Over a great, rolling plain near Dayton, Ohio, a winged creature appeared, skimming down low through the dusk. As it alighted, another skimmer stole swiftly by—then another and another. The next day and the third day, more winged creatures came, swarming down into the field from all parts of the horizon or dropping hawklike out of the high heavens. They were not swallows nor blackbirds nor wild grey geese, these creatures, but flying men in all sorts and conditions of craft, migrating to Dayton's fifth international air meet.* By the opening day the swarm numbered about 350 commercial, military and amateur or "gypsy" fliers. Thousands of groundlings flocked also, for there were to be exhibits to stare at, races to gasp at, "stunts" to make one marvel.
Exhibits. The name of the swarming place was Wilbur Wright Field; and the program of events was dedicated to both the pioneering Wright brothers.! Orville Wright, on the scene, mused: "As I stand . . . where our earlier experiments were conducted and see how the principles of flight we used 21 years ago are still being used, I am extremely proud." Nearby stood the first airplane hangar erected in the U. S.; and in it the machine, a biplane with a 12-horse motor and antique arm controls, in which the Wrights effected the first heavier-than-air flight at Kittyhawk, N. C, in 1903. Scores pilgrimaged to this aeronautical shrine, the door of which was blotted in the shadow of the huge three-winged Barling bomber, Exhibit Z in aviation history, the last word in size with its three Liberty motors and 43,000 Ibs. of weight.
In other sheds, other curiosities. From Detroit had come Designer William Stout's all-metal "Pullman" passenger plane, equipped with standard railroad Pullman seats convertible for sleeping, a bathroom, electric kitchen, facilities for seven passengers, pilot, baggage. There was a yellow "aircab," of mien similar to its earthly cousin, with a taximeter for clocking the miles flown. Chicagoans are soon to see this type in daily service.
Races. Up to midnight before the opening day, late arrivals by air hurried to the judges' quarters with their flight logs. There was a prize for the "On to Dayton" race (held to encourage civilian fliers), any one coming 200 miles or more being eligible. The log of Charles S. ("Casey") Jones, of Garden City, L. I., was judged to record the most efficient trip among 69 entered; he received $1,000 cash.
Whizzing around a triangular 90-mile course, Walter Lees of Dayton won the $1,000 in Liberty Bonds offered by the National Cash Register Co. for low-pressure commercial planes. Lees flew a Hartzell F-C-1, averaged 97 m.p.h.
Fourteen commercial passenger machines took off for a 120-mile race, soared about the pylons, were led home by the "On to Dayton" winner, a Curtiss-Oriole, averaging 125.05 m.p.h. Another $1,000 for Jones.
Eleven Army pilots, all in De Haviland planes, competed for the Liberty Engine Builders' Trophy. Lieut. D. G. Duke, the winner, averaged 130.34 m.p.h. for 180 miles.
Races the second day of the meet were for toy models, light commercial craft, large-capacity craft and light planes guided by civilians.