at the ranch at some time or other.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, February 25, 1921.
WIND
FORCES PLANES DOWN
Local Pilots and Elks
Landed on Field at Wichita Yesterday
Wichita, Kan., Feb. 25—Flying against the
strong winds prevailing Thursday was too much of a job for four airplanes,
which were forced to land at Laird field in Wichita about 1:30 o’clock on their
way from the lower altitude.
The planes carried eight Elks from
Arkansas City Lodge No. 956 who are going to Dodge City to organize a new lodge
Friday evening. They left Arkansas City about 11:30 o’clock and landed two
hours later in Wichita. Richard Phillips, pilot of a DeHaviland, carried W. W.
Matthews as a passenger. The other planes were Standards and a Canadian
Curtiss. The pilots were going from Arkansas City to Dodge City. Both low and
high altitudes were tried, but the high velocity of the wind prevailed at 6000
feet as well as at lower altitudes. Pilots were Walter Beech, Errett Williams,
and Peter Hill. Passengers were B. F. Hess, Dick Butler, and Earl Hart.
The travelers were entertained at the
Elks club Thursday night. The planes are owned by the Williams-Hill Airplane
company of Arkansas City.
“Battle against the winds,” is the way
Aviator Dick Phillips, piloting one of the four planes, characterized his
fight to reach the Laird field, and who was caught in an air pocket and forced
to the ground in the south edge of Wichita.
Phillips said he was flying low and when
the uncertain current bore him downward he settled behind a grove of trees, the
plane never moving a yard after it struck, so slowly was it traveling. Phillips
had been forced previously to land at Mulvane, where he discharged his
passenger, Walter Matthews, the latter coming to Wichita by automobile. Cecil
Lucas, a fifth flyer, failed to get away from Arkansas City with his passenger.
One plane was slightly damaged by the
wind, but it was repaired by the Laird Airplane company Thursday night. The
party expected to start Friday morning for Dodge City. The same group went to
Topeka recently by the airplane and lobbied for air legislation.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, February 25, 1921.
COL.
JOE MILLER IN CITY
101 Ranch
Pioneer Called on Friends For Visit Here
Colonel Joe Miller from the 101 ranch was
in the city yesterday en route to Winfield, where he went to attend a sale of
registered hogs. Mr. Miller made the trip by automobile to Arkansas City and
intended making the trip to Winfield and return to the 101 ranch by aeroplane,
but he was informed that the wind was entirely too strong to make the trip, so
he continued the trip by automobile. Mr. Miller stated while in the city that
he would soon have more than 1000 little pigs to add to his already large
number of hogs, now in the pens at the ranch.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, February 26, 1921.
FLY
TO DODGE CITY
Cecil Lucas and Ike
Stewart Left This Morning On Air Trip
Pilot Cecil Lucas and a passenger, Ike
Stewart, left this morning in the Lucas aeroplane for Dodge City, where they
expect to meet the other flyers who left here yesterday morning, and who were
compelled to land at Wichita on account of the high winds. The other boys left
Wichita this morning and expect to arrive at Dodge City by noon. It is possible
that Lucas and Stewart overtook the other boys at Wichita; but if they did not,
they intended to meet them at Dodge City. Lucas and Stewart were forced to land
north of the city yesterday morning on account of a leaky water connection,
which shorted the motor. Everything was working fine this morning when they
took off from the field north of town. They are making the trip in a Standard
plane.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, February 26, 1921.
FLYERS
RETURNED HOME
Local Boys Did
not Go to Dodge City as Expected
Pilots Williams, Lucas, Phillips, Beech,
and Hill and passengers Stewart, Hess, Hart, Mathews, and Butler returned this
morning from Wichita, where they flew Thursday en route to Dodge City where
they were to assist in installing a new Elks Lodge.
The high winds of Thursday made it
necessary for the flyers to come down at Wichita, and they did not go on to
Dodge City. It was necessary for Pilot Williams to land in the dark at the
field north of the city, which landing he made with very much success.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, February 28, 1921.
Hill
Garage Moved
Art Hill, proprietor of the Hill garage,
has moved from his former location in the basement of the Overland Motor Co.
building to 306 North Summit street. Mr. Hill purchased the business of the
Cannon Ball garage located at the above address, and has moved his repair shop
there. Mr. Hill has several of the best mechanics in this section, and he has
one of the finest equipped automobile shops in the southwest. Besides doing
general repair work on automobiles, Mr. Hill in his new location will have
storage for cars. The Hill garage opened for business with a big rush this
morning.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, March 1, 1921.
TO
SALE BY AEROPLANE
Arkansas City
Men Use Air Route To Sale Today
Fred Jepson, assistant cashier of the
Security National bank, and Pilot Cecil Lucas, of the Lucas-Hume aeroplane
company, went to the J. W. Cook sale southeast of this city this morning in the
Big Standard aeroplane belonging to the Hume-Lucas company. Mr. Jepson clerked
the sale. The boys expected to make the trip in only a few minutes, as the
distance is less than 15 miles. They returned home this evening.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, March 7, 1921.
AN
AEROPLANE CRASHED
Plane and Passengers
Crash to the Ground Saturday Night
Pilot Dick Phillips and two passengers,
Virgil “Runt” LaSarge and a lady, whose name was not learned, met with a very
severe accident late Saturday evening when they were flying north of the city.
According to the information from persons who knew regarding the accident, it
is to the effect that late Saturday afternoon Phillips, LaSarge, and a young
lady who was playing at the Rex theatre last week, went to the north field for
an aeroplane ride. The pilot got the
ship up to about 2,000 feet altitude, “kicked” it into two loops, then threw
the ship into a tail spin. From all indications, the ship did not come out of
the spin and crashed to the ground with great force; however, the position in
which the ship landed on the ground is the only reason given that all three
occupants were not seriously injured or killed. As it was, not one of the three
received a scratch. In going over the ground where the ship landed, the track
made by the plane indicated both of the wings on one side were buried into the
ground, and as it lit the engine nosed over, completely demolishing the
propeller, engine, and indicator. The ship is a total wreck according to pilots
who saw it after the accident.
The ship piloted by Phillips was owned by
O. A. Williams of Forest City, Mo., and was brought here in December to take
part in the air frolic, which was held here at that time. The ship did not belong to the Williams-Hill
Aeroplane company; neither did Phillips work for this company, as he only used
the north field for commercial purposes. The accident which occurred Saturday
afternoon is the first accident of any kind that has ever happened on the
Williams-Hill field and it could have been prevented according to experienced
pilots, who know the facts. The damage done to the ship is estimated at $2,500.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, March 8, 1921.
Pilot Mays is expected to arrive this
evening in his new Lincoln Standard plane from Pawhuska, where he went several
days ago on business.
Pilot Beech has returned from a business
trip to points in Missouri, where he took a new plane several days ago. Mr.
Beech will remain in this city for the time being and work out of here.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, March 8, 1921.
COMMERCIAL
AIR TRAVELING
Local Aeroplane
Company Makes a Trip Today By Air.
Pilot Errett Williams received a
telephone message last evening asking him if he would take a passenger to
McAlester, Oklahoma, and he replied that he would. The man at the other end of
the line informed Mr. Williams that he would be ready to start early this
morning. Pilot Williams did not learn the passenger’s name, but the two met at
the aviation field this morning and took off for the Oklahoma town. Mr.
Williams stated the air distance to McAlester was probably 250 miles, and he
was in hopes of making the trip in about three hours. The weather for flying
this morning, according to Pilot Williams, was fine.
The men took off in the big DeHaviland
plane, which is a new one and should not give any trouble on the trip. Mr.
Williams expects to return tomorrow, stopping at Tulsa, Oklahoma, on his return
trip.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, March 8, 1921.
Pete
Hill in Nebraska.
Pilot Pete Hill of the Williams-Hill
Aeroplane company left last evening for Lincoln, Nebraska, where he will look
over the different models of Lincoln-Standard planes, and in all probability
will fly a new ship to Arkansas City. This company has several good prospects
for planes, and the Williams-Hill company wants to furnish only the best ships
that can be built.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, March 8, 1921.
TO
CONTROL AERIAL TRAVEL
Gen. Martin Will
Appoint Aides on Board Soon.
Law Governs Fliers and
Provides Regulation of Planes—
Larger
Cities May Maintain Aviation Field.
W. G. Clugston, well-known newspaper
correspondent of the United Press and the Kansas City Post, with
headquarters at Topeka, at the present time is engaged in writing up and
explaining the important laws passed by the last legislature. Clugston, as a
reporter, is a regular “go and get it.” He is the reporter who was caught hid
behind a desk taking notes during an executive session of the senate. He was
arrested and kept a prisoner by the sergeant-at-arms of the senate for 25 hours
and ever since the newspaper boys have considered “Clug” a martyr as well as a
hero.
In writing up the important laws passed
by the last legislature, “Clug” wrote up the aircraft bill by Senator Howard as
the one second in importance. At first glance the aircraft bill might not be
taken seriously, but is really an important measure when it is given the proper
consideration. It is left to Kansas to blaze the way in this important
legislation. The next move is to secure national legislation, and it has
already been started.
Navigating the air has come to stay and
it should be controlled by the proper authorities. The aviation field in time
will become just as important to larger cities as grounds for railroad
terminals. All big cities will want them, and in Kansas this can now be
arranged for according to law.
In case of another war every Kansas pilot
who is licensed will be able to serve at a moment’s notice.
There are other features in the law just
as important as those mentioned above, but further details will be omitted
excepting those given by Mr. Clugston in the Kansas City Post, in his
correspondence under a Topeka date line of March 6, which follows.
“Adjutant General Charles I. Martin, who
will be chairman of the state aircraft board created by the legislators, stated
Friday that he expected to get at the work of organizing the new “flying board”
at once and hoped to have the board in operation in a short time.
“Under provisions of the bill, the
adjutant general will appoint two other persons who will serve with him as
members of the state aircraft board, and aviators will be forced to show the
proper qualifications before being permitted to fly and their machines will
have to be licensed just as automobiles are.
“The registration fee for pilots is fixed
at $15 a year and the license tag fee for planes will be $10 a year when the
new law, drawn up by Sen. R. C. Howard of Arkansas City, becomes effective.
Also, it is provided that all planes used for carrying passengers shall be
inspected and after making one inspection a year free, the board is allowed to
collect $2.50 for each additional inspection.”
Protects
Persons on Ground.
“Not only will the new Howard law attempt
to lessen the danger of flying by requiring inspection and licensing of planes
and the registration of pilots, but it will protect persons on the ground from
dangers from the air.
“One of its provisions would prohibit
flying over any city at an altitude lower than that at which the plane could
glide to safety in case of engine trouble, and flyers will be prohibited from
flying over any premises at an altitude lower than 250 feet. Another section of
the law designed to protect persons on the ground from ‘flying dangers’ reads:
“‘No person in aircraft shall cause or
permit to be thrown out, discharged, or dropped, any ballast, instruments,
tools, or containers unless it be directly over a place established for that
purpose and all equipment carried in aircraft shall be fastened securely in
place before leaving the ground.”
Eliminates
Outside Competition.
“One of the features of the Howard bill
that will be of great interest and benefit to the larger cities is that which
empowers the mayors and city commissioners of all cities in the state to use
money in the general funds of such cities for the purpose of purchasing and
maintaining suitable aviation fields. And it is further provided that all funds
collected by the aircraft board which are not used in paying actual expenses
shall be distributed among the cities that establish municipal landing fields
under the provisions of this law.
“Kansas aviators who engage in commercial
or taxi flying are protected from unfair competition from other states in that
the new law provides that a non-resident cannot engage in this state in the
carrying of passengers for hire by aircraft or in any commercial aviation for
hire unless he has complied with the provisions of this act governing
registration, the payment of license fees and inspections, as if he were a
resident of this state.
“All dealers who handle airplanes will be
required to pay a license fee of $20 a year.”
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, March 16, 1921.
The
Aeroplane Hangars
The work on the aeroplane hangars north
of the city is being rushed to completion, according to Errett Williams, and
will be ready to be occupied by the last of next week. This building, when
completed, will be one of the best and most up-to-date hangars in this section
of the country. The building is of reinforced concrete. Lee Biggs is the
contractor.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, March 17, 1921.
HANGARS
ABOUT COMPLETED
Williams &
Hill Will Have Opening Day Next Week
The improvement on the Williams-Hill
aeroplane field, one mile north of the city, will be completed on Saturday,
March 19, and an opening will be held early next week.
The building will contain ten hangars and
a workshop of 60 by 40 feet, large enough to hold five planes for complete overhauling
and rebuilding.
The entire construction bespeaks the last
word in commodious arrangement and general utility. It is equipped with gas,
oil, water, electricity, and telephone. Pete Hill is the architect.
The 500 gallon gasoline tank, which is
placed underground, is furnished with a five gallon throw, one of the latest
devices in tank filling.
The official mark of the port is ARK-17.
Any flyer is privileged to land and to obtain service.
The field is officially recognized by the
United States government as one of the best in the country since the landing
place is especially adapted for use in wet weather.
The Chamber of Commerce and Lee M. Biggs,
contractor, deserve praiseworthy mention in regard to the development of the
field and the building under construction. All commercial rights are held by
Errett Williams and Pete Hill, who are master mechanics, and aviators of
unusual qualifications. They are Arkansas City boys, and genial young fellows
who have a host of friends who wish them success.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, March 17, 1921.
EN
ROUTE TO ARDMORE
Aeroplane
From Great Bend Here Last Night
Pilot Asque and passenger Ralph A.
Northrup of Great Bend, Kansas, landed at the north field last night en route
to Ardmore, Okla., where they expected to arrive before noon today. These men were going to Ardmore on business
and expected to hear some of the Hamon murder trial, which is in session at
that city at this time. Mr. Northrup and Pilot Asque said when they landed here
last night that they had heard a great deal about Arkansas City, its landing
field, and the business men of this city. They were greatly impressed when they
drove into the city last night. They left early this morning for the south
after a pleasant visit here.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, March 22, 1921.
NEW
PLANE ARRIVED
Long Trip from Lincoln,
Neb., to Arkansas City Made in Good Time
Despite the bad weather of the past few
days Pilot Mays returned yesterday evening from Lincoln, Neb., where he went
after a new Standard aeroplane, which he will use in passenger service. Pilot
Mays says the new machine is a dandy and is an unusually good flyer. The
machine is one of the new type Standard planes with a very high horse power
motor, capable of making better than 110 miles per hour, has a capacity of
carrying many hundred pounds, and can stay in the air several more hours than
any of the local planes. It also is a very attractive machine.
Pilot Williams states that the plane is a
huge affair and splendid for passenger work. It has seating capacity for three
passengers.
Pilot Mays, who is very well acquainted
with the local aviators, flew over the field last evening, settled and landed
his plane with ease. The local pilots complimented him very highly for the
skillful way he handled the new ship. Mays will remain here for several days
before he takes off for his home at Pawhuska.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, March 22, 1921.
HANGARS
NOW OCCUPIED
Ships Have Been
Taken into New Quarters North of City
Errett Williams, of the Williams-Hill
aeroplane company, announced last evening that it was possible now to take
their planes into the new hangars. They were needed badly owing to the fact
that a storm would do much damage to the planes should a strong wind arise. The
planes, it was stated, are now in out of the weather and are protected. The
machine shop located at the hangars is also nearly ready for use, and it is
thought that within a short time things will be running in good shape at the
Arkansas City landing field north of the city.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, March 24, 1921.
WILL
FLY TO PAWHUSKA
Pilot Mays Here
on Short Visit with his new Airplane
Pilot Mays expects to leave this evening
for his home at Pawhuska, after landing here Tuesday with his new Standard
aeroplane, which he recently purchased at Lincoln, Neb. The new ship is equipped for long distance
flying and Pilot Mays expects to make the trip to Pawhuska in only a few
minutes. He says that he will do passenger work in and around Arkansas City and
expects to make this his headquarters. He landed at the flying field north of
the city Tuesday evening in the rain. He made the trip from Lincoln to Arkansas
City in two hours and forty-five minutes.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday. March 28, 1921.
THE
BIG AEROPLANE
Monster Machine Took Off for
Pawhuska Saturday Afternoon.
The large Lincoln Standard aeroplane,
which was purchased at Lincoln, Nebraska, several days ago by W. H. Mays, of
Pawhuska, Oklahoma, and which landed in the aviation field north of the city
last Tuesday, took off for Pawhuska Saturday afternoon, where the machine will
be used for commercial purposes. Pilot Mays announced before he left that he
expected to return to Arkansas City in a short time and would do commercial
work around here, most of his trips being long distance flights. The
specifications of this monster ship are as follows: length overall, 27 feet;
height overall, 11 feet 7 inches; span, upper panel, 44 feet, 7 inches; span,
lower panel, 32 feet, 7 inches; chord, 6 feet; gap, 6 feet; stagger 5½ inches;
diehedral 1½ inches; sweepback 3 degrees, weight with water 1600 pounds; 2
passengers and pilot 450 pounds; fuel and oil 200 pounds; landing speed, 35
miles per hour; maximum speed, full load, 90 miles per hour; will climb 10,000
feet in 15 minutes; 15,000 feet in 39½ minutes; ceiling, 18,000 feet. Equipped
with Hispano-Suiza type “A” horse power engine. The big feature of this ship is
the fact that it can remain in the air a great many hours, as the fuel supply
is very large and will keep the ship flying. This airplane is one of the most
elaborate affairs that has landed here. It cost $6,500.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, March 29, 1921.
WILL
DEDICATE HANGARS
Fireworks From the Air
Will Be Feature of the Evening.
The Williams-Hill Aeroplane company
announced today that the official opening date for the new hangars, recently
constructed north of the city, would be next Tuesday evening, April 5th. This
date has been fixed so that it would not conflict with other events.
The aeroplane hangars, which have just
recently been completed, are the largest of this kind to be erected in this
part of the state, and will accommodate 10 ships at one time. The east end of
the hangar will be used as the storage department, while the west end will be
used for the working department, and the parts department. The building has
been so constructed that it is very conspicuous from all angles and will be
painted in the very near future. Two large wind indicators will be erected at
once so that flyers coming to this field may know which direction the wind is
coming from. These indicators are one of the most important features of any flying
field, it is said.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, March 31, 1921.
Aviator Mays, in a Lincoln Standard
plane, and Aviator Elders, in a Curtiss plane, flew here from Pawhuska
yesterday on business. They landed at the Lucas-Hume airport south of the city
and visited here for a time.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, April 1, 1921.
Pete Hill is expected to return today
from a business trip to Lincoln, Nebraska, where he went several days ago.
Walter Beech will leave tomorrow for an
extended visit to points in northern Kansas.
Cecil Lucas made a business trip to
points in Oklahoma yesterday. He made the trip by the way of the air.
Pilot Mays arrived yesterday afternoon
from Pawhuska in his new Lincoln Standard aeroplane to which place he flew several
days ago on a business trip.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, April 1, 1921.
A.
C. ON THE AIR MAP
Landing Field
North of City is Attraction to Flyers.
Arkansas City is pioneering. This city is
the first to bid welcome to air travel. A complete landing field and hangars is
the greeting offered to visiting aircraft in their hops from one city to the
other at the present time.
The hangars at the Williams-Hill landing
field have been completed, thus letting Arkansas City gain a jump on Topeka,
Kansas City, and all cities in the state. Accommodations for ten planes have
been made in the newly constructed “sky garage,” five of which will belong to
people in Arkansas City. The Williams-Hill company operates three planes, and
there are two others in the city which will be housed in the new home.
The landing field is north of the city,
and in itself comprises about 60 acres. The site was
first
obtained by the Chamber of Commerce, and it was later purchased by the local
aircraft corporation. A government rating has been applied to the field through
the efforts of the Chamber of Commerce.
The possibilities of getting on the air
mail route are good. When the thing is officially opened, Arkansas City is
bidding for a place, and Arkansas City has every inducement to offer. A place
for housing the planes, a field, and equipment to work on the planes. The
government has this fact itemized, and the possibilities are that Arkansas City
will get its share of transcontinental sky tourists.
The Williams-Hill company has the agency
for Curtiss and Lincoln Standard planes. On top of this they are in the
commercial business, making trips through this section of the country.
Arkansas City is pioneering in an
industry which within the next few years will be the leading one, and Arkansas
City will reap the benefits.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, April 2, 1921.
SPRING
FROLIC AND CARNIVAL
Plans Completed at Meeting
Last Night for Interesting Affair.
Dates of the
Show, Which is to Include Air Frolic,
Auto Polo, Motor
Vehicle Show, April 28, 29, and 30.
Yes, Arkansas City is going to have a
spring festival and auto show, combined with an air frolic, auto polo, high
carnival, and all the other things in the free entertainment line, that can
possibly be arranged for and the dates for this big event, which is expected to
bring several thousand visitors to the city, are April 28, 29, and 30. Plans
were perfected for this affair at a meeting held last night in the Osage hotel,
and the members of the local auto dealers association are the instigators of
the big show. The men of this organization have been discussing the plans for
some time, and have had good ideas up their sleeves, all of which were sprung
at the meeting of last night. The auto men conceived the idea of following up
the first annual auto show, given a year ago, with something of the same
nature; and they enlisted the services and the suggestions of other business
organizations of the city. Now the plans of a year ago, which were carried out
very successfully, are being enlarged on and the spring attraction this year
will last for three days—these days being Thursday, Friday, and Saturday—the
last three days of the present month. The last day, of course, will be the high
carnival and on this night all who appear on the streets with a carnival
costume will be fined, it is said. Several days previous to the big show, there
will be a trade extension committee from the various business organizations in
the city, which will make a trip to the surrounding towns on an advertising
tour for the annual event. The committee in charge of the trip will be assisted
by the Williams-Hill Aeroplane Co., which will have their pilots fly over all
the towns and drop advertising matter.
The meeting of last night was called by
the officers of the auto association, and H. S. Collinson, president of that
club, acted as the chairman. He was later elected president of the committee as
a whole and he will have several sub-committees to assist in the work and help
complete the plans for the big event. The meeting last night was attended by
nearly all the members of the auto club, and by representatives from other well
known organizations in the city. Those in attendance were as follows, and these
well known businessmen are behind the movement to make the spring frolic a
success: H. S. Collinson, Pete Hill, Robt. Cox, Tony McAdam, R. H. Rhoads, Dr.
C. H. House, E. C. Mireau, Mayor Hunt, W. D. MacAllister, J. V. Parks, Geo.
Sayles, Earl Newman, E. H. Hill, Dr. M. M. Miller, Stanley Spencer, Cas.
Spencer, L. E. Parman, Errett Williams, Geo. Kidwell, John McE. Ames, O. B.
Seyster, and Walter Hutchison. Dinner was served at 6:30 o’clock, after which
the meeting was entered into with a vim and a spirit of go to it, for a bigger
and better Arkansas City.
Emmett Hill was called upon to state the
purpose of the gathering and he gave some very valuable suggestions on the
proposed celebration. He was followed by several others of the crowd and soon
the ball was started rolling. It was suggested that there be prizes offered for
the best display windows and other features of the week. One day, or a part of
a day, is to be set aside for the private auto owners to show their cars, these
to be decorated in the manner desired by the owner, and prizes to be offered
for this feature, also. It was suggested that everything be thrown open to the
crowds free with the possible exception of the auto polo game. There may be a
charge to see this game, it was stated by some of those interested in the plans so far adopted. Committees were
appointed after which the meeting adjourned and the heads of the various
committees are to meet at the Osage next Tuesday evening at 6:30 o’clock, when
the Retailers association meets there for the regular monthly session, and to
make further plans for the big show.
The committee as a whole is composed of
the presidents of the following organizations: Auto Association, Chamber of
Commerce, Junior Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Lions, American Legion, Retailers
Association, and the A. C. Aeroplane Co. These men are H. S. Collinson, E. C.
Mireau, Stanley Spencer, Chas. Spencer, F. E. Goodrich, Dr. C. H. House, Robt.
Cox, Errett Williams, Mayor Hunt. Supt. C. E. St. John for the city schools,
and Fred DeMott for the farmers’ union, were also made members of this
committee. Secretary O. B. Seyster of the Chamber of Commerce and the Retailers
Association was elected as the secretary and he got busy at once. Mayor Hunt
stated that the spring frolic committee could have anything it desired for the big
event. The committee on sub-committees is composed of E. C. Mireau, Stanley
Spencer, and H. S. Collinson. A committee on finance was also named at this
time. Members of the auto club agreed to see to it that the sum of $1,000 would
be forthcoming and they thought that an additional sum of at least $1,500
should be added to this amount.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, April 2, 1921.
LIEUT.
MILLS KILLED
Army Aviator Known Here,
Loses His Life in Auto Accident.
Word has been received in this city that
Lieut. Mills of the U. S. aviation corps at Fort Sill, and who was quite well
known here, had been killed in an auto accident in Texas. Lieut. Mills is the
army aviator who piloted the German Fokker machine here at the time of the air
frolic last fall. He made many friends during his stay of several days in the
city and it is with regret that the Traveler reports this sad ending. He
had been in the army service a number of years and doubtless had had some
thrilling experiences in the air. But while on a visit to his home town in
Texas, a Ford car in which he was riding overturned and in the accident he lost
his life.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, April 2, 1921.
AVIATOR
HILL RETURNS
Has Successful Air
Trip to City of Lincoln, Nebraska.
Pete Hill returned yesterday over the
Santa Fe from Lincoln, Nebraska, to which place he flew a new ship several days
ago. Mr. Hill went to Oklahoma City, where he met a man who had purchased a new
plane, and piloted the ship for this man. On the trip from Oklahoma City to
Arkansas City, Mr. Hill says they were only 1 hour and 10 minutes in the air.
From Arkansas City to Lincoln, a distance of more than 250 miles, the trip was
made in less than three hours, the men stopping only once, at Manhattan,
Kansas, for oil and gas. The ship made an average of better than 120 miles per
hour. Mr. Hill says the strong tail wind assisted greatly in making this fast
time. The Williams-Hill Aeroplane company has taken on the contract to handle
the Lincoln Standard plane and will have some of these ships here in the near
future, it is reported.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, April 4, 1921.
Errett Williams returned this morning
from a business trip to northern Kansas points, where he has been in the
interest of the Williams-Hill Aeroplane company.
Pilot Mays returned last evening from a
short business trip to points in Oklahoma.
Cecil Lucas made a business trip to
points in Oklahoma yesterday.
H. E. Chouteau, owner of a Lincoln
Standard airplane, and his pilot, Charles Mays, flew to Burbank, Oklahoma,
yesterday. According to Mr. Chouteau he made the return trip in three and
one-half minutes.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, April 4, 1921.
COMMITTEES
ARE NAMED
Spring Frolic Affairs
Are Coming Along Nicely at Present.
At a meeting of the committee as a whole
on the spring frolic and celebration, which was held at the office of the
secretary of the chamber of commerce on Saturday, the following heads of
committees were chosen to act on the arrangements for the affair to be held here
on April 28, 29, and 30: Finance, R. A. Brown; advertising, Guy Ecroyd;
program, Emmett Hill; soliciting, C. G. Roseberry; rural communities, F. C.
DeMott; field, Lee Biggs, marshal of the day; Robt. Cox, who will be assisted
by the American Legion and boy scouts of the city. The heads of the committees
will meet Tuesday evening at the Osage hotel with the Retailers Association,
which is to hold its regular monthly session at that time. The time of the
meeting is 6:30 and it is expected that all the business of the two bodies will
be completed in time for the businessmen to attend the opening program at the
landing field north of the city.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, April 5, 1921.
THE
MID-CO TO THE FRONT
Will Establish Airplane
Route for Commercial Purposes.
Landing Field for Planes of this
Company is Being Prepared at the Plant
Southwest
of Arkansas City.
Arkansas City paces forth another step
over the other cities over the state through the announcement made this morning
by officials of the Mid-Co Refining company that they were to use airplanes for
commercial purposes. This is one of the first concerns in the state to make
this move, it is reported to the Traveler.
The Mid-Co company recently moved its
offices from Blackwell to Arkansas City, and has taken over the site used by
the Milliken refinery at Tenth street and Madison avenue. The main offices of
the company are located at Tulsa, Oklahoma, but the local plant is more
centrally located for the company’s business throughout the mid-continent
field.
The local office is something on the
order of a clearing house, for reports on drilling operations all over this
district, and as a consequence a great deal of time has been lost of late in
transferring reports from the local plant to the main offices at Tulsa. The
aero system is being installed to do away with this delay.
A landing field for the plane is already
being constructed at the plant and a pilot and machine will be obtained within
the next thirty days. Officials of the company are testing several planes and
it is thought that they will have obtained one within a short while. Both the
Lincoln Standard and the Curtiss planes, handled by the Williams-Hill aircraft
company, are being investigated.
Several oil men from over the state have
purchased planes for their individual use, but this is the first large business
concern to install an air route of their own. A round trip a day is the
schedule for the pilot, it is said in this connection.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, April 5, 1921.
WILL
DEDICATE HANGARS
Everything in
Readiness for the Big Blow Out Tonight.
Errett Williams and Pete Hill announced
this morning that everything was in readiness for the dedication services of
the new aeroplane hangars which would be held this evening starting promptly at
8:30 o’clock.
The big DeHaviland plane has been
electrically wired up and Mr. Williams will give an exhibition of night flying.
He will also do some stunts to show the people how it looks after night.
Several other interesting numbers will be added to the program, which will be
surprises to those who attend. Each person admitted will be given a free number
and the lucky person will be given an aeroplane ride free of charge.
Arkansas City Traveler, Tuesday, April 5, 1921.
BOBBY
DONALDSON HERE
The Pawhuska “Flash” Will
Meet Frankie Adams Tonight.
Bobby Donaldson, the Pawhuska Flash, who
is to meet Frankie Adams at the Williams-Hill landing field tonight in a 10
round imbroglio, arrived in the city yesterday and proceeded to show his wares.
Donaldson packs a lightning-like right, which came in connection with several
of his trainers yesterday afternoon. He is fast, and many of his admirers from
the Oklahoma town are claiming a victory for him over Arkansas City’s claim to
light weight fame.
It is certain that the calcium rays are
going to shine for the winner of this evening’s mixup, as the promoters are
planning to bring Bobby Waugh, Fort Worth fighter, here for the winner to meet.
Waugh is a tried scrapper and a victory over him would mean prominence.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, April 6, 1921.
RETAILERS
DISCUSS FESTIVAL
Session Last Night to
Arrange for Entertainment Features.
Program for Event to
be Held on April 28, 29, and 30,
Is Going to
Be Very Elaborate, Its Reported.
Arkansas City business is to undergo a
“jazzing up process.”
Such was the ultimatum issued from the
meeting of the local Retailers association at their regular monthly dinner held
last evening at the Osage hotel. Almost a full representation was present to
make plans for the spring festival, which is to be held the last three days of
this month.
The principal issue with regard to the
festival was the formation of plans for the trade trip, which is to be taken
during the week of April 18. The plans for this trade trip are going to be
almost identical with the ones which were planned for the fall trip. Most of
the souvenirs that were to have been distributed on that trip have been saved,
and all of the men present signified their willingness to make the trip in the
early spring. It is planned to have all of the representatives dress in some
uniform manner. The day prior to the trip Pilot Williams, accompanied by Mayor
Hunt, will sail over the territory and announce that the Arkansas City boosters
will arrive the next day. Pilot Williams, in his plane, will also head the
delegation over the route.
For the spring festival, the
entertainment planned is about the most lavish ever formulated here. It is
planned on the first night to unveil the window display.
The following is a partial outline of the
program that will be observed and will start Thursday, April 28th, at 7:30
p.m., with the unveiling of the merchants’ show windows. Prizes will be awarded
for the most entrancingly decorated window and also for the best stunt window.
At 9 o’clock will be the maypole dances and school programs.
Friday afternoon’s feature will be a
motor car fashion parade. This will be a parade of local motor cars driven by
their owners. An auto polo game will also be held during the afternoon.
Another feature for Friday and Saturday
afternoons will be the air frolic. This will be in the form of bombing at a
target placed somewhere in the city. Pilots and planes from Post Field have
been promised for this event, and it is thought that five planes will be
brought here for this phase of the program.
Friday evening the boy scout review and
an illuminated industrial parade will be held. Everybody is invited to enter a
float in this parade, especially labor unions, rural districts, city industries,
and the merchants.
On Saturday afternoon Chilocco has been
invited to put on a program and there will be another auto polo game and a
continuation of the air frolic.
Saturday night a Mardi Gras feature will
be held. This is to be copied something on the order of the famous New Orleans
festival. A masked carnival is the program for that evening, and an all around
good time jubilee is planned. Bands will be playing during the course of the
evening, and it is planned to have the streets roped off for the affair.
Sunday is to be “Go to Church” Sunday in
Arkansas City, and the ministers have agreed to give a special May service on
this occasion. Sunday afternoon there will be a musical program, location and
nature to be announced later. There will be several bands of musicians on the
streets in the afternoon and evening, and also a hobby show. This hobby show is
for anybody with old stamps, old coins, relics, heirlooms, and whatnot.
It is hoped that everybody will bring
their hobby to this show and put it on display. Admission is to be free of
charge to everything with the possible exception of the auto polo games for
which a charge will have to be made in order to cover expenses.
The chairmen of the various committees
have already started to work on the festival, and a meeting of all the chairmen
was held at 9:20 o’clock this morning at the offices of the Chamber of
Commerce.
The meeting of the Retailers association
last night was largely attended and was in charge of the president of the
organization and Secretary Seyster was also on hand at this time. It was the
regular monthly session of the body and the meeting of the committee on the
spring festival was held in connection with the retailers’ meeting, which was
for the purpose of killing two birds with one stone. Following the meeting at
the Osage, many of the men in attendance went to the Williams-Hill landing
field north of the city to witness the dedication of the new hangar building at
that place.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, April 6, 1921.
DEDICATION
OF NEW HANGARS
Frankie Adams Defeats Pawhuska
“Flash” in Last Night’s Affair.
Other Interesting Events at
Williams-Hill Landing Field, North of the City.
Large
Crowd Attends.
Bobby Donaldson stayed for seven rounds,
but right there is where it all ends for during those seven rounds Frankie
Adams, local lightweight, gave the Pawhuska “Flash” the most unmerciful beating
he has probably ever taken. In the end, Donaldson’s seconds tossed in the
sponge for their boxer, giving Adams a technical knockout.
The event was held as part of the program
on the dedication of the Williams-Hill landing field hangars, north of the
city.
The athletic exhibit opened with a bout
between two local youngsters, Simpson and Pauley, who staged three rounds. The bout
ended in a draw.
The next bout on the bill was between Joe
Williams, light heavyweight, and Kid Ray, bantam. Williams’ opponent failed to
arrive in time for the bout and Ray was substituted. The men worked three
rounds, but Williams just toyed with his opponent.
Just prior to the opening of the main
bout of the evening it was announced that ticket 355 won the free airplane
ride. This ticket was held by William Bunnell.
Both Adams and Donaldson weighed in at
135 at ringside. The first round opened in rather a tame fashion, both men
seemingly angling for the one blow to end the encounter. Adams was the first to
score, sending a right chop through to Donaldson’s head. Donaldson repeatedly
clinched, and the round ended with Adams putting home a stiff right to the
body.
Donaldson stepped out in the second
round, the only one in which he showed anything, and worked a left hook. He
scored twice to Adams’ face, with no telling effect. Adams was on the defense
most of this round.
Donaldson attempted an offensive in the
third which was frustrated when he missed a wild swing at Adams’ head. Adams
started the blood flowing with a right to the nose, and partially closed his
right eye with a stinging left jab. Adams worked his left repeatedly in this
round.
Donaldson started the fourth round with a
short left to the body. Adams, in an attempt to dodge the blow, slipped, and
went into a clinch to protect himself. Adams started crowding Donaldson to the
ropes with short body punches.
Donaldson attempted an offense in the
fifth round, which was met with a counter offense by Adams. Adams plastered
rights and lefts to the head and crowded Donaldson into the ropes continually.
Adams scored to the body, with right and left, which weakened Donaldson.
Donaldson went to the ropes with a right to the head, and buried himself there
for the remainder of the round.
Donaldson’s defense was weakened
noticeably in the sixth. To the tunes of the crowd’s “knockout,” Adams
attempted to finish off the Pawhuska boxer, but Donaldson buried himself in the
ropes and Adams could not get an open blow.
The seventh round was a repetition of the
sixth, Adams seemingly angered by Donaldson’s refusal to work in the center of
the ring. All of Adams’ ring tactics were of no avail in bringing Donaldson out.
Adams contented himself with rights and lefts to Donaldson’s protected head.
Following this round, Donaldson forfeited
the bout to Adams.
Pilot Errett Williams did not make the
night flight last night owing to the high wind and the cloudy weather. He decided
it was too dangerous to attempt to take off of the ground as his landing
possibilities were very uncertain.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, April 7, 1921.
Pilot Lucas accompanied by Ed. L. Reid
flew over the city this morning and distributed matter for the Strand theatre.
Pilot Lucas put on some fancy stunts for his passenger on this occasion and Ed.
stood the ordeal very well.
Ex-Lieut. Blinn, formerly of Mr. Lucas’
squadron in France, is in the city for a visit with Mr. Lucas.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, April 11, 1921.
Pilot Lucas and wife were in Blackwell
yesterday. Mr. Lucas was called to that place to finish giving instructions to
two airplane students who are oil contractors and are learning the flying game.
Mr. Lucas will bring the ships to this city as the Blackwell field is not
adequate for the further training. The Lucas-Hill field of 160 acres will be a
splendid place for the two machines, which are the Standard and DeHaviland. The
two men will be ready for the “solo” in a few days.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, April 13, 1921.
CHAMBER
OF COMMERCE
Plans for Fall
Stock Show Are being Formulated.
Plans for a stock show to be held in
Arkansas City in the fall are being formulated. This was brought out at the
meeting of the chamber of commerce last night. In accord with the livestock
project which is being put on in the city, the show will exhibit all of the
displays of the livestock project, and will also show exhibits of stock from
over this entire section of the country.
It also was announced that during the
last day of the spring festival there will be a dairy exhibit, showing the
advantages of good herds over the poorer herds for commercial purposes.
Livestock is coming back in this part of the county and local businessmen are
boosting the industry through the mammoth show which is to be staged during the
early fall months.
Committee on highway reported that the
Abo Pass had been discovered. This highway goes through Arkansas City north
around El Dorado and Florence and on into Kansas City, Missouri. Markings have
been completed on this highway from Clovis, New Mexico, through to Florence,
Kansas. The markings are red with a yellow arrow pointing toward the ground.
The markers are to be seen now on the rock road north of the city.
Rev. Moore reported in behalf of the
charity organizations of the city. As yet no organization has been perfected to
further this work. Two meetings have been held and a third is to be held on
Friday night at which time it is expected to perfect an organization. Letters
from the charity organizations in several of the larger cities of the country
have been received and the local organization will be perfected sometime after
these organizations. The plan of having a social worker come to the city to
investigate conditions here is also being talked over, and this will be brought
up again at the Friday evening meeting.
The committee on the landing field
reported that the work on the hangars had been completed. This gives Arkansas
City the largest hangars in the state, capable of holding ten planes. The cost
of these hangars was $4,200. Wichita and Arkansas City are the only cities in
the state having airplane hangars.
It was also brought up through the report
of the traffic committee that express delivery routes were being extended.
Citizens from the north part of the city reported that packages had been
delivered to them during the past few weeks.
[Note: Believe the Robert Hill
referred to in the following article is really “Pete” Hill of the Williams-Hill
Aeroplane Company. MAW]
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, April 14, 1921.
CARRIES
NITRO IN PLANE
D. E. Wilcox, of El
Dorado, With Pilot, Takes a Daring Ride.
El Dorado, Kansas, April 14.—Transporting
several quarts of nitro-glycerine by airplane in a hurry up order to shoot a
well was the experience of D. A. Wilcox, local manager of the Osage Torpedo
Co., yesterday. Mr. Wilcox called Robert Hill at Arkansas City and offered him
$75 to make the trip by air. Hill arrived in El Dorado in a short time and
loaded up Wilcox and the nitro at the company magazine, three miles south of El
Dorado. The plane took the air at 8:15 o’clock. Mr. Wilcox sat nonchalantly in
the passenger seat with his playful explosive tucked between his legs. In a little
more than an hour the plane reached the well near Newkirk. A safe landing was
made and Mr. Wilcox went ahead with the shooting.
There is one other instance on record, it
is said, of nitro being carried by plane. However, this is declared to be the
biggest load of the explosive ever carried through the air for commercial
purposes.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, April 15, 1921.
WILL
ATTEMPT RECORD JUMP
Sgt. Chambers, of
U. S. Air Service, at Spring Frolic.
Committees at Meeting Last Night,
Arrange for Auto Parade and Other
Leading
Features of Big Show.
Sergeant Chambers, of the United States
air service, will attempt to break the world’s parachute jump—of which he is
now holder—during the spring festival to be held here during the last three
days of this month. To do so, Chambers will have to descend something over
20,000 feet, as his present record is close to that mark. This was the
statement made last night by the committee planning for the entertainment at
the festival at the meeting in the Chamber of Commerce rooms.
All of the committees working on plans
for the festival were present at the meeting last night and made reports of
their progress during the past week. One of the principal issues taken up
during last night’s meeting was the industrial parade, which is to be one of
the principal features during the event.
Forty floats have already been signed for
this parade and it is expected that many more will have been signed up by the
time of the opening of the festival. The illumination for the parade will
consist of colored torch flares along Summit street, and several of the
entrants have signified their intentions of illuminating their places with
electric bulbs.
The floats will advertise the products of
local firms, but at the same time they will be artistically decorated. The
floats will not be loaded just with merchandise, as several of the merchants
are planning to vary and offer some metropolitan ideas to the parade.
The window display which will open the
festival will be divided into two classes. One class will be for the most
artistically decorated window, and the other will be for the comedy, or stunt
window.
Practically every motor dealer in
Arkansas City has assured the committee that they will have entries in the
parade. Several of the private motor owners of the city have signified their
intention of entering their motor cars also. Some of the cars in this parade
will be decorated, while most of the show cars will be sent into the parade
just as they are shown on the stock room floor.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, April 15, 1921.
Takes
New Plane Home
Pilot Lucas today “soloed” Ed. Kinnard,
of Blackwell, in the new plane he recently purchased here and later in the day
the owner of the Curtiss Standard piloted the plane to his home. Mr. Kinnard is
in the oil game at Blackwell and he has purchased the new plane from the
Lucas-Hume company of this city. Mr. Lucas has been giving the owner of the new
plane flying lessons on the field south of the city and the teaching of the flyer
was finished today.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, April 15, 1921.
Cars
Stop at Landing Field.
The Williams-Hill Landing Field was
further favored this morning when an announcement was received at the office of
the Chamber of Commerce. This notice was from the Company, to the effect that a
stop would be made regularly at the landing field. All parties wishing to go to
the landing field can take the interurban and it will stop hereafter on the top
of the hill, just west of the hangars.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, April 18, 1921.
SEVEN PLANES
AND HANGARS DESTROYED
Fire of
Unknown Origin Leaves Pile of Junk.
ALMOST
TOTAL LOSS
Building
Insured But Loss Will Reach $25,000.
WILL
REBUILD NOW
Campaign is on Today for
Funds to be Raised Locally for the
Williams-Hill
Airplane Co.
Fire of unknown origin which could be
seen for miles around this city and the vicinity of the blaze totally destroyed
the ten plane hangar and seven airplanes belonging to Williams-Hill Airplane
company, which was located on the hill north of the city, early Sunday morning
and today there are thousands of Arkansas City people feeling sorry for the men
who have succeeded in less than two years time in making a decided success of
the airplane business in this southern Kansas city.
The blaze started in the northeast corner
of the large building and it was discovered almost as soon as it burst out, but
there was no chance in the world to save the structure or the planes that were
housed inside. The fire started from an unknown cause and there was no one on
the premises at the time. The building had been locked up Saturday afternoon at
1:30 o’clock by Errett Williams, a member of the firm, after Pete Hill and
Walter Beech had taken a plane out of the hangar and had started on an air trip
to Oklahoma City. Mr. Williams was on the scene soon after the fire was
discovered, but the only thing he could get safely out of the building was a
small writing desk which was in the office of the shop room.
Loss
Will Reach $25,000.
The loss to the Williams-Hill Co. will
reach around the $25,000 mark as the seven planes, the parts of other planes,
and the tools in the building at the time had been invoiced at $24,000 only a
short time ago. The loss is about one-fifth covered by insurance, and some of
this amount is said to be questionable for various reasons; and therefore the
loss will be almost a total one, it was stated this morning by Mr. Williams.
The hangar building was insured for the sum of $3,500 by the Arkansas City
Chamber of Commerce, which body financed the cost erection of the building only
a short time ago. The cost of the frame building was about $4,300, it is stated
by the secretary of the Chamber of Commerce.
Campaign
for Funds Started.
Members of the local chamber of commerce
started out today while the iron was hot to ascertain just how sorry the people
of this city and vicinity are for the members of the airplane company, and to
raise a fund with which to rebuild the hangars at once in order that Williams
and Hill may house the one plane they still have intact and in order that they
will have room for other planes which will be purchased at once. E. C. Mireau,
president of the chamber, and Ralph Oldroyd were busy on this proposition at
sunrise this morning; and the campaign is going to be carried on in a vigorous
manner from today on until the necessary funds are forthcoming for this
proposition. Here is a chance for all to assist in this worthy cause, and you
will not be missed. The airplane business has been a great thing for this city
and the entire community and the chamber of commerce and Williams and Hill do
not intend to let it die at this stage of the game. On the other hand it is
planned to have the necessary funds raised within a short time and before many
more days pass, the erection of the new hangar will be begun, it is fully
expected.
A
Real Pile of Junk.
The remains of the seven airplanes and
the tools and parts of the other planes, on hand at the time of the fire,
together with the charred beams of the building, presented a sorry sight
Sunday; and on that day there were thousands of people from this city and all
parts of the surrounding country who drove to the place to take a look at the
junk. And junk it surely is, as there is not a thing on the ground that is
worth a cent except a few pieces that might be sold for old iron. The statement
of probably everyone who visited the place Sunday and today was something in
regard to being sorry for the men at the head of the airplane company and kind
remarks in regard to their business being taken away from them in this manner.
Discovered
by Four Boys.
Errett Williams stated this morning that
the fire was discovered by four farmer lads who were passing the place about
12:30 o’clock Sunday morning, and they gave the alarm. They drove to the city
at once and called the local fire department, but there was nothing the boys at
the fire station could do in the matter as there was no water handy to the
hangars. The night watchman at the Empire plant, located just west of the
hangars and across the road, noticed the blaze at about the same time the four
young men saw it and gave the alarm. The boys ran to the building, but there
was nothing they could do as the place was all locked tight, so they came on to
the city at once. The boys and the Empire people stated to Mr. Williams that
the blaze started in the northeast corner of the building, which is the
opposite end from where the work shop was located. This explains and settles
the report which gained headway Sunday that the fire started from an explosion
of some sort in the work shop. There was never a time after the fire started
that anyone could have gained entrance to the building and had even the chance
to get any of the planes out.
One
Plane Was Out.
One of the English DeHaviland planes
recently purchased by the company, fortunately, was out of the hangar at the
time of the fire as Hill and Beech had driven it to Oklahoma City on Saturday
afternoon. They returned to the city today to view the remains of the building
and the once beautiful planes that they left in the building at the time they
took off of the landing field on Saturday. The other DeHaviland was in the
building and had never been taken out of the crates or set up. This plane alone
was worth several thousand dollars. Mr. Williams stated that he himself locked
the building on Saturday afternoon at one thirty and that there had been no one
inside the place after that time and before the fire broke out.
The seven planes that were in the
building and which were burned to junk except for the wire strings and some
parts of the motors of the big DeHaviland, which was the property of the
Williams-Hill company, and had not been removed from the crate; a plane which
belonged to Shirley DeVore of Winfield, and which was in the shop for repairs;
one belonging to a man by the name of Nordin, of Holdenville, Oklahoma, which
was there for repairs; and two others belonging to the Williams-Hill company.
Besides, there were parts of two others, which makes in all seven planes or parts
of planes that were destroyed totally.
The big Hispano motor, which belonged to
the company and which was exhibited here some time ago, was also in the fire;
and it too is a pile of junk today. The company had sold this motor for $2,500,
and it was to have been delivered this week to the purchaser. There was also
about $2,000 worth of motor and wing repair work on hand in the shop which
would have been turned within a few days. This loss the Williams-Hill company
must also stand.
The loss of the seven planes, together
with five extra motors, tools, and the large amount of repair work on hand,
entails a great loss, and to the casual observer it would seem that the loss
would be much greater than the figures set by Mr. Williams. At any rate, it is
a heavy loss; and there is not a person in the entire country, it is safe to
say, who if they should see that amount of goods or money go up in smoke, would
not be discouraged and feel like giving up.
But not so with Messrs. Williams and
Hill, who have been in the business here almost two years and who have been on
the square with all their fellow men and in all their business deals, for they
are ready to start again and the good people of this city are going to assist
them in any way possible, even in a financial way, and very soon the rebuilding
of the hangars will be started and it is the plan of the two men and their
associates here to purchase at least four new planes at once and have them
delivered to the landing field north of the city.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, April 18, 1921.
Real
Estate Men Meet.
The members of the local real estate
association met at the noon hour today at the Osage hotel for a luncheon and to
discuss affairs pertaining to their line. There was an attendance of 15 and
there were some interesting talks made at this time. The real estate men
decided to assist the Williams-Hill Airplane Co. in any way possible in the
rebuilding of their business here. They also decided to attend the real estate
meeting at Wichita on Wednesday of this week and expect to attend in a body.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, April 19, 1921.
Pilot Cecil Lucas returned yesterday
afternoon via aeroplane from Oklahoma City, where he went Saturday afternoon to
attend the flying frolic which was held in that city Sunday afternoon. A most
wonderful time is the verdict of pilot Lucas.
Pete Hill returned last evening from
Oklahoma City, where he has been to attend the flying frolic which took place
there Sunday afternoon. Mr. Hill reports a very good time and says there was
much excitement there during the frolic.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, April 20, 1921.
DEVORE
LOST PLANE
Local Airman’s
“Ship” Burned at Arkansas City.
A jinx of the most malignant character
seems to have married itself to a local aeronautic enthusiast, Shirley DeVore
by name. His latest stroke of misfortune was the burning of his plane in the
fire that destroyed the Williams and Hill aeroplane hangar north of Arkansas
City Saturday night. His plane was a total loss as the insurance policy had
been canceled on it several days before without notice. It is estimated that
the damage will run to about three thousand dollars.
This is the third serious stroke of ill
fortune that has befallen the local airman this winter. How his plane wrecked
on asylum hill, in Winfield, early this winter is a matter of common history,
as well as his misfortune in suffering a broken leg in skating a few days after
his plane nosed to earth.
His plane has been rebuilding at the
Williams and Hill hangar and although Shirley has been getting about with the
aid of his walking stick, repairs were about finished and he was prepared to
take to the air next Saturday. And then came the fire and the “ship” went up in
smoke.
Despite three rebuffs by fortune, Shirley
is still optimistic about the birdman’s game and says he will purchase another
plane as soon as he can get financial backing.
Winfield Free Press.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, April 20, 1921.
The large Standard plane belonging to the
Lucas-Hume Aeroplane company, which has been receiving some repairs and a new
coat of paint, will be ready to fly in a few days, according to Pilot Lucas,
who has been supervising the work on the machine.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, April 25, 1921.
STAGE ALL
SET FOR FLYING FROLIC
Several
Well Known Flyers Will Be Here.
PARACHUTE
DROPS
Attractions Will Include Leap From Plane by
Sgt. Chambers, Who Holds Record.
In connection with the flying frolic to
be staged here the last two days of the present week as a feature of the spring
festival, the committee on this affair today made final arrangements for the
appearance of some of the noted aviators of this section of the country, who
have signed to come here and assist in the entertainment of the visitors who
are expected to be in Arkansas City to attend the three days affair, such has
never before been put on in a city the size of this one.
But as Arkansas City is now in the
limelight in more ways than one, the big attraction to be staged on April 28, 29,
and 30 is certainly going to be a success and the men of the city, assisted by
the women, of course, and the school students, as well, are all lined up to
make the affair a sure go which it will, without a doubt be, as the city folks
do not undertake anything of this sort without seeing to it that all the
arrangements are properly handled and therefore the crowd is assured before the
big thing starts. The beauty of the spring festival is that everything is free
to the visitors with the exception of the side shows to be staged by the Junior
Chamber of Commerce, which is a side issue for the purpose of raising funds to
defray the expenses of the delegates of this body to the United States Junior
Chamber convention to be held in June of this year at Dallas, Texas.
Today the local committee on the flying
frolic, to be staged on the Williams-Hill landing field north of the city on
Friday and Saturday afternoons, gave out the following information in
connection with the flying stunts to be put on for these two days.
Major Richards of Dallas will be here
with his S. E. 5 scout plane. Captain Lynd, of Post Field, known here as one of
the army men who took part in the frolic last fall, and Sergeant Chambers of
the same field will be here—each with a plane.
Laird Company of Wichita will send two of
the Laird Swallows that are manufactured in that city.
Bennett Griffin of Oklahoma City will be
here with a Lincoln Standard.
Cyle Horchem of Oklahoma City, the noted
wing walker, who is also known here, will be in the city at this time with his
Laird Swallow.
Mr. Kinnard of Blackwell will be here
with his Standard plane. There will also be an American D. plane here from that
city.
A Curtiss Scout from Curtiss Southwest
Airplane Co., Tulsa, will be here.
Each of these men have wired they will be
here and take part in the stunts of the two days.
The program of Friday and Saturday, which
will be staged at 3 p.m. on this days, and which will be free to all, includes
the following: Friday, a looping contest and bombing contest. In the latter
contest the planes will endeavor to demonstrate the use of the bombs dropped
from planes, as used in connection with the bombing of ships; and in this
demonstration there will be dummy ships located on the ground as targets for
the men in the planes. This alone will be an interesting feature and will,
without doubt, attract a large crowd to the landing field.
There will also be a parachute leap and
stunts galore for the afternoon.
On Saturday afternoon there will be a
time take off and landing contest such as was put on here last fall and which
is always interesting. There will also be an eight mile handicap race. There
will be a parachute jump and landing on Summit street by Sergt. Chambers, who
holds the world’s record with a 22,000 feet drop. This act alone will be worth
coming miles to witness and there will be other stunts on both of these days,
too numerous to mention, and which will be of great interest to the residents
of the far inland country which has recently been put on the air map through
the efforts of the Williams-Hill Airplane company of this city.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, April 25, 1921.
TO
GET NEW PLANE
Williams-Hill Aeroplane
Company Purchase Curtiss Machine.
Pete Hill, of the Williams-Hill Aeroplane
company, announced this morning that he would leave in a few days for Dallas,
Texas, where he will purchase and fly to the city a new Curtiss aeroplane,
which will be added to the equipment of the Williams-Hill company. Mr. Hill
expects to leave tomorrow for the new plane. It will be remembered that the
Williams-Hill aeroplane company lost its hangar and several planes a week ago
when the big building north of the city burned to the ground.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, April 25, 1921.
Another
New Hangar.
Cecil Lucas of the Lucas-Hume Aeroplane
company has announced that this company is anticipating the erection of a
six-ship hangar on their 160 acres of land south of this city, the work to
commence in the near future. Mr. Lucas is at the present time giving flying
instructions to several out of town men, who expect to purchase ships when they
complete their flying training.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, April 26, 1921.
BIG
AD
BIG
SPRING FESTIVAL
Big
Automobile Show and Air Frolic.
FOUR
DAYS BEGINNING APRIL 28TH.
BIG
FREE ATTRACTIONS.
FREE VAUDEVILLE ON SUMMIT STREET
MUSIC
ALL THE TIME
CANNIBAL
QUARTETTE HARMONY
FOUR
BIG
AIRPLANE FROLIC
FRIDAY AND
SATURDAY AFTERNOONS
Stunt Flying Contests and Parachute
Drops. Armstrong says he can land on Summit Street. Sergt. Chambers will try to
break his record of 22,000 feet for a parachute drop.
NIGHT
FLYING EXHIBITIONS
WITH
ILLUMINATED AIRPLANES
SATURDAY
NIGHT—CARNIVAL NIGHT
LET
JOY BE UNCONFINED
Wear a Mask and act natural.
Everybody stays for the Big Street Dance.
Program
of Events.
THURSDAY,
APRIL 28TH
1:00
P.M.—Opening Big Free Auto Show.
3:00
P.M.—Track Meet. Arkansas City High School vs. Wellington High School.
7:00
P.M.—Special Music Program.
8:00
P.M.—Unveiling of Merchants’ Show Windows.
9:00
P.M.—School Program on Summit St. Folk Dances, Spring Son, May Poles, etc.
FRIDAY,
APRIL 29TH
1:30
P.M.—Auto Fashion Parade.
3:00
P.M.—Air Frolic, Stunt Flying, Parachute Drop, landing on Summit Street.
7:30
P.M.—Boy Scout Demonstration.
9:00
P.M.—Parade of 75 Illuminated Floats, light—with Searchlights and Flares.
10:30
P.M.—Free Boxing Exhibition and Battle Royal.
SATURDAY,
APRIL 30TH
1:30
P.M.—Dairy Demonstration and Parade.
3:00
P.M.—Air Frolic, Stunt Flying. Sgt. Chambers, holder of world’s altitude record
for a parachute drop, will try to break his record of 22,000 feet.
7:30
P.M.—Masked Parade. Carnival night and Big Street Dance.
SUNDAY,
MAY 1ST
“GO TO CHURCH DAY”
A.M.—Special
Services in every church.
P.M.—Parade
of all Church Members and Special Music Program in Wilson Park.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, April 27, 1921.
STAGE ALL SET FOR BIG
SPRING FETE TOMORROW
Auto Show,
Flying Frolic, and Other Features.
OPENS
ON THURSDAY.
Attractions are
Expected to Draw Large Crowds.
AND
THE HOBBY SHOW
Side Show by Junior Chamber and
Booths for Business Women’s Club
Are
Being Arranged.
The time clock is set.
Arkansas City is waiting impatiently for
the opening blast which will shock the entire country side, as the opening
blast presents the 1921 Spring Festival and business awakening of this city.
Just a few hours remain before the doors are thrown open tomorrow afternoon and
from that time until the close of Sunday’s program something will be doing
every minute to amuse and to startle all visitors and local people.
Arkansas City high school has drawn the
opening number of the program and tomorrow afternoon’s entertainment will be at
the city athletic field when local cinder tracksters tackle Wellington high
school in a dual meeting. The track meet will last all afternoon. It is free,
of course, as is everything on the program, except the Junior Chamber of
Commerce side show.
In the evening a May Pole dance will be
held in the downtown district. Four poles will be erected, the street roped
off, and the dance will open the evening’s performance. Beginning at the south
end of Summit street, the judges will unveil a half of a block at a time. A
band will follow the procession throughout the evening’s work.
Beginning at 1 o’clock Friday afternoon
the motor car fashion show will open with over thirty women entrants, piloting
their own motor cars in a competitive test for prizes which will be awarded by
local merchants. The parade will start from Madison Avenue.
An air frolic, contested by planes from
all over this state, Oklahoma, and Missouri, is also a Friday afternoon’s
feature, and a parachute jump will be included in the aero program of the
afternoon.
To start off the evening’s entertainment,
a battle royal will be held at a special platform erected at Summit and Fifth.
About twenty battlers will take part in this event. Following this troop No. 1
of the Boy Scouts will give a demonstration of scout craft. A band concert and
the illuminated float parade will wind up Friday’s show. About fifty floats
will take part in the parade. Summit street will be illuminated with colored
flares every twelve and a half feet, and this is thought to be one of the
biggest and prettiest features of the entire program.
Chilocco has the initial part of
Saturday’s program. Five hundred students from the Indian school will come to
Arkansas City and will put on a school demonstration at the city athletic
field. They will be headed by the Chilocco band, and following the
demonstration the band will give a concert throughout the downtown district.
Following this the dairy show will be held at Fifth Avenue and A Street. The
air frolic will also be on during the afternoon.
One of the features of Saturday’s program
is the parachute drop to be made by Sgt. Chambers. He will attempt to break his
own record of 22,000 feet, providing the weather permits.
Saturday evening will be ushered in by a
second battle royal. Following this comes the good time occasion of the entire
program. Gus Gloom, the blue cuss who has been camping on business interests of
the city for so long, will be publicly executed and in his stead King Optimo
will be throned. The coronation is to take place at the intersection of Fifth
Avenue and Summit Street on a specially built platform.
The carnival and street dance follows.
Every home loving and peace abiding citizen of Arkansas City is to be routed
out, cast into a ridiculous looking costume, masked, and shoved out upon the
broad expanse of Summit street at this time. Sick headaches, business
appointments, engagements with the fairest little girl in the land, all of
these time-worn and age-old excuses will be cast into the discard for this
occasion as everyone is expected and will be out at that occasion, which will
rival the famed Mardi Gras both in popularity, stunts, and attendance.
Sunday marks the closing feature of the
program and it is to be a quiet but remarkable day in its simplicity. A well
arranged program has been worked out, at which time the Choral Club and several
local vocalists will please the audience at an entertainment to be given at
Wilson park, following which members of the various committees will call, if
over, and adjourn to their homes for rest.
Expense has been one of the mere trifles
of the program. Members of the committee have thrown discretion to the winds
and have grabbed the absolute best for Arkansas City and its visiting people. A
twenty-five piece local band has been secured, which will play continually from
the start until the closing number of the program. A troupe of Hawaiian
entertainers have been secured, who will tour the city daily and nightly giving
concerts.
A vaudeville act will be staged on a big
bus and hauled about town. They will give four acts daily at different points
in the city and the act is said to be a scream. A stringed quartette and a
vocal quartette have also been secured for the big entertainment.
The Junior Chamber of Commerce is staging
a stunt which members this morning were willing to remark just a little about.
They state it is a knockout, with a punch in every exhibit. This will be
running continually at Washington Avenue and Summit Street in the big tent. A
nominal fee will be charged for this to defray the expenses of delegates to the
national convention. This is the only number that will cost.
The Boy Scouts are on the welcoming
committee. They will be stationed at the railway stations and at the various
entrances to the city to greet the travelers and to direct them to the field of
activities.
Members of the American Legion will act
as police, so don’t be hard-boiled if one comes and requests you to move off
Summit street. Summit is to be open during the entire affair and businessmen
are urged to park either in the alleys at the rear of their offices or on A or
Second street.
The stores will be wide open during the
entire show for the shoppers, especially on Saturday night when they will bloom
out in carnival array to greet the shoppers.
Arkansas City is close to one of the
biggest stunts in its history and the opening number will create a series of
shocks which will notify surrounding territories that Arkansas City is up and
after ‘em.
The Business Women’s club of this city
will put on a special feature for the spring festival, for the purpose of
raising a fund to defray the expenses of a delegate to the national congress to
be held in Estes Park, Colorado, this summer. The committee on this matter is
headed by Miss Esther Duvall, and she and the other members of the club have a
nice program arranged. They will maintain three booths on the business street:
one in the doorway of the Smith Bros. clothing store; one at Summit and Fifth;
and one in front of the Y. W. C. A. rooms. They will be assisted in the work of
selling goods at these stands by a number of the Girl Reserves. They will
maintain three booths on corn, balloons, and other small articles to the
visitors who come to the city the last three days of this week.
The Y. W., under the direction of Miss
Guild, secretary, will also have some special features for the festival, which
are now being arranged and which will appear on the official program.
Among relics offered for the hobby show
in the Roseberry and MacAllister sales room on North Summit street, are some
valuable ones owned by D. Hays, who is an auto mechanic in the employ of that
firm. Mr. Hays has some civil war relics which were the property of his
father-in-law, J. M. Lunsmore, of Thayer, speaker of the last house of
representatives in this state, and which were given to Mr. Hays by that well
known Kansas statesman. Included in the list are the following: A piece of rock
taken from the wall of the famous Gettysburg prison, a belt, caps, and some
bullets from the battlefield, and formerly worn by a confederate soldier, and
other valued war pieces. He also has some guns from this war, which he will
bring to the show later in the week. Mr. Hays is also the owner of a hand sewed
quilt block which is 127 years old and is very unique indeed.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, April 27, 1921.
THE
AERIAL LICENSE LAW
Kansas First State
to Enact Law Requiring License.
Measure Originated
by Senator Howard of this City,
Calls for
An Examination by State Board.
Topeka, Kansas, April 21.—“Kansas had the
vision” and was the first state on the map to pass aerial license regulations
according to word just received from A. S. Bachelder of Washington, D. C., who
was himself a charter member of the Aero Club of America. If Bachelder is
right, then A. K. Longren of Topeka has made application for aero license
number 1, U.S.A. Bachelder has written Kansas authorities of national
legislation pending for the regulation of aircraft. He suggests that Kansas
hold up state action with a view to conforming state and national laws.
Kansas has however already passed the
bill introduced by Senator Howard of Arkansas City, which provides for the
creation of a state aircraft board of which C. I. Martin, adjutant general, is
to be the head and have the appointing of the other two officers. The law which
is now in effect authorizes a license for all machines to be operated by Kansas
owners of $15 and a pilot’s fee of $10 for all air navigators. The pilot must
pass examination by the state board and is not eligible for a state license
until he has attained the “solo” stage.
One thing that must recommend air navigation,
Bachelder points out, is that no expensive airways need be constructed or
maintained at state or government expense. Under the Kansas law, cities voting
to maintain landing fields may establish such for the convenience of the bird
men.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, April 27, 1921.
TRAINER
OF REPTILES
Gets In For the
Museum a Rare Scolopendrus.
“Cherub” Fowler, the renowned reptile
trainer, who says he is not afraid of a scolopendrus but is afraid of snakes,
is in receipt of one of the largest scolopendrus that has ever been captured in
the wilds of the Osage hills, and which now reclines in the noted museum which
will be open in this city during the spring festival.
This scolopendrus has a black body and
has six yellow legs and feet on each side, and a horn at each end. It can blow
both at the same time and spell death with the wink of the eye. Its very touch
is poisonous, and if you let it sink its fangs in your flesh even slightly,
with no tangle foot in sight, then you might as well say good-bye to this
mundane sphere.
This reptile was captured by Col. Bill
Buffington, the oil man, after a most vigorous and strenuous campaign. A lot of
you have seen brothers of this wonderful reptile insect or whatever you may
call it, but you do not recognize it under its right name. This wonderful
specimen can be seen at the museum all during the spring festival, but don’t
touch it or let it touch you.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, April 27, 1921.
THOSE
SNAKES
Claim Horns
Growed On, Not Buttoned On.
It seems as though “Cherub” Fowler is in
trouble over the snake item that was published in the Traveler last evening.
The Traveler representative thought he would explain how the horns got on the
snakes, and he didn’t tell the story as “Cherub” told it. These big horn snakes
were caught down on the island of Yap and two expert cowboys had to be secured
to lasso them. That is the only way they can catch them alive. They have a
lasso especially prepared to catch these snakes, and it takes an expert to land
this lasso over the horns of the snake. Once the lasso is placed firmly over
the horns of the snake, the snake is helpless; otherwise, it is very dangerous
to handle.
That is what “Cherub” Fowler really told
the Traveler representative, but remembering other snake stories he had heard,
he thought he would try and improve upon it, and make it sound as sensational
as it was possible to do so.
The Traveler cheerfully makes this
correction in order to save the hide of its staunch friend, “Cherub” Fowler,
who is a second George Washington.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, April 27, 1921.
At the meeting of the board of education
held at the noon hour today, the board granted the American Legion the use of
the south part of the Third ward athletic field south of the telephone line
that crosses the field, to be used by a carnival company next week.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, April 27, 1921.
DON’T
BE ALARMED
Queer Actions in
Newman’s Millinery Department.
If you have been in Newman’s millinery
department the last day or so and one of the clerks jumped and ran as you came
in, don’t be alarmed because they are running from every-body these days.
The secret is that Miss Dewey and her
assistants are all busy trying to keep the $1,000 hat hid, not only from
customers, but from the sales people, as Miss Dewey promises that the hat will
be very popular and much admired Thursday evening when it is put on display.
She says it is to be sold with the big store’s usual guarantee of satisfaction
or money back.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, April 27, 1921.
Getting
the Money.
A committee of businessmen were around
calling on the merchants of the city yesterday afternoon raising money to
defray the expenses of the spring festival, which will start tomorrow and last
until Sunday. According to reports of this committee, each businessman
approached responded very readily to their requests. Large sums of money were
raised yesterday afternoon and more was to come. Keep your eye open for this
committee, as they will see you sooner or later.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, April 28, 1921.
THE BIG SHOW IS
ON IN FULL BLAST TODAY.
Everything Ready
and Opening Program Given.
FINE
WEATHER TODAY.
Unveiling
of Store Windows at 8 Tonight.
SIDE
SHOWS GALORE
Spring Affair Ends Sunday,
May Day, with Program of Music by
A.
C. Choral Society.
PARADES
Final arrangements for both the
illuminated and motor parades have been made. The motor parade will assemble on
East Madison and North and South Summit street at 12:30 o’clock tomorrow
afternoon. The parade starts promptly at 1:30 o’clock. The line of march will
be—north on Summit to Walnut; west on Walnut to First; South on First to
Chestnut; east on Chestnut to Summit; south on Summit to Madison. Entries will
be accepted until time of parade at the point of assemblage.
The plans for the industrial illuminated
float parade are practically the same. The floats will assemble at 7 o’clock on
East Madison and North and South A street. The parade will start promptly at 8
o’clock. The line of march will be same as for the motor fashion show.
It’s started.
With a crash the opening doors were swung
this afternoon on the gigantic 1921 Spring Festival and business awakening
being staged by Arkansas City business interests. The opening attention was
focused about the track meet between Wellington high school and Arkansas City
high school at the city athletic field, and as the Traveler goes to press the
youngsters are battling for supremacy before the crowd which has already
gathered for the show.
The downtown opening will be staged this
evening with the Junior Chamber of Commerce Side Show, the first performer. The
doors of this stupendous production will open at 6:30 o’clock this evening, and
will be open afternoons and evenings during the remainder of the time. At 7
o’clock the attention will be centered on the opening crash at the automobile
show on West Washington Avenue, where spick and span, freshly polished motor
cars will be shown.
At 8 o’clock this evening the unveiling
of the show windows will be started. The unveiling will start at the north end
of Summit street business district and the examiners will go south, taking one
half block at a time. The judges will work in the center of the street in order
that the spectators may see just what is going on all of the time. The prize
award will be made as soon as the judges are able to get together and hand out
a decision, which will probably be late this evening or tomorrow morning.
Prizes will be awarded for the most attractive window and the most grotesque.
Rider’s Jazz Hounds from Kansas City
arrived this morning prepared for three days of bewailing syncopation, which
should make the feet of young and old alike tingle with a craving to dance.
This troupe will be stationed on a truck
and will play continually throughout the down-town business district. They will
also be in the big motor car fashion parade to be held tomorrow afternoon.
Giant searchlights have been placed in
three different localities in the downtown district. Two lights are on top of
the Osage Hotel, three over the Reed store, and two on the Newman building.
These lights will play on the crowd all evening, and will serve as additional
lighting effect during the various night celebrations.
Preparations for the flying frolic have
been completed, which means that one of the best flying arrangements ever
staged in this part of the country will be pulled off here. Every kind of plane
in the category of commercial activity will be here. The Laird, Kansas made
craft, Lincoln Standard, Curtiss, and DeHaviland will all be on exhibit during
the festival at the Williams-Hill landing field. An additional treat is in
store for lovers of the flying game in case Major Richards decides to attend.
He will fly his “Spad” to the frolic, which means that one of the few scout
machines in the southwest will be here.
The frolic will be held Friday and
Saturday afternoon beginning at 3 o’clock. The stunts will be at the
Williams-Hill landing field. Parachute drops and an attempt at the world’s
title for parachute drop will be staged during the meet here. Night flying will
be on the program, provided Pilots Beech and Hill complete negotiations on
their Dallas trip.
Costumes for the big carnival night will
be for rent at the Kuntz Clothiers. A costume company from Kansas City is
bringing a complete set of 300 costumes here for the event, and they will rent
them for $2.00 a set. Everyone should either make reservations for one of these
costumes or arrange to make their own. Confetti, serpentine, whistles, horns,
balloons, and everything that goes with a successful Mardi gras feature has
been arranged for so that the big Saturday night program is to be a feature de
luxe.
The first evening show begins tonight at
the Junior Chamber of Commerce tent, East Washington and Summit.
Musical
Program Sunday.
The program of the spring festival will
close on Sunday afternoon, at which time the Arkansas City Choral society, with
W. N. Harris, E. M. Druley, and Guy Curfman as the committee, will put on a
fine program of music. The A. C. Choral society is one of the newest musical
organizations in the city, but it is already doing fine work. Mr. Curfman is
the director and the members of the society had a splendid rehearsal last night
in the club room at the city hall, taking up some new music and learning the
same for the Sunday afternoon program. This program will begin at 2:30 and will
be given at the Wilson park rotunda. The public is invited and several of the
local ministers of the city will deliver addresses. There will also be band and
orchestra music and the choral society numbers will be varied, with chorus
work, solos, and a quartette. This is free to all and the residents of this
city and vicinity will miss a great treat if they fail to attend the May day
concert.
On Sunday morning the ministers of the
city will conduct special services in the various churches and this is to be
known as “go to church Sunday.” There will be a special effort made to have all
the places of worship filled to overflowing on this day. Everyone, whether in
the habit of attending church services or not, is invited to be in attendance
at some one of the churches on that morning, Sunday, May first.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, April 29, 1921.
SPRING AFFAIR OPENS
WITH COOL WEATHER
Large
Crowds in Bright Lights First Night.
BAND
JAZZ MAY DANCE
Prizes for
Elegant Displays in Show Windows.
Novelty Auto Parade by Lady Drivers Today
and Big Time at the Flying Frolic.
Program—Friday
Evening.
7:30—Boy
Scout review at First and Washington.
8:30—Illuminated
float parade on Summit street.
9:00—Night
flying by local pilots.
9:30—Battle
Royal between 10 scrappers at ring at Summit Street and Fifth Avenue.
Saturday
Afternoon.
1:30—Demonstration
by Chilocco school (probability).
3:00—Air
frolic, parachute jump. Sgt. Chambers will attempt to break his own record for
a 22,000 feet drop.
Cooling zephyrs from the far north lands
played upon the thousands who gathered last evening to witness the opening of
the spring festival, but the sudden chill did not daunt the spirit of the
performers or the crowd which had gathered. The thing went off with a bang at
the opening celebration and from start to finish of the opening night it was a
success.
Pep reigned supreme throughout the
evening’s performance. From the blare of the band to the squawk of the jazz
orchestra, the May pole dance, shouts from the ballyhooer at the side show, the
motor exhibit and the window unveiling, everything portrayed the spirit of
snappy work. It showed to the gathering mob that Arkansas City was up and at
‘em with the spirit which has pulled the city through.
The window displays for the occasion were
some of the most remarkable seen here in many days. Every color scheme possible
and every bit of originality was portrayed in the competitive window decorating
schemes. The prize winners were hard to select as the many windows presented an
array of cleverness which shocked the most skeptical onlookers. Prizes were
awarded to the following.
General
Merchandise.
First
prize—Newman Dry Goods Company, $35.
Second
prize—Masters-Fuhrman, $20.
Third
prize—Kuhns-Gray Furniture Co., $12.50.
Fourth
prize—A. H. Moore Grocery, $7.50.
Honorable
mention—Kuntz Clothiers; White Star Market; J. C. Penney; Devilin; Purity Candy
Kitchen; and Kirkpatrick Furniture Company.
Novelty
Windows.
First
prize—Gilbreath-Calvert, $35.
Second
prize—A. C. Floral Company, $20.
Third
prize—Fowler Office Supply Company, $12.50.
Fourth
prize—Schwartz Electric Company, $7.50.
Honorable
mention—Boyer Hardware Company; Hall Electric Company; Rexall Drug Company.
The judges for this contest were: D. L.
Pontius of the Kerr Store at Winfield; Charles Allen, Allen Grocery at
Winfield; and Oscar Gafney, Harder Implement and Motor Company, Winfield.
Motor
Car Fashion Parade.
One hundred and ten cars were entered in
the motor car fashion parade held this afternoon, the biggest event of this
kind ever staged in Arkansas City. Cars of every description, size, make, and
mileage were entered in this event, which topped off last night’s celebration
in a typical Arkansas City snappy style.
Several clever entries were made in the
contest. One was a Chalmers, non-competitive, driven by a bewitching looking
female, who it turned out was one of the employees at the Hill-Howard Motor Car
Company. This car attracted great attention through its sign, “There’s
Something About Us That You Will Like.”
The prize awards made by the judges for
the parade were as follows.
First
Class—Dodge, driven by Mrs. Ross Jones.
Honorable mention—Maxwell belonging to
Baber.
Second
Class—Nash, driven by Irene Bloomheart.
Honorable mention—Elgin owned by Vogle.
Third
Class—Cadillac, driven by Mrs. Roy Rinehart.
Honorable mention—Hudson driven by Mrs.
John Curtis.
Fourth
Class—Maxwell Sedan, owned by Mitchell.
Honorable mention—Ford owned by Heathman.
Fifth
Class—Chalmers, driven by Mrs. McDowell.
Honorable mention—Buick, driven by Mrs.
Willis Brandon.
Sixth
Class—Franklin, driven by Mrs. W. C. Root.
Honorable mention—Cole Eight, driven by
Mrs. Tyler.
Seventh
Class—Marmon specialty job, belonging to “Red” Derry.
Several out of town parties were present
for the occasion and several out of town women drove in the contest. A party
from Winfield was: Mrs. W. C. Root, Mrs. O. A. Strother, Mrs. J. W. Shackelton,
Mrs. H. W. Herrick.
A party from Ponca City was composed of
the following: Mrs. J. H. McIntire, Georgia Harter, Fannie Lessert, Francis
Doepel, Esther Doepel, Gladys Diamond.
Gay Manchester, of Winfield, had an
attractive motor car entered in the parade. She carried out the black and white
color scheme throughout her display.
The parade was headed by Mayor Hunt and
Commissioners Sturtz and Clay. Following this the 100 motor cars paraded down
Summit Street to Wilson Park, where they turned and returned on the opposite
side of Summit Street. The parade lasted for a little over one hour, and the
streets were thronged throughout the occasion.
The first number of the flying frolic was
held this afternoon when about ten planes went up and went through some
preliminary stunts. At press time it was unknown as to which planes were up,
but several were doing fancy stunting, specializing in Immelmans, barrel rolls,
falling leafs, etc. This number will again be repeated tomorrow afternoon.
Notes
of the Festival.
The May pole display in the window of the
People’s Store was one of the most attractive windows in the city last night
and today and many people gathered around this display for another look after
the unveiling process last night.
B. X. Gatwood, alias Bart Allen, who is
said to be the best slide trombone player in the state, unpacked his horn last
night and played in the band which is playing for the Spring Festival. Bart
said as he entered the procession that this was the first time he had played in
a band for three years, and it seemed good to “hit ‘em up” once more.
The automobile arch, which spans the
entrance to the auto show on Washington Avenue, is “keen,” as expressed in the
language of many of the visitors last night; and the big white way inside this
enclosure is even “keener.” This well lighted arch would be a credit to such an
affair for a much larger city and it has been suggested that the arch and the
white way be left in place there for the remainder of the spring and summer.
The wax figure of a woman, located just
inside the door of the Ark. Valley Gas Co., on South Summit Street, is an
attraction that is a real treat. The wax woman, dressed in house attire and
standing over the ironing board, looks very natural and the men who stop to look
in at the door are heard to remark, “Just like wife and home.” This morning as
several men were seen to enter the gas office, they were caught in the act of
raising their hats to the lady in wax and saying a pleasant, “Good morning.”
The children’s week display in the window
of the Traders State Bank at present is a very attractive display, and it will
pay anyone to stop and look at it. The booth at the corner of Summit and Fifth
in connection with their affair is registering many people this week.
Yes, the big knife which is on display in
the show window of the Collinson Hardware Company this week will cut as the
blades come down. The knife is arranged so that it opens and shuts by an
electric appliance.
Many people of this city and vicinity are
calling each day now at the hobby show to see the many relics placed there for
the benefit of the public. Mrs. McConn has the display arranged in fine fashion
to be viewed and the great lot of stuff there is well worth anyone’s time to go
and look at this opportune time.
Geo. Cornish of the Cornish Studio says
he thinks the judges failed to come down Fifth Avenue last evening while
judging the different display windows of the stores. He thinks he has a keen
display window—and he really has; and he takes it for granted that the judges
failed to visit Fifth Avenue, or he would have won first prize for the best
looking display window.
It was announced this afternoon by
Secretary Seyster that the carnival costumes will arrive here this evening and
they may be rented at the Kuntz Cash Clothiers tomorrow at $2 per suit, cash.
Major Richards, of Love Field, Texas,
wired the local committee at the noon hour today that he expected to arrive
here about 4 o’clock this afternoon, and will put on the stunts as advertised
for that day. Sgt. Chambers is expected to make a parachute jump from his plane
and to land on Summit Street.
The novelty show in the Gilbreath Calvert
store last night attracted the crowds until a late hour.
Taken as a whole the window decorations
of last evening were keen and each merchant who made an effort along this line
deserves special mention, but space today forbids this to be done. The display
on spring goods on this occasion is truly wonderful, and the Arkansas City
merchants are not outdone in this line by any other city in the state of
Kansas.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, April 29, 1921.
ARMSTRONG
ARRIVES HERE
Parachute Jumper and
Bird Man From Post Field Fly In.
Frank Armstrong, the parachute jumper
from Post Field, Oklahoma, accompanied by Mr. J. E. Marder, a bird man from
Post Field, arrived last night to take part in the big air frolic to be staged
here in connection with the spring festival. Charles E. Towers, pilot from
Missouri, came in yesterday also to attend the frolic.
Reservations have been made at the Osage
Hotel for eleven more pilots from all sections of the southwest to attend the
big fete. They will arrive some time today. About twelve planes will be
stationed here in preparation for the big event.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, April 29, 1921.
Pete Hill and Pilot Beech returned last
night from Dallas, Texas, where they secured a new plane.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, April 29, 1921.
FLEW
HOME IN FIVE HOURS
Pete Hill and Walter Beech
Make Record Time From Dallas.
Leaving Dallas, Texas, at noon yesterday
and landing at the field north of the city at 5 o’clock in the afternoon, is
the time it took Pilots Walter Beech and Pete Hill to fly from Dallas, Texas,
to Arkansas City—a distance of over 400 miles.
These two men left Arkansas City several
days ago for Dallas, where they went to purchase a new Curtiss aeroplane to
take part in the air frolic which will be held here today and tomorrow, owing
to the fact that their planes burned up several days ago when the hangars were
destroyed. When the men arrived at Dallas, they set up their own plane and made
arrangements to fly it home. Their only landing was at Oklahoma City, where
they landed for gasoline and oil.
The new plane is a wonderful looking ship
and carries the earmarks of a real flyer. Beech and Hill stated that the new
ship was one of the most up-to-date ships that could be bought and they
expected to do some wonderful things with it. These two men have set a new
record between Arkansas City and Dallas, a little less than five hours.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, April 30, 1921.
Reptile
Escaped.
“Cherub” Fowler reports that one of the
big Yap snakes made its escape from the Junior Chamber of Commerce Museum this
morning and started for the People’s Store to fill up on something or another,
but was captured before it got there. However, an Arkansas City man, who used
to take on a little bit once in awhile, began wondering if the reptile had
headed in his direction. The snake was captured and returned to its cage.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, April 30, 1921.
FESTIVAL PRIZES GIVEN
FREELY TO LOCAL HOUSES
A. C. Public
Schools Draws First in Parade.
LAST
NIGHT’S AFFAIR.
Dazzling
Line of Auto Floats Last Night.
MANY
ARE UNIQUE
Flying Frolic Today and “Old Man
Gloom” Will Be Squashed Tonight,
Rain
or Shine.
PROGRAM
Saturday
Night
Battle
Royal.
Crowning
of King Optimo.
Gigantic
Street Masked Carnival and Dance.
SUNDAY
At
Wilson Park 2:30 o’clock—
Song—“America.”
Prayer.
March—Arkansas City Band.
A. C. Choral Society.
Eight Minute Address by Rev. McQuiddy.
Ladies’ Chorus.
Xylophone Solo.
Address—Community Music—Mayor Hunt.
Quartette.
Overture, Arkansas City Band.
Eight Minute Address by Rev. W. H. Moore.
Choral Society (two selections).
Male Quartette.
Choral Society.
Arkansas City Band.
Low hanging clouds of the morning broke,
and Dame Nature condescended to send Old Sol out for a short spree over
Arkansas City in the closing hours of the triumphal spring festival. This
assures Arkansas City of being able to say that the business awakening was a
success.
As the first light of dawn beamed in the
east this morning, murky clouds could be seen shadowing all prospects of a fair
day. Much consternation reigned among the crowned heads of the festival, and we
may say that abusive language was used against fate. A few drops from the
clouds, and the thing was practically given up, when lo, the sun appeared, and
immediately the ball was started rolling on the last and the most successful
day of the event.
The dark brown taste which has been
prevalent for the past few months, through the time of depression, has given
away to a sweeter tone during the past three days as business has awakened and
the tones of prosperity are taking a larger hold than heretofore, mainly
through the big festival which has gone to show that Arkansas City is
optimistic and is out after business.
Last night’s industrial parade was
clever.
Need anything more be said. From the cold
staid business exhibits to the highly worked out floral exhibits, the parade
was one of the cleverest things of its kind ever staged in the city. Every
float in the entire program showed that merchants had worked carefully and
thoughtfully for something to make an attraction well worth while.
Prizes awarded were:
First prize—Henneberry Packing Company,
for an industrial float, with an award of $40.
Second prize—Henneberry Packing Company,
for an industrial float, with an award of $40.
Third prize—Newman Dry Goods Company, for
an artistic float, with an award of $30.
Fourth prize—Collinson, for an industrial
float, with an award of $20.
Fifth prize—American Legion, on general
merit, with an award of $10.
Honorable mention—Globe Fashion Shop,
People’s Store, Penney store, Masters-Fuhrman, Downing, Kansas Gas and Electric
Company, A. C. Floral Company, the Fitch Music Company, and others.
Ninety-seven floats were entered in the
parade last evening, which was eight blocks in length. Headed by the Arkansas
City band, the parade started promptly at 9 o’clock from Madison Avenue and
paraded to Wilson Park, where it turned and came back on the opposite side of
the street.
The night flying was a success. Pilots
Beech and Williams cut a number of capers in the sky during the evening’s
frolic, which were easily discernible from the street. The only marring feature
was when Pilot Beech attempted to land, and missing his three point landing,
the plane crashing slightly. Neither of the occupants of the plane were
injured, but the wheels and propeller of the plane were badly damaged.
The boy scout exhibition at the vacant
lot on Washington Avenue and First Street was remarkably well attended last
evening. Troop No. 1 of the local organization went through some scout craft,
which consisted of making fires and boiling water. A first prize, consisting of
a complete boy scout uniform, was awarded to Junior Paris; and a second prize,
consisting of shirt, breeches, and woolen socks, was awarded to Nordon Rea.
As a closing number of the evening’s
program, five husky negroes clambered into the ring erected at the intersection
of Fifth Avenue and Summit Street, and mixed it in a battle royal. The
thousands of people gathered around the ringside were given one of the most
pleasing exhibits of this kind ever shown here. For fully thirty minutes they
battled it in the center of the ring until as a finality a big dark colored
scrapper, wearing a dainty white shirt and white stiff collar, hammered loose
with haymakers and strode about the ring as winner. Frankie Adams boxed four
rounds with Kid Moore in a short exhibition, which was very well received by
the fans.
Saturday afternoon’s festivities opened
up with a parade by the students from the Chilocco Indian school. Fully 500
members of the school, both boys and girls, came in from the school on a
specially chartered train, marched up Central Avenue to Summit Street, down
Summit Street to Adams Avenue, and thence to the athletic field.
At the athletic field the students gave a
demonstration of the drills undergone at the school. It was a sterling
exhibition put on by the cadets from the school and also by the girls. The
parade was headed by a band from the school. The exhibition lasted for about
half an hour, after which the band paraded the streets giving short concerts
for the visitors at the big show.
The vacant lot at Fifth Avenue and A
Street this afternoon resembled such beautiful meadow scenes as the great
masters often put on canvas. All that was lacking was the babbling brook. Tall
waving trees, shade, and a herd, because the exhibits entered were large enough
to make a good sized herd of cattle, presented a background which made the
people realize that the livestock game is still prominent in this part of the
country, especially for thoroughbred stuff.
This exhibit according to the judges was
one of the cleverest impromptu affairs arranged in this section of the
southwest. With just a short notice, prominent stockmen, farm clubs, and every
other sort of an organization which had livestock, entered animals for the
display this afternoon. The awards in the various classes will be announced on
Monday.
The
Side Show.
The crowds certainly patronized the
Junior Chamber of Commerce last night and the attractions there are well worth
the price of admission, and more than that, too. The snakes are here, the horse
with his head should be (in the manger), the Peruvian chicks, the bridal scene,
and many other features too numerous to mention. And then there is the men only
show, which is only a joke, it may be sure, and therefore the women need not
fear to have their husbands visit this attraction. Then there is the act by the
two little Bennett girls, in singing and dancing, which is a thriller. These
girls are clever and they attracted a large crowd on several different
occasions last night. “Curly” Branine is the “barker” for the side show and he
is keen in this stunt. Don’t fail to visit the J. C. of C. side show this
evening.
Evening
Float Parade.
The business firms and others represented
in the float parade last night included the following.
A. C. Band, the new fire motor car, A. H.
Fitch Music Co., Re-Nu Tire Co., Oliver & Calkins, U. S. L. Battery
Station, A. C. Floral & Seed Co., Kansas Gas and Electric Co., E.
Kirkpatrick, Dawson Produce Co., Busy Bee and Puritan, Masters-Fuhrman, Kuntz’s
Cash Clothiers, Metropolitan Cleaners, L. E. Parman, Downing Tin and Sheet
Metal Co., Newman Motor Co., Merchants Delivery, W. N. Harris, Central Hardware
Co., Houston-Hill Printing Co., People’s Store, A. C. Public schools, Collinson
Hardware Co., Collinson Auto Co., News Publishing Co., Newman’s, Axley Market,
Star Candy Shop, The Globe, Royal Café, J. C. Penney & Co., Jazz Orchestra,
American Legion, Henneberry Packing Co., Boyer-Bredenkamp-McNabb Hdw. Co.,
Business Women’s Club, Y. W. C. A., Boy Scouts.
One of the feature attractions at the
auto show, aside from the new and up-to-date autos, is the old time Reo, made
in 1906, 15 years ago, and which is still in use in this city. Until a short
time ago this auto, now a relic, was used by Ed Lawson for the delivery of
groceries in this city. The machine is a one cylinder affair and the engine is
located under the seat. The auto has no self-starter, but the crank shaft is
under the one seat of the little machine.
One of the real relics of the parade last
night was the ten year old Franklin car, driven by Jay Myers, of the Newman
Motor Car Co. This auto is a novelty at this time, compared with the fine
Franklin’s of today.
The Business Women’s Club of this city is
conducting several stands on the streets at the festival and they are raising
funds to pay the expenses of a delegate to the national congress this summer.
The auto of this organization attracted a great deal of attention in the parade
last night.
Have you figured out where the water
comes from that is flowing in the window of the Stoner barber shop? Fred Lawhon
says the little copper wire has a hole in it. Can you believe it?
Ellis Billings, the plumber, has a unique
display window, in the shape of a bathroom, and the housewife is there in
person. It is a very attractive scene and one that is very keen, to say the
least.
The Y. W. C. A. booths on the streets are
being well patronized by the visitors, it is said, and the ladies are
attempting to raise some funds in this manner.
The A. C. band, the jazz orchestra, and
the male quartet kept the crowds interested last night until the parade started
and the music was greatly appreciated.
The Boy Scouts’ demonstration was very
clever last night and those who crowded around the place to witness this
feature were given an insight to the workings of the boys in this line. They
built their fires and cooked the bullion soup on the ground and then they had
their wireless machines in working order; also, the boys of the city are
becoming greatly interested in this work under the direction of the scout
master, E. K. Kraul, who is a young man of high esteem and who is the possessor
of many sterling qualities.
Commissioner John Clay had a hard time
keeping cases on his auto yesterday, according to all reports. He lost the
machine twice and one time it had been moved by someone in clearing the
streets. The police force promises to look after John and the auto this
evening.
Charlie Liston, one of Arkansas City’s
pioneer citizens, stated today that the spring festival for the past three days
has been the finest celebration ever held in Arkansas City. Charlie said
everything was splendid. Mr. Liston certainly speaks with authority as he has
attended every celebration held in Arkansas City for the past thirty years.
Arkansas City will climb on the motor car
map following the spring festival, according to local automobile men. Pictures
of the display, both from the street and from one of the buildings adjoining
the show were taken this afternoon and these pictures will be sent to the Motor
World for publication in one of the coming issues of the big motor car
magazine.
The boy scouts are handling themselves in
a manner befitting the organization in the spring festival. Working in
cooperation with the members of the American Legion, they have been on police
duty in the downtown districts. In gentlemanly manner they have kept the dense
crowds from hindering the performers and they should be complimented on the
manner in which they have worked throughout the exhibit.
A motor truck from the A. C. Dairy proved
the most popular conveyance of this after-noon. Following in the wake of the
parade of thoroughbred stock, four dainty little maidens, clad in white, were
dispensing free ice cream cones made from the famous A. C. Dairy milk. Every
boy in the city was following the wagon begging for a cone, and the girls
passed them out as fast as they could work. It might be said that many
grown-ups likewise took advantage of the opportunity to gargle the beloved
frozen dainty.
The crowds were wondering where all the
Franklins came from that were in the parade yesterday. There were twelve
Franklins in the parade and all but three were sold by the Newman Motor Co.
H. A. Fowler, prominent contractor here,
was one of the purchasers of a car during the automobile show. He purchased a
Buick from the Collinson Auto Co.
Considerable comment was heard yesterday
about the Franklin driven in both parades by Dick Drake of Hewin, Kansas. Mr.
Drake states his Franklin is 10 years old and is in service every day. George
Sayles, of the Newman Motor Co., Franklin dealers here, stated this Franklin
has the same detail of construction as the 1921 Franklins with the exception of
having the refinement of the new Franklins.
Floris Nagelvoort of the
Nagelvoort-Stearns Cadillac Company of Wichita was here yesterday assisting the
Collinson Auto Company at the auto show.
The Newman Motor Car Co. reports a great
deal of interest is being taken in the “how many miles to the pint” contest on
both the Franklin and Chevrolet cars. Over 300 guesses have been turned in. The
prizes for the winners of these contests will probably be awarded Monday.
Chas. Nickey, special Chevrolet
representative from the New York office, attended the automobile show
yesterday. Mr. Nickey stated the Chevrolet company was now in a position to
guarantee the refund of from $70 to $100 on all Chevrolets purchased before
August 1, 1921. This company advertised this reduction, providing their sales
would total a certain amount. This amount has almost been reached at the
present time.
D. R. McWilliams, manager of the
Hill-Howard Motor Co., of Hutchinson, was here this afternoon taking in the
automobile show.
Harry Colvin, territory man of the
Hill-Howard Motor Co., came in this morning from western Kansas to attend the
automobile show.
Aviator Errett Williams arrived home this
morning from Kansas City, Missouri, where he went to get the costumes for the
big masked street dance for tonight. Mr. Williams made the trip by aeroplane
and brought home about two hundred of the niftiest costumes in Kansas City.
These costumes can be rented at the Kuntz cash clothing store.
Carl Garver, sportsman and airman. This
name is given to the genial gentleman who piloted a Lincoln Standard through to
Arkansas City’s flying frolic this morning. Garver, although a prominent farmer
with a most modern ranch at Attica, Kansas, has recently taken up the flying
game, and is one of the non-commercial pilots in the state who attends all of
the big meets with his plane. Garver is holding an air frolic at his ranch
tomorrow and several of the planes entered here will make the jump to Attica
for the event.
Major Richards, the flying demon from
Post Field, fought trouble all the way to Arkansas City. He landed in a pasture
south of the city late last night, sore at everything because his plane would
not work correctly. Early this morning trouble shooters from the Williams-Hill
field were at work on his engine, and it will be in running order for late
afternoon flying, it is stated.
The
Fashion Parade.
The winners of the auto fashion parade
held yesterday afternoon were as follows.
Class
1—Open cars priced at $1,500 and under, Mrs. Ross Jones, Dodge car, first
prize.
Honorable mention—Mr. Baber’s Maxwell.
Class
2—Open cars priced at $2,500 and under, Miss Irene Bloomheart, Nash car, first
prize.
Honorable mention—Claude Fogle, Elgin.
Class
3—Open cars priced at $3,500 and up, Mrs. Roy Rinehart, Cadillac car, first
prize.
Honorable mention—Mrs. John Curtis,
Hudson car.
Class
4—Closed car priced at $2,00 and under, Mrs. Lester Mitchell, Maxwell sedan,
first prize.
Honorable mention—Mrs. C. M. Heathman,
Ford sedan.
Class
5—Closed car priced at $3,500 and under, Mrs. Ben Curtis, Chalmers sedan, first
prize.
Honorable mention—Mrs. Tyler, Cole 8
Buick coupe.
Class
6—Closed cars priced at $3,500 and over, Mrs. W. C. Root, Franklin sedan, first
prize.
Honorable mention—Mrs. Tyler, Cole 8
sedan.
Class
7—Novelty arrangements, Mrs. “Doc” Shipp, first prize, Buick.
Honorable mention—Houston & Hill,
Marmon.
The People’s Store this afternoon is
holding a drawing for a pair of shoes. With every purchase during the three
days, up to one thousand, they have a number. A local boy, probably a Boy
Scout, will do the drawing and some lucky customer will be one pair of shoes to
the good.
The $1,000 hat on display in one of the
windows of the Newman store has attracted a great deal of attention from the
visitors during the present week. You must see the hat to appreciate its value.
A number not on the spring festival
program was given on the fistic platform at the corner of Summit Street and
Fifth Avenue. Two small colored boys started a friendly top contest. One hit a
little too hard and then they mixed it. The crowd had a good time in the bout,
but one of the policemen called time and the boys had to quit with the decision
in doubt.
One of the most attractive, appropriate,
and beautiful floats in the parade last night was that of the American Legion.
This float was large due to the efforts of Bob Wise, who is an overseas soldier.
Mrs. Shank was the American nurse on the float, and she served at Kelly field
in Texas. Dan Fisher was the sailor and Ed Kraul, the boy scout man, was the
marine. Both are overseas men. Mrs. H. D. Howard, sister of Angus Ralston, who
made the supreme sacrifice in France, was the goddess of liberty.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, April 30, 1921.
Roy Hume, local aviator, flew to
Wellington yesterday on a short business trip.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, April 30, 1921.
AN
AEROPLANE CRASH
Pilot Walter Beech and
Plane Nosed Into Ground Last Night.
While attempting to land his plane after
an exhibition of night flying last night, the Standard plane being piloted by
Walter Beech was somewhat damaged when the plane landed. According to those who
witnessed the accident, the plane did not hit the ground squarely, the front
end striking first, which had a tendency to throw the plane forward; and it
turned a complete somersault, badly damaging the radiator, breaking off the
propeller, and otherwise damaging the plane.
Pilot Beech was not hurt, and it is
expected the plane will be ready to fly again this afternoon. The great danger
in night flying, according to pilots, is the landing of the plane, which
necessitates the setting down of the plane on all three ends at one time, and
sometimes it is impossible to see the ground. The accident last night was not
the fault of anyone, and there was no chance for anyone to get hurt as the
machine was on the ground when the accident happened and was traveling at a
very low rate of speed. Walter Beech is one of the best pilots who ever flew
a ship, and his accident last evening does not reflect on his ability
whatsoever to fly and handle any aeroplane either in daylight or at night.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, April 30, 1921.
ARMSTRONG
MADE FINE DROP
Oklahoma City Boy Says
Local Pilots Best in the Business.
Pilot Armstrong, the parachute man who is
in Arkansas City to make a series of drops from 5,000 feet for the flying
frolic from a moving aeroplane, in a conversation with a Traveler
representative last night, said the drop he made yesterday was one of the
cleanest drops he has ever pulled off. Pilot Errett Williams drove the ship
from which Armstrong dropped. He said Williams knew just how to handle a plane
in a case of this kind, and he also stated that Williams had worked with him in
many other towns. According to Armstrong, a parachute drop from an aeroplane is
much safer than from a balloon. The altitude gained yesterday afternoon of 5,000
feet was made in a very few minutes, the last 3,000 feet being made in less
than 9 minutes, which is exceptionally good. The climb was made in the new
Curtiss plane recently purchased by the Williams-Hill aeroplane company.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, May 2, 1921.
SPRING
FESTIVAL HAS CLOSED
High Carnival on Saturday
Night Ended Three Days’ Affair.
Dairy Show
and Parade Was Worth Seeing.
Prizes for Masqueraders
and King Optimo is Duly Crowned.
The dust is settled, confetti is fast
disappearing, workmen are hurriedly tearing stands asunder, as the 1921 spring
festival for Arkansas City has come to a close after a riotous frolic of fun
and good business spirit. The big event closed yesterday afternoon following
the sacred concert at Wilson Park, which was attended by some thousand people
who braved the blustery north wind for the occasion.
Ushered in by a screaming music on
Thursday, the past four days have been gala days for everyone in Arkansas City.
From the opening stanza through Saturday night’s hilarious celebration, and
closing with Sunday attraction, everything included on the program was a
complete success, and served to show that the old pep and punch of Arkansas
City business interests was not disappearing. “Gus Gloom” was completely routed,
he and others disappeared, and King Optimo now reigns supreme.
Sgt. Chambers, the Post Field air devil,
staged his big parachute drop Saturday. Owing to the stiff wind, he did not go
after an altitude record, but gave the people a demonstration which made them
blink. Piloted by Errett Williams, they climbed up above the 5,000 feet mark
and Chambers started on his dizzy descent. He landed within 50 yards of the
starting point none the worse for his little “mile-high” sojourn.
A regular old time carnival crowd
appeared on the streets early Saturday evening. Long before the band came on
the streets, the drives leading to Summit Street were packed and the throng was
congregating on the streets. The carnival event opened with the roping of Gus
Gloom and the crowning of King Optimo at the stand built on Summit and Fifth
Avenue. Then started the jazz.
From then on until midnight, hilarity,
jazz, and good spirit ruled with a supremacy which kept all blues and care
away. Milling from one orchestra to another, the crowd was never quiet and kept
the bubble of enthusiasm going until long past the regular bed time.
One set of prizes is still to be
announced, those for the livestock exhibit which was held Saturday afternoon at
the vacant lots at Fifth Avenue and A Street. The prize winners were:
Sweepstake
First—Richard Parsons, Holstein.
Second—R. E. Harp, Holstein.
Third—R. E. Harp, Holstein.
Herd
First—Richard Parsons, Holstein.
Second—R. E. Harp, Holstein.
Third—A. De Bard, Holstein.
Heifer
Under 2 Years
First—R. E. Harp, Holstein.
Second—Richard Parsons, Holstein.
Third—C. E. Nichols, Jersey.
Dairy
Bull
First—R. E. Harp, Holstein.
Second—Richard Parsons, Holstein.
Third—Bob Murray, Jersey
Heifer
Between 2 and 4 Years
First—R. E. Harp, Holstein.
Second—Kenneth Stanley, Holstein.
Third—Richard Parsons, Holstein.
Best
Mature Cow
First—Richard Parsons, Holstein.
Second—R. E. Harp, Holstein.
Third—G. E. Reynolds, Jersey.
The string of dairy cattle exhibited at
this time was one that cannot be outclassed in any city or county in the state,
and many of the milch cows seen here at that time are far above the average.
However, all are registered stock and the people of this city and community
should feel proud of the fact that they have the opportunity to purchase milk
and milk products that are of the very highest test.
The herd from the Edgewood dairy farm,
located east of the city, which was on exhibition at that time, and which is
owned by S. B. and R. H. Parsons, is under the state and federal inspection
bureaus.
The prizes which were awarded for the
costuming Saturday night, are:
Character
Prizes
First—J. W. Turner.
Second—Lois Spruill.
Third—A. D. Conely.
Costume
Prizes
First—Mrs. D. C. Davis.
Second—Thelma Hendryx.
Third—Mrs. W. L. Baldridge.
Notes
of the Festival
The Junior Chamber of Commerce cleared
about $250 on the side show conducted on Washington Avenue during the three
days of the festival. The young men in charge of the side show had a lot of fun
out of the affair as well as clearing a neat sum of money, to be used in
defraying the expenses of the delegates of the club to the convention of the
United States Junior Chamber of Commerce, to be held in Dallas, Texas, next
month. Arkansas City will be represented by at least seven of the live wires of
the city at this convention. The success of the junior side show is due to the
efforts of Dr. M. M. Miller and the members of his committee, in this
connection. But Dr. Miller has on his hands at present two bull snakes, which
were exhibited at the side show. They are for sale and may be purchased by
anyone desiring such animals.
The local Boy Scouts deserve special
mention for the manner in which they conducted themselves during the three days
festival. These boys, about 150 in all, under the leadership of Scout Master
Kraul, made themselves useful in more ways than one. They assisted in the
policing of the city and the festival grounds together with the American Legion
men, and also acted as information scouts during the three days. The boys also
operated several refreshment stands on the streets and cleared a neat sum of
money in this manner for the treasury of the local council. These boys
conducted themselves in a manner befitting the boy scout name and they are to
be commended for the part they played in making the festival a decided success.
The local boy scouts are going to be benefitted by the sum of $3,600 in the
near future, which is to be raised by the Rotary and the Lions clubs of this
city.
Roy Williams, who with the members of a
special committee from the junior chamber of commerce, staged the carnival
attractions on Saturday night, carried out that part of the entertainment to
perfection. Coach Williams is said by the school boys to be a “keen guy” and it
was demonstrated on this occasion that the statement is correct. He had his
cowboys trained in fine shape and pulled the shooting stunt in real old
fashioned style. Gus Gloom was run down, roped, and dragged to the platform
with the desired result. The last seen of him the cowboys were taking him down
a dark alley.
The hobby show, located on North Summit
Street, was one of the feature attractions last week and Mrs. McConn, Geo.
Cornish, and Frank McDowell certainly carried out this part of the
entertainment to perfection. The relics were returned to the owners today.
The auto show certainly was all that it
was expected to be and the local auto dealers are to be commended for the
manner in which they exhibited their fine cars on Washington Avenue and in the
various street parades, as well. There were cars galore and some of the very
best to be found in the state are owned by Arkansas City people.
The Chilocco Indian school students made
a fine appearance in the parade on Saturday and the Indian band made a great
hit with the street concert that afternoon. The Indians are splendid musicians
and they are always welcome in this city. The local committee is to be
commended for securing this attraction and a vote of thanks is due the
management of the school for this part of the entertainment.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, May 2, 1921.
After
New Airplane.
Ed Morris, who owns the old Newman block
here, has bought a seven passenger S. V. A. airplane from Dick Phillips and he
has sent Phillips and Virgil LaSarge to New York after it. They will be here
about Friday or Saturday. Mr. and Mrs. Morris are going to make Arkansas City
their home and Mr. Morris has taken the agency for the airplane business and
has already sold two airplanes in Texas. They will be delivered sometime in
June from Arkansas City.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, May 3, 1921.
ELKS
WILL FLY AWAY
Delegates to Convention at
Manhattan Will Go In Airplanes.
Arkansas City’s delegation to the state
Elks Convention will attract the other cities to the fact that Arkansas City is
up and after ‘em.
Four of the city’s leading pep
dispensers, nestled back in the cushions of a giant Italian airplane, will
descend upon Manhattan, Kansas, May 27, climb out of their air plane, and go
about the convention as though it is nothing unusual to be cavorting about in
such a contrivance.
The four delegates will be John Floyd,
Dr. C. H. House, Fred Gibson, and Dick Butler. The plane will belong to Ed
Morris.
Saturday night Pilot Phillips,
accompanied by Virgil LaSarge, left for New York City to get the big plane and
bring it back to Arkansas City. They will return with the plane the latter part
of this week.
Morris has donated the plane to the Elks
to attend this big convention, which will put the local lodge and Arkansas City
on the state map.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, May 3, 1921.
Errett Williams has gone to points in
Oklahoma on a few days business visit for the Williams-Hill Aeroplane company.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, May 3, 1921.
COWBOYS
HAVE FROLIC
Aeroplanes and Cowboys Will
Mix Next Sunday Afternoon.
Mr. and Mrs. Errett Williams returned
yesterday from Western Kansas, where they were the guests of Aviator Garver,
owner of the 3-Tree ranch. Mr. Garver is the owner of several high priced
aeroplanes and will hold an air frolic on his ranch next Sunday afternoon. The
frolic was to have been held yesterday, but owing to the high wind, was
postponed until the coming Sunday. Mr. Williams announced this morning that
there would have been fifteen or sixteen planes present yesterday to compete in
the different events. It is expected that at least three planes from here will
be taken out on Saturday afternoon to enter the contest. Pilot Williams is
confident he will take some of the prizes which will be given to the
competitors.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, May 4, 1921.
A
STEEL HANGAR PERHAPS
Local Committee Looking
Into New Building Proposition.
Representatives from a Wichita business
firm were in the city this morning to meet with a committee from the Chamber of
Commerce in regard to the proposed construction of a steel airplane hangar on
the landing field north of the city to replace the hangar which was destroyed
by fire several weeks ago. The meeting of the committee and the two men from
Wichita was held in the office of the Hill Investment Co., and the proposition
was gone over thoroughly. The representatives of the steel construction concern
were advised to secure figures on the proposed building and it is the plan of
the committee to look into the matter. It is an assured fact that the hangar
will be rebuilt and the committee will get the figures on both frame and steel
buildings. It is said that the steel hangar, erected to accommodate ten
planes—which will require a building about 60 by 100 feet—would cost in the neighborhood
of $8,000. Two plans were to be figured on, it is said, one for the hangar and
the workshop building combined and the other for the hangar and the shop in two
separate buildings. However, the committee has taken no action on the
proposition, either way, as yet. Plans in this regard are only being discussed
and looked into in a systematic manner.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, May 4, 1921.
Air
Men Called to Burden.
Pilots Beech and Hill made a hurry-up
call to Burden yesterday afternoon, being called there to repair an aeroplane
which had been forced to land. The boys made the trip to Burden in less than a
half hour and had the crippled place in the air before an hour’s time had
elapsed.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, May 4, 1921.
STAGE
THRILLING STUNT
Dummy Thrown From Plane
Attracts Great Deal of Interest.
Tuesday evening about 5:30 o’clock people
in the downtown district were given some real thrills when a dummy was dropped
from an aeroplane, piloted by Pilots Beech and Hill. The dummy was supposed to
be walking the wings of the plane, accidentally falling off, and the stunt was
so real that those watching it held their breath and some covered up their eyes
and ran away from the scene. Pilot Hill dropped the dummy and he succeeded in
dropping it so it fell just in front of the Collinson hardware store on Summit
street. W. D. Shultz, a representative of the A. & T. Film Company of
Kansas City, and E. J. Reid were the instigators of the unique advertising
stunt. The dummy, when found on Summit Street, had a sign painted on its back
reading: “Not hurt, just dropped down to see ‘The County Fair.’”
After the dummy had been dropped, Pilot
Williams took Mr. Shurtz for a ride over the city, and he says he was greatly
surprised to see how pretty Arkansas City looked from the air as this was his
first trip off the ground.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, May 5, 1921.
Pilot Cecil Lucas left this morning for
Oklahoma City to get a DeHaviland airplane, sold to Arthur LaSarge. He will fly
the plane to Arkansas City this evening, landing at the Lucas-Hume field south
of the city.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, May 5, 1921.
A Laird Swallow plane, carrying J.
Mollendick and pilot, of Wichita, on a trip from Enid, Oklahoma, to their home,
landed at the Lucas-Hume field yesterday afternoon, for gas and oil.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, May 5, 1921.
SECURES
GOVERNMENT JOB
Williams-Hill Aeroplane
Company, Will Repair Army Ship Here.
Errett Williams, of the Williams-Hill
Aeroplane company, announced this morning that their company had secured the
contract from the United States government to repair the “Spad” aeroplane which
flew to this city last Saturday to take part in the air frolic. The ship was
forced to the ground near Perry, Oklahoma, Saturday morning, and it was
necessary for local mechanics to go to that place and repair the plane
temporarily. The ship was flown to Arkansas City and upon examination it was
found the motor block had been broken. A new block was shipped from Post Field,
Lawton, Oklahoma, yesterday and is expected to arrive here today. The little
plane will be repaired at once and flown back to Lawton, probably by Pilot Pete
Hill. The plane is at the present time located at the landing field north of
the city and is attracting much attention. The wing spread is less than 12
feet, with a 250 horse power motor, capable of making a flying speed of more
than 150 miles per hour. The Spad is very small though fast, and will climb
20,000 feet in less than five minutes.
The local aeroplane company expects to
have the plane flying again within a very short time.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, May 5, 1921.
WILL
FLY WEST
Mr. and Mrs. Errett
Williams Expect to Take Off Saturday.
Mr. and Mrs. Errett Williams are making
preparations to leave here Saturday morning for western Kansas, where they will
take part in the big air frolic which is being staged by Pilot Garver, of the
“Three Tree” ranch, located near Dodge City. Mr. Garver is the owner of the ranch
and also owns several very fine planes. Errett Williams stated that there would
be fifteen or twenty planes there from all parts of Kansas and Oklahoma. One of
the main features of the event will be a parachute jump from a plane by a
trained cat.
Mr. and Mrs. Williams expect to return
Monday of next week.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, May 6, 1921.
MORRIS,
AN ENTHUSIAST
Expecting New Plane From
New York First of Next Week.
Ed C. Morris, who has recently located in
this city, is becoming very much interested in aviation. At the present time
Mr. Morris has Pilot Dick Phillips and Virgil LaSarge in New York for the
purpose of bringing to Arkansas City an Italian airplane, two hundred twenty
horsepower, and costing over $6,500. This plane has a speed of one hundred
fifty-four miles per hour. It is called a two-place machine, but Mr. Morris is
having it fitted for four persons. It is capable of carrying one thousand
pounds.
Phillips and LaSarge arrived in New York
the first of the week and since then they have been receiving instructions in
flying the big S. V. A. Placards have been placed on this machine at the field
in New York which say: “This plane will leave for Arkansas City, Kansas,
Saturday.” This is quite an advertisement for Arkansas City, and indicates to
air navigators that our city is being put on the map as an aviation center.
Mr. Morris says he will keep his machine
on the south field, which is in charge of Pilots Lucas, Phillips, and Roy Hume.
He will make selling airplanes his business. He realizes that aeronautics has
come to stay and he wants to be one of the first to get in on the ground floor.
To a Traveler representative
yesterday, Morris said that he thought that possibly at this time one landing
field was sufficient for Arkansas City. He thought the fair way would be, since
the Chamber of Commerce has taken an interest in aviation, for that
organization to work for aviation and not for any individual field. He was not
only willing to cooperate with the Chamber of Commerce in securing this field,
but would aid with his time and money in equipping it as it should be so that
it would meet all the demands of aviators coming this way.
Mr. Morris is very enthusiastic over
aviation. He has not become a pilot as yet, but he is being taught the
mysteries of the air handling planes; and there is no doubt but what he will be
a valuable acquisition in putting Arkansas City fully on the aeronautic map.
He expects his new S. F. A. plane to
arrive here two days after it leaves New York. If nothing happens, it will be
here the first of next week.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, May 7, 1921.
Mr. and Mrs. Errett Williams will fly to
western Kansas tomorrow, to take part in an air frolic which will be held there
tomorrow afternoon.
Pilot Cecil Lucas is expected to arrive
this afternoon from Oklahoma City, where he went to get an aeroplane several
days ago.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, May 10, 1921.
DISCUSS
LANDING FIELD
Plans Are Under Way
For a Consolidated Field Now.
A consolidated landing field.
That is the one thing the members of the
aviation committee at the board of commerce are after and this was brought out
at a meeting this noon of the secretary and president of the Chamber of
Commerce, the aviation committee, and the various aviators of the city at the
Osage hotel.
For over two hours the men were in
session, discussing the assets of the two fields. It is the ultimate desire of
the interests that one field be chosen and at this field to erect permanent
hangars and see that the field is kept in good shape in order that Arkansas
City can climb upon the flying map in a very substantial manner.
Nothing definite arose out of today’s
meeting, but future meetings are planned for at which time it is expected that
the big problem will be successfully ironed out and that Arkansas City will
again see the erection of a modern sky garage.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, May 11, 1921.
ON
THE AVIATION MAP
Emporia Men Here to
Look Over the Local Situation.
Arkansas City as exhibit A.
The advance that this city has made in
the aviation world is being felt over the state as was shown today by the
advent of three strangers looking into the matter. They were J. M. Hilton,
secretary of the chamber of commerce at Emporia; C. H. Newman; and Pilot
Nordyke, also from Emporia. They were investigating the luck that Arkansas City
has had in the aviation world.
Pilot Nordyke, despite that he lost his
plane in the recent hangar fire, was much impressed with the way Arkansas City
was backing the proposition of flying and flying fields. The delegation from
Emporia was visiting here today with the idea foremost to ascertain whether or
not aviation could be made a success in their city.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, May 11, 1921.
SHOULD
ARRIVE TODAY
Big Aeroplane From New
York May Land This Evening.
Ed Morris is in receipt of a wire from
Pilot Dick Phillips, stating that he and LaSarge left New York yesterday
morning for Arkansas City in the new S. V. A. aeroplane, which was recently
purchased by Mr. Morris. The machine is one of the large type aeroplanes and is
capable of making 150 miles per hour. According to this speed, it is estimated
that the boys should make the trip from New York to Arkansas City in two days,
barring any accidents or forced landings.
Phillips and LaSarge have been in New
York for the past ten days assembling the new aeroplane and getting everything
in readiness for the trip to Arkansas City.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, May 12, 1921.
Mr. and Mrs. Errett Williams have
returned from a few days visit to western Kansas. They made the trip in their
airplane.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, May 12, 1921.
THREE
HOURS FLYING TIME
Big Ship Cuts the
Air at 150 Miles Per Hour Clip.
Aviators Chauteau and Mayes arrived
yesterday afternoon about 3 o’clock from Kearney, Nebraska, leaving that place
about 10 o’clock in the morning. They had intended leaving earlier and arrive
at Arkansas City about noon, but owing to the fact that they had to test out
another aeroplane there, it was impossible to arrive here any earlier. When
interviewed in regard to the trip, Aviator Chauteau said the air was ideal
yesterday for flying, especially at the altitude of about 1,100 feet, which
altitude they flew on this long trip. More than 300 miles were covered in the
short time these men were in the air. They reported a very nice time while in
Nebraska, where they have been for the past week attending several air frolics.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, May 12, 1921.
MAJOR
RICHARDS COMING
Army Aviator Will Be
Here to Get Government Plane.
Pete Hill, of the Williams-Hill Aeroplane
company, is in receipt of a letter from Major Richards, of Houston, Texas,
stating that a new 250 horsepower motor was being shipped to this city to be
installed in the “Spad” aeroplane, which was left here several days ago on
account of engine trouble. Major Richards advised that as soon as the plane was
ready to fly, he would come to this city and take it back to Post Field, at
Lawton, Oklahoma. Major Richards, who is very well known in this city, sends
his best regards to all of his friends and says he expects to see them before
long.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, May 14, 1921.
FINE
ALTITUDE CLIMB
Errett Williams Makes Climb
Of Over 10,000 Feet Yesterday.
Arkansas Cityans were given some real
aeroplane exhibitions yesterday afternoon when Errett Williams took the new
Curtiss aeroplane and made a climb test of over 10,000 feet. All eyes on Summit
Street were turned towards Mr. Williams when some persons on the street
happened to glance into the air and watched the mechanical bird commence to
climb. With the naked eye the plane looked about the size of a big bird. The
climb required more than 30 minutes to make. However, when it came down it dropped
in just a few minutes. Mr. Williams stated the new plane is a dandy and is good
for about 100 miles per hour.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, May 16, 1921.
Pilot Cecil Lucas returned yesterday from
Blackwell with the LaSarge aeroplane, which was purchased there several days
ago. The new plane will be added to the fleet of Arkansas City owned ships and
will fly out of this territory.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, May 16, 1921.
LONG
TIME SIGN
Finney Ice Cream and Creamery
Company Take Space on Aeroplane.
The Finney Ice Cream and Creamery company
has contracted with the Hume-Lucas Aeroplane for space on the lower wings of
the big Standard plane which will be ready to fly this week. The entire wing
space on the bottom of the ship will be occupied by an ad for this progressive
firm. There is no doubt but that this sign will cover more territory than any
other kind of a sign he could put out. Roy Hume advised Saturday the new plane
would be ready to fly about Wednesday or Thursday of this week. Just who will
pilot the plane is not known yet, as Mr. Hume and Mr. Lucas have not decided.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, May 25, 1921.
UNUSUAL
AIRPLANE COVER
Lucas-Hume Has a
New and Novel Covering Plan.
An innovation in airplane covering.
The Lucas-Hume company, which operates
from the field south of the city, has recently completed the remodeling of a
Standard plane, which was up all last summer in Arkansas City. The novel
feature of the plane is that the fuselage and the motor parts are covered with
fabrikord, this work having been done by J. E. Derry.
New wing linen has been put on and
underneath the wings. A giant sign in red letters advertises the Finney Ice
Cream. This is the second company in Arkansas City to have taken the lower base
of airplane wings for advertising space.
The new plane has been up just once since
remodeling, and it will be used throughout the summer in commercial work. Walter
Beech will pilot the plane during the summer months.
This is the third plane owned by the
company, as they have one other Standard and a Curtiss J. N.-4.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, May 25, 1921.
HEAR
FROM LOCAL AVIATORS
Compelled to Make Forced
Landing in Eastern Mountains.
Word has been received in the city from
Pilot Dick Phillips and Virgil LaSarge, who are flying across country with the
Italian S. V. A. plane, that they made a forced landing in Pennsylvania
mountains. The wheels were collapsed on the landing. They were able to start
again yesterday for Arkansas City.
On the first hop the ship traveled 490
miles. According to this rate, Ed Morris, owner of the plane, expects the plane
to arrive in Arkansas City early tomorrow morning. The plane will be housed at
the Lucas-Hume field south of the city.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, May 26, 1921.
AIR
FROLIC IN WICHITA
Big Affair Expected to
Attract Large Crowd May 29-30.
One
of the biggest air frolics in the middle west will be held from the Laird field
at Wichita, Sunday, May 29, and Decoration Day. At this time ships from over
the entire country will vie with each other for supremacy. The Oriole, Laird,
Curtiss, Standard, DeHaviland, and countless other American planes, with some
foreign ships, will be entered in the big event.
Roy Hume, of the Lucas-Hume company, announced
this morning that his company would enter at least two planes and probably
three in the event. Both Standards, one piloted by Walter Beech and the other
by Cecil Lucas, are sure to be entered, while it is probable that the Curtiss
will be taken to the meet.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, May 26, 1921.
Pilots Errett Williams and Pete Hill flew
to Wichita this morning, where they will remain over Sunday and take part in
the flying frolic on Monday.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, May 27, 1921.
OFF
TO WICHITA
Will Attend
Flying Frolic in the Peerless Princess.
Mr. and Mrs. Errett Williams left this
morning to motor to Wichita, where they will attend the big flying frolic to be
held at Laird Field during Sunday and Monday next week. Pilot Pete Hill of the
company is planning to leave some time tomorrow with the new Curtiss plane,
which will be entered in all the races at the tournament.
This will give a certainty of three
planes and a possibility of four from Arkansas City to be entered in the
tournament. The Lucas-Hume company is sending two planes to Wichita, and are
contemplating sending one other to the meet.
Planes from all over the country will be
entered in the meet, coming from as far north as Chicago, with some few in
Canada, and many planes from Oklahoma and Texas flying fields have been entered
in the meet, according to the dope sent out today by E. M. Laird, of the Laird
Aircraft company.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, May 28, 1921.
FLYERS
DELAYED AGAIN
Dick Phillips and Virgil
LaSarge are Now in Eastern Indiana.
Dick Phillips and Virgil LaSarge, who
recently started on a trip from New York in the S. V. A. Italian plane
purchased by Ed Morris of this city, were delayed again, according to a
telegram received yesterday afternoon. The wire was sent from a point in
Eastern Indiana where they were stopped when they broke the landing gear and
propeller.
Early this week the two men were forced
to land in the Allegheny mountains and broke the landing gear at that time. The
ship was making great time, and on the second day out broke the landing gear
again. They were waiting in Indiana for a propeller in order to make the start
again.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, May 30, 1921.
LUCAS
WINS AT WICHITA
In Air Frolic There
He Takes First in 20 Mile Race.
There was a large crowd of sightseers in
attendance at the flying frolic in Wichita Sunday and one of the main events of
the day was won by Pilot Cecil Lucas of this city. He won the 20 mile race to
Derby and return with an American Curtiss, time 17 minutes, and won the prize
of $20. Williams and Hill of this city also took part in the affair at Wichita.
There is an interesting program for the air frolic there today. There were many
interesting air stunts billed to take place today.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, May 31, 1921.
A.
C. HAS BOY FLYER
Jack Lightstone Given
Publicity at Wichita Flying Frolic.
Jack Lightstone, age 14, of Arkansas
City, is one of the youngest pilots in this section of the country. Wichita Sunday
Beacon.
Arkansas City’s progress in air
frolicking gained another advantage this week when the Wichita newspapers took
up the fact that even the youngsters here have taken to the flying game and are
making a success of it. Young Lightstone was one of the show attractions at the
big flying frolic held at Wichita over the weekend, and was one of the very
popular members of the Arkansas City flying team.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, May 31, 1921.
AIRCRAFT
BRANCH OUT
Williams-Hill
Company Will Sell the Curtiss Plane.
The Williams-Hill Aircraft Company of
this city is planning to branch out. This comes from a statement made by Errett
Williams in Wichita Sunday when he announced that the Kansas agents for the
Curtiss company are planning to open a house in Wichita.
The Williams-Hill company opened up in
Arkansas City and have obtained exclusive rights for the sale of Curtiss planes
throughout this section of the country. The only plane sold in Wichita at the
present time is the Laird, made in Wichita, and the local men feel that the
field is ripe for a new company to open.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, June 8, 1921.
HOME
FROM THE EAST
New Plane for
Local Man Left at Dayton, Ohio.
Virgil LaSarge, accompanied by Dick
Phillips, who recently started with a S. V. A. plane from New York City
belonging to Ed Morris of this city, returned yesterday via the railroad route.
The plane is in Dayton, Ohio, for repairs and will be brought to Arkansas City
shortly.
The plane will be one of the fastest sky
creatures in this part of the country according to LaSarge, and is capable of
hitting off around 143 miles an hour. During their flight from New York City,
the plane was operating perfectly and save for poor landing fields, it would
have come through without any trouble.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, June 10, 1921.
FLOOD WATERS SWEEP
ONWARD TOWARDS CITY
Arkansas
Threatens Farm Lands in Low Districts.
CARRIES
MUCH DEBRIS
Squatters Here
Forced to Move Homes on Bank.
FARMERS
MOVE STOCK
Rampaging Torrent Gnawing Way at Boundaries
Along Arkansas Valley District.
First
on the Scene.
The Traveler this morning had a
representative out over the Arkansas River, watching for the expected five feet
rise in the river which Wichita reported. The trip was made by airplane, Cecil
Lucas of the Lucas-Hume field flying the American Curtiss ship owned by Arthur
LaSarge. The travelers experienced three rains in their trip, which carried
them past Oxford.
Like a giant serpent, winding its way in
and about the prosperous Kansas farm lands, the Arkansas River today does not
present the view of a peaceful fishing stream, but that of turbulent waters,
bent upon delivery destruction to every point. From an altitude of 900 feet the
onrushing torrents, sweeping in from the recent Kansas rains and the flood
waters in Colorado, appear to be gnawing away at the remaining feet of the bank
along the river in an attempt to gain entrance to the fertile farm lands.
Along the entire route between Arkansas
City and Wichita the flood waters are tearing down the stream, carrying with
them refuse, mud, and rocks, which here and there presents the appearance of a
dead animal, sweeping on gaining strength and momentum as it passes every mile
marker.
Heading into the northwest with one of
June’s “southwesters” to our back, Lucas dropped the plane to a low altitude as
the first splotch of river was sighted. Leashing against the sides of the
banks, here and there cutting off in small streams into the farm lands where it
starts to wash away crops, the river gave its first appearance of being a
troublesome factor.
Keeping low, the first rain of the
morning was hit, a rain which extended five miles in width, a steady downpour
which added greatly to the watery stretch sweeping down on the city. The ship
cleared the initial shower just this side of Geuda Springs, and we were again
able to watch the rampaging water highway.
At no place along the entire route had
the water gained entrance to the lands, but in several places the banks needed
just about a foot more rise before they would have given out. Here and there
farmers could be seen diligently toiling to get their stock away from the river
before it had leaped over its boundaries, carrying with it a huge stock toll.
Just outside of Oxford, the first
evidence of what might be the initial onslaught of flood waters appeared.
Swirling, making miniature whirlpools along the entire route, the dirty yellow
torrents careened on down the river, dealing destruction to every living thing
venturing in the way of its mad course.
To our right the flood waters were
backing up through a small gully, gnawing away at the remaining space existing
between the river and a farmer’s backyard. Hurriedly the farmer and his son
were driving from the adjacent fields a herd of Holstein cattle. Everything
seemed to be happening in a hurry as the river kept on its continual maddening
flight down towards the southern agricultural regions of the state.
A sudden turn on the part of the ship
took place and it was headed back towards Arkansas City. Pilot Lucas pointed
toward the southwest, where huge, black clouds could be seen rolling, sending a
constant downpour of rain. Off to the west a lone white cloud, shaped in the
form of a funnel, was seen. Lucas cut off the pounding plane and yelled his
guess that it was a cloud-burst—water below, water above, and many miles from
home.
Returning on the east side of the stream,
the west bank looked to be the most dangerous. Through the entire wooded
country near Oxford, the water seemed to be ready to dash over the banks at any
minute. Whirling huge stones as easily as it regularly carries small sticks,
the river presented the appearance of a giant ugly beast ready to deliver
destruction at the first unkind touch.
Then we hit the storm. Heading east it
was dodged, but the entire country for a width of five miles took a drenching
rain. Water could be seen lying over the fields. The river, which had the
appearance of having lost some of its vengeance before, seemed refreshed by the
drink and sped on in its ghastly carrousel.
At Arkansas City it could be seen that
the squatter region was wiped out. A long line of wagons, horses pulling
through the mud, dejected looking drivers and occupants, the squatter towners
this morning could be seen wending miles onward farther south to drier regions.
Home—and the river still rampaging
wearilessly with the vigor necessary to wash away any obstruction. It lashed at
bridge supports throughout the city, throwing a murky spray to all sides. Flood
fans by the hundreds were on all of the bridges watching the advance of the
waters as they rushed in from Colorado and western Kansas lands; and as the
giant plane hummed over the bridge, its wings glistening in the sunlight, not a
head was turned to watch its course as every flood fan was anxiously watching
the bridge, its supports, and the slimy stagnation rushing to the farm lands.
About the middle of the afternoon County
Commissioner Carl Dees informed the Traveler that the Arkansas was about four
feet above the low water mark and was rising slowly. The Kansas Gas &
Electric Co. received a message from the head office at Wichita that the river
was on a standstill there. The Walnut this afternoon was up only one foot and
was rising slowly. However, on account of the recent heavy rains in Butler
County, the Walnut is expected to be higher in a short time. The Arkansas also
is expected to be higher at this point sometime tonight or tomorrow.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, June 10, 1921.
Pilot Walter Beech returned last night
from Caldwell, where he had been on business for the Lucas-Hume Aircraft
company. Beech was flying a Lincoln Standard plane.
Pilot Cecil Lucas, the early part of this
week, took Arthur “Runt” LaSarge on his first solo trip. LaSarge made perfect
landings and his flying was practically perfect all the way, according to
bystanders.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, June 18, 1921.
Pilot Cecil Lucas, of the Lucas-Hume
Aircraft company of this city, left this morning for Hutchinson. He took John
Huson, boxing referee, to Hutchinson where Huson is to work a fight tonight.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, June 20, 1921.
Pilot Roberts, of the Lucas & Hume
Airplane Co., made a trip to Newton yesterday evening.
Dick Phillips, pilot for Lucas &
Hume, flew to Wichita yesterday morning and to Fairfax yesterday afternoon.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, June 28, 1921.
Frank Armstrong, parachute jumper for
Williams & Hill, arrived here today from Beggs, Oklahoma.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, June 28, 1921.
Flies
From New York.
Dick Phillips arrived in Arkansas City
yesterday afternoon from New York, flying the S. V. A. plane belonging to Ed.
Morris. He was forced to land north of town on account of the rain, but the
plane will be moved to the Lucas-Hume field south of town for permanent
keeping. Phillips made numerous stops on the way home from New York, but his
actual flying time is said to have been about fifteen hours.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, July 1, 1921.
Ed Morris and Dick Phillips made an air
trip to Fairfax yesterday evening.
Cecil Lucas and Errett Williams flew to
Burbank with passengers in their planes yesterday.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, July 2, 1921.
Errett Williams, Pete Hill, and Frank
Armstrong of the Williams & Hill airplane company, will give exhibitions at
Augusta and Sedan on the “Fourth of July.” Passengers will be carried at both
places and Armstrong, who is the company’s parachute jumper, will make two
jumps. One will be made at Sedan at 1:30 and another at Augusta at 6:30 Monday
afternoon.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, July 7, 1921.
TO PRISON BY THE
AIR ROUTE FROM A. C.
Deserter Captured at
Vinton Today by Local Officer.
EATON
GETS REWARD
Errett Williams Deputized To
Take Prisoner to Fort Leavenworth.
Leaves
Here at Noon.
About a month ago, dirty, wearing clothes
which did not fit, and showing signs of great weakness and illness, Archie
Cavanaugh, at that time one of Uncle Sam’s fighters, arrived for a visit with
friends and relatives. Today Archie is dressed well, clean shaven, and smiling.
He stepped into the Canuck, owned by the Williams-Hill Aircraft company of this
city, and was whisked to the United States disciplinarian barracks at Fort
Leavenworth, Kansas.
Cavanaugh was encamped at Fort Jesup,
Georgia, up until a month ago. He was a model soldier. A month ago he took
“French leave” and since that time, with the fifty dollars reward in view,
officers over the entire country have been on the lookout for the prisoner.
Deputy Sheriff Fred Eaton received word
this morning that Cavanaugh was at the home of relatives near Vinton, and he
captured the man there. Cavanaugh had called “enuf” and was waiting for the
officer, perfectly willing to return to court martial for hopping out of the
army A. W. O. L.
On his return to Arkansas City this
morning, Eaton was desirous to return his prisoner to Leavenworth in the
quickest possible time. He procured a plane from the Williams-Hill company, and
Errett Williams piloted the prisoner through to camp, leaving Arkansas City
shortly after noon. This is the first time in the history of this city that a
prisoner has been shipped to prison in a plane.
Williams planned to arrive in Leavenworth
this evening early and will visit with friends at Fort Riley, returning to
Arkansas City sometime tomorrow.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, July 8, 1921.
Major H. H. Richards, Lieutenant Rogers,
and Private Campbell of Love Field, Texas, are in the city today and left with
the Spad plane which has been here for some time for repairs. They will fly the
machine to Love Field, Texas.
Aviator Pond was in the city today from
Fort Sill, on a visit with Pete Hill.
Errett Williams returned today from Fort
Riley, to which place he flew yesterday taking Archie Cavanaugh, a deserter
from the army. Williams made the trip to and from the fort in fine shape and he
experienced no trouble while en route. He landed here about noon today.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, July 8, 1921.
WANTS
GOVERNMENT HANGARS
Local Men Believe A.
C. Might Get Army Air Station.
“Arkansas City should make an effort to
land one of the government air stations which the government is establishing at
various points in the country.” This statement was made yesterday by one of the
men connected with the local airplane industry.
The government is planning to establish a
national airways system chiefly for the benefit of the army, with landing
places at regular intervals for the accommodation of government planes. Hangars
will probably be built at the points selected and other equipment provided for
repairing and furnishing supplies to planes in the government service. The fact
that Arkansas City already has landing fields, it is pointed out, might serve
as an incentive to the government to consider this city as a possible terminal.
According to an article in a recent issue
of a Wichita paper, that city has already received word that it has been
designated by the war department as an air terminal. It is possible, however,
that Arkansas City might still receive consideration if its advantages as an
air center were brought to the attention of the government by the businessmen
of the city.
In addition to the ordinary air
terminals, the war department plans to establish army control stations at various
central points. At these place a corps of army and aerial officers and
assistants will probably be stationed.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, July 9, 1921.
Pilot George Ellers and Mr. Chouteau have
returned from a flying trip in the northern part of the state.
J. W. Williams and son, Joe Williams,
arrived this morning by automobile from Albany, Missouri, for a visit with the
former’s son, Errett Williams, and wife. Mrs. Williams arrived from Albany last
night by railroad.
Art Hill has received a card from Monroe
George, who is making an extended trip through the West, written from Cheyenne,
Wyoming. Mr. George and his party were preparing to leave for a visit in
Yellowstone Park.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, July 11, 1921.
Pilot Geo. Ellers, accompanied by Mr.
Chouteau, who owns two airplanes, flew to Pawhuska yesterday.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, July 12, 1921.
Mrs. Pete Hill and son, Harold, will
leave tomorrow for Twin Falls, Idaho, for a visit with her father and mother.
James Hill and Miss Norma Hill of Burbank
are here visiting their sister, Mrs. O. L. Easley, and their brothers, Art and
Pete Hill.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, July 13, 1921.
Walter H. Beech, salesman for the E. M.
Laird Co., manufacturers of airships at Wichita, was in the city today on
business.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, July 18, 1921.
Pilot George Ellers and C. A. Chouteau
returned last night from an air trip to San Antonio, Texas. They made the
return trip in nine hours’ flying time, coming by the way of Dallas.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, July 19, 1921.
Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Lucas expected to
leave today for Bella Vista, Arkansas, making the trip in a Curtiss airplane
belonging to Arthur LaSarge, which they are taking to him.
Mrs. W. H. Hume, who has been quite sick
for several weeks past, is now a patient in the Arkansas City hospital and she
is reported to be doing as well as expected at present, though her many friends
will regret to learn that she is very ill.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, July 20, 1921.
Joe Williams, who is visiting with his
brother, Errett Williams, returned this morning from Wichita, where he has
spent the last two days.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, July 21, 1921.
H. E. Chouteau and Pilot, Eugene Roberts,
flew to Chandler, Oklahoma, this morning.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, July 22, 1921.
HOW
ABOUT HANGARS?
Building Destroyed by
Fire Has Never Been Replaced.
“What has happened to Arkansas City’s
hangars?”
This is one question making the rounds
among the businessmen of this city. With the hangars at the Williams-Hill
landing field totally abolished by fire, the rumor was circulated that
businessmen were out after new fireproof hangars. Since that time nothing has been
done.
Several attempts were made by local
organizations and various groups of businessmen to handle the matter for new
hangars—but nothing was gained from these meetings.
Two factions were operating in the matter
and it was never settled.
The city of Emporia, before the hangars
burned down, sent representatives here to look over the local field and to make
notes on the possibility of a field in Emporia. Since that time hangars have
been built and Emporia is firmly established on the air map of Kansas.
At the time the hangars here burned,
Arkansas City and Wichita were the only fields in the state boasting permanent
housing for ships. Despite the fact that Arkansas
City
has two natural landing fields and a large number of ships, Arkansas City as an
air center is losing its prestige.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, July 23, 1921.
The Williams-Hill Flying Circus of this
city will give an airplane exhibition tomorrow at Drury Park. The exhibition
will include a parachute drop and acrobatic stunts by Frank Armstrong,
daredevil. Passengers will also be carried.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, July 25, 1921.
Big
Time at Drury.
Pilot Errett Williams of the
Williams-Hill Airplane co., of this city, flew to Drury Park Sunday, where he
and Frank Armstrong of Ponca City put on an air frolic in the afternoon of that
day. There was a large crowd in attendance and the day was perfect for flying.
Armstrong made one of the prettiest jumps with the parachute that he has ever
staged, it is said, and he leaped from a height of 4,000 feet. There were 1800
people at Drury on Sunday and all had a fine time, according to all reports.
The local company plans to put on another such stunt at that place in a few
weeks from that date.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, July 26, 1921.
Will
Fly to Colorado.
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Morris will leave the
latter part of the week in their airplane for Colorado, where they will attend
the flying frolic being held there. The ship will be piloted by Dick Phillips.
One of the main events in the flying
frolic to be held there is a twenty mile speedway race—no ships barred. Morris
will enter his plane in this event. A stake of $1,000 is up for the winner of
this event.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, July 29, 1921.
TWO
AVIATORS KILLED IN FALL.
Eugene Roberts, of
This City, One of the Dead Men.
Harry Myers and Roberts Were
Flying for Large Crowd at Pawnee,
When
Fatal Accident Occurred.
Pawnee, Okla., July 29.—Eugene Roberts,
Arkansas City, and Harry Myers, local man, were instantly killed yesterday when
the airplane in which they were flying crashed and burst into flames. Both
bodies were burned practically to a crisp. The plane was a total loss.
The men were flying at an altitude of
about 2,000 feet when they suddenly went into a tail spin. Roberts, who was
piloting the plane, righted it once but lost control of the ship and headed
nose down into the ground. The instant the plane hit the ground, it burst into
flames.
The body of Roberts was not burned as
badly as that of Myers. Roberts was flying in the rear cockpit and his hands
and feet were badly burned—while the body of the local man was burned
practically beyond all recognition.
ARKANSAS CITY REPORT
RELATIVE TO ROBERTS.
Eugene Roberts was an Arkansas City man,
having been in Arkansas City for about two months. He was flying a plane for
Chouteau, and had been doing exhibition work all over this section of the
country. He was flying from the Lucas-Hume field south of the city.
The plane in which Eugene Roberts was
flying July 28, 1921, was a new Lincoln Standard. Roberts was rather leery as
to the ship as it was one of the first of such planes he had ever taken up,
according to local Arkansas City men. He was in the aviation section of the
army, and was discharged just two months ago from Kelly Field, San Antonio,
Texas.
Roberts’ home was at Seattle, Washington.
He is survived by his mothers, Mrs. V. Roberts, and one sister. They were
notified yesterday evening of the accident, and it is probable that the body
will be taken to Seattle for burial.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, August 13, 1921.
Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Derry will return
tonight from Los Angeles. Mr. Derry accompanied the body of Eugene Roberts, who
was recently killed in an airplane accident, to Seattle, Washington, and then
met his wife at Los Angeles, where she has been for some time.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, August 1, 1921.
DEATH OF
MRS. IDA DORSEY HUME.
Well Known Church and Club
Woman Passed Away Saturday.
Mrs. Ida Dorsey Hume, of 126 North A Street,
passed away Saturday evening, July 30, 1921, at 8:45 o’clock, in a local
hospital after a severe illness which had lasted a month. For several days
prior to her death, she had been in a critical condition and the members of the
family had been called to her bedside. Death was not unexpected at this time.
Mrs. Hume was one of the best known and
most highly respected women of the entire community and she had resided in this
city for a good many years. Coming to the city with her husband, W. H. Hume, and
children in 1889, she had since that time made this her home.
The husband, three children, Miss Mary
Hume and Roy D. Hume of this city, and Mrs. Pearl Kroelinger of Florida, two
brothers, R. H. Dorsey, of Cisco, Texas, and Albert Dorsey, of Perry, Illinois,
and one sister, Mrs. E. D. V. Hall, of Hannibal, Missouri, survive Mrs. Hume. .
. .
Mrs. Hume was also one of the oldest
members, in point of years of membership, of the Fortnightly club, one of the
first women’s clubs to be organized in this city. She had served as secretary
of this club continuously since the year 1911 and some time prior to that date,
she served three years in the same capacity.
The First Baptist Church, the O. E. S.,
and the Fortnightly club will greatly miss this good and noble woman from among
their membership.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, August 1, 1921.
Errett Williams and Frank Armstrong of
the Williams-Hill aerial company, were in Drury giving exhibition flights and
parachute jumps, and carrying passengers yesterday. They report that there was
a crowd of about 1,000 people at Drury for the day. They will probably give
flights there again next Sunday.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, August 1, 1921.
S.
V. A. WINS RACE.
Local Airplane Owned by Ed
Morris is Out After National Fame.
One of Arkansas City’s ships is starting
out after national flying prominence.
At the giant air frolic held last week at
Denver, Colorado, some of the fastest machines in the country were entered in
the races.
The giant S. V. A. ship, owned by Ed
Morris, of this city was entered in the twenty-mile free for all event and
emerged about one quarter of a mile ahead of the field, an easy winner. Morris
will probably enter his plane in other of the air derbies held during the
summer and fall months.
The S. V. A. has a speed of 165 miles an
hour and is credited with being the fastest air bird in this section of the
country. The plane is Italian made and is a facsimile of the famous Italian
fighting ships.
[Note: Ed Morris was manager of the A. C.
Athletic Club, which handled boxers.
Later
the City Commission in Arkansas City took over boxing in the city; and for a
time at least, Ed Morris was mentioned as being the manager. It appears that
Morris was responsible for the division in the Chamber of Commerce as to which
airport should have a hangar; and as a result, nothing was done about building
a hangar.]
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, August 1, 1921.
Pawhuska
Plane Crashes.
Henry Mays, aged 28, was seriously
injured Thursday when an airplane which he was flying crashed to the ground,
carrying with him Arthur Fortune, age 17. Fortune escaped uninjured.
The plane had just “taken off” the ground
and reached a height of approximately 200 feet when Mays, who is a local farmer
and flyer, lost control when the joist stick broke from the universal socket.
Mays sustained internal injuries, his
chest being badly crushed, and his head cut. He may lose his eyesight.
Henry Mays, aviator, was flying a machine
owned by his brother, who taught him to fly four months ago. Pawnee
Courier-Dispatch.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, August 6, 1921.
WHAT
ABOUT THE HANGARS?
Businessmen Are
Anxious To Have the Matter Settled.
A hush surrounds the contemplated new
hangars, which according to reports of many months ago, were to be erected.
Local businessmen now are beginning to
warm up to the question. At the time the old hangars were burned at the
Williams-Hill field north of the city, work was started immediately to collect
funds for the erection of fire proof hangars. And that is where the matter
stopped.
Now the question of why the matter has
been stopped, what Arkansas City plans to do, and other matters relating to the
hangars has arisen. Merchants are beginning to wonder; in fact, several of them
were solicited for funds for the new hangars, and there are no hangars.
“With the big aircraft company at Wichita
and constant flying to and from southern points, Arkansas City should be well
established on the air routes. This is a matter which should be taken up by the
businessmen of the city, as flying is here to stay,” was a statement made today
by one of the local flying enthusiasts.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, August 6, 1921.
AIRMEN
VISIT HERE.
Matty Laird and Walter
Beech Fly to City from Wichita.
Matty Laird of the Laird Aircraft Company
of Wichita, and Walter Beech, of the same company, flew to Arkansas City
yesterday afternoon from Wichita. They brought John Huson, boxing referee, here
for last evening’s fracas.
The men are flying one of the latest of
the Laird Swallows to be turned out by the company. The ship, according to the
pilots, is the best thing having been turned out by the company and has more
speed than any other ship ever turned out in Wichita.
The Laird company is making extensive
plans for the air game in Wichita. A new fifty thousand dollar manufacturing
plant is being constructed at the landing field on North Hillside avenue, and
on top of that the Laird Field has been selected as one of the sites for United
States air mail service, with a central distributing point out of Wichita.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, August 12, 1921.
WILL
FLY AT 101 RANCH
Local Company Closes Deal
For Celebration in September.
Pete Hill, of the Williams-Hill Aircraft
company, returned last evening from the 101 Ranch, near Bliss, Oklahoma, where
he closed a contract for the local company to fly there during the big
celebration the early part of September. The Arkansas Cityans will do stunt
work during this celebration.
Arrangements for the celebration at the
big ranch are being made now; and according to the advance information, it will
be one of the biggest affairs of its kind in this section of the country.
Besides the big Indian pow-wow which is to be held during that time, the ranch
will entertain as guests the king and queen of Rumania, Douglas Fairbanks, the
athletic actor, and his demure wife, Mary Pickford. Then, luminaries in the
heavyweight world, “Jack Dempsey,” king of sockers, and Jess Willard, ex-king
of dream punchers, will both be in on the several days of good times.
The entire performance is being put on by
the Miller Brothers, owners of the ranch. The Indian round-up at this time will
include tribe dances from several of the tribes present. It is probable that
this affair will be attended by people from over the entire southwestern
section of the United States.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, August 13, 1921.
Cecil Lucas made an aerial trip to
Grainola today.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, August 13, 1921.
Wins
Airplane Events.
Art Hill today received a message from
Errett Williams, who is entered in the air frolic at Concordia this week,
stating that he had won two prizes in the air race events there. One was the
handicap and the other was the take-off and landing for a mark. For the winning
of each of these events, he received a nice loving cup, which he will bring
home with him. This is more evidence that Arkansas City flyers are still in the
ring and are capable of handling their machines in all kinds of events.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, August 16, 1921.
TEN
PLANES HERE TOMORROW
Government Airships From Post
Field to Use South Landing Field.
Ten government airplanes from Post Field,
Fort Sill, Oklahoma, will visit Arkansas City tomorrow, according to
information received today by the Lucas-Hume Airplane Co., from the
headquarters of the air service observation school at Post Field.
Two formations of five DeHaviland planes
each, will constitute the group of government ships which will fly here. The
officers at Post Field have accepted the invitation of Lucas and Hume to use
the south field here as a landing place. This field is located a mile and a
half south of the city. The planes will arrive tomorrow and remain overnight,
returning to Post Field Thursday.
About 500 gallons of gasoline and 40
quarts of oil were ordered placed on the field for the use of the government
planes. These supplies will be furnished by the Ark Superior Oil Co. of this
city. A supply officer and two mechanics were to arrive today to make all
necessary arrangements for the reception of the flyers. There will be about
twenty-three men in all in the expedition.
A second flight by the same number of
ships will be made to Arkansas City on August 24, which is a week from tomorrow.
The fact that the officers at Post Field
chose Arkansas City as the objective of this practice flight is considered by
local airmen a testimonial to Arkansas City’s standing as an air center. The
south field contains ample accommodations for receiving the ten planes and the
management of the field is making every effort to give the visiting flyers a
suitable reception. It is possible that the Chamber of Commerce will arrange
for a dance or similar function in honor of the government aviators.
It is pointed out that the use of the
local aerial facilities by the government flyers might result in the
designation of this city as a regular government air terminal. The government
is establishing such terminals in various parts of the country, and it is thought
that if the businessmen and organizations of this city urged the advantages of
Arkansas City upon the government
strongly enough, this city might yet be awarded one of the government stations.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, August 16, 1921..
LOCAL
PILOT WINS
Errett Williams Returns With
Three Cups From Concordia Meet.
Errett Williams, one of the pilots of the
Williams-Hill Aircraft company of this city, walked away with the lion’s share
of honors at the interstate aviation meet held at Concordia, Kansas. Williams
pulled down three firsts during the meet, and brought out three silver loving
cups as trophies.
Williams placed first in the spot landing
contest, the hurdle jump, and the cross country handicap event. He was pitted
against fourteen of the crack pilots in this section of the country, most of
whom were flying costly ships. Williams was flying a Curtiss J. N. 4C, which he
said last night cost $1,500.
In the spot landing contest, the ships
were sent up one thousand feet and the motors were cut off. They then made the
landing. Williams dropped within nine feet of the landing spot.
In the hurdle race the ships were sent
over a five foot hurdle, and without using controls, attempted to effect a
stop. Williams won this event, stopping within one hundred and sixteen feet of
the hurdle.
The handicap was competed in by fourteen
ships. Williams in this event made fourteen and a half miles in 10 minutes and
8 seconds.
The cups returned to Arkansas City by
Williams, are on exhibit now at the Sweet Shop in the Osage Hotel.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, August 18, 1921.
Fly
to Concordia.
Errett Williams, of the Williams-Hill
Aircraft company, of this city, and Pilot Mays, who is flying for Chouteau, the
Oklahoman, left yesterday afternoon for Concordia, Kansas. They will land at
Cloud Field there.
The two men will meet with the northern
Kansans in an attempt to help lay out plans for steel hangars and a
metropolitan flying field. Williams was in Concordia last week, at the
interstate flying meet, at which time he emerged with three silver cups.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, August 24, 1921.
Williams
Scores Hit.
Arkansas City’s flying is being boosted.
Recently Errett Williams, of the
Williams-Hill Aircraft company, entered a meet at Concordia, Kansas. He was
practically a stranger and has walked away with three of the prize cups.
Now comes the report from the native
Concordians that Williams was “the show.” According to a communication received
here today, Williams’ work in the air and his general flying knowledge helped
to a large extent to make the air show a success.
Williams is now in an air frolic in
Nebraska and from there he will go onto Montana.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, August 18, 1921.
ENTERTAIN
POST FIELD MEN
Dazzled at
Arkansas City’s Education of Flying.
Army Men Praise the City.—Give It a
Chance to Lead in the Flying Game.
Hopping off at fifteen minute intervals,
the twelve DeHaviland ships, in the squadron from Post Field, left Arkansas
City this morning, starting at 8:30 o’clock. The ships were headed back to Post
Field.
Another squadron of air men will arrive
in Arkansas City on Friday, on another short test flight.
Arkansas City entertained last night.
Thirteen visiting pilots, with about the
same number of machines, were guests of honor at the Junior Chamber of Commerce
at a dinner held last evening at the Osage Hotel banquet room. The pilots
voiced the time old sentiment of Arkansas City’s graciousness in showing
entertainment for visitors to the city.
Although the entertainment last night was
raised in rather a hurry, the junior chamber taking the affair in hand at a
late hour last evening, the dinner was a success, from food to talks.
In greeting the visiting aviators,
Stanley Spencer, president of the junior organization, said just a few words of
greeting and then passed on the comments of O. B. Seyster, secretary of the
senior Chamber of Commerce.
“It is unnecessary to present you fellows
with the keys to the city. You do not need them, as you come into a city
without keys. We are glad you are here.”
The fact that Arkansas City was one of
the first towns in the state to play to aviation was touched upon by Seyster,
who laid out the scheme for air development as promulgated by local businessmen
and flyers.
“The entertainment you men have shown us
tonight is the greatest I have ever seen in the country, and I have flown in a
great many parts of the country. Aviation is not an experiment and we realize
this, but we must convey this to the average laymen in the aviation game. We
fly all over Post Field, and make about 20,000 landings a day—with very few
fatalities. What we need for national commercial flying is landing fields, and
the cities taking hold of this proposition first will get on the air routes. I
am glad to see Arkansas City adopt the air game as much as they have,” was the
response of Major Lamphier, who was in charge of the visiting squadron.”
“As has been the custom in all times, the
superintendent of schools is always the goat and must talk. I have paid little
attention to the aviation game, because I am always dealing with a class of
people who are up in the air, so steer clear of flying. However, I am for
aviation,” was the statement made by C. E. St. John, superintendent of schools.
Captain Mileau, air surgeon traveling
with the squadron, was called upon and for just a few minutes talked upon the
latest discovery in air surgery, that of the amount of oxygen consumed by
pilots in the air, and the amount necessary.
Not to forget the enlisted men, Stanley
Spencer, who at one time was a doughboy, called upon Mechanic Campous, a little
Italian, who is rapidly advancing in the game. In broken English, the little
fellow laid out his vision of the air game, which coincided with that vision
seen by all men actively interested in the furtherance of the game.
Pete Hill, local pilot, gave a brief
sketch of the Kansas state law for aircraft, emphasizing the principal features
of landing fields and stunt flying over the city.
“We want Arkansas City to mark the name
of its town on a prominent depot. This is the first town we have asked in
Kansas, and this will improve the flying game. Large white letters may be seen
from distances up to 10,000 feet, and Arkansas City will be taking the
initiative in this move,” was the request of Major Lamphier.
Pete Hill was appointed chairman of a
committee to go after this matter immediately. Major Lamphier is the originator
of this idea, which will make the air traffic similar to a railroad system, and
will protect flying in case of bad storms, in that they will know where and
when to land.
Following the dinner at the Osage, the
pilots and mechanics were invited to attend a line party at the Rex theatre, as
the guest of J. R. Burford, manager of the theatre.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, August 19, 1921.
AVIATION
GROWS
Attempt to Get on Air Lines
Resembles Early Days of Railroads.
“What we need to make commercial flying a
success is landing fields. The towns taking first action on this matter will be
on the air routes.” [Major Lamphier, who was in charge of the flying squadron
that recently landed in Arkansas City.]
An air route—the future railroad of the
country.
The matter was cited the other evening at
the session of flyers, that when railroads first came into existence, the
various towns fought with each other, bitter feuds arose, over the route of the
railroad. It was the town to first realize the value which got the railroad.
Air traffic is a similar affair. From the
first invention of a sky-going vessel (with a motor) through the various
inventions of the Wright Brothers, and then the war with every country using a
fleet of air vessels—following which there came that test of commercial flying.
The dawning is just ahead where the plane
will supplant the railroad, the ship, and the motor conveyance. The airplane
capitalists are now mapping their routes.
Arkansas City has two landing fields: in
fact, two of the best landing fields in this part of the country—but Arkansas
City needs hangars.
There were hangars here—on the
Williams-Hill field—when fire set in and the hangars were gone, ten ships were
gone, just after they had been completed. There was an immediate hurry and
scurry about town for the erection of the hangars—and then it stopped. Nothing
further has been heard of building hangars.
Concordia, Kansas, a little town in the
northern part of the state, is figuring on hangars—Emporia has them, Wichita,
with its big Laird field and factory, have hangars—and Arkansas City was one of
the first air towns in the state.
Local businessmen are beginning to wonder
what has happened to the hangar proposition. Many of them are more than willing
to help put up hangars to put Arkansas City on the map, because Arkansas City
is a logical point for an air field, being on a direct point south.
Arkansas City has the landing field and
government men consider Arkansas City as a strong point—but with hangars—there
would be no question but what Arkansas City would reach the pinnacle of success
in the air game in this part of the country.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, August 26, 1921.
Army
Planes Here.
Three army DeHaviland planes landed in
Arkansas City yesterday afternoon, making the landing at the Williams-Hill
field north of the city. From here they proceeded to Post Field. Two of the
ships were flown here from Hutchinson and the other one dropped in from El
Dorado. They were part of the squadron which visited in Wichita this week.
The flyers who were here yesterday were
Lieuts. J. T. Morris, W. G. Smith, G. H. Schulz, and Capt. John L. Loomis.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, August 31, 1921.
ARMY
PLANES HERE
Ten Planes and Twenty-five
Service Men From Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
Lucas and Hume, of the south side landing
field, last night received a message from Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to the effect
that there would be a number of airplanes arriving here today from Post Field,
and in accordance with the message, the planes arrived here this afternoon. The
party landed on the field south of the city and there will be a number of the
men in the city this evening, it is planned, and they will be entertained with
a dinner at the Osage Hotel. Lucas and Hume will be the hosts of this affair,
and there is a fine time in store for the visitors, it is said.
Major Howard was in charge of the party
of airmen here today and there were 25 officers and men in the squad. There
were 10 planes in all and some of them were seen flying over the city this
afternoon. The Post Field men seem to be in love with Arkansas City, as on
several occasions recently they have landed here and spent the night while out
over the country on trial trips. And it is also said that they can get the best
gasoline and oil here that there is to be found anyplace in the country.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, September 1, 1921.
AIRMEN
GUESTS AT DINNER
Post Field Men Given a
Royal Welcome Here Last Night.
Fifteen visiting pilots last evening were
the guests of the Arkansas City Chamber of Commerce at a luncheon given at the
Osage Hotel banquet room. About twenty-five members of the local club were
present at the meeting.
F. O. Thomas, president of the Arkansas
City Aerial company, presided at the meeting last night. He called upon several
of the local men for short talks, and several of the visiting officers were
asked to address the meeting.
Major Howard, who was in charge of the
squadron here, complimented Arkansas City on its interest in aviation, and also
upon the excellent flying field available here for visiting pilots. He stated
that the field here was one of the best fields they had ever landed on, outside
of an army field.
Following the dinner at the Osage Hotel,
the men were entertained at the Country Club.
The flyers, in nine DeHaviland ships,
left for the Lucas-Hume field this morning on their return trip to Post Field.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, September 5, 1921.
RAIN
STOPPED MANY
Crowd to 101 Ranch Sunday
Encountered Storm On The Way.
The downpour of rain stopped many
Arkansas City people yesterday who were bound for Ponca City and the 101 ranch;
and a lot of the enjoyment was taken out of the trip for many who had gone too
far to turn back when the outburst came.
The rain put the damper on the doings at
the ranch. The only events which took place were the parade and the Indian war
dance. The roads leading to the Miller Bros. ranch were oiled for a short
distance in every direction; and where the water could not run off, it stood in
puddles and veritable lakes. Small cars were forced to the edge of the road to
let the leviathans of the highway wallow through.
The rain did not extend north of Arkansas
City. However, it rained east of here, quite a little, it is said. The rain
here did not amount to much, but it served to cool the air somewhat.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, September 7, 1921.
AIRPLANE
FACTORY HERE
Parts of Government Planes Sent
Here To Be Repaired and Built.
By strides Arkansas City is leaping into
the limelight in the aviation game.
The latest acquisition of the city is an
airplane assembling plant—that is, a plant where old planes are rebuilt. The
company doing the work is known as the Mays-Chouteau Aircraft Company, with
offices on East Central Avenue.
The first materials were received
yesterday from the United States government, shipped from Kelly Field, San
Antonio, Texas. The shipments yesterday were of wings and fuselages and
composed two car loads.
A great bit of the material shipped
yesterday was salvaged materials coming from planes which were used overseas by
the various airmen from over the world. Highly camouflaged, the wings made a
peculiar looking sight parked in the rear of the building on East Central
Avenue.
Parts of two German Fokkers, a Gnome
scout, three American DeHaviland wings from a Spad, and another DeHaviland were
in the shipments. The machines are to be equipped with Curtiss OX and
Hispano-Suiza motors which have been already ordered.
No estimate was made as to the length of
time it will take to set up these ships, but they will be set up here and will
go up from one of the local landing fields.
Charles Mays, one of the proprietors, is
flying now with Errett Williams and H. E. Chouteau has had several ships flying
for him. Mr. Chouteau is one of the proprietors of the Re Nu Tire Company.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, September 16, 1921.
Three
Army Aviators Killed.
Dallas, Texas, September 16.—Lieut.
Armstrong and two enlisted men, Sergeants Gibson and White, from Post Field,
Fort Sill, Oklahoma, were instantly killed at Love Field, Dallas, this
afternoon when a big army DeHaviland observation plane in which they were
flying went into a spin at an altitude of only about 150 feet and crashed to
earth. The machine burst into flames just as it struck the ground, and the
bodies of the three men were badly burned.
Home addresses of the victims were not
available early this afternoon. The fliers had just taken off at Love Field
preparatory to a return flight to Post Field when the big machine shuddered,
started to spin, and fell. Love Field officers said the cause of the accident
had not been determined.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, October 5, 1921.
Hill
Sells Airplane.
Pete Hill, of this city, yesterday sold
to Mr. Monroe of Kansas City, a new J. M. 4-D Curtiss airplane. The plane will
be delivered to Kansas City by Mr. Hill in the near future. Mr. Monroe is in
the city at present and is engaged in setting up the X-ray machine in the new
offices of Drs. McKay, Day, and Douglass.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, October 5, 1921.
Mr. and Mrs. Errett Williams motored to Wichita
yesterday to take in the wheat show and the fair for several days.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, October 6, 1921.
Pete Hill returned today from a trip by
airplane to Okmulgee, Oklahoma, to which place he carried a passenger
yesterday. He flew to this city from that place, which is something over 125
miles from here, this morning in 58 minutes. The trip to and from that city was
made without a mishap of any sort and Mr. Hill reports that flying was fine.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, October 7, 1921.
THEY
CAME BY AIRPLANE
The Arkansas City
Party Flew to the State Meeting.
Part of the Arkansas City delegation came
by air to the American League state convention held at Hutchinson recently.
Cecil Lucas drove his airplane over and was accompanied by his wife, Dr. R. C.
Young, and Dr. C. Berger.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, October 8, 1921.
TAKE
DEPOSITIONS HERE
Today in the law office of W. L.
Cunningham, depositions were being taken in the case of the Williams-Hill
Airplane Co., of this city, in their suit for the recovery of insurance on the
loss sustained by that firm in the burning of the hangar building north of the
city some months ago.
The case is in the Jackson County Court,
Missouri, in Kansas City and an attorney was here from that place to take the
depositions. The testimony of witnesses was taken here before Justice of the
Peace G. H. McIntire, who is a notary. It is said that the work of taking
depositions here will continue into next week.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, October 22, 1921.
At the joint session of the Business
Women’s Club and the Junior Chamber of Commerce, O. B. Seyster reported that
the Santa Fe did not care to have the sign, “Arkansas City,” painted on the
roof of the freight depot here, for the benefit of the airplane men, and he
said the club would have to look for another roof, on which to light.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, October 31, 1921.
Pete Hill left this noon in his airplane
to fly to Kansas City to attend the American Legion Annual Convention, being
held in that city this year.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, November 1, 1921.
Aviator Cecil Lucas left this morning in
his machine for Kansas City to enter the races, which are an American Legion
event, this afternoon.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, November 3, 1921.
Mr. and Mrs. Errett Williams, who flew to
Kansas City, got back last night by the air route.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, November 16, 1921.
PRIZES
FOR FLYING FROLIC
Liberal, Kansas, Entertains
Large Crowd and Establishes a Field.
Pete Hill, Cecil Lucas, and Charles
Mayes, well known Arkansas City aviators, returned today from Liberal, Kansas,
where they have been to attend a flying frolic and from which place they
carried home the greater part of the bacon. In the contests there the A. C. men
won some nice prizes and also made a decided hit with the large crowd in
attendance. There were 11 planes at the frolic and 4 of them were from this
city. The events were held on Nov. 12 and 13. The affair was staged by the
chamber of commerce of that city, which is backing a proposition for a landing
field there, on the nice level ground near the city. They are also going to
erect a ten plane hangar there at once.
Here is what the Arkansas City boys won
there in the way of prizes.
On the first day Lucas took first place
in the 30 mile Curtiss race and Hill was second in the race.
On the same day the first prize in the
Lincoln Standard and Laird race, was won by Mayes.
On the second day Lucas took second place
in the spot landing and Mayes won first in the 50 mile handicap. There were no
accidents of any kind to mar the events of the two days, the local boys report.
The field at Liberal is one of the finest
that has yet been established in the state, according to Aviator Hill. It
occupies a space of two hundred and forty acres of land that is a flat plain,
which makes it a very advantageous landing for all air craft. This field was
established under the law that was passed by the Kansas legislature last
winter, and which was introduced by Senator R. C. Howard, of Arkansas City. All
the regulations provided by this law have been strictly observed in the
construction of the Liberal field.
Each pilot was supplied with a copy of
the law and required to be guided thereby. Copies of the law were also
distributed among the spectators who attended the two days frolic there.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, November 22, 1921.
TO
PROMOTE AIR FROLIC
Pete Hill and Charlie Mayse flew to
Guthrie yesterday, where they were called by the Guthrie Chamber of Commerce,
to promote a flying frolic for the first Sunday next month, December 4. They
are expected home tomorrow or next day.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, November 23, 1921.
FOR
FLYING FROLIC
Big Event for Guthrie Scheduled
for December 2 by Hill & Mayse.
Pete Hill, who with Charlie Mayse, flew
to Guthrie yesterday morning, returned last night by train, and reported this
morning that he had got the work of underwriting the proposed frolic at Guthrie
under way. Mayse with the machine flew on to Oklahoma City to look after some
minor matters for the Hill-Mayse company and will return with the machine
shortly.
The frolic at Guthrie, for which
arrangements are now under way, is to be held on December 4. To put the frolic
over requires the raising of $2,000 by the business interests of Guthrie
through that city’s chamber of commerce, $1,000 of which goes for prizes, $600
to Hill and Mayse for aerial stunts, and the balance for advertising and other expenses.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, November 28, 1921.
CAPTAIN
COON HERE
Representative of Curtiss
Corporation Visits with Pete Hill.
Capt. S. C. Coon, of Love Field, Dallas,
Texas, was in the city this morning, on a visit with Pete Hill and other local
airplane pilots. Capt. Coon is a representative of the Curtiss Airplane &
Motor Corporation of Dallas, and Pete Hill is the Kansas distributor for the
Curtiss company. The two men had a pleasant visit together and they discussed
the outlook for the airplane business in this section of the country.
Captain Coon has recently been
instrumental in establishing the air police force at Dallas, and this is the
second of the kind to be established in the United States. The first one was in
New York City. He says the air police force at Dallas is now in fine working
order. He carries some nice photos of the machines and the police force in that
city.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, November 28, 1921.
LUCIUS
FLEW
Winfield Lawyer Took
Airship to Tulsa to File Papers.
Necessity that papers be filed before the
close of court offices on a certain day, and that being the day, took Lucius
Moore of Winfield into his first flight in an airship Wednesday, it transpires.
The papers were to be filed at Tulsa. Learning that he could not get to that
town in time to file the papers, Lucius went to Arkansas City and hired a flyer
to take him over to the oil town.
The voyage by air usually takes but an
hour and twenty minutes, it is said. The day being cloudy, however, the pilot
could not see his landmarks, and so lost his direction. He made a landing in a
big pasture in order to inquire the way. Tulsa was twenty-five miles to the
southeast, he was told. A second flight and a second landing was made before he
got to his marks again. The voyage was thus drawn out to two hours and a half.
But the papers were filed in time. Winfield Courier.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, November 29, 1921.
RESERVE
MILITARY SQUADRON
Government Making Inquiries
Through Reserve Military Aviators.
Beachy Musselman, who is one of the
several reserve military aviators in this city, has received a letter from the
government making inquiries into the possibilities of locating a reserve
squadron of the national guard at this place. The inquiries were with reference
to local aviation situation, whether or not the city had a hangar and field,
number of reserve military aviators located here, and other information, which
clearly indicates, according to both Messrs. Musselman and Hill, what the
government has in mind with reference to selecting Arkansas City as a suitable
location for a flying squadron of the national guard.
Aviator Hill thinks this matter should
interest this city and that it should demand the attention of the chamber of commerce
at an early date, as it could immediately secure several ships for such a
squadron; but that it would be necessary to have a hangar before anything could
be done. He stated that not only would it be a big advertisement for Arkansas
City, but it would mean a payroll with government money, employing a number of
mechanics.
He further states that such military
squadrons, when possible, work in conjunction with field batteries, and that
such relations could be made here with the field battery now being organized.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, November 29, 1921.
Weather
Stopped Flights.
Pete Hill, the local aviator, with his
Curtiss machine, and Walter Beech, of Wichita, with his Laird machine, flew to
Leon, Kansas, Saturday, returning Sunday. They had an engagement there to take
passengers on a flight, but the bad weather interfered to quite an extent.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, December 2, 1921.
AVIATORS
GET TOGETHER
Hill and Lucas Interests Unite
for Aviation Field—Propose Squadron.
A meeting was held last evening at the
office of the Hill-Mayse Aviation Company, at which both the Hill-Mayse and
Lucas-Hume interests were represented, with the result that these two companies
got together on a proposition of consolidating their aviation interests in
regard to the locating of a field and building a hangar.
As a consequence, the matter was this
afternoon taken up with the chamber of commerce with a view to settling the
matter of a field location, the local aviation interests having fully agreed to
accept whatever decision might be arrived at by the chamber of commerce.
There are at present two fields here: the
Hill-Mayse field just north of town, and the Lucas-Hume field two miles south
of town. According to the action taken by the parties interested, one of these
fields is to be abolished and one retained for future developments.
At the meeting this afternoon Pete Hill,
and his brother, Art Hill, and Cecil Lucas and Roy Hume discussed the matter
with Secretary Seyster and the aviation committee, consisting of Ralph Oldroyd,
Ralph Sowden, and Chas. Spencer, and it was put up to the committee to make an
investigation of the proposed locations and report later.
The matter of securing a hangar was also
discussed. Mr. Hill suggested that the field could be established and a hangar
built under state supervision and supported by taxation. However, no definite
action was taken in this matter at this time. The location is the first
proposition that is to be settled.
Another important proposition was brought
out at this meeting. Mr. Hill gave out the information that Captain Coon, head
of the Curtiss organization at Dallas, Texas, who had been instrumental in
securing an aerial squadron of the national guard at New York City, and later
at Dallas, Texas, and who recently visited Arkansas City, had suggested the
idea of an aerial police force for this city. Mr. Hill had taken up this matter
with Mayor Hunt a few days ago with the result that the mayor had appointed Mr.
Hill as chief, and empowered him to appoint his own deputies. The confirmation
of this appointment was to be made this afternoon so that the securing of such
a squadron seems to be well on the way.
In case the government cooperated with
the city in this matter and establishes the proposed unit of the national guard
here, Arkansas City will be the third city in the United States to secure an
aerial squadron. It is further pointed out that such a squadron could act in
conjunction with the battery of field artillery for which recruiting is now in
process.
In order to secure the aerial squadron,
Mr. Hill pointed out that it would be necessary to have a hangar, and this
matter will be taken up as soon as the matter of location has been settled. The
local aviators are enthusiastic over the proposition and hope to push the
matter to a successful conclusion.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, December 1, 1921.
AIRPLANE
CRASH
At Post Field
Kills 4.—Will Be Fully Investigated.
Lawton, Okla., Dec. 1.—An investigation
will be conducted at once into the airplane crash at Post Field, near here late
yesterday, which resulted in the death of four army aviators according to
officials at the field today. Home addresses of the four airmen killed were
announced this morning. They are:
Captain John T. Loomis, 206 Waugh Street,
Columbia, Missouri.
Lieut. Jack T. Lanfall, Chicago.
Private Hubbard, Armstrong, Iowa.
Private B. A. Smith, Palmetto, Florida.
The fliers were killed when the two
planes in which they were doing combat work collided at an estimated elevation
of 2,000 feet and crashed to the earth a half mile east of the field. As the
planes struck the earth, the gasoline tanks exploded and the wreckage was
burned. The bodies were charred beyond recognition.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, December 15, 1921.
MEMBER
AERO CLUB
Pete Hill Has Certificate
Which Permits Him To Fly Anywhere.
Wilbur H. Hill, better known as “Pete”
Hill, is now a member of the Aero Club of America, having just received his
certificate of membership, which is No. 5044. The club is a part of the
international federation of aviators, and permits Mr. Hill to fly in European
countries as well as in the United States and Canada. After the first of the
year these certificates will be compulsory before an aviator will be permitted
to fly anywhere, according to Mr. Hill.
Mr. Hill has been appointed as the
official representative of the club here. As such an official, he is empowered
to qualify any aviator as a pilot who passes the required tests. He can also
observe any tests, such as altitude flights or any aerial event, and his record
will be official.
Mr. Hill is the first member to join the
Aero Club of America from Arkansas City. It was for the reason that Arkansas
City was not represented in the club membership that this city could not
participate in the aerial events at Kansas City during the American Legion
convention there. Mr. Hill is now in a position where he can attend any
national or international event and enter as a contestant.
Mr. Hill is naturally proud of his membership
certificate, which is in the shape of a little booklet containing his
photograph together with other data and a statement which is printed in six or
seven different languages.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, December 16, 1921.
CHOOSE
NORTH FIELD
Committee Report Made Yesterday
Recommends North Site for Planes.
The committee recently appointed by the
Chamber of Commerce to make recommendations with reference to the location of
the aviation grounds made its report yesterday. The committee consisted of
Ralph Oldroyd, Ralph Sowden, and Chas. Spencer, and they recommended the
selection of the north site to the aviation interests.
The aviation interests had recently put
together with a view to consolidating the two fields and all parties interested
agreed to stand by the decision of a committee, which was accordingly selected,
and who submitted their findings yesterday.
The principal reason assigned by the
committee for the selection of the north field were:
That it was two miles closer to the city
than the south field.
That it was directly on the rock road.
That it was directly on the interurban
road.
That it was opposite the Empire Refining
company’s gas plant, which gives the landing place a distinct identification
for aviators.
That city water, light, and phone service
were all available there.
Another advantageous feature not
mentioned in the committee’s report, is the matter of advertising on the hangar
when such a building has been secured. The north location is exceedingly fine
for this purpose and there was a big demand for this form of advertising before
the first hangar was destroyed by fire.
Further, the north location is considered
especially advantageous as an advertisement for Arkansas City, the grounds
being on and in view of several of the principal roads leading into the city.
Since the introduction of aviation, this
field has been identified as a landing place, and is most widely known to
aviators as such.
The aviation interests, according to
report, are all thoroughly satisfied with the committee’s recommendations and
will be guided thereby in future developments. They hope to secure a hangar by
spring.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, December 30, 1921.
NEW
HANGAR SOON
Aeroplane Interests Getting
Ready To Start Work In January.
Cecil Lucas and Roy Hume have moved their
planes and equipment from the south field to the north field, this being the
site selected recently by a committee representing the aeroplane interests for
a permanent field. Plans are now being arranged for the construction of a new
hangar on this site, on which it is the intention to start work immediately
after the new year. Contractor L. M. Biggs is drawing the plans for the hangar,
and everything is expected to be ready for the prosecution of the work early in
January.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, December 30, 1921.
Government
Plane Landed Here.
C. P. Prime, first lieutenant, from the
Post Field at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, the government aeroplane service, with his
sergeant, flying in a DeHaviland plane, landed in the Arkansas City field
Wednesday en route to Topeka. Pete Hill received a wire this morning that they
would land about one o’clock here today for gas and oil, on the home trip.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, December 31, 1921.
THE
AIRPLANES TRIUMPH
Remains in the
Air 59 Seconds on Dec. 17, 1903.
Accomplished Continuous Flight of 26
Hours, 19 Minutes, and 35 Seconds,
December
30, 1921.
New York, Dec. 31. (A. P.)—Man’s first
feeble flutter in his conquest of the air lifted him aloft for the fleeting
period of fifty-nine seconds. Eighteen years later he soared eagle-like through
space for twenty-six and one third hours.
When Wilbur Wright, in a heavier than air
machine flew 852 feet at Kitty Hawk on December 17, 1903, that feat was pronounced
one of the marvels of the century. The whole world rang with the
accomplishment.
Yesterday a monoplane, piloted by Edward
Stinson, accompanied by Lloyd Bertaud, a mechanician, finished a continuous
flight of 26 hours, 29 minutes, 35 second. In 18 years a span of less than a
minute has been stretched to more than a day and a night. Let the marvelous
performance at Mineola be heralded as simply the breaking of a world’s
endurance flight in aviation.
While the advance in the science of
flying has been both rapid and startling, when the period involved is
considered, a careful analysis shows that the progress came not by leaps and
bounds, but rather through hundreds of experiments, sacrificed lives, and
determination seldom devoted to similar projects.
Five years after Wright’s flight, he
still held the world’s record with seventy seven miles made in two hours,
twenty minutes, and twenty three seconds at Anvours, France.
Two years before that A. Santos Dumont
covered 720 feet in the first flight ever made in Europe. In 1909 Henry Farman
had gained the flying honors for France with a flight of 137 miles in four
hours, six minutes, 25 seconds.
Just a decade after Wright had made his
first “hop off,” national and international flying races for famous trophies were
the vogue in both Europe and America.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, January 7, 1922.
PLANNING
FOR HANGAR
Aviation Interests Taking
Matter Up With Chamber of Commerce.
The matter of securing a hangar for the
aviation field here has been taken up with the chamber of commerce. Up to the
present time the matter has not progressed further than a discussion of the
kind of a hangar to construct, the object being to get a hangar that will meet
all the needs required, at the least possible expense. the consensus of opinion
seems to favor a hangar of the same size and patterned largely after the one
that was destroyed by fire. It is estimated that the cost could be reduced
about $1,000 lower than the original building by using corrugated iron for the
sides and roof, instead of wood, and also by reducing the height about four
feet. Such a hangar could accommodate ten ships. Another meeting will be called
with the chamber of commerce soon, probably some time next week; and it is the
intention to push the matter through at the earliest possible time. The hangar
is badly needed for the reason that the covering on the ships deteriorate very
rapidly from continuous exposure to the atmosphere. The cost will not be large
and a nice income will be derived from the rental of advertising space on the
walls and roof of the building.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, January 10, 1922.
MAKING
GOVERNMENT SURVEY
Proposed Aerial Route From
Kansas City to Houston, Texas.
Don Smith, a government man from
Washington, D. C., was in the city yesterday looking over this field on a
government survey for the purpose of locating a route for aeroplane service
between Kansas City, Missouri, and Dallas and Houston, Texas. Arkansas City is
directly on the proposed route. He had contracts and leases with him for the
route and landing fields, also markers, consisting of round circles painted
with radium paint so as to be seen at night. Further information in regard to
establishing this route will be forthcoming in the near future.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, January 11, 1922.
TO
STIMULATE AIRCRAFT
First of Series
of Articles on Subject by Pete Hill.
The following is the first of a series of
articles on the aircraft situation, aviation, and its possibilities, for the
purpose of stimulating aeronautical interest and to enlighten the people of
this city and vicinity as to what can be accomplished here and touching on the
subject of the airplane, its birth and development, and air ports, written by
Pete Hill, of this city.
The aerial life of two and one half years
successful operation; the aerial forest patrol, which is credited with saving a
larger amount in standing timber than was appropriated for the entire air
service: aerial policing, in which Arkansas City stands as the third city in
the United States to adopt; the employment of planes in newspaper, motion
picture, and advertising work; aerial photography in its many ramifications;
map making and surveying; exploration; timber cruising; first spotting and the
saving of life and property at sea.
That of aerial transport, which has for
its chief aim the fulfillment of transportation demands not met by the railroad
train or the steamship is destined within the next few years to be the most
important feature of aeronautics. Therefore, it is given precedence by the
present wide-awake men of today, although it has scarcely had time to be
established.
When the terrible effectiveness of the
aerial warfare was revealed during the conflict with Germany, it became
apparent to both civil and military leaders among the allies, that, no matter
what the outcome of the struggle then in progress, the first—and possibly the
last—
battle
of the next war would be fought in the air. For they recognized in aircraft a
swift universal system of transport instantly convertible into vehicles of
destruction.
The aircraft industry, abruptly divorced
from military activity, struggled to establish itself in commerce. Flying
utilized in warfare, when the nation’s needs overrides all else, is one thing;
the art applied to peace when profit and loss and public safety govern, is
quite another.
Modern business development depends
largely upon credit and insurance, while permanent success in the operation of
any transportation enterprise can be assured only if the public is protected
against injury or property damage that may be caused by the use of unfit
equipment or unskilled crews, or both.
England took time during the darkest
hours of the war to lay plans for British dominion of the air, while there is
no, and can be no insularity. The parliamentary committee on civil aerial
transport reported: “Cost what it may, this country must lead the world in
civil aerial transport. For the commercial aircraft of the future will be to
the aerial defense what the merchant marine has been to the grand fleet.”
France, Italy, and Germany alike were
alert to take great interest in the future possibilities of the airplane.
Is it not worthwhile to put Arkansas City
among the first to have a municipal airport, with its equipment and skilled
crews?
Yours for good
landing fields.—Wilbur H. (Pete) Hill.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, January 12, 1922.
CHAPTER
TWO—AIRCRAFT
The Airplane, its
Birth, Development, and Air-Ports.
The first successful flights, with heavier
than air machines, were made by Orville and Wilbur Wright on December 17, 1903,
at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. These first great flights were made by the
Wright brothers, only nineteen years ago, but whatever has been achieved has
been due rather more to individual vision and courage than to general support.
The year 1920 will stand unique in the
history of aeronautics, particularly in the United States, where the art had
its birth. Within the United States and insular possessions, it is estimated
that 15,250,000 miles were flown during 1920 divided as follows:
Army air service: 6,250,000
Naval aviation: 1,500,000
Aerial mail: 1,500,000
Civilian: 600,000
[Ouch! 6,250,000 + 1,500,000 + 1,500,000
+ 600,000 does not equal 15,250,000 miles]
???
Not sure who goofed! Traveler! Hill! Me!!!
Approximately 225,000 passengers were
carried by the civilian machines in addition to many tons of freight.
The year witnessed the establishment of
pioneer transport lines, hopeful that congress would shortly enact a code,
making easier credits and more satisfactory insurance rates possible and
provide otherwise for the encouragement of the art.
The fact that the first airplane flown
only remained in the air 59 seconds while Eddie Stinson recently demonstrated
the durability of the airplane by remaining in the air over 26 hours,
illustrates its value from a commercial standpoint.
There are over one thousand commercial
aircraft in operation in the United States and Canada as near as can be
estimated, in the absence of a federal system of registration being fixed only
on manufactories report.
America is sadly lacking in airports.
There are only 271 airports in the United States and its possessions. The
United States has one airport for every 14,000 square miles of territory,
whereas the United Kingdom (Great Britain and Ireland) has 101 airports, or one
for every 1200 square miles of surface area. This comparison vividly
illustrates the backward state of this country in aerial communications.
Owing to the immensity of the effort which
such an enterprise involves, no single agency, governmental or private, can
possibly create all the airports which the United States needs; while the
federal government, and in particular the army air service, are directly
interested in seeing the number of our airports grow because of their potential
value for national defense. Hence, this undertaking must draw its main support
from those agencies of human activity that will, in the end, derive the
greatest benefit from the existence of suitable airports—namely the
communities.
Progressive cities are beginning to
perceive that a well planned airport will in the near future enable them to
reap big benefits from the air transport services, which will connect the main
centers of population, because the course of the coming air routes will be
largely controlled by the existence, or absence, of airports. Why not a
municipal airport for Arkansas City? Yours for good landing fields—Wilbur H.
(Pete) Hill.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, January 13, 1922.
THE
AERIAL MAIL
Third of Series of
Interesting Articles by “Pete” Hill.
The United States air mail, which started
with the New York-Washington route, May 15, 1918, now operates daily between
New York and San Francisco. Thirty-five or more cargo-laden air mail planes are
actually in the air each day, flying a grand total in round trips, of
approximately 8,000 miles.
If the planes under contemplation go
through, the United States should witness the operation of a gigantic air mail
system with terminals in most of the larger cities, and with aircraft flying
more than 20,000 miles every day.
The longest air mail route at present is
that between New York and San Francisco, operated in relays by way of
Cleveland, Chicago, Omaha, Cheyenne, Salt Lake City, and Reno.
By cooperating with the railroads and
making train connections, the aerial mail advances mail east and west from 24
to 42 hours. About 16,000 letters are advanced daily between these terminals by
24 hours. The saving in time over trains on this cross-country route is about
three days, when actual delivery is considered.
The Aeromarine and West India Airways,
Inc., flying the 90 miles between Key West and Havana, differs in its
operation, though it saves even more time when distances are compared.
Aeromarine flying cruisers leave Key West immediately on the arrival of the
northern trains and lands the mail in Havana in one hour and thirty minutes. On
account of boat schedules, it formerly required a night and almost half a day.
One can scarcely grasp the tremendous
significance of the air mail in its relation to world communication until the
mind runs back for a moment through the development of the postal service.
On first learning to write, man’s
foremost desire was to get his message delivered as quickly as possible. Thus
in ancient civilization of Africa and Asia, runners carried clay tablets from
city to city, and galleons skirted coasts or threaded rivers with cargoes, of
which the inscribed word was a precious feature. In the progress of
transportation we may trace the influence of the mails. Runners were succeeded
by horsemen or coaches, packets by steamers, coaches by trains—and now enters
the airplane.
The establishment of the aerial mail
provided a picturesque and most startling contrast to the Pony Express and the
tortuous sailings around the Horn. It has quickened written communication and
relieved the over-burdened older forms of transportation. Within the memory of
some now living, it required six months to transport a letter from New York to
San Francisco with a charge of ten dollars an ounce. The perfected operation of
the aerial mail will make it possible to send a letter from coast to coast in
from thirty-six to fifty hours, at the usual two cent rate.
Congress was asked to appropriate the
necessary funds and $1,250,000 was set aside for establishment of the New
York-San Francisco route. While waiting for the appropriation, air mail
officials prepared the route. Adequate landing fields were sought.
Municipalities were consulted. The route as finally chosen was decided upon
principally because residents of the respective towns showed so much interest
in the air mail. At least 75 percent of the fields were provided by chambers of
commerce. Had it not been for this aid the mails could not have flown through
to the coast because the appropriation was not large enough to supply landing
fields and repair depots.
Commercial aeronautics in America in
indebted to the air mail for its pioneer work. Regularity of service had to be
demonstrated before business could be interested in utilizing aircraft. This
has been the air mail’s greatest contribution to commercial aeronautics.
The aim of the air mail service, of
course, is to make longer and longer jumps between properly equipped terminals
and with adequate emergency fields scattered along the way. Eventually, the
mails will fly both day and night, and it is certain that the course of
commercial transport through the air will follow the path as laid by these
pioneers.
Kansas has no aerial mail port. Why not make
Arkansas City a municipal port, on a proposed route between Kansas City and
Houston?
Yours for good
landing fields.—Wilbur H. (Pete) Hill.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, January 14, 1922.
AERIAL
FOREST PATROL
The Fourth of
Series of Articles by “Pete” Hill.
Through the operation in 1920 of a few
aircraft lent the forest service by the army, there was saved from destruction
standing timber valued at more than the total army service appropriation for
the fiscal year 1920-1921, or approximately $35,000,000. Between 90 to 1,000
fires were reported, most of which were extinguished by ground forces directed
from the air.
The importance of inadequately protecting
our timber lands against fires can be appreciated from statistics compiled by
the department of agriculture, which shows that some ten million acres of
standing forest are burned each year. As the entire forest area of the United
States is 463,000,000 acres, and reforestation takes about twenty years, it
follows that at an average 10,000,000 acres are destroyed annually.
Each plane was always in communication by
wireless with the main or sub-base. At each base the liaison officer received
fire reports by radio or from the pilots after landing. He in turn transmitted
the report to the forest supervisor accurately, which means that these
locations given by airplane fire patrol were all within one-fourth mile of the
exact location as later determined by actual surveys on the ground, and that 42
percent of the fires were reported by radio, while the ships were in flight,
demonstrating without a doubt that airplane fire patrol in California has been
successful.
Our forest service’s successful
operations have led private interests to undertake patrols of their own, fire
protection being but one of many ends which it is sought to achieve.
The Laurentide Company, Ltd., of Grand
Mere, Quebec, was one of the first to put aircraft to a practical test. This
firm owns thousands of square miles of timber, much of which is unsettled, and
as a rule the country is such that it is not uncommon for quantities of logs to
be three years in transit from the timber land to the mills, so it is difficult
to discover lost “drives or log jams.” More than 16,000 miles were flown over
this territory, and some 5,000 photographs secured.
The two Curtiss-built H. S.-2-L flying
boats were flown from Halifax to this northern country by the pilot and his
wife, who acted as navigator, on this 650-mile overland journey. In this
section only ten miles can be covered on the ground, while an area of 150
square miles can be covered in a three-hour flight.
The actual cost of mapping has been about
$6.00 per square mile for a map containing all details, at a scale of 400 feet
to an inch, where an airplane was used for mapping only. But even at the
highest figure stated, the cost of mapping was far below that entailed by a
land expedition.
In the United States, less than 40
percent of our area has adequate maps. In this country there is no way by which
mapping can be completed of the whole area for many years except from the air;
and with the proper distribution of aerial mapping facilities throughout the
country, we will be able to map everything necessary within three years. If
your time is money, why not fly? Yours for good landing fields, Wilbur H.
(Pete) Hill.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, January 14, 1922.
Williams
Car Found.
The Errett Williams Dupont roadster,
which was stolen from this city on Thursday night, the same night that the
Harry Oldroyd Buick was stolen, was found six miles southeast of Dexter
yesterday afternoon and it is a total wreck. The car had been burned almost
beyond identification, with the exception of the two front wheels. Mr. Williams
was notified of the condition of the car and he went to see it this afternoon.
The Oldroyd Buick touring car has not been found.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, January 16, 1922.
FIFTH
STORY ON AIRPLANES
Pete Hill Writes on Newspaper,
Photography, and Picture Advertising.
In so many instances, in recent years,
have aircraft been of use to journalism that it will not be long before the
plane will become a necessity to the fourth estate in its varied activities,
dependent for success as it is on speed and enterprise in news gathering.
The San Francisco Call-Post staged
a speed contest in which an automobile, an airplane, and a railroad train
contested for first place. This trial brought out a railroad train starting
with the first edition of the paper and an automobile speeding with a second
edition could both be beaten over a 125-mile course by an airplane bearing a
third edition.
Of these were publicity features, they
were “news” as well.
Many instances, such as the reporting of
the World’s Series by the Philadelphia Ledger, could be cited to show
how the flying machine has served the newspaper as no other agency could. The
future use of the airplane by the editor will only be limited by the extent to
which airports are developed. The news gatherer has not the time to investigate
if a certain town or city has a landing field. He must have definite
information that such is the case before he can employ the plane to get him to
his destination.
The fact that the pictorial end of the
news gathering has progressed more rapidly than the reportorial may be properly
ascribed to the ability of the aerial press photographer to do his work without
landing. Sky views of estates, beautiful homes, inspiring bits of scenery, and
cities have found their way into the picture supplement in recent months.
The aerial camera occupies an important
part in the laying out of commercial, postal, and military routes over the
United States and to Alaska, in making preliminary surveys of little known
regions in our island possessions; in locating railroads rights of way at far
less expense and in a fraction of the time once required; in exploration of the
Arctic and Antarctic region, accomplishing in days what once would have
occupied years; in urban uses, such as city planning, rail and water terminal
improvements, real estate exploitation, fire insurance classification, and the
correction of congestion evils; and finally in what is proving to be a most
attractive and lucrative branch—the addition to art of beautiful views which
could be obtained in no other way than from the air.
Next to the newspaper, the motion picture
is possibly the most effective medium of publicity. Yet the motion picture
companies have found aircraft as productive of results in advertising their own
products, as in furnishing publicity for other activities.
Aerial advertising has a double appeal.
Today it is the airplane that is seen by all eyes on earth. Tomorrow, when many
more thousands are flying and thinking of ordinary travel in the vernacular of
three dimensions, that which is on earth will be seen by all in the air. Today
we have “flying billboards”—aircraft with signs on roofs and highways and—who
knows?—hill-sides and pastures sown to advertise some commodity. And when that
tomorrow comes, who will deny the possibility of the family group at ease on
the furnished or gardened housetop watching the sky parade, even as we now sit
on the front porch and watch the ceaseless stream of motor cars?
Yours for good
landing fields.—Wilbur H. (Pete) Hill.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, January 19, 1922.
Flying
6-Passenger Plane.
Mike Foley, night man at the Hill garage,
has just received a letter from Frank L. Armstrong at Chihuahua, Mexico, in
which he states that the weather is fine down there. Armstrong is the man who
made the parachute drops here last summer. He is with Charlie Mayse, who is
flying his six-passenger S. V. A. plane between Chihuahua and El Paso, a
distance of 300 miles. The boys expect to return to this city early in the
spring.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, February 2, 1922.
HUME
GETS APPOINTMENT
Is Sectional Chairman
of the World Aeronautical Board.
A. K. Longren, of Topeka, divisional
chairman of the World Board of Aeronautical Commissioners for the state of
Kansas, with power to appoint county sectional chairmen throughout the state,
has appointed Roy D. Hume of this city as sectional chairman for Cowley County.
The World Board of Aeronautical
Commissioners is a world-wide organization with representatives in every
country to advance aeronautics and encourage the use of aircraft throughout the
world. The national organization for the United States is headed by a group of
forty-eight divisional chairmen, one for each state. Mr. Longren of the Longren
Aircraft Corporation of Topeka, was selected by Governor Allen as division
chairman for Kansas, who is completing his list of county appointments.
Mr. Hume is advised that in his capacity
as sectional chairman, it will be his duty to represent the organization in an
advisory capacity within the limits of this county, furnishing the board with
newspaper clippings and special articles on matters of aeronautical interest.
In this way the people throughout the world will be informed of aeronautical
progress through the news distributing facilities of this board. From time to
time Mr. Hume will be furnished with bulletins from the national board.
Mr. Hume did aviation work for the U. S.
army in Texas prior to his discharge from the service, and has been identified
with the aviation interests in this city ever since his return from the army.
He is well worthy of the appointment and will make a valuable representative of
the organization in this county.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, February 6, 1922.
THE CITY
COMMISSIONERS MEET
Matter of Municipal
Aviation Field is Discussed Today.
The city commissioners met in regular
weekly session in the city building at 10 a.m. today, all members being
present. After the reading of the minutes, the meeting was thrown open for
anyone present having business to bring before the commissioners.
The local aviation interests together
with the Chamber of Commerce aviation committee were present and brought before
the board the proposition of the city taking over the north field and holding
same for the purpose of a municipal aviation port. Pete Hill presented the matter
in behalf of the local aviators, stating that he held a lease on the land at
$150 per year, the tract consisting of between 80 and 90 acres.
Foss Farrar was present and stated that
the present tenant, Fred Leonard, from whom the Hill lease was secured, was
giving up his lease today to Virgil Hadicke, and it was stated that the owners
of the land would be willing to allow Hadicke to sub-lease this tract for
aviation purposes.
It is the desire of the Hume-Lucas-Hill
aviation people to have this field controlled and operated as the Arkansas City
municipal landing field, according to the statement of Mr. Hill. Secretary
Seyster of the Chamber of Commerce was called upon by the mayor for an
expression in regard to the matter. Mr. Seyster stated he thought the city
would be standing much better with regard to future developments in aviation,
establishing mail routes, etc., if the landing field here was municipally owned
and controlled. He pointed out that the present landing field was one of the
best identified landings in the state, being well established among aviators
flying in this territory. He recommended that the commissioners make an
entirely new contract for the field instead of taking over any existing
contracts.
The law providing for municipal operation
of a landing field was read by City Attorney Dale.
Mayor Hunt in behalf of the board assured
the aviation interests that the city would get back of them in this matter and
the matter was deferred until such time as a concrete proposition could be
presented by the aviation committee in the matter of a lease. The proposition
is for the city to hold the lease, but not be required to build a hangar. What
action will be taken accordingly was indicated providing a satisfactory
proposition is submitted with reference to the lease.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, February 8, 1922.
OFF
ON AIRPLANE TRIP
Errett Williams and Robert Harp left this
morning for Wichita, where they will take over an airplane. After attending to
some business there, they will go to Wichita Falls, Texas, on a business trip.
They will make the trip by airplane. Mrs. Williams will accompany them on the
trip to Wichita Falls. They will be away about two weeks.
Errett Williams was for a long time
connected with the local airplane company, and he is well known among the
fraternity in all sections of the county.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, February 13, 1922.
AIR
FLIGHT NEWLYWEDS
Idaho Couple Married
Here Yesterday Given a Treat.
W. F. Faurot and Miss Alzina Newton, both
of Twin Falls, Idaho, were married at 12:30 Sunday at the Presbyterian
parsonage by Rev. W. M. Gardner. The ceremony was witnessed by Mr. and Mrs. W.
E. Graham of Burbank, Oklahoma, Mrs. Graham being a sister of the bride.
The bride and Mrs. Graham are cousins of
Mrs. Wilbur (Pete) Hill, and prior to coming to this city to be wedded, the
bride had been staying with Mrs. Hill’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Piester, at
Twin Falls, Idaho.
The bride is well and favorably known in
this city, having been in the employ of the Hill-Howard Motor Company about two
years ago. The bride and groom will make their future home in Burbank,
Oklahoma.
After the wedding ceremony yesterday, the
bride and groom were taken to the aviation field north of town and treated to a
flight by Pete Hill.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, February 13, 1922.
Ben Stockton, a mechanic employed at the
Hill garage, was taken ill Saturday evening, and was unable to go to work this
morning.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, February 14, 1922.
Art Hill of the Hill garage, was reported
sick this morning and unable to be at the garage. Ben Stockton, one of the
mechanics at the garage, was taken ill two or three days ago and is also still
confined to his home.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, February 18, 1922.
Aviator Griffin, flying from Oklahoma
City to Lincoln, Nebraska, landed on the Arkansas City field yesterday
afternoon, and was furnished with gas and oil by Pete Hill.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, February 20, 1922.
Pete Hill motored to Burbank this morning
on business for the Hill garage.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, February 21, 1922.
LETTER
FROM MAYSE
Says Armstrong First Airman to
Make a Parachute Drop in Mexico.
A letter from Charlie Mayse of Chihuahua,
Mexico, to Pete Hill, contains the information that Frank Armstrong, well known
here as the man who made the parachute drops at the local aviation field last
season, was the first man to make a parachute drop in Mexico, which was made at
Chihuahua on the 29th of January, 1922.
Aviator Mayse, who was flying a
six-passenger S. V. A. machine between Chihuahua and El Paso, met with an
accident recently when his plane fell to the earth, landing on a railroad
track. Mayse was piloting the machine and had three passengers when the
accident occurred. The three passengers escaped injury entirely, while Mayse
received a cut over his left eye, and cuts on his left arm and leg, none of
which were serious. The accident was caused by the breaking of the elevator
control.
According to Mayse, the weather down in
Mexico is fine—just like summer.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, February 22, 1922.
Born, last night, to Mr. and Mrs. Cecil
Lucas, a son. The baby has been given the name of William David Lucas.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, February 23, 1922.
ERRETT
WILLIAMS IN HOSPITAL
Robert Harp, who accompanied Errett
Williams on a trip to Wichita Falls, Texas, returned this morning and reported
that Mr. Williams was in the hospital and was to undergo an operation this
morning at eight o’clock.
Errett Williams is the well known aviator
formerly of this city, and he is suffering from the effects of a fractured arm,
which was injured while he was in this city several weeks ago.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, March 10, 1922.
WILL
RETURN TO A. C.
Local Aviators in
Mexico Expected Here By April.
Frank Armstrong, who recently arrived
here from Mexico, has gone to Ponca City for the present. He is well pleased
with Mexico and likes the educated class of Mexican people very much, and he
made a big hit with them in making his parachute drops there.
Charlie Mayse expects to return to
Arkansas City from Chihuahua, Mexico, early this spring; and upon his return
here, he will be joined by Mr. Armstrong.
Pete Hill states that Mr. Mayse will fly
his machine up here in April. The aviation interests hope to get a hangar built
here by spring.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, March 14, 1922.
Pete Hill went to Bigheart, Fairfax, and
Burbank, Oklahoma, yesterday in company with Mr. Johnson, the feature story man
on the Daily Oklahoman. The object of Mr. Hill’s visit to these towns is
to line them up for aviation exhibits during the coming season.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, March 14, 1922.
PROPOSED
SPEEDING UP MAILS
Prospective 1922
Development in Aerial Mail Service.
Government Sending Out Questions
to Chambers of Commerce and
Operators of
Aircraft—City Vitally Interested.
The Aeronautical Chamber of Commerce of
America is sending out letters to chamber of commerce secretaries and also to
owners and operators of aircraft, at the request of the congressional committee
on postoffice and post roads, to learn the sentiment of business with regard to
speeding up the mails through increased utilization of aircraft.
The United States air mail service was
started as long ago as May 15, 1918, service having on that date been opened
between New York and Washington. At the present time daily service is now
operated clear across the continent between New York and San Francisco. During
the past year the government has been able to maintain 89 percent efficiency,
and has carried more than 90,000,000 letters, mostly on the transcontinental
route, and has speeded up the service to 48 to 60 hours as against 100 hours
required by train service.
In order that the public may get an idea
as to the purposes of the Aeronautical Chamber of Commerce, acting on the
request of the congressional committee, something of the nature of the
questions sent out to that organization will perhaps furnish sufficient clue.
Here are a few of the questions asked
Secretary Seyster: Is there local interest in speeding up the mails? Should
mail be speeded up without extra charge for postage? Is local interest
sufficient to warrant belief that extra postage would be paid? Do you believe
that a special speed stamp would meet with sufficient response from local
interests to assure the success of a local air mail line?
The blanks sent to the owners and
operators of aircraft are the same as sent to chamber secretaries in the list
of questions to be answered. Here are a few that were sent to “Pete” Hill for
answer: Do you think business interest locally is sufficient to warrant an air
mail line between these points (certain cities named in Kansas and Oklahoma)? On
what terms would you be able to bid on air mail service, making guarantee of
daily schedule? What are your local problems and just how can this organization
be of assistance to you?
In both instances the questionnaires were
answered by Secretary Seyster of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Hill having
referred his list of questions to the secretary. Mr. Seyster gave the
information asked for with reference to the number of planes at this field, the
number and names of owners and operators, giving the facts as to the field
being municipally owned, and also giving the present status in regard to a
hangar and work shop.
In his answer Mr. Seyster particularly
recommended an air line starting from Omaha, running south to Kansas City, and
on through Wichita, Arkansas City, and Oklahoma City to Galveston. In his
answer Mr. Seyster further stated that the local men would be willing to make a
bid on a mail service route, guaranteeing a daily schedule, on the basis of
approximately $100,000 per day.
At the present time the year 1922 is
being regarded as one in which aircraft in the United States is bound to
experience a big development, and the government is getting its fingers on the
pulse of the business interests all over the country with a view to taking
action just as soon as there is evidence sufficient to warrant the successful
introduction of new air mail routes.
Arkansas City is very fortunately
situated with respect to this prospective development, being located so as to
be on a natural north and south route through the central west. Another
important factor in her favor is that the field here is municipally owned. The
big items lacking at the present time are a hangar and shop equipment. But in
as progressive a city as Arkansas City, it is thought that this condition will
not be permitted to last long.
Further issues of the Traveler will keep
its readers posted as to this development for 1922 which, according to present
prospects and indications, should place Arkansas City on the map as an aerial
port.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, March 15, 1922.
An
Error Corrected.
In an aeronautical article in yesterday’s
issue of the Traveler, it was stated that the local aircraft owners would be
willing to make a bid to the government on a mail service route, guaranteeing a
daily schedule, on a basis of approximately $100,000 per day.
This should have read $100.00 per day.
The local boys claim they are not war profiteering, so that future generations
will have to pay high taxes.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, March 17, 1922.
MAKING
HEADQUARTERS HERE
Oil Company Covering
Surrounding Territory by Airplane.
There has been a visiting plane at the
aviation field the past two days. It belongs to the Norris Oil Company of
Wichita and is piloted by W. E. Nordon. A representative of the company is with
the machine and on account of the excellent field here, they are making
Arkansas City their headquarters while advertising and selling the company’s
oil products in the surrounding territory. Yesterday in a few hours’ time, they
made Mulvane, Udall, Winfield, Burden, and Dexter, taking contracts for a total
of 35 barrels in a remarkably short space of time, which shows a distinctive
use to which the aeroplane can be put.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, March 23, 1922.
Walter H. Beech, of the Laird Airplane
Company of Wichita, flew down this morning in a Laird machine, and after
exchanging courtesies with some of the local aviators at the aviation field,
returned to Wichita this afternoon.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, March 23, 1922.
FLEW
FROM ATTICA
Made Distance To
This City In Less Than One Hour.
Harry Cummings of Wichita flew to this
city from Attica, Kansas, in less than an hour this morning against a heavy
wind, flying a Laird Swallow plane. He was treating some of his friends to a
ride at the aviation field this morning.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, March 24, 1922.
Cecil Lucas flew to Shidler, Oklahoma,
this morning, taking a passenger to that city. This is his second trip this
week on passenger service.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, March 25, 1922.
ESTABLISHING
AIR ROUTE
Propose Passenger
and Delivery Service to Oil Field.
G. D. McKay of the Schwartz Electric
Company and Cecil Lucas flew to Shidler, Oklahoma, yesterday carrying a lot of
electrical supplies for delivery in that city. They are establishing an air
route between here and the oil field, with a view of carrying passengers and
delivering merchandise orders. They propose to route Shidler, Whizbang, and
Apperson, and make daily trips. The flying time between this city and Shidler
is about fifteen minutes, while it takes two hours to make the trip by
automobile.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, March 28, 1922.
Harry Cummings and wife were to fly from
Wichita this afternoon to this city on a pleasure trip. Mr. Cummings flew last
week from Attica to this city and was so well pleased with his visit here that
he decided to bring his wife with him this time.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, March 29, 1922.
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Cummings, E. M. Laird,
and Walter Beech flew from Wichita yesterday evening in a Laird Swallow plane,
making the trip in approximately thirty minutes. The Laird people are making
plans for a funeral car for the Parman-Powell Funeral Home of this city, it
being the first thing of this kind in the southwest. Mr. and Mrs. Harry
Cummings are very much enthused over our city and say it is a city of
opportunities. They are guests of Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Smith of the Britt Hotel.
E. M. Laird, who accompanied the party to
this city, is the designer and builder of the Laird Swallow plane. The machine
they flew carried the party of four.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, March 29, 1922.
HOW
ABOUT AERIAL SQUADRON
The Government is
Ready to Take Action Immediately.
John Mowatt Has Letter
From Sen. Curtis Inquiring About
Landing Field and
Hangar for Proposed Squadron.
At the request of, and in behalf of the
aviators of this city, John S. Mowatt wrote a letter to Senator Curtis at
Washington, in regard to the government’s intentions with reference to locating
an aerial squadron at this place.
Mr. Mowatt has received a reply from
Senator Curtis in which he makes inquiries as to what this city can furnish in
regard to a landing field, hangar, and the oil and gas situation, and stated
that the government was ready to take action wherever the conditions seemed to
be most favorable for the location of such a squadron. There are other Kansas
towns in competition with Arkansas City on this proposition, and the town that
first meets up to the requirements of the government will be the winner,
according to local aviators.
Just at present Arkansas City seems to be
at a standstill in regard to her interests. Before the burning of the original
hangar on the Arkansas City field, this city was the top-notch city of the
state from the standpoint of aviation, and received an immense amount of
favorable advertising by reason of her advanced position. Now the interest
seems to be lagging, with a chance that this city may lose out on a proposition
that would mean much to the future of the city.
An aerial squadron, such as the
government contemplates, located here, would mean a personnel of about thirty
men who would be employed by the government at this place. Such a development
would give this city a tremendous amount of free advertising and put this town
in the limelight in the state of Kansas as never before, according to the
opinion of the local aviators.
Pete Hill stated to the Traveler this
morning that there would be no difficulty whatever in enlisting recruits for a
government aerial squadron at this place. He thinks the city cannot well afford
to overlook its opportunity in this matter. In his opinion, an amount of $1,500
or $2,000 taken out of the budget of the Chamber of Commerce for this year
could not be spent to better advantage in any other line of activity; and that
it is one of the paramount opportunities offered the city at this time.
Recently the matter of the city taking
over the local aviation field was brought before the mayor and city
commissioners, who promised that if the lease proposition was presented to them
in concrete form, they would take favorable action in the matter. Accordingly,
a committee was appointed to have a lease on the aviation field properly drawn
up, and it seems that no report has yet been made by this committee.
Thus with the government preparing to
establish mail routes and proposing an aerial squadron to be located in some
active city in Kansas, the entire aviation situation here seems to be lying
dormant. This is the situation that confronted the proposed battery for
Arkansas City right up to the last moment when the business interest suddenly
awakened, and the battery was put over without difficulty in a twenty-four hour
campaign. The local interest who see the possibilities of aviation development
would like to see a similar awakening in regard to the aerial squadron, and
think some timely action right now means a lot to this city in the future.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, April 1, 1922.
Walter H. Beech, flying from Wichita to
Muskogee on a publicity trip for the Wichita Eagle, went through here
about 7:00 o’clock yesterday morning, making this lap of the trip in about
thirty minutes. In less than two hours after the Eagle’s special
aeroplane edition was off the press, Rotarians in Muskogee were reading it, Mr.
Beech stated here last evening. He remained here all night, returning to
Wichita this morning. He flew in a Laird Swallow plane.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, April 3, 1922.
COYOTE
HUNT FRIDAY
Two Drives To Take Place
With Airplanes To Pilot Lines.
West Bolton Township will stage two
Coyote Drives, Friday, April 7, 1922. The one in the morning will be the same
territory driven one year ago, centering in the Baird pasture. Hunters for the
east line will meet at the Guthrie schoolhouse, two miles west of town, on
Madison Avenue. Hunters for the west line will meet one-half mile south of
Economy schoolhouse, which is seven miles west of town on Madison Avenue.
Hunters of the north line will meet one-fourth mile south of Ohio schoolhouse,
which is five miles west of town on Madison Avenue, thence two miles north.
Hunters for the south line will meet one-half mile south of Mercer schoolhouse,
which is four miles west of town on Madison Avenue, thence three miles south.
Men will meet at the respective places at
8:30 a.m., so they can be placed and lines filled and ready to go by 9:00 a.m.
There will be mile captains on each mile, who will have charge of their respective
mile. All hunters are requested to follow instructions of their captain and
hunt out all ravines, ditches, hollows, clumps of trees or brush where coyotes
can get in hiding as they, when hunted, are cunning; and hunters can pass
within ten feet of them while in hiding and they will lay still, and the hunter
that watches such places will be the most successful if he wants to get a
coyote.
No weapons but shotguns, clubs, and dogs
will be allowed. No boys under fourteen years of age to carry a gun, and no
rifle allowed. No one will be allowed in the center ahead of the line and
parties in autos must keep behind the lines. Parties on foot take your time and
do not hurry as none will be allowed in the Baird pasture until all lines are
up. No game is to be shot or otherwise molested but coyotes, crows, and
rabbits.
Chas. Williams, the local deputy game
warden, assures the promoters that no one will be molested for not having a
license if said hunters comply with game laws relating to game birds.
The Hill aeroplane company will patrol
the lines giving the same signals that they had last year. The zooming of the
plane, e.g., going up and down on a line, means for that particular part of the
line, it is behind and should hurry up. The rocking of the plane back and forth
sideways means for that particular part of the line to go slower as they are
ahead of the other lines.
Watch your line both ways and do not get
ahead of the line. Let those behind catch up and keep all gaps filled. If any
line is broken during the drive, the Ku Klux will be there to take charge of
parties responsible for same after the drive.
The Hill aeroplane company will give all
a chance to take a ride after each drive. Lunch will be served immediately
after the round up on the grounds by the ladies, after which the crowd will go
and form lines for the second drive, which will be just south of there in the
edge of Oklahoma.
The lines for the second drive will be
announced while lunch is being served. All are cordially invited. Come, have a
days’ hunt and enjoy yourselves. If any stills are found, bring them into the
center and the committee will furnish the corn.—Committee.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, April 6, 1922.
WOLF
HUNT TOMORROW
West Bolton Invited the
City Men to Take Part in Drive.
Tomorrow is the day set for the big
annual wolf, rabbit, and crow hunt in West Bolton Township and the members of
the committee at work on the plans have everything in readiness for the affair,
it was stated this morning. The city men and boys, over the age of 14, are
invited to take part and the drive is to be complete in that section of the
country, and also on the west side of Chilocco Indian reservation, which will
be covered in the hunt in the after-noon of that day. The committee gives out the
following instructions in regard to the drive.
The one in the morning will be the same
territory driven one year ago, entering the Baird pasture. Hunters for the east
line will meet at Guthrie schoolhouse, two miles west of town, on Madison
Avenue. Hunters for the west line will meet one-half mile south of Economy
schoolhouse, which is seven miles west of town on Madison Avenue. Hunters for
the north line will meet one-fourth mile south of Ohio schoolhouse, which is
five miles west of town on Madison Avenue, thence two miles north. Hunters for
the south of Mercer schoolhouse, which line will meet one-half mile south of
Mercer schoolhouse, which is four miles west of town on Madison Avenue, thence
three miles south.
Meet at respective places at 8:30 a.m.,
so men can be placed on each mile who will have charge of their respective
mile. All hunters are requested to follow instructions of the captain and hunt
out all ravines, ditches, hollows, clumps of trees or brush where coyotes can
get in hiding as they, when hunted, are cunning and hunters can pass within ten
feet of them while in hiding, and they will lay still, and the hunter that
watches such places will be the most successful if he wants to get a coyote. No
weapons but shotguns, clubs, and dogs will be allowed. No boys under fourteen
years of age to carry a gun, and no rifle allowed. No one will be allowed in
the center ahead of the lines and parties in automobiles must keep behind the
lines. Parties on foot take your time and do not hurry as none will be allowed
in the Baird pasture until all lines are up. No game shot or otherwise molested
but coyotes, crows, and rabbits.
Chas. Williams, the local deputy game
warden, assures the promoters that no one will be molested for not having a
license if said hunters comply with game laws relating to game birds.
The Hill aeroplane company will patrol
the lines giving the same signals that they gave last year. The zooming of the
plane, e.g., going up and down on a line, means that particular part of the
line is behind and to hurry up. The rocking of the plane back and forth
sideways means for that particular part of the line to go slower, as they are
ahead of the other lines. Watch your line both ways and do not get ahead of the
line. Let those behind catch up and keep all gaps filled.
Pete Hill, with his aeroplane, is working
in conjunction with the big drive, preparations for which are now well under
way. This drive will be staged tomorrow somewhat similar to the one last year.
Mr. Hill with his plane will make passenger
flights on this occasion. Arthur Hill will go out with his automobile to carry
out a supply of gasoline so that it will not be necessary to return to the city
for gas.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, April 7, 1922.
WOLF
DRIVE POSTPONED
Rain Today Prevented Big
Event in West Bolton Township.
The wolf drive which was planned for West
Bolton Township today was postponed on account of the rain. C. M. Baird phoned
the Traveler to this effect this morning. He stated that quite a number of
people made an attempt to get to the scene of the proposed drive, but were in
most cases prevented because of the high waters in the creek—which was
impassible this morning. There was much disappointment, but there was nothing
to do but postpone the event.
The new date which has been set for the
drive is next Tuesday, April 11, at which time the full program as arranged for
today will be carried out. This provides for a drive in West Bolton in the
forenoon and on the Indian reservation west of Chilocco in the afternoon, after
a big dinner at the noon hour served by the ladies of the church in the West
Bolton neighborhood.
It will be an all-day outing that will be
enjoyed very greatly and everybody who wishes to participate, whether from town
or country, will be welcome. Pete Hill will be there with his aeroplane to take
up anyone who may wish to take flights.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, April 10, 1922.
COYOTE
HUNT TOMORROW
Plans Again Made for
Drive in West Bolton and Chilocco.
The coyote, rabbit, and crow drive, which
was billed for one day last week in West Bolton Township, will be held
tomorrow, according to the announcement made this morning by Mr. C. M. Baird,
one of the members of the committee. The hunt will be in force all day, and in
the morning the drive will be made in West Bolton and in the afternoon on the
west side of the Chilocco reservation. The same rules as announced to govern
the hunt last week will prevail at this time. Mr. Baird says that as the recent
rains have filled the creeks and draws, the game has been driven to higher
ground and will be easy to hunt and kill on this account.
All those from the city who care to
attend will be welcome and it is expected that there will be a large crowd in
attendance. Dinner will be served at the noon hour and all those taking part
are assured of a full day’s sport program in the way of hunting.
Pete Hill this morning was completing
arrangements to have his plane out over the lines in order to assist in any
manner possible with the big hunt.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, April 10, 1922.
CITY
COMMISSIONERS MEET
Report on Aviation Field
Made by Chamber Secretary Today.
Secretary O. B. Seyster, of the chamber
of commerce, made a report in regard to the city taking over the aviation field
and making it a municipal landing field. The chamber secretary reported that
all matters pertaining to the field, paying of back rent, etc., had been taken
care of and everything was now in readiness for the making of a new lease with
Virgil Hadicke, who has a three-year lease on the land on which the aviation
field is located, this three-year lease dating from March 1, 1922.
The mayor and commissioners at a previous
meeting had given the local aviation interests to understand they would enter
into a new lease, which was $150.00 per year for a term corresponding with Mr.
Hadicke’s lease, and also with the understanding that the aviation interests
were to enter into a written agreement that they would consolidate their
interests and all use the municipal field.
Secretary Seyster recommended that one
commissioner be appointed to act as overseer of the field, so that the aviation
people could transact business with him.
The mayor instructed the secretary to
have the agreement drawn up as indicated above, and the matter would be acted
upon at the next meeting of the commissioners.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, April 11, 1922.
NO
COYOTES UP TO NOON
But West Bolton Was
Having Time of Its Life Today.
The big coyote chase was pulled off in
West Bolton Township this forenoon; and according to report, there was a big
crowd in attendance and many participated in the chase which was in the nature
of a drive for wolves, rabbits, gophers, or varmints of any kind. The day for
the drive was ideal, after having been postponed from last Friday.
About 9 o’clock this morning the Hill
brothers, Pete with his aeroplane and Arthur with his automobile to carry
gasoline, together with several from this city, went out to participate in the
event.
Up to noon not a single wolf or coyote
had been picked up. This afternoon the crowd went to Chilocco reservation,
where it was expected the hunters would have better luck with respect to
finding wolves.
Dinner was served according to program by
the ladies of the church in the West Bolton neighborhood. From reports
practically all other activities were suspended in this section of the county
today and everybody was having a big picnic. A detailed account will be
published tomorrow.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, April 12, 1922.
WOLF
HUNT BIG SUCCESS
Only One Coyote Caught
But There Was “Oodles” of Fun.
The wolf drive yesterday in West Bolton
Township and on the Indian reservation west of Chilocco, was a great success,
according to reports received here this morning. That is, it was a great
success in point of the number of people who gathered for this event, in the
splendid dinner served by the ladies of the church in the West Bolton
neighborhood, in the outing under pleasant skies, in the social contact
demanded by human mortals, in all these respects it was a very successful
event, but in the matter of ridding the country of wolves and coyotes—well, it
could not honestly be called a “howling” success, but it was a mighty good
excuse for a good time. On the reservation some six or seven coyotes were
scared up, but all evaded capture except one. However, more than a hundred
rabbits were bagged. The morning hunt was fruitless so far as wolves were
concerned, while the reservation was shown to be the real rendezvous of the
varmints.
Pete Hill of this city was there with his
aeroplane, but not much of an opportunity was afforded for flights on this
occasion.
Dr. L. M. Beatson in some manner had the
good fortune to secure a blue heron bird that stood some four feet high,
according to report this morning. If herons abound on the Chilocco reservation,
this fact has not heretofore been generally known. Anyway, the doctor was
reported to be in possession of the bird.
There was quite a crowd that attended
from this city, among whom were Dr. L. M. Beatson, Dr. Clarence L. Zugg, Harry
Long, Alex Livingston, W. N. Harris, Mark Mollett, Mr. West (of the Scott
Battery Station), Walter Peck, and Roy Smith.
It was announced that the wolf drive
would be an annual affair.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, April 12, 1922.
FROM
AIR SERVICE CHIEF
Letter Asks For
Data on Local Aviation Conditions.
The local aircraft operators have
received a letter and a questionnaire from Burdette S. Wright, captain of air
service of the U. S. war department, who states that the airways section of the
office of the chief of air service is endeavoring to obtain, insofar as
possible, complete information on the aeronautical situation in this country,
with regard to commercial operating companies, manufacturers, and landing
facilities.
According to the air service chief, there
is now on file a list of over three hundred and seventy operating companies and
manufacturers, in addition to information on over seventeen hundred landing
facilities. This data, in both cases, is from six months to three years old,
the chief states, and in order to carry out plans contemplated for this
section, it is necessary that all this information be brought up to date.
To this end the chief of air service
requests the cooperation of the Arkansas City aviation interests, and asks
that they furnish the data called for on the questionnaire on landing
facilities, and such data as they may care to forward on the local
organization, its name, place of business, functions, type of equipment, etc.
This activity on the part of the
government is considered significant and the matter will be taken up and the
desired information furnished, the local aviation interests working in
conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce in this matter.
It is expected that very shortly the
landing field here will be municipally owned; and when this becomes a fact, it
will place Arkansas City in a more favorable aspect when it comes to governmental
development of air routes, mail service lines, police squadrons, etc.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, April 12, 1922.
A
FISHING ADVENTURE
Three Boys Brought in
Yesterday, Fishless and Clothesless.
Three Arkansas City boys who went fishing
yesterday just above the dam three miles northwest of town on the Arkansas
River met with some wholly unexpected experiences which furnished excitement
not usually incident to the life of a fisherman or expected by pleasure hunters
on a fishing expedition, according to a report made by Arthur Hill this
morning.
The participants in this fishing event
were Bud Sospburg, W. B. Bethel, and R. W. Hide. They constructed a three-log
raft which they were using, and on which they had most of their clothing, hats,
and shoes. The breaking away of the canal at the point where they were located
caused a rush of water; and as a result, they lost control of the raft. In
order to save them-selves, they caught onto the branches of a tree and pulled
themselves out while the raft came on down the canal. They were compelled to
hike for town and presented a spectacular aspect, when they were later picked
up by Arthur Hill in his automobile near the Chestnut Avenue bridge, which
spans the Arkansas River west of town, and delivered to their respective
destinations in town, fishless, and nearly clothesless, but rich enough in
adventure.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, April 13, 1922.
Wichita guests registered at local hotels
yesterday were: Fred T. Wilson, Geo. W. Robb, Walter H. Beech, J. Mollendick,
F. D. Bird, A. H. Martin, J. A. Black, G. R. Piper and R. L. Anderson.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, April 13, 1922.
VISIT
LOCAL AVIATORS
Wichita Airplane
Men Visit Over Night in This City.
Walter Beech and Jake Mollendick of the
Laird Airplane company, of Wichita, were in the city yesterday, remaining
overnight, and returning to Wichita in their Laird machine this morning. Mr.
Mollendick is the owner of the Laird Airplane company, and in company with Mr.
Beech, came here to pay the local aviators a visit. While in the city they were
the guests of Arthur Hill. He extended the Arkansas City aviators an
invitation to use the Laird landing field at Wichita, and said they would be
welcome at any time.
Mr. Mollendick has extensive oil
interests and also has considerable money invested in his airplane interests in
Wichita. He is very enthusiastic about the future development of aviation. He
says aviation is here to stay and looks for rapid development during the
present year.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, April 13, 1922.
WILL
MAKE STUDENT FLIGHT
Fleet of Nine Aeroplanes
Coming April 28 From Post Field.
Secretary O. B. Seyster of the Chamber of
Commerce, is in receipt of a letter from Maj. Thos. C. Lamphier of the Post
Aviation field at Fort Sill, Okla., stating that on Friday, April 28, a student
flight will be made from Post Field to this city, flying 8 or 9 planes. They
will arrive here in the morning of the 28th and will remain overnight.
Secretary Seyster had made a little
estimate of the benefits to this city that will result from this visit, and he
finds that during their short stay here they will leave not less than $300 in
this city, expended for gas, oil, hotel bills, and other incidental expenses.
This is only a small illustration of the
benefits that will result from the proposed municipal landing field when once
it has been developed and fully equipped. Arkansas City is in good standing in
the aviation world, and at one time ranked ahead of any other city in the
state, but development has been greatly retarded by the unfortunate burning of
the hangar just after it had been built several months ago. A local aviator
states that more student aviators have visited this field than any other field
in the state, and it seems that regardless of the present local situation, this
city still maintains its prestige in aviation.
It is thought that there are great things
ahead for Arkansas City in aviation development, and this city should not fail
to take advantage of every opportunity that comes her way.
That there will be many big crowd drawing
attractions that can be pulled off in connection with the local aviation field
is very evident, and the city that gets in on the ground floor will be the one
that reaps the benefits, is the optimistic view taken by prominent airplane men
in this section of the state.
It is pointed out by local aviation
interests that this student flight from Post Field could have been made to any
one of many towns, but that Arkansas City was selected because the local boys
are all well known and have made a reputation for this city, and while the
local field is at present unequipped, it is hoped this matter will be remedied
in the near future; the first important step of which is the taking over of the
landing field by the city and operating it as a municipal field.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, April 13. 1922.
Arkansas City men who visited the Falls
City oil fields in the vicinity of Maple City today report that the Falls City
company is making plans to shoot its No. 16 well there . . .
The McGill well drilled on the Phillips
Petroleum company, in the same locality, is also to be shot, in the hope of
starting a good flow of oil.
Norman Musselman and son, Beachy, of this
city who are interested in the Falls City field at Maple City, motored there
today and they state that the roads are fine.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, April 14, 1922.
ERRONEOUS
REPORT
It seems that the Traveler’s informant
was somewhat in error about the item with reference to Dr. L. M. Beatson having
captured a blue heron in the recent coyote and wolf drive on the Chilocco
reservation. According to the doctor, the bird was dead when he found it and he
did not bring it to town, knowing that it was against the law to shoot these
birds.
That the law was observed in every
respect and the hunters properly protected is evidenced by the fact that it was
announced in advance that the deputy game warden would be in attendance at the
drive. It is a fact, however, that the doctor found the bird, but he does not
know who shot it.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, April 14, 1922.
That the airplane is there with it when
it comes to quick service was demonstrated yesterday when Pete Hill made a trip
to Wichita, carrying a passenger who had urgent business in that city. The
passenger was Orville Parker of Shidler, Oklahoma, who is with the Parker Motor
company of that city. Some electric supplies were needed, and the case was of
an urgent nature. Mr. Parker came to Arkansas City by auto with the expectation
that he could get the supplies here, but when he found out he could not, he
engaged the services of Pete Hill. A supply house at Wichita was telephoned to
have the supplies desired brought out to the Laird aviation field and Mr. Hill
piloted his passenger there and returned to this city, making the round trip in
one hour and 32 minutes.
Although an extra distance of 120 miles
was involved, Mr. Parker was only slightly delayed in the transaction.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, April 17, 1922.
Retiring Mayor C. N. Hunt at city hall
meeting where mayor-elect George H. McIntosh assumed his duties as mayor, did
the following.
Mayor Hunt stated that the city had
tentatively agreed to take over the aviation field, on a lease basis of $150.00
per annum, and he designated Commissioner Sturtz to take charge of the field as
a matter of convenience to the aviation interests in transacting business with
the city. This completed the session of the old administration.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, April 18, 1922.
REO
SEDAN BURNS
Dr. Young
Loses Car By Fire South of City.
Dr. R. Claude Young lost his Reo sedan
car by fire this afternoon. The car was on the South Summit Street road near
the I. X. L. school when the fire broke out and it was consumed in a short
time. It was being driven by Cecil Lucas and he was on his way to the
Lucas-Hume aviation field south and east of the city when the car burned. There
was no chance to put out the blaze, it is said, as the car was all aflame
before the driver realized the situation. Lucas was accompanied by his mechanic
at the time. The origin of the fire is not known, though it is thought it
started from defective wiring or a short circuit. The Reo cost the sum of
$3,200, when new.
Dr. Young was not sure this afternoon
whether or not he has an insurance policy on the car.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, April 19, 1922.
CITY
FATHERS MEET TODAY
Bond
Ordinance Was Passed.
Aviation
Lease Held Over.
After the city commissioners’ meeting of
last Monday had dispersed, it was arranged for an adjourned session to be held
today at 10 a.m., for the purpose of passing an ordinance to sign a lease
contract for the aviation field.
On account of the absence of the city
attorney, no action was taken in the matter of the lease on the aviation field.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, April 20, 1922.
TO
IMPROVE GROUNDS
Local Interests Visit
Aviation Field to Complete Plans.
L. A. Sturtz and O. B. Seyster,
representing the city, and Cecil Lucas, Roy Hume, Pete Hill, and Arthur Hill,
representing the local aviation interests, went out to the aviation field this
morning to take a survey of the field with a view to ascertaining the
advisability of making some improvements on the field and getting it in shape
for the use of the aviators this season as well as taking care of visitors who
come to the field in automobiles.
It is planned to fence off a space with
an entrance leading from the main highway, thus providing a place for parking
cars without opening any gates into the field. The object is two-fold, to
provide a parking space and at the same time to obviate the danger of any gates
being left open so that cattle may get out. The party from whom the aviation
ground is sub-leased has heretofore experienced considerable trouble in this
respect, and the object is to obviate that trouble.
In connection with this plan is another
space that is to be fenced off just south of the old hangar for the use of
planes, with a turnstile between the automobile parking space and the space for
the planes.
One of the first things to be done will
be to clean up the grounds. The cement floor of the hangar which was burned
will be cleaned off and used for placing planes when repair work is being done
on them.
The aviation interests desire to make
arrangements with the Lesh Oil Products company, which company has a gasoline
filling station on the grounds, whereby the company may put in a telephone for
the use of aviators in ordering gas.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, April 21, 1922.
SUE
FOR $75,000
Williams and Hill
Seek Recovery of Heavy Damages.
(Special
to the Traveler)
Winfield, Kan., April 21.—Petitions
asking for total damages in the neighborhood of $75,000, were filed in district
court by the Williams & Hill Airplane Co., of Arkansas City, yesterday.
The aviation firm is suing to recover
damages caused by the burning of their plant north of Arkansas City in March,
1921.
Twenty-seven insurance companies are
named in the bills, allegations being set forth that the latter have failed to
keep their contracts.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, April 21, 1922.
ACTIVITIES
IN AVIATION
Much Interest
Shown in Municipal Landing Field.
As a result of the visit of the local
aviation interests to the field north of town yesterday, steps have already
been taken for the improvement of the field. City Commissioner L. A. Sturtz and
Secretary Seyster of the Chamber of Commerce, together with Roy Hume, Cecil
Lucas, and the Hill brothers, Arthur and “Pete”, marked off the grounds so that
each aircraft operator will have his individual space for his own machine.
All hands got busy yesterday and cleaned
off the grounds, and the field is now in good shape. A “shack” is to be built
over one end of the old hangar’s cement floor to provide protection for
supplies of various kinds. Secretary Seyster has agreed to see that a large
sign on the grounds formerly used by Williams & Hill is repainted,
containing the words: “A. C. Municipal Landing Field.” A weather vane made of
canvas is to be hoisted for the benefit of aviators. Preparations are also
being made to fence off a parking space for automobiles.
Representatives of the baseball interests
also visited the grounds yesterday, and it was stated last night that an
agreement had been reached to allow the location of a diamond and the
construction of a grandstand on the aviation field. It is planned to have all
these improvements completed in time for the student flight of nine planes from
Post Field at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, April 28th.
Since arrangements have been completed to
make this a municipal landing field, much interest is being manifested in the
direction of developing the field as a central place for outdoor attractions of
various kinds, and the field promises to become a favorite place of recreation.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, April 22, 1922.
Took
Pictures From Plane.
Aviator Pete Hill took W. M. Stryker of
the Security National bank on a flying trip this morning, the purpose being to
get some aeroplane photographs of the country northwest of the city in the
neighborhood of the Dixon orchards. Mr. Stryker denies the rumor that Aviator
Hill is going to make a wing walker out of him.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, April 25, 1922.
FIELD
IN READINESS
Aviators Will
Welcome Visit From Post Field Friday.
The aviation boys have been working on
the field the past few days and have got the tool shed about completed.
Everything is in readiness for the student flight that is to be made from Post
Field, at Fort Sill, Okla., on Friday of this week. There will be a fleet of
nine planes participating in this aerial trip.
Beachy Musselman is getting his hand in again as a pilot.
He flew Roy Hume’s machine Sunday, this being his first flight since
about two and one-half years ago. He is an old army flyer.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, April 25, 1922.
PRIZES
AWARDED TO BOYS
Businessmen Make Kite
Tournament Attractive Affair.
The following prizes were given to the
boys who took first place in the different events of the kite tournament last
Friday afternoon at the aviation field.
For height, first prize was won by
Wellman Smith, who received $2.50 in merchandise from the boy’s department of
the Newman’s Dry Goods Co.; second prize won by Jay Plumley, a $1.50 flashlight
from the Collinson Hardware Co.
The second contest was the design, which
was the most interesting of them all. First prize was won by Bobbie Lightstone,
a $2 cash prize from the Comley Lumber Co. Second place was taken by Mark
Ingle, a $1.50 game given by the Sollitt & Swarts Drug Co.
The distance contest was won by Richard
Metz, a $1.50 pail of lard from the Axley Market.
For the race, first prize was won by Fred
Bugnal, a cash prize of $2 from the Houston Lumber Co. Second place was won by
Jay Plumley, a $1.50 axe from the Wright Hardware Co.
The sweepstake prize was won by Walter
Kahler, merchandise up to the value of $5 from the Palace Grocery Store.
The pulling contest was not held on
account of not having a strong enough wind to pull.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, April 27, 1922.
ARKANSAS CITY ON AIR
ROUTE TO LOS ANGELES
Arkansas City may soon be receiving part
of her mail by aeroplane. She is one of the eight cities designated as stopping
places for the United States air route mail service between Chicago and Los
Angeles.
This city is the only one chosen in
Kansas, and was designated because of its excellent field, which is equipped
with gasoline tanks.
The bill which will make this thing
possible will be brought before the house May 1. It provides for individuals,
corporations, or companies to carry mail from Chicago to Los Angeles,
California.
If the bill is passed, it will be a big
advertisement for Arkansas City. Notices were sent to all aviators to be in
Washington May 8 to boost the bill; however, people interested in the welfare
of our city can’t help boost the bill by wiring or writing Congressman Phil
Campbell and urging him to give his mightiest support to the measure.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, April 27, 1922.
AIR
FLEET IS DUE TOMORROW
A fleet of nine or more airplanes from
Post Field, at Fort Sill, Okla., is scheduled to arrive in this city tomorrow
morning. It is a student flight and Arkansas City was selected for their only
visit.
After their visit here they will return
home. The question is being asked, “How did they come to select Arkansas City
as their objective in making this flight?”
The answer is that this city is known on
the aviation map. The Arkansas City aviators have made it known. The local aircraft
men are widely acquainted, pioneer aviators, and good mixers. They have been
busy today getting ready to welcome the visitors tomorrow.
An informal dinner has been arranged at
the Osage hotel tomorrow noon. The meeting is open to any businessmen of the
town who desire to attend, and there will be hosts of visitors. A dance is being
arranged for the evening.
There will be two officers from foreign
countries accompanying the boys on this flight. One comes from Chile, South America, and the
other comes from China.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, April 28, 1922.
WEATHER STOPS FLIERS
TODAY, DUE TOMORROW
Lieutenant Walker and Sergeant G. E.
Settle, advance flyers of the student squadron from Post Field, landed here
this morning. Lieutenant Walker says there will be fifteen more planes here
tomorrow if the weather permits. This is as far as the squadron will fly, where
they will remain over Saturday and return to Post Field some time Sunday.
Lieutenant Walker and Sergeant Settle
started to Kansas City after landing here, but after going about forty miles
north they ran into so much fog and so many low hanging clouds they were forced
to return to Arkansas City.
An
Observation Trip.
Lieutenant Walker thinks he will return
to Post Field this afternoon and accompany the other fifteen planes up
tomorrow. The purpose of this trip is for observation, and the planes will be
started from Post Field in squadrons, so that each flyer will have to cover the
course and will have ample opportunity for observation.
If the weather permits, the first planes
should arrive in Arkansas City about 10:30 in the morning, at which time the
local aeroplane men invite everyone to the north field to watch the landing,
but they stated that everyone must stay back of the fences, as there will be
danger in so many planes taking off and landing.
The arrivals this morning say that from
Enid, Okla., to Arkansas City the fog was so low that they had to fly no higher
than seventy five feet above ground and part of the way only fifty.
Lieutenant Walker and Sergeant Settle are
high in their praise of the local field, saying it is the best in this part of
the country, and that it is listed on the Post Field chart as one of their
permanent air route stations because of its excellent landing points; being
high and rolling, it runs the water off and can be landed on in any kind of
weather.
The squadron tomorrow will consist of the
following officers: Major T. G. Lamphier, in command, Captain Prichard,
Lieutenant Wendall Brookley, Lieutenant Vidal, Lieutenant McBlain, Lieutenant
Sharader, Lieutenant Evert, Lieutenant Stockhouse, Lieutenant Wisehart,
Lieutenant Davidson, Captain Derby, Lieutenant Randall and two foreign
officers, Lieutenant Tien Shen of the Chinese navy, and Lieutenant Zuniga
Cooper of Chile.
[Note: Article was to be continued on
Page 8. It was not continued. MAW]
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, April 29, 1922.
FLIERS FROM
POST FIELD LAND IN CITY
Eight Planes in
Party; Will Remain Here Until Sunday.
Praise
Local Aviation Field.
Eight “Man-O-War” aeroplanes from Post
Field swooped upon Arkansas City and landed on the north aviation field at 11
o’clock this morning. Fifteen planes were expected, but when the last of the
eight planes here left Post Field this morning they said the other planes had
not arrived from San Antonio.
The party was composed of Major Lamphier
in command, with Andro as observer, Captain Prichard, pilot, with observer A.
N. Smith; Captain DeFord, pilot, with observer Lieut. Shabacher; Lieut.
Wisehart, pilot, with observer Private Griffith; Lieut. Davidson, pilot with
Sergeant Pond, observer; Lieut. Tien Shen, of the Chinese navy, pilot, with
observer Private Mudd; Lieut. Williamson, pilot, with Corporal Clark as
observer; and Lieut. Stock-house with E. H. Ostrom from Washington.
Only
One Mishap On Trip.
“The trip was a very successful one, from
the experience standpoint,” said Major Lamphier, in command of the party. “The
clouds hung low and there was so much fog in the air that the boys had to
depend entirely on their compasses, while in clear weather they could get
enough altitude to see many miles over the country and hardly have to use the
compass at all.
“None of us had any trouble.” exclaimed
Prichard, who was forced to land near Enid, on account of bad spark plugs
missing, but even he was not delayed for long.
“We were forced to fly very low,” says
the Major, “and no altitude over 200 to 500 feet could be gotten until nearing
the vicinity of Arkansas City, where you can fly just as high as you please.
Arkansas City and vicinity has perfect flying weather because the air is almost
always clear while farther south there is so much foggy weather that it is
uncertain.”
Stay
Here Until Sunday.
The squadron will remain here until
tomorrow morning, when they will return to Post Field.
Lieut. Walker and Sergeant Settle were
dispatched to Kansas City this morning, where they will stay until sometime
tomorrow.
The local aeroplane men are having a
banquet for the visiting officers tonight at the Osage Hotel.
Mr. Ostrom, who came as observer with
Lieut. Stockhouse, has a very interesting mission. He has been for some time at
Post Field where he has been working in connection with the war department. He
is field assistant in cereal investigation of the United States department of
agriculture, a graduate of the College of Agriculture of the University of
Minnesota, and was a flyer in Illinois and Texas during the war.
He will remain in Arkansas City for a few
days and take the opportunity of making some experiments relative to wheat rust
in this vicinity.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, May 1, 1922.
ARMY OFFICER HERE CAN
SEE ANOTHER WAR
Deplores America Being at Tail
End in Development of Aviation.
“This country is far behind every other
nation in the world, including South America, in the development of aviation,”
Major Lamphier declared, at the banquet given the visiting party of airmen at
the Osage Hotel, Saturday night.
Continuing, the major, who is in charge
of the student flight from Post Field, Fort Sill, Okla., to Arkansas City,
said:
“Commercial aviation in European
countries is an established fact. One can go from London to Paris almost as
cheaply as by train or boat and very much more comfortably and quickly. The
aerial lines in Europe are subsidized by the governments.
“The reason for the backward state of
aviation in the United States is because of the selfishness and lack of vision
on the part of the people of this country.”
Selfish
in Times of Peace.
“Under the stress and pressure brought to
bear in times of war we are a most patriotic nation, but in times of peace we
are the most selfish people in the world.
“The politicians in congress are cutting
appropriations and failing to make proper provision for aviation, just as a
matter of policy in the hope of securing votes in the election next November.
They are not looking to the interests of the country. Their motive is purely
personal and selfish.
“Just so with the people. We have no plan
of broad development. We side-step everything that does not directly put a
dollar in our pockets. In this narrow view we do not see the benefits coming to
the individual from developments representing the interests of the people as a
whole, operated by and through the people’s government.
“European governments and European
peoples were quick to recognize that in the next war the aerial service will
operate as one of the greatest factors in the conduct of the war. It will be the principal means of
observation, it will be the eye of the army, and the nation that is defective
in this respect will stand little chance in that mighty conflict when the
nations clash again.”
“Another
War Is Coming.”
“The next war is coming. It will be a
long war. Write your congressmen. Their selfish motives should be changed. Make
them act for the higher interests, for the country’s best welfare, instead of
playing cheap politics,” the major advised.
Major Lamphier paid Arkansas City a
compliment. Speaking of this city’s municipal field, he said: “Arkansas City is
farther advanced in this respect than any other city within a radius of 300
miles.”
He praised the local field and the
natural advantages of the town with respect to air routes. He recommended that
the field be bisected and a circle fifty feet in diameter be placed in the
middle of the field, this being the conventional method of marking landing
fields. He said a telephone should be installed. He recommended roof painting
with the words “Arkansas City,” so that the aviators can identify the town,
also arrows pointing in the direction of the landing field. He also recommended
a radio sending station, as a necessity for all towns of any considerable
importance.
Steel
Hangar for A. C.
He announced that he was going to take
the matter up with the proper authorities in Washington to send a steel hangar
here.
He said it would be made possible by the
fact that the field here is municipally owned.
The local aviators are more than pleased. With a municipal field and a
government hangar, and with the business interests of the town backing them,
they will do their part to help put Arkansas City on the aerial map.
Richard Keefe of the Henneberry Packing
Plant, made a talk to the visitors, and told them to come again. “Come often
and bring a hangar with you,” he said. John Floyd, insurance agent, spoke and
supported Major Lamphier in his declarations about the advancement of aviation
in Europe.
C. B. Seyster, secretary of the Chamber
of Commerce, presided at the banquet.
Commissioner Thompson promised today to
put some tiling in the ditch at the entrance from the rock road, and also that
he would have several loads of gravel hauled to put the grounds in the
neighborhood of the entrance in better shape in case of rain and mud.
It is planned to make the field a general
recreational ground, with a baseball diamond and grandstand, and for outdoor
amusements of all kinds.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, May 8, 1922.
FIGURES
REVEAL AIR FATALITIES
Fliers Cover 3,000,000
Miles Without One Being Killed.
New York, May 8.—Three million miles in
cross country flight without a fatality is the safety record of aviation in the
United States in 1921, according to a report just submitted to the Secretary of
Commerce by the Aeronautical Chamber of Commerce of America with headquarters
in New York.
The report is based upon the signed
statements of 125 operators in all parts of the United States, with equipment
numbering 600 planes, or approximately one-half of the total now in commercial
use throughout the country. It is interpreted by officials as an effective
answer to the query as to the hazard of flight invited by recent spectacular
accidents.
Three deficiencies, the report states,
contributes to the serious embarrassment of American aviation—small capital,
insufficient terminal facilities, and popular doubt as to reliability. The
correction of these deficiencies and the consequent opportunity for the rapid
growth of aerial transport, depends, it is stated, upon federal regulation and
reasonable control through the aerial code. The report has been laid before the
house commerce which has under consideration the Wadsworth Bill, establishing a
bureau of civil aeronautics in the department of commerce.
Two
Classes in Flying.
The report says that flying in the United
States may be placed in two general classifications—operating by established
organizations which endeavor to maintain regulations, and demonstrations by
the itinerant pilot gypsy flier. “Experience has taught,” says the
Aero-nautical Chamber of Commerce report, “that in safe flying, there are the
following requisites:
(1) a machine sound aerodynamically and
structurally.
(2) an engine of sufficient power and
proved liability.
(3) a competent, conservation pilot and
navigator.
(4) air ports and emergency landing
fields, sufficiently close together to insure gliding to safety.
(5) nation-wide weather forecasts
specialized and adapted to the needs of the fliers.
(6) nation-wide chart of air routes.”
The report adds that the established
operators, having a fixed point of responsibility, approximated these
requisites, with the result that in twelve months they actually made 130,736
flights, covering 2,907,245 miles, and carrying 122,512 passengers. Only
twenty-four accidents occurred, in which six persons were killed. Of these
three were due to unauthorized stunting, two to carelessness in policing the
field, and one to storm.
The report continues: “There were
twenty-one persons injured in the twenty-four accidents. These mishaps were due
to causes which could have been removed by federal regulation or supervision or
had landing fields, air routes, and weather reports been fully available; had
the field help been more disciplined; had the pilots been more alert through
consciousness of licensed responsibility, and had there been general inspection
of aircraft, engines, accessories, and supplies. Even so, the record shows that
6,701 flights, or 138,440 miles, were flown for every injury sustained.
Poor
Landing Fields.
“Such reports as were available of the
600 aircraft in the hands of gypsy fliers showed that these machines, which
also traveled about 3,000,000 miles and carried passengers probably equal in
number to those booked by the permanent operators, suffered 114 accidents,
resulting in 49 deaths and injury, more or less serious, to 89. Twenty of these
accidents are attributed in whole or in part to inadequate landing fields or to
the total lack of terminal facilities.
“In 1921, these air ports totaled but
146, an increase of twenty six over 1920. Four accidents are attributed to the
lack of weather reports and ten to the lack of clearly defined routes or
limitations in traveling between or over cities. Equal in importance with
ascertaining the qualifications of pilot and navigator, is inspection of
aircraft and engines. Out of the 114 accidents, 22 may be attributed to faults
which proper inspection probably would have revealed—four concerning the plane,
nine the engine, and nine an accessory, gas, or oil. This inspection must be
made at frequent intervals by federal authority.
“Twenty-nine accidents occurred during
stunting, twenty persons being killed and thirty-six injured—more than forty
percent of the total. In other words, stunt flying in unrestricted areas was
responsible for almost as many casualties as all other elements combined. A
government system of control, limiting stunting for training or testing to
certain areas, will remove what is probably the most prolific cause of
recitation on the part of the public to believe that flying is reliable.
“From the foregoing, it is seen that
flying, even with the burden of unnecessary hazard, imposed through the lack of
the aerial code, is not unsafe.”
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, May 9, 1922.
The
Municipal Landing Field.
The Arkansas City municipal landing field
is now a reality and a big sign announces the fact to all travelers on the rock
road north. The city now controls the field and as a result it can and will be
recognized by the U. S. government. A car parking space has been provided, but
hereafter no cars can get into the field as no gate will be available.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, May 10, 1922.
[Item Brought Up At
Chamber of Commerce Meeting.]
The secretary reported on the aviation
field, stating that its establishment as a municipal field was now an
accomplished fact, with the supervision of the field in the hands of City
Commissioner L. A. Sturtz.
It was suggested by members present that
the secretary push the government hangar proposition offered by Major Lamphier
on the occasion of his visit to this city from Post Field.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, May 12, 1922.
Fighting Fleet of U. S. to be
Equipped With 213 Airplanes, Plans Reveal.
Washington, May 12.—Plans for complete
equipment of the fighting fleet with air craft during the coming fiscal year,
it was learned today, have been laid before the senate naval committee by Rear
Admiral Moffat, chief of the navy’s bureau of aeronautics. The project
contemplates placing 213 airplanes on battleships, cruisers, scouts, and other
vessels and is designed to furnish the fleet with its own aerial defense
against enemy aircraft attack.
Under the plan eighty-six small, swift
fighting planes will be included in the aircraft to become a permanent part of
the fleet aircraft defense. The machines to be used for this purpose are
believed by navy officials to be the best developed. They are designed to repel
raids against the ships by enemy bombers.
In addition, the active ships will carry
46 observation and spotting planes, 27 small spotters, 36 torpedo or bombing
planes, 18 scouts, and four kite balloons for observation purposes. Each
battleship of the 18 comprising the fleet, under the naval limitation treaty,
will carry four planes, two V-F, or single fighters, one big spotter, and one
torpedo or bombing plane. The torpedo plane will permit attack on enemy surface
craft with 1,500 pound torpedo bombs.
Catapult launching devices recently
developed are to be installed on all ships, enabling them to send up aircraft
even in a heavy sea.
The ten new scout cruisers will carry two
catapults each and fighting and scouting planes to add to their range of
observation.
This airplane equipment, sought by the
navy as an immediate answer, it was explained, to accusations that surface
craft were defenseless against air bomb attacks, is regarded as essentially
defensive. The aerial offensive power of the fleet is to be grouped aboard the
air-plane carriers into which it has been recommended the battle cruisers
Lexington and Saratoga be converted. The fleet aerial squadron also is
supplemental to an equipment of twenty-four land planes sought for the marine
corps, twelve to be fighting or pursuit ships, and twelve observation planes;
and also in addition, 30 torpedo planes with which it is designed to equip
naval stations.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, May 12, 1922.
(First Published in the
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, May 12, 1922.)
SHERIFF’S
SALE
Case
No. 15446
By virtue of an execution to me directed
and delivered and dated the 26th day of April, 1922, issued out of the District
Court of Cowley county, state of Kansas, in an action in which Thomas Broderslev
is plaintiff and Henry Chateau is defendant. I will, on Monday, the 22nd day of
May, 1922, beginning at 2 o’clock p.m. of said day, at the north door of the
court house, in the city of Winfield, Cowley county, state of Kansas, offer for
sale and sell, at public auction, to the highest bidder for cash in hand, all
that certain personal property situated in said county of Cowley, and described
as follows, to-wit: Four fuselage (or airplane frames), Twenty-six airplane
wings or frames, said property levied on to be sold as the property of the
above named defendants, to satisfy said judgment. Witness my hand at my office
in said city of Winfield, this 12th day of May, 1922.—C. N. Goldsmith, sheriff.
W. L. Cunningham, attorney for plaintiff.
[Note: There is some doubt as to whether
it is “Chateau” or “Chouteau.” MAW]
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, May 13, 1922.
FOR
AIRMAIL SERVICE
Washington, May 13.—The house today
agreed to a senate amendment to the post office appropriation bill, providing $1,900,000
for operation of the New York-San Francisco air mail service during the coming
fiscal year beginning July 1.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, May 15, 1922.
MUNICIPAL AIR FIELD NORTH
OF CITY IN FUTURE
Commission Takes Action On Law
Introduced by Senator Howard.
The final steps were taken at the
commissioners meeting this morning to make the local aviation field a municipal
field. The law which makes this action possible was introduced in the Kansas
state senate by Senator R. C. Howard, of this city, and was enacted into a law
at the last session of the legislature. The commissioners adopted a resolution
setting forth the provisions of the law, formally taking over the field, in
accordance with those provisions, and designating Commissioner L. A. Sturtz
aviation commissioner to have the supervision of the field.
The city attorney, L. C. Brown, then
presented a lease on the grounds, the parties to the lease being L. A. Sturtz
and Virgil Hadicke. The latter has a lease on a tract of land for a three year
period from March 1, 1922, and the aviation field is on this tract, the lease
to the city being in the nature of a sub-lease by Mr. Hadicke.
By the terms of the lease the city is
given control of the grounds for aviation purposes for a period of three years
from March 1, 1922, the expiring date being March 1, 1925. The lease is only
costing the city the very small sum of $150 per year. The terms of the lease do
not prevent Mr. Hadicke, who is a dairyman, from using the field for pasturing
purposes, with the exception of automobile parking tracts to be fenced off so
as to have an entrance from the public highway and another tract suitable for
parking the aeroplanes.
Other
Matters Disposed Of.
Upon the opening of the session this
morning, City Attorney Brown read the new dog ordinance, by the terms of which
the license for male dogs was fixed at $1.00 per year and for female dogs $5.00
per year. This ordinance was adopted.
The matters pertaining to the aviation
field were taken up and disposed of.
Other
Matters Discussed.
Thos. Baird made a suggestion with
reference to an auditorium for this city. He thought it was time to begin to
think about this matter and discuss it. With good crops and favorable oil
developments, he thought the people might be ready to give favorable
consideration to this matter by fall.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, May 16, 1922.
LETTER
FROM MAGAZINE
Local Municipal
Landing Field Attracts Wide Attention.
O. B. Seyster, secretary of the chamber
of commerce, has a letter from the American City Magazine, published in
New York, making inquiries about Arkansas City’s municipal landing field. This
publication is one of the best known magazines going to municipalities
throughout the United States. The fact that this city has a municipal landing
field is getting it a vast amount of publicity and helping materially to put
this town on the map.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, May 18, 1922.
AVIATOR FROM HERE FLIES
AT G. A. R. MEETING
Local Service Men March in
Parade at Winfield this Morning.
Arkansas City figured conspicuously today
in the state encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic, which opened
yesterday at Winfield for a three days encampment. The meetings are held at
Island Park.
Rev. Bernard Kelley presided at the
meeting last night. A parade was staged this morning in which Arkansas City was
represented by the different delegations from this city embracing members of
the local post G. A. R., Sons of Veterans, Ladies of the G. A. R., American
Legion, ex-service men, and the Arkansas City Symphony band.
Extended
Courtesies to Veterans.
Pete Hill flew his Curtiss machine to the
Winfield encampment this morning and distributed some circulars in that city
extending courtesies to the G. A. R. and inviting them to the big military
celebration to be held in Arkansas City on the Fourth of July under the
auspices of the American Legion and Battery F of the 161st Field Artillery.
Aviator Hill had intended to fly low over
Winfield when distributing the advertising and also to perform some aerial
stunts with his plane, but the motor of his machine developed some spark plug
trouble which prevented him from doing this. On this account he did not land at
Winfield as intended, but kept his altitude and returned to this city to land
on the home field.
Other
A. C. Features.
An attractive feature on the encampment
program tonight will be furnished by Arkansas City performers. Mrs. C. H. Quier
will sing a soprano solo, with violin obligato by Miss Lorah Tufts, accompanied
on the piano by Miss Mildred Swarts.
George Jones’ municipal band from this
city helped to furnish the music today and made a nice feature of the program.
This consists of some thirty members, who make an imposing appearance in
uniform. They added much to the Arkansas City unit in the parade and their
music was a much appreciated feature of the day.
Winfield
Visitors.
Among the old soldiers who went to
Winfield this morning to participate in the encampment were John Sturtz, L. G.
Pelham, J. T. Hight, Jacob Rarick, C. B. Potter, A. Bannister, J. M. Patterson,
J. R. Carson, J. H. Farrar, G. M. Abbott, and F. M. Abbott.
W. R. C. ladies were: Mrs. J. R. Carson,
Mrs. J. H. Farrar, Mrs. Mary Brigman, Mrs. J. C. Bennett, Mrs. A. R. Wagner,
Mrs. Dora Parker, and Mrs. Maggie Marshall.
Among the legion and ex-service men who
were in attendance at the encampment today were: W. B. Oliverson, James Woods,
Jr., C. C. Baker, Earl Kelley, E. K. Kraul, J. D. Gamble, J. M. Goodwin, C. D.
Grant, Ralph Cutter, Fay Burns, Eugene Wimpey, Reed Fretz, Chet Brown, D. B.
Parker, Paul Taylor, Merle Whitehill, J. C. Frost, Beachy Musselman, Cecil
Lucas, Pete Hill, Boyd Mohler, Fred Kuhn, John Floyd, and Robert Cox. Rev.
Frederic Busch drove one of the cars up for the boys.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, May 20, 1922.
GOVERNMENT
PLANES HERE
Officer From Gen.
Pershing’s Staff En Route to Washington.
Visiting planes at the aviation field
today carried some high U. S. army officials, including Brigadier General
William Lassiter, of General Pershing’s staff, Washington, D. C., also Major C.
L. Tinker, an Osage Indian aircraft operator, who is now commander of the
aviation field at Fort Riley, Kansas.
They were piloted by Lieut. Nelson from
Post Field, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. The brigadier general was being relayed from
Post Field to Kansas City, making his way in relays back to Washington.
Lieut. Harry H. Mills and First Sergeant
J. L. Moore, from Post Field, were also in the party. They will fly to Kansas
City. Lieut. Mills will be remembered by many people here as the aviator who
had the German Fokker plane here during the air frolic.
Major Tinker intends to return to
Arkansas City in the near future to map the town and surrounding country and to
take photographs of the landing field and many other views. It is thought this
work is preparatory to establishing an aerial mail route through here by the
government.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, May 22, 1922.
LANDED
FOR GAS AND OIL
Lieutenant Harry H. Mills and Lieutenant
Nelson, flying on the return trip from Post Field, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to
Kansas City, landed on the local field yesterday for gas and oil.
From Kansas City to this point they
averaged ninety-five miles per hour. They got out ahead of the storm, which
came from the north, and as they traveled faster than the storm, probably
experienced no difficulty from this source. But three of the five men who went
from Post Field got lost somewhere before reaching Arkansas City yesterday and
evidently had to land on account of the storm. Major Lamphier was reported to
have landed near Wichita.
According to Messrs. Mills and Nelson,
officials at Washington are getting ready to make the field here a U. S.
Government landing field.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, May 22, 1922.
Forced
To Land.
Wichita, May 22.—Three army airplanes en
route from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, were forced to land
here last night because of the severe rain storm south of Wichita. They
continued their journey today. The planes were piloted by Major Lamphier and
Lieuts. Davidson and Galloway.
No reports have been received here from
twelve other planes in the squadron, which it was feared were stranded in
fields south of here. Belief was expressed at the Laird landing field, however,
that the pilots had been able to get through to Fort Sill.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, May 25, 1922.
Irl Beach went to Oklahoma today to get
the airplane which he was forced to leave on account of the storm. He landed in
a soft wheat field near Kaw City. He was flying Roy Hume’s plane.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, May 25, 1922.
Flying
Frolic at Covington.
There will be a flying frolic tomorrow at
Covington, Oklahoma, according to local aviators. Some of them are figuring on
taking in the events there.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, May 26, 1922.
Dick Phillips, formerly of this city, and
who has been in the airplane business in Texas the past winter, returned
yesterday via airplane. He is back here for business.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, May 26, 1922.
Pete Hill was detailed from the police
department yesterday to take a boy to Pawhuska to his father. The son was
picked up here on notification from the Pawhuska police.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, May 27, 1922.
AIRMAN
WILL LOCATE HERE
Sergeant Chambers Will
Arrive From Post Field Tomorrow.
Sergeant C. C. Chambers of Post Field,
Fort Sill, Oklahoma, will arrive here tomorrow, according to word received by
Pete Hill late this afternoon.
Sergeant Chambers has just received his
discharge from the U. S. army, and is coming to Arkansas City to make his
future home. He is a world-famous parachute jumper and holds the record for the
highest altitude jump which was made at the American Legion carnival held at
Kansas City last fall. The record made at this time was 26,500 feet and
established a new world’s record that has not been beaten since.
Sergeant Chambers will work here in
connection with Pete Hill, the widely known local aircraft operator.
It is considered a great honor to
Arkansas City to have such a distinguished air man locate here. Mr. Hill,
together with the other local aviators, have done much to put Arkansas City on
the aerial map, and that the acquisition of Mr. Chambers will help greatly in
future aerial development here, is the belief of those especially interested in
aviation here.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, May 30, 1922.
PARACHUTE
ON DISPLAY
Used by Sergt. Chambers in Making
World’s Altitude Record Jump.
Sergeant Encil Chambers, the parachute
man who holds the world’s altitude record, and who arrived in the city Sunday
from Post Field, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, has on display in a show window of the
Osage Sweet Shop the parachute which he used to make this record flight.
Sergeant Chambers hung this record up at
the American Legion convention at Kansas City, the date of his record jump
being November 3, 1921. He reached an altitude of 26,800 feet, establishing a
new record which has not since been beaten.
The parachute he used and which may be seen
at the above place, is made of Shantung silk, being so finely woven as to be
airtight. There are forty cords attached to it, each of 250 pounds tensile
strength. The cords are also made of silk.
Some of the European countries doubted
Chambers’ achievement, and had to be furnished with conclusive proofs from
official sources. He reached this altitude by flying in a DeHaviland ship
piloted by Lieut. Brookley.
Of course, the airmen had to be supplied
with oxygen. But from the time Chambers left the ship until he got into
atmosphere that he could breathe, he practically “passed out,” but when he got
in air with sufficient density his parachute slowed down and he regained his
breath and consciousness.
Sergt. Chambers was the first airman to
make a “Santa Claus” drop, which he did at Post Field last Christmas, to the
delight of the children. His home is at Cameron, West Virginia. He has come to Arkansas City to make this his
headquarters and will operate in connection with Pete Hill, the well known
local aviator. They want to make arrangements, if possible, for some aerial
demonstrations at the military Fourth of July celebration being planned for
this city.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, May 31, 1922.
Walter H. Beech, pilot for the Laird
Airplane company at Wichita, was in the city last night.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, June 1, 1922.
AVIATORS
TO SHIDLER
Local Men to Put on
Exhibition at Celebration There.
Pete Hill and Irl S. Beach, the local
aviators, and Encil Chambers, the parachute man, went to Shidler yesterday
flying two planes and taking the parachute belonging to Mr. Chambers. Shidler
is having some kind of celebration and the boys went down there to put on a
flying exhibition and to make a parachute drop.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, June 2, 1922.
FLIES
HERE FROM TULSA
D. A. McIntire Brings
Oil Supply Man Here For Business.
D. A. McIntire, of Tulsa, piloting a
five-passenger Bristol airplane, from the Southwest Aircraft Co., flew to this
city this morning and has a passenger, J. W. Reed, who came here on a hurry
business call for the Midland Supply Co. The trip to this city from Tulsa was
made in the record time of 58 minutes and without any mishaps. The machine has
a 240 horsepower Sidney-Duma motor and it is a powerful plane. McIntire and his
passenger left the city at 2 o’clock this afternoon for the return trip. The
Tulsa man landed on the municipal field north of the city. Hardly a day passes
now but that some visiting airman lands on the field north of the city, which
is one of the best landing fields in the states of Kansas and Oklahoma,
according to the airmen.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, June 2, 1922.
LOCAL
AIRMEN AT SHIDLER
Giving Demonstrations;
Arranging For Parachute Drop Sunday.
Local aviators, Pete Hill and Irl S.
Beach, and the local parachute man, Encil Chambers, who holds the worlds record
altitude drop, who are in Shidler, Oklahoma, giving some demonstrations, will
remain until Sunday evening, according to word received here today.
They are assisting the Shidler aviation
interests in fixing up the landing field at that place, and besides giving
demonstrations and taking passengers on air flights, are arranging for a
parachute drop by Chambers Sunday.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, June 3, 1922.
PUBLICITY
FOR ARK. CITY
Local Aircraft Men
Preparing Data For Several Publications.
Encil Chambers, who holds the world’s
altitude record for a parachute drop, and Pete Hill, local aviator, are
preparing data for a write-up in the New York World, Chicago Tribune, Denver
Post, Wichita Eagle, the Aerial Age of New York City, and also the Aerial
Age of London.
The occasion of the write-up is the
recent discharge of Chambers from the army and his coming to this city to take
up aircraft work in connection with Pete Hill. Arkansas City’s status in
aviation development, her municipal landing field, placing this city in line to
become a U. S. government landing field, and other items of interest, will come
in for mention in this write-up.
Sergeant Chambers is said to have a very
fine army record, and some data in this regard will also make up part of the
article. By reason of his aerial achievements, Chambers is an international
character. He and Mr. Hill will operate out of this city together. As soon as
it becomes known over the country where Mr. Chambers is and what he is doing,
it is anticipated that calls will soon begin coming in from all parts of the
country for aircraft maneuvers and parachute drops, as special attractions at
celebrations and public events of various kinds.
It is estimated that the publicity given
these two Arkansas City boys in the above publications will be read by at least
two million people and the eyes of that many people will thus be directed to
Arkansas City.
An effort is to be made to have these
boys give an airplane demonstration and a high altitude parachute leap as a
feature of the military celebration to be held here July Fourth.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, June 5, 1922.
AVIATION
AT SHIDLER
Encil Chambers Made
Successful Parachute Drop Saturday.
Pete Hill, Encil Chambers, and Irl Beach
gave an aircraft demonstration at Shidler, Oklahoma, Saturday afternoon, which
is reported to have been entirely successful. Chambers made a parachute drop
from an altitude of 4,000 feet.
Yesterday Messrs. Chambers and Hill flew
to Wichita and returned.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, June 6, 1922.
DEVELOPMENT
OF AVIATION
U. S. is
Considered Best Field in the World.
Genoa, Jan. 6.—Gianni Caprona, the
Italian airplane inventor and constructor, considers the United States today to
be the best field in the world for the development of Civilian aviation. He
prepared and brought to Genoa a comprehensive program for aerial communication
over Europe, but this will have to wait, he said today, owing to the limited
financial strength of the various countries embraced in his scheme. The Italian
inventor stated, “In the United States, civilian aviation promises to make
rapid progress. The country covers roughly about the same area as Europe, and
all the elements for speedy growth are present. I hope to contribute to this
branch of American activity.”
Germans are showing the greatest activity
in Europe at the present time in the field of aeronautics, according to aerial
observers at Genoa during the recent conference. Anthony Fokker and Professor
Junkers, both German experts, have leased three airplane factories in Holland.
The Zeppelin company is active in a
factory on the Swiss side of Lake Constanza, and at the same time has leased an
Italian factory near Genoa and is organizing a company for aviation
construction near Seville, Spain.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, June 6, 1922.
AN
INDIVIDUAL PLANE
Small Flyer Using
3-Cylinder Motor Landed Here Today.
A. J. Trenler and companion, representing
the Longren Aircraft company of Topeka, landed on the local field today for gas
and oil. Mr. Trenler was on his way to Tulsa to establish an agency there for
the Longren company.
Trenler was flying the new Longren
individual plane, which is a small machine equipped with a three cylinder
motor. The machine was designed and built by A. H. Longren. Its total weight is
about 1000 pounds—it has folding wings and can be kept in an ordinary
automobile garage.
It is a nifty machine, carrying two
passengers side by side, and is designed wholly for individual purposes. It
sells for about $2,000.
Mr. Trenler was greatly pleased with
Arkansas City and her municipal landing field.
---
Aviation
Notes.
Jack Mollendick and Walter H. Beech of
the Laird Airplane company at Wichita, flew to this city today looking after
sale prospects for their Laird machine.
D. A. Biffle, salesman for the Lincoln
Standard Airplane company, has been here since Saturday looking up prospective
purchasers for the Standard plane. He says there is more aviation activity in
Arkansas City than anywhere he has been.
Irl L. Beach flew Roy Hume’s plane to
Moline, Kansas, today to do some exhibition work and carry passengers. Irl is a
local find who is a bear of a hustler, the boys all say.
All the airplane men who visit this city
speak very favorably of the municipal landing field, and say that the next
step is to get a government hangar. But when it comes to all other
accommodations, the local field has them, and visiting airmen always receive a
courteous welcome by the local aviators. They are very appreciative of service
and courtesy, and these two factors have figured largely in putting Arkansas
City on the aerial map.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, June 8, 1922.
Plane Makes Flight At
Night Between Paris and London.
Paris, June 8.—The first aerial round
trip at night between Paris and London was negotiated last night by an airplane
carrying 10 passengers. Strong lights have been installed along the route at
Beauvais, Amiens, Boulogne, and Dover for the guidance of pilots, and the
terminal aerodromes at Le Bourget and Croyden are illuminated with a brilliance
approaching that of daylight.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, June 9, 1922.
AVIATION
OUTLOOK PROMISING
Local Operators Receive
Inquiries Over Broad Territory.
Say Towns are Beginning to
Realize Value of Senator Howard’s Bill
For
Municipal Landing Fields.
The aviation outlook for the present
season is looking good to the local aircraft operators. They are very much enthused over the
prospects. They have done so much to give Arkansas City free advertising, that
they now think it is up to this city to get behind the proposition of getting a
hangar here good and strong. It is true Major Lamphier of Post Field promised
to get a government hangar here, but it is thought the matter can be whipped up
considerably by the citizens getting back of the proposition and insisting upon
action in the near future. The
government is now rating towns and cities by their municipal equipment. If
Arkansas City is to hold her position in the A-1 class, she will have to land a
hangar soon, the boys say. This city has heretofore set the pace in aviation in
Kansas due largely to her enterprising aviators, and it is up to the city to
back the boys up and help keep the city at the front, is the sentiment of the
local boys at present. They say now is the psychological moment to strike, and
the city shouldn’t fail to put in the proper licks for progress now.
One of the local aviators declared this
morning, “All the towns starting aviation are now beginning to realize the
value of Senator Howard’s bill, which was enacted into a law in this state,
providing for municipal landing fields.”
The Steenerson bill providing for the
establishing of air mail routes is now up for hearings before the committee on
postoffice and post roads in the house of representatives. It is house bill No.
11193.
By the specifications of the bill, “air
mail” means first-class mail proposed at rates of postage prescribed in the
bill, and that the rate shall not be less than six cents for each ounce or
fraction thereof.
The bill authorizes the postmaster
general to contract with any individual or corporation for transportation of
mail by aircraft between given points at a rate not to exceed two mills per
pound per mile.
The published statement of the hearings
before the committee, the report of Luther K. Bell, representative of the
Aeronautical Chamber of Commerce of America, giving a digest of the reports
received by the aeronautical chamber from various towns throughout the United
States, and this list is headed by Arkansas City with a report as follows:
“Arkansas City reports frequent calls for commercial trips to Tulsa, Oklahoma
City, Wichita, Kansas City, Kan., Kansas City, Mo., and Joplin, Mo. Arkansas
City is one of the largest mail distributing points in the territory southwest
of Kansas City and if a route is established from Omaha south through Kansas
City to Wichita, Arkansas City, Oklahoma City, and Galveston, it is believed
there would be a big demand for such service. Local operators want a guaranty
of $100 per day.”
The above hearing and report from
Arkansas City constitutes a part of the congressional record and is one of the
means by which this city is receiving some wide publicity.
---
Aviation
Notes.
Jack Long, of Oklahoma City, landed on
the local field yesterday to gas up. He was flying a Lincoln Standard.
---
Walter Beech made a trip from Wichita to
Okmulgee, Okla., yesterday, returning to this city in the afternoon. He was
flying a Laird machine and circled around over town a few times.
---
Hill and Chambers are now receiving
inquiries from all over the country in regard to aerial exhibitions including
airplane demonstrations and parachute drops. The range of territory covered by
these inquiries extends from Pocatello, Idaho, to Cameron, West Virginia. They
have already signed up for engagements starting after the Fourth of July. They
are negotiating for a demonstration here on the Fourth.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, June 9, 1922.
TO BE
‘CHAMP” PARACHUTER
Challenges Chambers, Present
Record Holder, To a Show Down.
Sergeant Encil Chambers, late of Post
Field, Fort Sill, Oklahoma, but now of Arkansas City, holder of the world’s
record altitude parachute drop, has received a “challenge” from an aspirant to
the “championship” belt. The letter, which has occasioned much amusement among
the local airmen, is as follows.
Sergeant Encil Chambers, Post Field, Fort
Sill, Lawton, Okla.—Dear Sir: Just a few lines to state I have just discovered
your account in the Aviation and Aircraft Journal, which states you have
taken the world’s or believed to have taken the record for high altitude
jumping, when your record showed the distance of 24,850 feet.
“My ambition is to show that I can beat
that if given a fair chance at it. I am only a starter in the aviation field,
but I dare say if I get a show, I shall break your record by one hundred or
maybe two hundred feet.
“If you are champion, I challenge you to
a show down and let the best man win, for I am ready to show I stand by my word
at any time I am called upon to do so.
“Hoping you will give this your strict
attention and answer me at soon as possible.
“I remain as ever, challenger to the
champion.—Private Ferdinand Depoortere, Air Chanute Field, Rantoul, Ill.”
It is thought the “challenger” must have
been a prizefighter, for if this aspirant really desires to hang up a new
record, all he has to do is to go to it and break the record made by Chambers.
Since he seems to have the ambition and the determination, the Traveler would
advise him to get busy and do it. If he can do it, or anyone else, then
Chambers will lose no time in an endeavor to hang up a new world’s record, as
he proposes to keep the “title” right here in Arkansas City.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, June 10, 1922.
Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Lucas and baby, of
this city, attended the surprise party given for his mother, Mrs. W. J. Lucas,
southeast of the city, last night.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, June 10, 1922.
Mrs. W. J. Lucas, of southeast of the
city, was the honored guest at a surprise party given at the Lucas home last
night. The occasion was Mrs. Lucas’ 53rd birthday anniversary and there was a
party of relatives and friends numbering about one hundred in attendance. The
affair was a complete surprise and Mrs. Lucas was the recipient of some nice
gifts.
The members of the party all paid their
respects to Mrs. Lucas, who with her husband and children, has resided in Kay
county near this city, for a number of years.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, June 12, 1922.
AIRPLANE
DEVELOPMENT
All branches of the government having to
do with the operation of airplanes are closely cooperating for the advancement
of the art of flying. Improvements in methods of air defense are being
perfected, and commercial planes are closely cooperating for the advancement of
the art of flying. Improvements in methods of air defense are being perfected,
and commercial planes are also benefitting from the investigations.
The big increase in commercial aviation
is due largely to the encouragement received from federal sources. It is
estimated that in 1920 1,000 planes carried 41,390 pounds of freight and
115,000 passengers, at an average charge for short flights of $12.50. In 1921
1,200 planes carried 12,227 pounds of freight and 122,000 passengers for an
average charge of $9.00. As the number and capacity of the machines increase,
the efficiency of operation rises and the cost drops.
[NOTE: I QUESTION THE 1921 FIGURE ON
FREIGHT...12,227.]
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, June 13, 1922.
FOURTH
OF JULY FEATURE
Hill and Chambers
Will Make Parachute Drop Here.
Another big feature has just been
contracted for the Fourth of July celebration in this city. Pete Hill, local aircraft operator, and Encil
Chambers, holder of the world’s record for highest altitude parachute drop,
have arranged for an airplane demonstration and parachute drop as a feature of
the celebration here. It will be one of the first exhibitions of the day,
coming on at 10 a.m.
Mr. Hill and Mr. Chambers are in demand
for Fourth of July engagements. Besides their appearance in Arkansas City, they
have contracted to fill two other engagements on the same day. At 2 o’clock p.m.
they are scheduled for a drop at Cottonwood Falls, and at 5 p.m. they are due
for a similar performance at Salina.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, June 13, 1922.
Irl Beach, aviator, flew to Augusta
yesterday on a business trip.
Walter Beech, of the Laird Airplane
company at Wichita, was in the city transacting business last night. He
returned home this morning.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, June 14, 1922.
WENT
AFTER NEW PLANE
Local Airmen
Propose to Advertise Arkansas City.
Pete Hill and Encil Chambers, local
aircraft operators, left last night for Lincoln, Nebraska, where they went to
negotiate for a Lincoln Standard machine. The machine they are after carries
about one thousand pounds and has a 150 h.p. engine.
If they are successful in securing this
machine, they intend to paint it with Arkansas City advertising. The words
“Arkansas City” will be painted in big letters on the bottom of the ship, and
the Chamber of Commerce will also be advertised.
This is in accordance with plans made by
Mr. Hill some time ago, and who has been fortunate in getting associated with
himself the man who holds the world’s record for high altitude parachute drop.
The boys are contracting dates rapidly
covering a wide section of country, and this advertising for Arkansas City will
help to put this city on the aerial map more than any other one proposition.
It is the intention of Messrs. Hill and
Chambers in flying their new plane home from Lincoln, to make parachute drops
at two or three towns en route, arriving here Monday. Arthur Hill, brother of Pete, was today
closing a contract for an engagement of the boys at Springfield, Mo.,
immediately after the Fourth. Their drop in this city on July Fourth will be
the first event on the program, occurring at 10 a.m. It is their intention to
make this drop from an altitude of 8,000 feet.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, June 16, 1922.
STILL
HOLDS WORLD’S RECORD
Detailed Account of
Chambers Drop at Kansas City.
Stevens Reached Altitude of
24,206 at Dayton, While Chambers’
Official
Record is 24,850 Feet.
The parachute jump made by Captain A. W.
Stevens at Dayton, Ohio, June 12, and which was proclaimed to have broken the
world’s record for high altitude drop, when he descended 24,206 feet, has been
denied from an authoritative source, and Encil Chambers of this city still
holds the record at 24,850 feet made at the American Legion convention in
Kansas City last fall.
The Kansas City Times of June 14 gives the details of
Chambers’ drop at that time as follows.
“Official figures given out following
Sergt. Chambers’ parachute drop at the American Legion air meet here last fall
indicate that he is justified in his contention that he still is the holder of
the world’s record for high altitude parachute drops.
“With Lieut. Wendell Brookley of Post
Field, Okla., as his pilot, Chambers left ground here November 2 for his record
breaking drop in a DeHaviland airplane. The motor of the machine, a Liberty,
was specially equipped with a Moss supercharger—a device designed for the
purpose of supplying the necessary oxygen to the carburetor at high altitude.
“Both men took with them oxygen tanks.
Brookley’s fur flying suit was electrically heated, but because Chambers was to
leave the airplane, the electrical connections were not made from his suit to
the motor. Instead, he crawled down inside the rear cockpit shortly before they
left earth, and a canvas cover was fastened with a string over the top of the
pit to keep out the biting winds.
“The start of the flight was made at 2:50
o’clock. Half an hour later the plant disappeared above the field. Minutes
passed. Glasses were focused on the machine, which had long since passed from
the vision of naked eyes, until it finally went above the vision of the most
powerful of the glasses. Late in the afternoon the parachute was sighted,
falling slowly and swaying from side to side in the high winds. Around and
around it circled the airplane.
“Chambers landed in a yard at
Eighty-fifth street and Prospect avenue. On returning to the flying field,
Brookley announced that his altimeter had recorded a maximum of twenty-six
thousand feet at the time of Chambers’ start for his record.
“Later the altimeter reading was
corrected to 24,850—a mark 644 feet higher than that made by Capt. A. W. Stevens
in Dayton, Ohio, Monday, June 12. Captain Stevens’ drop, although not as great
as that of Chambers’, required twelve more minutes to complete. From the time
Chambers left the machine here, eighteen minutes elapsed before he touched
earth at Eighty-fifth street and Prospect avenue.
“Chambers is now in Arkansas City, where
he is forming an aerial circus for the purpose of giving exhibition parachute
drops. He recently resigned from the army.”
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, June 16, 1922.
PURCHASE
LINCOLN STANDARD
Hill and Chambers Will
Make Parachute Drop at Lincoln.
Arthur Hill got a wire last evening from
his brother, Pete Hill, who with Encil Chambers, went to Lincoln, Nebraska, to
make a purchase of a Lincoln Standard plane, stating that the machine had been
purchased. According to the wire, the boys will make a parachute drop at
Lincoln on Sunday, and are expected to arrive home Monday, flying the new
machine.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, June 17, 1922.
LANDED
FOR OIL AND GAS
Both Flyers Are En
Route From Oklahoma to Wichita.
George Newell of the Norris Oil company,
Wichita, flying a Laird machine, landed here today for oil and gas. He flew
from Slick, Oklahoma, this morning, and was en route to Wichita.
Clyde Horchem, of Attica, Kansas, who
played this city as the “human squirrel,” doing a building climbing act, some
time ago, landed on the local field yesterday for oil and gas. He was flying
from Hominy, Oklahoma, to Wichita.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, June 17, 1922.
Will
Fly Home This Evening.
Roy Hume received word from Irl Beach
yesterday that he would arrive in the city with Roy’s plane this evening. He
has had the plane at Augusta for a week doing some special
advertising.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, June 17, 1922.
K.
C. TO WICHITA BY AIR
Daily
Service To Be Installed Early In July.
Wichita, Kan., June 17. Daily airplane
passenger service from Wichita to Kansas City will be inaugurated early in
July, L. C. Stearman, factory manager of the Laird airplane company of
Wichita, announced today.
Two planes will be used at the start,
each making one flight a day. The machines have been built at a local factory
and now await the arrival of high-powered motors. The capacity of the planes is
six persons in addition to the pilot. Compartments are provided for passengers’
baggage and light express shipments.
The actual flying time, Wichita to Kansas
City, will be about two hours, Mr.
Stearman said.
Emporia is to be used as a landing
station en route, to let off and take on passengers. Topeka and other points will also be
designated regular landing stations, if arrangements now under way are
completed.
“It is the intention to add new planes as
traffic increases,” Mr. Stearman said, “and it probably will not be long until
four machines are in operation. This will make it possible to fly from Wichita
to Kansas City in the morning and return in the afternoon.”
The Laird company also has in
contemplation the inauguration of regular air passenger service from Wichita to
Oklahoma City and other points.
“Aerial transportation is now completely
safe,” according to Mr. Stearman.
“The United States government reports
that in its air mail service an average of but one pilot is killed for each
million miles traveled,” he said. “The danger is in the stunt flying. Nearly all aviation accidents are the result
of trick flying.”
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, June 30, 1922.
PROGRAM FIXED FOR
BLOW-OUT HERE FOURTH
Military Celebration to
Eclipse Anything City Has Ever Done.
Next Tuesday Arkansas City will have a
big military Fourth of July celebration, which promises to be one of the
greatest celebrations ever held in this city. The celebration will be under the
auspices of the American Legion and Battery F.
There will be thrilling events galore,
and there will be something doing every minute from early morning until late at
night. Besides the events provided by the local committees the Broadbeck
Amusement company will operate in Paris park all day and evening. There will be
attractions for young and old.
Field
Day Program.
The army field day events will take place
in the afternoon on the athletic field between Paris Park and Madison Avenue,
near the Midland Valley tracks. The tents will be pitched on the field Sunday
and it will be a regular military camp with many sports, ceremonies,
exhibitions and demonstrations.
In the evening there will be a display of
fireworks, and a masked street dance and carnival. The program will be as follows:
10 a.m.—High altitude plane flight and
parachute drop by Pete Hill and Encil Chambers (holder of the world’s record
altitude drop).
10:30—Band concert corner Fifth avenue
and Summit street.
11:00—Auto fashion show and parade.
Afternoon
Program.
1:30—Military parade.
2:30—Military events at Athletic
park.—Exhibition drill, Battery F and American Legion.
Events scheduled.
1—Shelter trench race.
2—Squad tent-pitching contest.
3—Shelter tent-pitching contest.
4—Rifle race.
5—Naval squad drill.
6—Litter race, medical corps.
7—Gas drill.
8—Tug of war.
9—Competitive squad drill.
10—Competitive
platoon drill.
11—Guard
mount.
12—Retreat.
13—Battalion
review.
14—Big
army feed, open to public.
During the afternoon there will be a
number of races and events not listed, that will be staged.
In
the Evening.
In the evening there will be a band
concert, fireworks, and a masked street dance and carnival.
At the park there will be a Ferris wheel,
merry-go-round, and various other amusements and attractions going on all day.
Some fifty business institutions of the
city have individually extended the people of surrounding territory an
invitation to attend this celebration, by means of a page display announcement
in the Traveler. A great time is promised, and no one for miles around can
afford to miss this celebration.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, July 3, 1922.
ALL
READY FOR CELEBRATION
Program Will Begin
Tomorrow Morning On Schedule Time
With Fair Weather There
Should be a Record Crowd in the City
For the
All Day and Evening Festivities.
The final preparations for the
celebration of the Fourth of July to be held in this city tomorrow are being
made today, and from all indications, by morning the city will present a gala
appearance.
The celebration will be different from
anything of the kind ever before seen in this city, on account of its military
character. It will also be far different in the number of attractions offered,
and the entertaining character of the attractions. Never before has a
celebration of such magnitude been undertaken by any city in the state of
Kansas. Arkansas City heads the list with a celebration of such proportions as
has never been equaled in the state.
Today the weather is cool and fine, with
every indication of a continuation of favorable weather over tomorrow. Reports
from Arkansas City territory for miles around in all directions indicate that
there will be a tremendous crowd here, and there is no doubt that they are
coming to the right place for a good time and interesting and profitable
entertainment, as well as a fitting observance of independence day.
The celebration is being put on by the
American Legion and Battery F, and these organizations are receiving the
cooperation of the chamber of commerce. Efficient committees are on the job,
and it is safe to say the program will meet up to all expectations and there
will be no lack of attractions to amuse and entertain the crowds.
Big
Guns Are Here.
The big guns for the field artillery have
arrived, Captain W. B. Oliverson announced this morning. The shipment consists
of field pieces and machine guns, besides arms of smaller character. The field
pieces and machine guns will be used for display and also for demonstrations
providing the shells arrive. The shells are to come from Hutchinson it was
learned this morning, and the battery at that place was wired this morning to
get the shipment through.
The parade in the afternoon will be
strictly a military parade, participated in by members of the Legion and
Battery F. This parade will be formed at 1:00 at the Legion quarters on West
Madison avenue, and will march down Fifth avenue to Summit street, then south
on Summit to Madison and west on Madison avenue to Athletic park. The parade
will be headed by the band.
The
Auto Show.
The final arrangements for the automobile
show and parade were completed this morning.
The cars will be arranged for exhibition on streets intersecting at
Madison and Summit, as follows: All Ford, Chevrolet, Overland, and Dodge cars,
on Summit street south of Madison avenue, heading north; all Studebaker and
Nash cars, on Madison avenue west of Summit, heading west; all Hudson, Essex,
Buick, Cadillac, and Haynes cars, on A street south of Madison avenue, heading
north; all Franklin and Jewett cars on A street north of Madison avenue,
heading south.
The cars at these locations will be
arranged in the following order, viz., roadsters, tourings, cabriolets, coupes,
in which order the various makes of each company will appear in the parade. The
parade will start at 10:30.
Other morning events will be the band
concert and the parachute drop. All the field events will be on Athletic park
in the afternoon. The Broadbeck Amusement company with their line of
attractions, including Ferris wheel and merry-go-round, will hold forth all day
in Paris park. The fireworks will be
sent up from near the lake in Paris park, in the evening. The street dance and
carnival will be held on Central avenue between Summit and First street,
beginning at 9 o’clock at night. It is desired that the businessmen decorate
their places of business, and that the national colors be displayed in the city
to the greatest possible extent.
The
Official Program.
Following is the official order of
events:
10:00 a.m.—Parachute jump. Pete Hill,
pilot in charge of plane. Encil Chambers on parachute.
Band concert 5th Ave. and Summit St.
10:30 a.m.—Auto Fashion Parade on Summit
street from Madison avenue to Chestnut avenue and return.
11:15 a.m.—Battle Royal on Central avenue
between First and Summit.
12 to 1:30 p.m.—Dinner Hour.
1:30 p.m.—Military Parade. American
Legion and Battery F, 161st U. S. Artillery, on Summit street.
2:00 p.m.—Athletic contests in Athletic
park. Myron Bell’s trained colt and amusements in Paris Park.
4:30 p.m.—Guard Mount—Review—Retreat.
5:00 p.m.—Mess by Battery. Open to public.
50 cents—plate.
7:00 p.m.—Band concert and amusements in
Paris Park.
8:15 p.m.—Fireworks display in Paris
Park. Will be announced by firing of French 75's.
9:00 p.m.—Masked carnival and street
dance on Central avenue and First to Summit.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 5, 1922.
THOUSANDS IN ATTENDANCE
AT CELEBRATION
Out of Town Visitors Are
Pleased With Elaborate Program.
What was undoubtedly one of the greatest
events that ever occurred in this city was the military Fourth of July
celebration given yesterday under the auspices of the American Legion and
Battery F of the Kansas national guard.
The celebration had several outstanding
features worthy of special note. The people got more than was advertised. The
celebration got the crowd. The crowd got the entertainment. The program was pulled off on time. The day
was perfect.
A
Big Thrill Not Advertised.
The biggest “thrill” not on the
advertised program was the runaway engine from the Midland Valley depot, which
went past the celebration grounds with throttle wide open, puffing and snorting
like a huge beast let loose, weaving from side to side and vibrating with the
energy of uncontrolled freedom.
For half a mile alongside the celebration
grounds thousands of people witnessed the spectacle, while the lives of
hundreds who were standing on the track were especially endangered. The
narrowest escape was the case of one woman who barely got off the track in time
to prevent being run over. At the time the puffing locomotive, without human
hand to control it, approached the celebration grounds, accelerating rapidly in
speed, the throng of people was intent on the soldiers’ contests taking place
on the grounds. It was some of the battery and legion boys who first sensed the
danger to the crowds on the track, and they ran over in that direction giving
warning. The crowd at the south end of the grounds began to move off the track
and the warning given first by the soldiers was automatically extended clear
down the line, the track being barely cleared in time for the locomotive to
pass.
Band
Is Highly Praised.
As to the program of the day the
consensus of opinion of Arkansas City people today seemed to be that there were
three things in particular which especially deserved a vote of thanks—the band,
the legion, and the battery in their efforts to entertain the people and make
the celebration a success. This sentiment was voiced by the secretary of the
chamber of commerce and other celebration workers not members of the three
organizations named.
The band received compliments on all
sides. With its twenty-six members assembled on short notice and who had never
played together before as a body, it was pronounced the best band Arkansas City
has had in many a day, and demonstrated that the players were experienced musicians.
“You cannot praise the band too highly,”
said R. H. Rhoads, of the Palace grocery, who had an active part in the
preparation of the program. “Not only did it furnish splendid music, but the
band conducted itself in a pleasing manner. Arkansas City certainly has a right
to be proud of such a musical organization.” Secretary Seyster said: “I would
like to have the band especially praised for their splendid work throughout the
day. It was a fine feature of the celebration, the boys did credit to themselves,
and the city is proud of it. The people are praising it on all hands. You can’t
make it too strong in your write-up.”
The credit for such a splendid band goes
largely to Director Geo. W. Jones, who put forth his united efforts to get this
bunch of musicians together. For the purpose of the occasion the band was under
the leadership of Fred Funk, of the clarinet section, who proved himself amply
efficient in this capacity, while Director Jones was the baritone man for the
day.
The boys were on the job all day, heading
the two parades, playing for the legion and battery drill work on the grounds,
and the evening program at Paris Park was opened by an hour’s concert by the
band.
Each band member was issued a military
uniform for the day, which added much class to the band’s appearance. No one
now questions that Arkansas City has the musical talent and the A. C. Symphony
band and orchestra will be heard from in the future.
Much
Credit Due Ex-Soldiers.
The work by the legion and battery was
all voluntary work, and the Arkansas City people are giving great credit today
for their efforts to furnish entertainment for the people. The field day sports
and contests furnished clean entertainment that highly pleased the crowd. Too
much cannot be said for the legion and battery in making the celebration such a
magnificent success, is the general sentiment being expressed here today.
While the field day program was being
carried out, the Salvation Army made a clever demonstration of its relation to
the soldiers on the battlefield. Capt. J. E. McCullah was there with big
baskets of doughnuts which he passed around to the boys while they were on duty
on the field. The crowd was quick to recognize the practical service rendered
by the Salvation Army.
Spectacular
Parachute Drop.
The first event of the day was the high
altitude airplane flight and parachute drop made by Pete Hill as pilot of his
Lincoln Standard machine, and Encil Chambers, holder of the world’s record high
altitude drop. Hill has a national reputation as an aviator while the
reputation of Chambers is international, and both men reside in Arkansas City.
That is a credit that no other town on earth has at the present time.
The weather conditions were ideal for
this aerial demonstration, and like all the events on the program it came off
right on the dot. The plane ascended to a height of close to 8,000 feet when
the drop was made. It was so high in the air that it took close watching not to
lose sight of it. The parachute landed about a block east of the Santa Fe
tracks on Cedar Avenue, with its occupant safely on the ground.
After making the drop here, the boys went
to Douglass where they made a flight and drop at 7 o’clock last evening. They
reported today that everything went off nicely at Douglass. This afternoon they went to Burbank where
they will perform for two days, giving a plane flight and drop at 7 o’clock
both this evening and tomorrow evening.
The
Automobile Parade.
An attractive feature of the morning
program was the big automobile parade, headed by the band. It was estimated
that there were more than a hundred automobiles in the parade and the line was
nearly two miles in length. The cars came into line for the start of the parade
on Summit Street at Madison Avenue, and when the head cars had made the turn on
North Summit Street and came back to the starting point, the cars were still
coming into parade form at this point. Thus there was a double line of cars the
full length of the distance traversed by the parade. The cars ranged all the way
from Fords to Cadillacs, the Fords and Chevrolets making a conspicuous display
by their number. Each dealer lined up his cars in the following order, viz:
roadsters, tourings, coupes, cabriolets, sedans. It was a splendid showing for
both the car manufacturers and the local dealers. It was a success as a fashion
show and parade, and was a big feature of the day’s program.
March
To The Grounds.
At 1 o’clock the American Legion boys and
members of the local battery formed in marching order on the streets in front
of legion headquarters, in the Fifth Avenue Hotel, and headed by the band took
up the march north to Central Avenue, east to Summit Street, south to Adams
Avenue, and west on Adams Avenue to Athletic Park.
The seating capacity of the bleachers was
soon taken up, and there were two or three times as many people standing on the
grounds and on the railroad grade and track as there were on the bleachers, to
say nothing of the entire field being surrounded by hundreds of automobiles
with their occupants.
It is said to be the largest crowd ever
assembled in Arkansas City; and it is estimated that at least ten thousand
people witnessed the events of the day. Some estimated it a great deal higher
than that.
The program opened by a salute from the
big guns of the battery, the field pieces which arrived here Monday evening.
Some twelve or fifteen shots were fired; and with each shot, the concussion
seemed to jar the earth while the sound reverberated in the heavens. It was a
new and novel feature to hundreds of people who had never before heard the roar
of field artillery. The guns were brought to the grounds by Fordson tractors,
the battery horses not having yet arrived.
Fireworks
Display.
The fireworks display was made on the
bank of the lake opposite the crowd. The red and green flares, casting their
colors on the water, added much beauty to the spectacular scene. Fifty rockets were shot besides many other
displays.
While it was an excellent display and
seemed to come up to the expectations of the crowd, yet Secretary Seyster
stated this morning that as a matter of fact they “gipped” on the fireworks for
the reason that the goods delivered did not come up to representations as
ordered. This was no fault of the local men, yet the display would have been
much better, the secretary stated, had the goods come up to the standard as
specified in the order.
Street
Dance and Carnival.
At about 9 o’clock the crowd began to
disperse from the park, coming uptown where the remaining attraction was the
masked street dance and carnival. Central Avenue was roped off between First
and Summit streets, and all four sides of the blocked-out space were lined with
a sea of faces, and many couples tripped the modern fantastic on the street.
The orchestra for this occasion was composed as follows: Ernest Hatley, violin;
Mrs. Mabel Orr, piano; Chas. Tafoya, cornet; Fred Funk, clarinet; Harry Ream,
trombone; Lee Heflin, drums. Dancing continued here until 11 o’clock, while
amusements at the park lasted till a later hour.
There was a ball game on the local
aviation field in the afternoon which was largely attended.
All together it was as nearly perfect an
occasion as would be humanly possible. From the weather standpoint the day was
grand, cool, clear, and no wind. The decorations added to the gaiety of the
scene. Practically all business houses were decorated and the city decorated
the lamp posts of the white way in bunting, while flags and bunting were
everywhere.
No
Serious Accidents.
One of the most remarkable propositions
in connection with the celebration was the fact that there were no accidents,
automobile collisions, or fires with but two or three slight exceptions. There
were two small fires which called out the department. One lady received an
injury in the way of a burn from a firecracker which was thrown in the car seat
where she was sitting and exploded between her and the back of the seat,
burning her clothing and also burning her considerably on the body. The
clothing damage would probably amount to $35 or $40, it was thought. This was
the work of some boys who became careless in the use of firecrackers.
The crowd conducted itself in a most
orderly manner, and responded readily to every request made. The spirit was
good, and jovialness reigned throughout the day. There was at no time the
slightest indication of rowdyism. There were no fights and not a single drunk
was seen. There was not a thing occurred to mar the beauty of the celebration.
It marks a stepping stone in the progress of this city and sets a new record in
the matter of Fourth of July celebrations, the program being largely new and
original with Arkansas City men.
The
Band Personnel.
By request the members and
instrumentation of the band are published as follows.
Cornets—Ernest Hatley, Chris Tafoya, M.
L. Klinck, D. A. Steele, Clifton Ramsey, and Clifton Wentworth.
Clarinets—Fred Funk, Harold Ream, Paul
Lonneke, and Merle Turner.
Flute—Harry Unsell.
Altos—J. H. Dweelaard and Gerald Barnes.
Baritone—George W. Jones.
Basses—Marion Jones and W. L. Baldridge.
Trombones—J. B. Shumatona, Harry Perico,
Lonnie Rose, and Chas. D. Wentworth, Jr.
Saxophones—Edward Lamb, Fred Klinefelter,
and Otis Gilbert.
Drums—H. C. Small and Lee Heflin.
Drum Major—Sergeant Woods.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, July 5, 1922.
RUNAWAY ENGINE THROWS A SCARE
INTO BIG CROWD
M. V. Locomotive Runs Wild
Past Park While Celebration On.
One of the real features of the
celebration of the Fourth in this city yesterday and which was not listed on
the program, was the runaway engine on the Midland Valley railway, which
created great excitement among the crowd at Athletic Park, late in the
afternoon and which ran wild past the park, at a time when there were several
hundred men, women, and children lined up on the track, watching the maneuvers
of Battery F.
In fact, it was miraculous that there was
no one injured by the runaway engine and the great wonder to all is that it did
not cause serious damage to life and property, before it ran off the track, at
the Dixon spur, two miles northwest of the city. Fortunately those who lined
the railway track were warned in time to get in the clear, some of them running
ahead of the engine for some distance and others falling off the high grade, in
their excitement as they did not understand why the engine was approaching the
crowd at such a high speed, and it seemed to be gaining speed all the time,
which as a matter of fact was true.
Was
In Charge Of Hostler.
The engine was in charge of the hostler,
W. B. Burris, colored, and the time it started on the wild run and as he was
not in the cab at the time it was impossible for him to stop the locomotive.
Burris had taken charge of the engine shortly before the time it broke loose as
the freight crew had just arrived in the city from the east and had tied up
here. The engine was at a point just south of the station and the hostler was
in the act of banking the fire box. The engine sprang forward and was off down
the track before Burris and other men standing near realized what was taking
place. As soon as it was seen that it was loose and must go direct toward the
crowd on the track west of there, men who realized the situation ran ahead of
it and warned those on the track to get in the clear.
The engine seemed to gain momentum with
each succeeding puff of the great iron monster and it was but a very short time
until it reached the guard gate at the Frisco crossing, smashing through this
as though there was nothing in the way at all. On toward the west it sped and
very shortly there were many people in autos trailing the runaway, around by
the roads, one leading up the canal and one on the west side of the river.
Off
The Track And Over.
Soon it was learned that the engine had
jumped the track at a point just west of the Dixon spur, near the R. C. Dixon
orchard, northwest of the city. The engine ran off the track at this point
where there is a sharp curve and turned over on its side to the left of the
track. Indications were that the wheels
of the engine sped around for some time after going over, but it could do no
more damage after leaving the track in this manner. The cause of the engine
starting on the wild run is thought to have been a leaky throttle, according to
the Midland Valley local officials. As soon as it was learned that the engine
had jumped the track, the conductor of the freight train was sent to the scene
of the wreck to make an investigation and to report to the officials.
Traffic
Not Delayed.
Late in the day yesterday the section
crew here was called out and they built a track around the engine as it was partly
obstructing the track at this point. The west bound passenger train had gone
out just ahead of the runaway engine and the new track was built in time for
the train to the east to pass that way this morning. The work of placing the
engine back on the track was begun this morning, with assistance from Wichita
and Pawhuska.
It was reported today that the engine and
the tender were badly damaged when they were wrecked. The tender jumped the
track first, it is thought, and this caused the engine to be ditched. The
escaping steam dug a great hole in the earth where the engine was derailed.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, July 10, 1922.
Offer $1,000 Reward in
Midland Valley Runaway Engine Case.
The Midland Valley railroad company is
offering a reward of $1,000 for the arrest and conviction of the person or
persons who on the Fourth of July caused the damage to its engine No. 16, which
ran away from the local station and was turned over at the Dixon spur west of
the city. It is the supposition of the railway officials of that company, who
have been conducting an investigation of the matter, that someone trifled with
the engine, for the reason, it is now stated, that when the engine was found
wrecked, the throttle was wide open. At the time the engine ran amuck on the
track here, it was stated that there was no reason to believe that it had been
tampered with, but there now seems to be a question in this regard.
The engine was in charge of the hostler,
William Burris, negro, at the time, and now it is stated that he had stepped
away from the engine to get a drink of water and that when he discovered it
had started down the track, toward the large crowd in attendance at the
celebration at Athletic Park, he was unable to catch it. The result was that
the engine ran about two miles to the west, ran off the track, and was turned
over.
[Note: There was a
nationwide railroad strike at this time. MAW]
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, July 17, 1922.
NEAR
TRAGEDY IN THE AIR
Big Crowd at Wichita
Sees An Unusual Stunt Performed.
Wichita, Kan., July 17.—Within view of
10,000 spectators at Laird field, Twenty-ninth street and Hillside Avenue,
Sunday afternoon, a drama of the air was enacted. An airplane, falling in a
loop, hurled an aerial acrobat from the top wing down into the cockpit on top
of the pilot, rendering the acrobat unconscious and the pilot nearly so.
The ship, 2,000 feet in the air, turned
into a barrel roll and an Immelman turn as the pilot in his last conscious
effort, grabbed his partner by the belt as the latter was slipping over the
side of the cockpit and held the machine into a glide which ended in a perfect
landing in the center of the field with hardly a jar and with no damage to the
plane.
How death was escaped, neither knows, nor
do the experienced airmen with them. J. D. Jernigan, the pilot, and Harley
Douglass, the acrobat, called it a miracle, after each had recovered at the
hospital where it was found injuries were slight, though Douglass later
collapsed from the shock after returning to his hotel. Douglass received a
slight cut on the back of the head, where he had struck full force on Jernigan.
Jernigan was cut above the eye, on the nose and the forehead. His goggles were
shattered by the impact which also dented deeply the gasoline tank and crushed part
of the frame work of the cockpit.
Jernigan, on his bed, related the
details. The engine was missing badly, he said, and failed at the top point of
the loop. Douglass was hurled down upon him head first, their heads hitting
with a terrific shock. “I remember the thought, ‘grab Doug’. He was just
slipping over. That was all I know.”
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, July 29, 1922.
AIR
MAIL SERVICE
Government Active in Making
Preparations for an Emergency.
The postoffice department at Washington has
been making special preparations to handle mail by air mail service in case any
emergency should arise. The government has been working this out for some time,
but preparations have been hastened by the present strike situation.
Postmaster George S. Hartley has just
received a communication from the postmaster general, Charles I. Stanton,
advising him that if occasion required he would call upon W. H. (Pete) Hill for
his services as pilot and also for two planes offered for service by Mr. Hill.
Mr. Hill had received information to the
above effect several days ago, but the matter at that time was indicated as
being confidential. However, the postmaster general in his letter to the local
postmaster, gave the latter the privilege of giving the facts to the press for
publication.
[Note: At this time a national railway
strike was making it almost impossible to carry on “Business as Usual.” MAW]
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, August 14, 1922.
Encil Chambers Loses
Two Fingers When Aerial Bomb
Explodes
In His Airplane.
The premature explosion of an aerial bomb
resulted in the loss of two fingers for Encil Chambers of this city at Falls
City, Nebraska, Saturday, while participating in a big aerial frolic at that
place according to word received by Arthur Hill yesterday morning.
There were a number of ships
participating in the frolic and Pete Hill and Encil Chambers were flying their
Lincoln Standard special built machine when the accident occurred. They were
throwing smoke bombs from an altitude of about three thousand feet. Chambers
pulled the fuse on a bomb, which exploded in his hand and blew one side of the
cowling off the ship. Pilot Hill landed
safely.
The message received here was to the
effect that Chambers is in a hospital at Lincoln with a badly burned hand and
two fingers blown off. It is probable that Mr. Chambers will be brought to this
city.
He had accident insurance with the
Northwestern Insurance company. The terms of the insurance provide $250 for the
loss of a finger, which in this case would mean $500, the victim having lost
two fingers. The policy also provides for the payment of doctor’s and hospital
bills and $150 per month while the patient is unable to work.
Before the accident occurred Pete Hill
sent word to his brother, Arthur, that he in company with the Lincoln Aircraft
company’s engineer would be here today on business. It is believed that when
they come they will bring Mr. Chambers with them. Mr. Chambers holds the
world’s record for high altitude parachute drop. This record was made at the
American Legion convention at Kansas City last fall, when Chambers established
a record of 24,850 feet.
He and Mr. Hill, the well known local
aircraft operator, have been working in connection with the Lincoln Aircraft
company, filling dates for aerial exhibitions in various parts of the country.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, August 17, 1922.
Bottom of Ship Blow Out and Aviator Loses
Fingers When 15 Bombs Explode.
Mrs. W. H. Hill received a message today
from her husband, better known as “Pete” Hill, at Lincoln, Neb., stating that
he will be through here next Tuesday, flying a five passenger ship en route to
El Paso, Texas.
Mrs. Hill also received a letter from Mr.
Hill which contains the details of the accident which happened to Encil Chambers,
resulting from the explosion of what was supposed to be a smoke bomb and in
which Mr. Chambers was reported to have received injuries including the loss
of two fingers. According to Mr. Hill’s letter, the original report was
erroneous in several respects, and Mr. Chambers is a very much more seriously
injured man than was intimated in the first report received here.
It appears that when the accident
occurred, Hill was not the pilot. Chambers had gone with a pilot by the name of
Johnny Moore to Hickman, Nebraska, to make a parachute drop late in the
afternoon, and from there went to Falls City for the evening aerial
demonstrations. The Lincoln Aircraft
company had sent Pete direct to Falls City with a special Standard machine.
Chambers and Moore had been ordered to throw some bombs from an airplane “but
the company made a mistake and sent some mortar bombs,” the letter explains.
Explosions
Are Described.
What took place is then described in Mr.
Hill’s letter as follows:
“Chambers and Moore then went up with the
bombs. Airplane bombs have 7 second fuses on them, but mortar bombs go off at
once, so when Chambers set it off it exploded instantly. He had 15 of these bombs in the seat with
him, and all of them exploded one at a time. He was blown to the center
section, and when he came back there was no bottom in the ship and he almost
went through. While he was down in there, the bombs just blew him from one side
to the other, until he finally crawled back to the pilot and told him not to jump
but stay with the ship. They got down without wrecking the ship.
“Chambers was burned all over. His right
arm is broken and they have not set it yet and cannot do so until the burns are
out of it. He had both little fingers blown off, also the fore finger of his
right hand. All of the flesh was blown out of his right hand. He was burned to
the shoulder, and his chest and face and both legs were badly burned. He is
powder burned all over. A big piece of wood was blown through his right leg. It
burned his clothes completely off. He went through an awful experience.”
May
Lose Right Hand.
“Chambers has a special nurse and the
best doctor in Lincoln. We have done everything for him that could be done,
and if he does not lose his right hand we will be thankful. The doctor thinks
he can save it. There may be some skin grafting to be done. He will be laid up
for ten weeks at least. Everybody here has sent him flowers.”
The facts as told in Mr. Hill’s letter,
while more serious than anticipated, were no surprise to the intimate friends
of Mr. Chambers here, as they felt something was being held back. Mrs. Hill was reported to be in much
uneasiness until she received this letter from her husband giving the details
of the affair.
The accident occurred at Falls City, Nebraska,
last Saturday evening as reported in Monday’s Traveler. Chambers and Moore were
three thousand feet in the air when the first bomb exploded. Mr. Hill’s letter
was written from the office of the Lincoln Standard Aircraft company. He
explained all the rest of the pilots were out and Mr. Page, the manager, had
asked him to stay at the factory in order to make ship demonstrations in case a
prospective buyer should come in.
Arkansas City Traveler, Friday, October 13, 1922.
Airmen
to El Dorado.
Irl S. Beach, S. L. DeVore, and Frank
Hamilton, local airmen, will fly three planes to El Dorado tomorrow, where they
will take passengers on flights Saturday and Sunday.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, October 13, 1922.
AIRMAN
FALLS AT DOUGLASS
One of Party from This
City Badly Injured, It’s Reported.
Late today, a phone message from
Douglass, Kansas, was to the effect that one of the three Arkansas City
aviators who flew to that place today, had fallen with his plane and was badly
injured. The three men who went there this afternoon were Shirley L. DeVore,
and Frank Hamilton, and the party who telephoned to Art Hill of this city, who
was so excited that he did not tell which of the trio was injured. Art Hill and
Robert Finney started for that city by auto late this afternoon, or as soon as
the message was received here.
Late this afternoon the Douglass
Tribune stated to the Traveler that one of the men had fallen and was at
that time in an unconscious condition. He had both legs broken in the fall and
was said to be fatally injured. His name was not learned as he had become
separated from the other members of the party and was unable to tell anything
regarding the accident.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, October 13, 1922.
MADE
TRIP IN RECORD TIME
Local Airmen Fly From Here to
Lincoln in 2 Hours and 10 Minutes.
A wire from Pete Hill was received by his
brother, Arthur Hill, stating that he and Encil Chambers made the flight to
Lincoln, Nebraska, yesterday afternoon in 2 hours and 10 minutes. They were
aided by a forty mile wind.
The distance by auto is 368 miles and it
is a hard day’s drive by that method of travel. The time consumed in making the
trip by train is 26 hours.
In making the flight in 2:10, the
previous record made by Aviator Gardner was beaten by 35 minutes, his time
being 2 hours and 45 minutes, made a year ago. Gardner was not aided so much by
the wind.
Hill and Chambers took the airline,
making no stops.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, October 16, 1922.
DeVore,
Airplane Victim.
Shirley L. DeVore, the local aviator who
fell near Douglass, Saturday afternoon, receiving fatal injuries, died at 6
o’clock in the evening, in a hospital at Augusta.
Arthur Hill was the first person in this
city to be notified of the accident. He and Robert Finney arrived at the
hospital about ten minutes before the victim passed away.
DeVore never regained consciousness after
the accident, it was reported. Those arriving on the scene immediately made
arrangements to take him to Augusta. For this purpose a pallet was made over
the seats in an enclosed Hudson car.
When they were placing him in the car,
the injured man spoke three words and repeated them: “Go easy, boys”—Go easy,
boys.” These were the last words spoken by DeVore, resulting, it is believed as
the action of the sub-conscious mind.
Body
Badly Injured.
According to Arthur Hill, death might
have resulted from any one of three or more causes. DeVore had received a hard
blow in the forehead, the bridge of the upper part of his nose was mashed in, and
he had received a severe blow on the left temple. His left leg was broken and
the bones shattered and three outer fingers on the left hand were mashed. There
was also an injury on his left side. DeVore was a heavy man, weighing more than
200 pounds.
The plane was a complete wreck. It went
to the earth in a nose dive while at the same time circling to the left. The
aviators who viewed the wreck and talked with those who were able to give any
information in connection with the accident agreed upon the probable facts and
evident causes leading to the disastrous end of the flight.
The landing had been effected in a corn
field near a farmer’s house where the airman desired to get information as to
his whereabouts. In the “take off” he headed due north facing a wind coming
straight from the north.
Machine
Falls 200 Feet.
At about 200 feet in the air, the machine
started to turn and continued turning and at the time of the fall it was headed
southeast. This indicated, in the opinion of the airmen, loss of control. They
attribute this loss of control to the fact that the aviator had several
articles which he was carrying in the seat with him. Among these was a 5-gallon
can of motor oil, a hang bag, some tools, and a coat, which were in the front
seat. It is believed that some of these articles might have fallen in such a
way as to interfere with the control levers.
Reports varied in regard to the ignition
switch, some saying that it had been turned off while others maintained that it
was on. Local aviators stated that if the switch was off, it no doubt had been
turned off to avoid fire. The wings on the left side of the machine were
crushed and the wings on the other side had been knocked loose and were twenty
feet away from the motor. The wreck was so complete that it was figured there
wouldn’t be salvage to the amount of $25. It was uninsured. This is the plane
that Roy Hume had just overhauled and got in working shape.
Sad
News for Home Folks.
Shirley DeVore was raised on a farm near
Winfield. He was well liked by the boys, who say he had a heart in him big as
an ox. He had a wife, but no children. The father was reported to be prostrated
over the unfortunate ending of his son. The wife was reported not to be making
any demonstrations, it being believed she would not come into the full
realization of the sad affair until later.
When the accident happened at Douglass,
there was no way by which those at the scene could immediately identify the
injured man. Later his name was found in a hand-bag which was among his effects
in the front seat. The telephone message came to Arthur Hill just as he and Bob
Finney were about to leave the Hill garage to go on a duck hunt. Instead of
going hunting they went to Douglass, where they lent all possible aid.
Victim
Was a Mason.
The body was brought to Winfield on Santa
Fe train No. 5 last evening, and arrangements were being made to hold the
funeral this afternoon. Shirley DeVore was a Mason and it was thought the
services would be conducted under the auspices of the Masonic order. Whether
DeVore carried any insurance was not known here.
Roy Hume, the owner of the plane, and
Cecil Lucas went to Douglass late Saturday afternoon and remained in Augusta
Saturday night, returning home yesterday. Several of the local airmen went to
Winfield this afternoon to attend the funeral.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Wednesday, October 18, 1922.
Mason, Klansmen, and Airmen Pay
Last Respects to Dead Aviator.
Winfield, Oct. 18—His companions of the
air, Masons, and the Ku Klux Klan participated in services here this afternoon
for Shirley L. DeVore, young airman who lost his life Saturday near Augusta
when his plane went into a nose dive.
While two planes circled overhead at
Highland Cemetery, the Masonic ritual was held at the grave. Following this 17
members of the Klan marched to the grave and formed a circle about the coffin.
The leader offered a short prayer after which the Klansmen each deposited a
sprig of fern on the coffin and withdrew. Irl Beach, a companion of DeVore on
his last ill-fated journey, circled above and near the close of the services he
dropped flowers from the air.
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Friday, November 10, 1922.
Quinn Terrill Tells Where Local
Service Boys Were on Armistice Day.
Quinn Terrill, who served with the Navy
and was located in Boston when the Armistice was signed, gathered at random the
following story for the Traveler from ex-service men relative to where they
were and what they did on Armistice Day.
Reede Farrell, 224 Aero Squadron—We were
located at Croydon, England, getting ready to go to France. We got all our
things together and at about 11 a.m. received news the Armistice had been
signed.
Leo Givens, porter Fifth Avenue Hotel,
388th Inf.—We were located at Pontmaison, France. We were to relieve the 366th
Inf., at 12 noon, but we got news about 10:30 that the Armistice had been
signed.
Fred Norman, Hi-Speed Co., playing at Rex
Theatre, 316th Eng.—I was in the hospital at Valdahon, France. Everybody not
absolutely laid out was up and dancing around and raising h__l in general.
C. C. Calegy, Navy, on U. S. S.
Lydonia.—We were 150 miles out of Bizerte, British and French East Africa, the
seaport of Tunis. We arrived in Bizerte on the 12th. We crowded all the steam
we had in order to get in; however, before getting into port, the British ship
Maison, which was in our convoy, was sunk. It was her maiden voyage and her
cargo consisted of English race horses, which swam around several hours before
perishing.
Boyd Mohler, Co. F., 21st Eng.—We were
four miles back of the line in the Argonne woods, hauling supplies to the
front. About 10 a.m., we were shelled by a heavy barrage which halted our
train. A big negro came running up the track at about 40 miles per hour. I
asked him what was the matter and he said: “Lawd, God, Man, haven’t you’se
heard the news. De war am over.” His face was loomed like Haley’s comet and his
eyes sparkled like two big diamonds. He was about the most excited human I ever
laid eyes on.
Fred W. VanSickle, 9th Field
Art.—Honolulu.—Everybody seemed to be having one swell time celebrating on
Hawaiian red eye.
Foss Farrar, at Camp Pike, Arkansas.—I
was at the Gallery target range trying to learn how to shoot straight for if I
met a German over there, I would have furnished him a big target to shoot at. A
party of Little Rock people came out and celebrated; however, we were not
allowed to stage any demonstration due to the fact that about a week previous
an erroneous report was circulated declaring the armistice had been signed and
it was almost impossible on this occasion to hold men in check. Consequently,
we had to wait for an official report.
Tony McAdams, 90th Div., 315th Sanitary
Train.—I was in the base hospital No. 25 at Alleray, France, flat on my back
with a hole in my back. Everybody in the hospital brought refreshments from the
other fellows.
Guy R. Panthier, 130th Field Art., 130th
Div.—We were located at the observation post Wilson, one kilometer in front of
Fort Lunneville. At 11:30 a.m., we went over the front line trenches and talked
to Germans. First time they had talked to allies during the war. They seemed
tickled the war was over.
Roy Hume, Air Service, San Antonio, Texas.—Picked
up nine wrecked planes that day, which were due directly to the armistice day
celebration.
William Gragg, 135h Reg., 35th
Div.—Carcelles, France.—At the time the armistice was signed, I was getting a
haircut. The barber became very excited and made dangerous swipes with the
razor; however, I managed to escape from the shop without getting any bodily harm.
J. F. Pickens, 35th Div., M. P. in
France.—Bets even armistice hadn’t been signed. Couldn’t believe we were not
going to get the chance to eat our Christmas dinner in Berlin. From then on I
didn’t remember much for the festivities of the occasion rose to a staggering
height.
D. E. Dorner, Inf., Presidio, San
Francisco.—I was in the hospital and unable to celebrate. San Francisco went
Klean Klazy.
W. B. Oliverson, 413th Telegraph Bat.—I
had been on leave to Paris and was loathe to leave the cabarets, but was going
back to duty. I rode on the train all day and spent the night in Noirt, which
was a city of about 25,000. There were only two American soldiers in this town
that day and the keys of the whole city were turned over to us. We showed them
how to celebrate in the good old American way.
Otis Grimes, Santa Fe fireman, Ft. Riley,
Kansas.—Memory very vague. Big celebration, plenty of noise and all the
trimmings even if we were in a “dry” land.
J. R. Hill, Hill Buick Motor Co., 110th
Ammunition train, Choneville, France.—
A Y. M. C. A. man came in about 6:30 a.m.
and over to the village church, and tolled the bell all day long. We bought a
big chicken and had an old French woman fix up a big dinner.
“Slim” Richardson, 353rd Inf., Stnay,
France.—Marched all night of the 10th and were pretty tired armistice day. We
slept all armistice day until that evening when General Wright came along and
told us the war was over. Some fellow called him a liar.
[Stnay?? Could it have been Epernay,
Bernay, Annonay? Could not find Stnay! MAW]
G. G. Stamm, fireman for Santa Fe, with
the engineers in France.—I was at the Monticello hotel in Paris with a couple
of French chickens. Went sightseeing in the apache section, which ordinarily is
wild, but on this day was the wildest that had ever been known because this was
the first time in five years that Paris had been unveiled.
E. K. Kraul, 5th Marines, 2nd
Division.—We crossed the Meuse River before daylight on the 11th, being under
attack that morning. We dug in in “fox holes.” Firing ceased and we learned of
the Armistice. I slept most of the day in two inches of water in a fox hole.
[Bill: Other than the next item, which
happened in 1923, and some coverage of the flood of 1923, which was incomplete,
I stopped covering flyers in October 1922. MAW]
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Saturday, April 14, 1923.
AIRCRAFT
SUITS MONDAY
A. C. Aviator Arrives
Via Plane For Fire Insurance Case.
Winfield, April 14.—District court will
face a singular situation next Monday in the lawsuit of the Williams-Hill Airplane
company, legally known as Errett Williams, et al, against a dozen different
insurance companies for the payment of policies on a hangar and two planes
burned north of Arkansas City a year ago. The insurance companies allege that
they canceled the policies before the fire, or in fact, refused to write them
at all. Rather than draw out the term of court indefinitely the cases were
consolidated for next Monday.
“Pete” Hill, one of the birdmen, arrived
at the city Thursday evening from Lincoln, having made the trip in a little
over three hours. He flew a Lincoln Standard tournabout. When he left Lincoln
he was flying with a strong wind from the north and he figured he could make
the trip in a little more than two hours. But he had not gone more than sixty
miles when he ran into a strong wind from the south. This made impossible the
contemplated record-breaking flight.
[Note: Flyers were involved with 1923
Flood...news rather scanty concerning events. Many of the flyers got bogged
down elsewhere. Irl Beach, Walter Beech were very busy.
Oldroyd
notes reflected that Mrs. Childers, who lived at that time on A Street, had
John Robson take her by canoe to north field, where a drunken flyer took her
down to look for the big tank that had floated away from Kanotex. She was
secretary-treasurer of the company at that time and I gather she “ran” things.
Can’t help think Walter Beech was the drunken flyer, if this story is correct.
Saw Marilyn Childers in the grocery store when Kay and I were busy getting book
ready for printing and somehow or other conversation turned to the June 1923
Flood. If memory serves me correctly, she said she had papers written by Mrs.
Childers (her mother-in-law) re riding on the tank to make certain it was not
stolen. MAW]