Postcard
Rodgers' Vin Fiz
| Calbraith Perry Rodgers, with a cigar characteristically clenched in his jaw, was the first man to fly across the United States. He undertook this flight in 1911 to win the $50,000 prize offered by William Randolph Hearst. Rodgers' effort was supported by the Armour Company and Rodgers named his plane after their new grape soda, Vin Fiz. Armour's support allowed for construction of a special Wright plane, mechanics, and spare parts transported on a special train that followed below the airplane. The spare parts were essential because Rodgers crashed repeatedly. He did complete the transcontinental flight on December 10, 1911, but not within the time limit set for the Hearst prize. On the right side is a photograph of Rodgers' fatal crash in his backup plane in Long Beach Harbor on April 3, 1912. |
| Image ID: | 10212 |
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| Creation Date: | circa 1912 |
| Creator Name: | Unknown |
| City: | Oceanside |
| County: | |
| State: | California |
| Collection Name: | John G. Kaminski papers, 1912-1960 |
| Genre: | Postcard |
| Original Format Type: | photographic print, b&w |
| Original Format Number: | Milw Mss 146 |
| Original Dimensions: | 5.5 x 3.5 inches |
| Clothing and dress |
| Protective clothing |
| Men |
| Outdoor photography |
| Portrait photography |
| Smoking |
| Aircraft accidents |
| Airplanes |
| Piers |
| Ocean |
| Air pilots |
| This image is issued by the Wisconsin Historical Society. Use of the image requires written permission from the staff of the Collections Division. It may not be sold or redistributed, copied or distributed as a photograph, electronic file, or any other media. The image should not be significantly altered through conventional or electronic means. Images altered beyond standard cropping and resizing require further negotiation with a staff member. The user is responsible for all issues of copyright. Please Credit: Wisconsin Historical Society. |
| Location: | Wisconsin Historical Society Archives, 4th Floor, Madison, Wisconsin |
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