Photograph
Pilot Hugh Robinson and his Hydroplane
| Pilot Hugh Robinson and his Curtiss hydroplane at Prairie du Chien during a flight that was intended to be the first all the way down the Mississippi River to New Orleans. |
| Image ID: | 10352 |
|---|---|
| Creation Date: | 10 19 1911 |
| Creator Name: | Unknown |
| City: | Prairie du Chien |
| County: | Crawford |
| State: | Wisconsin |
| Collection Name: | Subject albums, 1753?-1990? (bulk circa 1850s-circa 1950s) |
| Genre: | Photograph |
| Original Format Type: | negative, b/w copy |
| Original Format Number: | (X3)8601 |
| Original Dimensions: | 4.5 x 3 inches |
| During the winter of 1910-1911 Hugh Robinson became a mechanic and pilot for Glenn Curtiss at North Island, California. There he participated in Eugene Ely's history-making flight to the deck of the USS Pennsylvania by devising the tail hook system by which the plane could be quickly stopped. Robinson also played a role in Curtiss' development of hydroplanes. In 1911 he took one of these planes on the exhibition circuit. Like many other early pilots, Robinson was encouraged to attempt this flight by cash prizes from local promoters. During the Golden Age of aviation, many aeronautical advances were spurred by prize money and competitions. During his attempt, Robinson visited La Crosse and Prairie du Chien, delivering mail and thrilling local spectators by flying under bridges. After promoters farther down the Mississippi reneged on their prize offerings, Robinson's flight ended at Rock Island, Illinois. |
| Dogs |
| Clothing and dress |
| Hats |
| Suits (Clothing) |
| Men |
| Outdoor photography |
| Portraits, Group |
| Postal service |
| Airplanes |
| Rivers |
| Shorelines |
| 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 |
|---|