Alan Mays' photos with the keyword: aviators

A detail from a real photo postcard showing daredevil aviator Charles K. Hamilton flying above the trees in his Curtiss biplane in 1911. For more information, see the full version of the photo:

"Chas. K. Hamilton Flying at Cameron Co. Fair, Emporium, Pa., Sept. 14, 1911." A real photo postcard addressed to Anneada B. Secrist, Rebersburg, Pa., and postmarked Emporium, Pa., Oct. 2, 1911. Message: "Dear Anneada, Am waiting for a letter from you and very busy but am going to write you a letter if you don't soon write. Have not heard from May in two months. Lovingly, Ophelia." According to Wikipedia, Charles K. Hamilton was "an American pioneer aviator nicknamed the 'crazy man of the air. He was, in the words of the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission, 'known for his dangerous dives, spectacular crashes, extensive reconstructive surgeries, and ever present cigarette' and was 'frequently drunk.' He survived over 60 crashes." Oh, in case you didn't notice the daredevil aviator in his Curtiss biplane, mouse over the image above to reveal the tiny silhouette of the man and his plane above the trees near the center of the photo.

"Frank Steinman, Beechcraft Hangar, Roosevelt Field, Mineola, Long Island. Phone Garden City 7919. Res. Hempstead 5457." For another copy of this card and some other business cards from Roosevelt Field, see the Miscellaneous Business Cards posting on the Port Washington Aviation History blog.

I sure hope Santa gets a new airplane this year! He's still making deliveries with his old biplane. 8-) Postmarked Airydale, Pa., Dec. 24, 1910.

An early photo of what may be a Curtiss JN-4 "Jenny" biplane. Four aviators are standing directly in front of the propeller and engine of the plane. For more information, see the full version of this photograph (below).

An aircraft photo for the Vintage Photos Theme Park. An early aircraft photo by Harpel, Lebanon, Pa. Four aviators, who are standing directly in front of the propeller and engine of their biplane, are surrounded by men and children. Other people are visible in the background. The biplane may be Curtiss JN-4 "Jenny," which is well known as the subject of the Inverted Jenny postage stamp error. See also a detail from this photograph showing a close-up of the aviators standing in front of the airplane (below).

From the 1950s Captain Midnight television show, starring Richard Webb as Captain Midnight, an aviator who was code-named SQ-1 and fought the bad guys as the leader of the Secret Squadron. -------- This is to certify that the undersigned is an official member of the Secret Squadron, 1955-1956. SQ 316422 ________ (Sign your name here in ink.) Important--carry this card with you at all times, Captain Midnight. Justice through strength and courage.

A real photo postcard. "Lucky Lindy. Spirit of St. Louis. X211."