First Forest Patrol Flight | Postcard | Wisconsin Historical Society

Postcard

First Forest Patrol Flight

First Forest Patrol Flight | Postcard | Wisconsin Historical Society
Wisconsin Historical Marker near Trout Lake. The marker recognizes the first ever forest patrol flight.<p>The marker text reads:<p>"FIRST FOREST PATROL FLIGHT was made from Trout Lake by Jack Vilas June 29, 1915. Vilas was commissioned "Official Aviator" by the Wisconsin State Board of Forestry (now Wisconsin Conservation Department) and on his own request received no salary other than "many thanks". During July and August, 1915, patrol flights were made almost daily in a Curtiss Flying Boat. Vilas had shipped his plane from Chicago to Trout Lake by train. In those days the 350 mile flight from Chicago would have taken several days and a crew of special mechanics following in a train, to keep the 'flying machine' going. The flights from here by Jack Vilas marked the first time anywhere that an aircraft was used in detecting and locating forest fires and patrolling large forest areas."
DESCRIPTION
Wisconsin Historical Marker near Trout Lake. The marker recognizes the first ever forest patrol flight.

The marker text reads:

"FIRST FOREST PATROL FLIGHT was made from Trout Lake by Jack Vilas June 29, 1915. Vilas was commissioned "Official Aviator" by the Wisconsin State Board of Forestry (now Wisconsin Conservation Department) and on his own request received no salary other than "many thanks". During July and August, 1915, patrol flights were made almost daily in a Curtiss Flying Boat. Vilas had shipped his plane from Chicago to Trout Lake by train. In those days the 350 mile flight from Chicago would have taken several days and a crew of special mechanics following in a train, to keep the 'flying machine' going. The flights from here by Jack Vilas marked the first time anywhere that an aircraft was used in detecting and locating forest fires and patrolling large forest areas."

RECORD DETAILS
Image ID:107654
Creation Date:after 1950
Creator Name:Unknown
City:Boulder Junction
County:Vilas
State:Wisconsin
Collection Name:C. L. Harrington papers, 1904-1966
Genre:Postcard
Original Format Type:photographic print, b&w
Original Format Number:PH 3164
Original Dimensions:3.5 x 5.5 inches
SUBJECTS
Forests and forestry
State parks and reserves
Prevention
Outdoor photography
Fire extinction
Signs and signboards
Lakes
Shorelines
Historic sites
Forest conservation

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Reference Details
Location:Wisconsin Historical Society Archives, 4th Floor, Madison, Wisconsin

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