Atlantic City Air Carnival -- July 2 to July 12, 1910
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The official quarterly newsletter of the South Jersey Postcard Club - Serving Postcard Collectors Since 1971 John H. McClintock (1925-2009), Founder August 2010 Vol. 10. No. 3 Atlantic City Air Carnival -- July 2 to July 12, 1910 By Allan “Boo” Pergament It wasn’t long after the Wrights made the first successful flight of what was called a motor powered “aero plane” on December 17, 1903, that daring young pilots tried to make advancements in aviation that were only dreamt of before. Just a few years later (1909) a prize of $10,000 was offered by the New York Evening World newspaper to the first person to fly from Albany to New York, allowing two stops for refueling. Since no one made the attempt, the newspaper continued the offer the following year. During 1910, Glenn H. Curtiss, who would become one of the foremost aeronautical developers in aviation history and later known as “the Henry Ford of aviation,” captured the award by flying his craft at an amazing speed of more than 50 miles per hour. He went 137 miles in only two hours and 32 minutes. A couple of months later a member of the Glenn Curtiss flying The sender of this real-photo postcard from the days of the Air Carnival in Atlantic City has written “Yesterday’s Flight.” Look at the team, Charles “Daredevil” Hamilton, became the first man to fly the multitudes of people lining the beach. 149 miles from New York to Philadelphia and back on the same day. These were astonishing accomplishments for their time. In those days people didn’t know whether it was just a fad or perhaps the start of another means of transportation. For ten days starting on July 2, 1910, the Atlantic City Air Carnival was held along the famous beaches of the city. This was a most desirable location. The young skilled aviators looked forward to establishing themselves as pioneers in a new field, as well as showing that flying was safe and here to stay. The aero plane might well provide future occupations in a new industry for many of them; as pilots , mechanics or teachers . Also, at that time, Atlantic City was establishing itself as the nation’s most popular resort. What better venue could there be than performing before the almost “captive” audience of the many thousands who visit the Walter Brookins (left) and Glenn Curtiss (right). Boardwalk? Not only that, but the The two foremost competing pilots at the Air Carnival in Atlantic City. public was being tantalized by hearing of recent accomplishments with the flying machine and were anxious to see such things for themselves. Both the Wright Brothers and Glenn Curtiss had their own teams of pilots Young’s Pier – one of the “hangers’ used for the competitors at the Air Carnival at Atlantic City. and were vying to further establish themselves in the business of aviation. During the Air Carnival, in which both teams were competing, their planes were housed at ocean piers. One was Young’s Pier (later known as Central Pier) at Tennessee Avenue; the other was Young’s Million Dollar Pier at Arkansas Avenue. Entranceways were built to accommodate the planes and ramps were built to facilitate the difficult chore of getting the planes inside and back to the ground where the pilots were able to take off directly from the beaches. Walter Brookins was the Wright’s most highly skilled pilot. During the meet he set a record by becoming the first pilot to fly over one mile high. His plane reached 6,175 feet above the wooden way and he won the $5,000 prize sponsored by the Atlantic City Aero Club. Having just completed his successful flight from Albany to New York, Curtiss set another world’s record for duration. He flew back and forth along the shoreline for a total of 50 miles in one hour and 14 minutes. The huge crowds, who lined the Boardwalk and beaches, were ecstatic with what they were seeing. Preparing to take off from the Beach. The audience was further enthralled by the first ever aerial bombing demonstration. Curtiss flew just 100 feet above the sailboat John K. Mehrer II, dropping oranges while the boat was in motion. Brigadier General William A. Jones, who was in the audience, commented that Curtiss had demons trated the potential use of aircraft in warfare in a way that could easily replace battleship bombardment. Considering this was nearly a decade before World War I, his remark showed amazing insight regarding the use of aircraft by the military. (Continued on Page 2. See: Air Carnival.) August 2010 South Jersey Postcard Club Page 2. r President’s Corner Air Carnival . Happy summer everyone! I actually enjoy being a Jersey girl because of our four seasons, but I am eager for the next season already. October will be here soon enough, so in this heat I am working on a few new boards for the show. How about you? Everything is rolling along for the show, so start telling your friends about it. But, before PoCax we have an amazing event this month – a mega auction! It may be considered a highlight in our year, second only to PoCax. I am very pleased that we have such a dedicated group to manage this event, but please extend your hands to help when ever you can, as there is a small job for each one of you and I thank you in advance for your generous support and participation. Looking forward to seeing everyone soon - healthy and tan. Lynn Thousands watched as the “Daring Young Men” flew their aero planes above the Atlantic City Boardwalk. r Editor’s Niche Even after the Carnival, Atlantic City continued to have an impact of aviation’s history. Some of the notable facts Hope you enjoy this issue and be sure to check our mega are: Glenn Curtiss was the first to obtain a license for auction lots list at www.sjpostcard.com/auction/lots.htm . passenger flight, he operated seaplanes from the Curtiss th See you on August 8 – Auction starts at 2 PM sharp. Flying Station at the north end of the Boardwalk until the late 1930s; two attempts to fly across the Atlantic Ocean were launched from Atlantic City, one in 1910 another in 1912; and the word “airport” was coined in Atlantic City in Club Meeting Reminder See Page 3. 1919. AT THE July MEETING … Past President Ray Hahn conducted the meeting with 21 members present. We were pleased to welcome new members Mike Engle and Dr. Edward Smith. We also greeted Mike Schwartz who was attending his first meeting and Ric Short who was back after a long absence. Emily read minutes and Sal presented the treasurer’s report. The announcements included plans for a club sponsored Mega- Auction to take place in August. See Page 3. Jim McHugh won 50/50. Steve Madara won the Card of the Month Contest. The topic was arches. You can see his card at left. Topic for August is Red Cross (multiple entries permitted) The history of the Atlantic City Air Carnival is well documented by SJPC member Allen “Boo” Pergament. He is a true Atlantic City historian. His picture collection helps us understand why Atlantic City and an interest in flying-machines were a perfect match back in July 1910. Interested In Maritime Postcards? All postcard and photographic images are from the collection of Allen “Boo” Pergament. By Bob Duerholz If your answer is YES, here is good news for you. South Jersey Postcard Club Ray Hahn and I recently had the pleasure of seeing President . Lynn McKelvey hundreds of maritime postcards on wall displays and that Immediate Past President . Bob Duerholz does not count the hundreds of others stored in binders. Vice President . Jim Estelle The place to see this wonderful collection is not far from Treasurer . Sal Fiorello Secretary. Emily DiVento most of us. It is the newly opened (within the past three 2010 Trustee . Charles “Bud” Shropshire years) Museum of New Jersey Maritime History in Beach 2010 Trustee. Jane Cocciolone Haven on Long Beach Island. 2010 Trustee . Mary Chubik The subjects are numerous: lighthouses, life saving Newsletter Editor . Ray Hahn stations, whaling, ship wrecks, sea shore communities, and Please send club inquiries to: many more. The postcards are very professionally The South Jersey Postcard Club displayed and would you believe, there is NO admission c/o Emily DiVento, Secretary charge. 1746 Johnston Street Philadelphia, PA 19145 The museum is located at the corner of Dock Rd. and West Ave in Beach Haven. Call 609-492-0202 for more Please send newsletter inquiries and articles to: information or visit the web site, www.MuseumofNJMH.org Ray Hahn, Editor Hope you have the opportunity to see this terrific 908 Barbara Terrace. Millville, NJ 08332 collection. Ray and I certainly enjoyed it. or email to [email protected] August 2010 South Jersey Postcard Club Page 4. Copernicus, Science and the Catholic Church By Ray Hahn They finally buried Copernicus ! I own only one postcard showing Nicolaus Copernicus. It is He has been away from his nothing special; it is old, not too clean and the caption on the grave for nearly five years. address side is in a Cyrillic alphabet. It is almost Why? Because in 2004 a local embarrassing to offer it as my only illustration, but the man bishop asked the scientific in the picture would be totally mortified if he knew all these community in and around 467 years after his death that he was even portrayed in such Frombork, Poland, to find a manner.