Glenn Curtiss Collection
Scope and Content
The collection consists of photographs once belonging to Glenn Curtiss (1878-1930), world famous aviator and early aircraft designer. The photographs document Curtiss' early aviation involvements and include images of Curtiss and other aviators of the period, aircraft he designed and built, hydroplane experiments, and photographs of the Curtiss factory in Hammondsport, New York.
The majority of the photos are original prints and were executed by Harry M. Benner or William Tomer, both Curtiss contract photographers. Benner acted as a semi-official Curtiss photographer during Curtiss' pre-WWI career. The backs of 29 of the photos bear the signature and/or notations of William Wait Jr., a chief designer for the Curtiss Company who received the photographs from Curtiss and retained them for over 40 years. Fifty-one of the photos have typed explanations on the back. The photographs range in size from 110 mm x 165 mm to 135 mm x 170 mm, while the vast majority are approximately 125 mm x 175 mm.
The photographs are divided into four series. Series I Flying Boats includes photographs of the Tadpole Flying Boat and Models "D", "E", "F", and "K" flying boats. Series II San Diego and Other California Developments contain photographs of early hydroplane experiments in San Diego with Curtiss piloting the Model E flying boat. Series III consists of photographs of the Curtiss America hydroplane, including construction, testing, and crating. The fourth series, Landplanes, Hydroplanes and Miscellaneous photos, include images of the Model R, various engine models, Curtiss-Navy AH-4 hydro, and the inside of the Curtiss factory.
Dates
- Creation: 1910-1924
Creator
- Curtiss, Glenn Hammond, 1878-1930 (Person)
Restrictions on Access
There are no restrictions on accessing material in this collection.
Restrictions on Use
Copyright restrictions may apply. Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.
Biography of Glenn Curtiss
Glenn Curtiss (1878-1930), a successful motorcycle manufacturer in Hammondsport, New York, became legendary in the aviation world. Curtiss' entree into aviation came in the early years of 1900 when balloonist Thomas Baldwin used a Curtiss-built engine to power a balloon. By 1906 nearly all dirigibles in the U.S. were using a Curtiss engine. One of Curtiss' engines powered the first U.S. Army aircraft, the dirigible SC-1. In 1907, Curtiss and Alexander Graham Bell, founded the Aerial Experiment Association (AEA) which designed and built several aircraft. One of the aircraft built by the AEA was the first American aircraft to be equipped with ailerons, the White Wing. The invention of the aileron led to a patent fight between Curtiss and the Wright brothers. The AEA also built the first seaplane to be flown in the United States.
Curtiss continued to prove himself as a leader in the air. In 1908, Curtiss flew his plane, the June Bug, which was the first he had built, and won the Scientific American Trophy for making the first public flight of more than one kilometer in the United States. In 1909 at the Rheims Air Meet in France., Curtiss followed up his success by flying his Golden Flyer at the best speed in a two-lap triangular 6.2-mile course, averaging 47 miles per hour to win the Gordon Bennett Trophy and a $5,000 prize.
Other firsts in aviation achieved by a Curtiss plane include the first takeoff and landing on the deck of a ship in 1911, and the first transatlantic crossing in 1919 made by the NC-4. Curtiss also built the first U.S. Navy aircraft, called the Triad and trained the first two naval pilots. He received the prestigious Collier Trophy and the Aero Club Gold Medal in 1911.
The Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company was the largest aircraft manufacturer in the world during World War I. When it went public in 1916, it was the world's largest aviation company. During World War I, it produced 10,000 aircraft. In 1929, twelve Wright and Curtiss-affiliated companies merged to form The Curtiss-Wright Corporation. The company still exists.
Extent
1 linear feet (299 Photographs)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
The collection consists of photographs once belonging to Glenn Curtiss (1878-1930), world famous aviator and early aircraft designer. The photographs document Curtiss' early aviation involvements and include images of Curtiss and other aviators of the period, aircraft he designed and built, hydroplane experiments, and photographs of the Curtiss factory in Hammondsport, New York.
Statement of Arrangement
The photographs are divided into the following four series:
- Series I: Flying Boats
- Series II: San Diego and Other California Developments
- Series III: Curtiss America - Construction, Testing, etc.
- Series IV: Landplanes, Hydroplanes, and Miscellaneous Photos
Acquisition Information
The Glenn Curtiss Collection was purchased by Special Collections and Archives and was termed the William Wait, Jr. Photo Archive formerly owned by Glenn Curtiss.
Subject
- Curtiss, Glenn Hammond, 1878-1930 (Person)
- Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Corporation (Organization)
- Title
- Guide to the Glenn Curtiss Collection (MS-227)
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Finding aid prepared by Special Collections and Archives Staff
- Date
- 2015
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Revision Statements
- 2012: Photograph descriptions were updated by Ed O'Shaughnessy.
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections Repository
Wright State University Libraries
Special Collections and Archives
3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy
Dayton OH 45435-0001 USA
937-775-2092
library-archives@wright.edu
