South Amboy in Middlesex County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
First Air Mail Delivery Flight in New Jersey
On July 4, 1912, Aviator Oliver J. Simmons flew a Wright-Burgess Hydro-Aeroplane, owned by Robert J. Collier, publisher of Collier’s magazine, from Perth Amboy to South Amboy. After landing on the water by the coal docks, Aviator Simmons received 1,250 pieces of mail from the South Amboy Post Office to be delivered to the Perth Amboy Post Office. After an unsuccessful attempt to take off due to heavy boat traffic, a path was made and at 12:30 p.m. the plane took off and flew across Raritan Bay and delivered the mail to the Perth Amboy Post Office.
After this flight a communication was sent to the mayor of Perth Amboy from Michael Welsh, Mayor of South Amboy. A portion of this communication is as follows: “The conquest of the air having been accomplished we much look for new worlds to conquer. As this first communication between our cities by the most modern conveyance is held on the anniversary of this nation’s birthday, may it be the precursor of an increased and harmonious relationship between our communities.” This event was the first Air Mail Delivery in the State of New Jersey.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Communications. In addition, it is included in the Postal Mail and Philately series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 4, 1912.
Location. 40° 28.983′ N, 74° 16.783′ W. Marker is in South Amboy, New Jersey, in Middlesex County. Marker is on South Broadway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 105 South Broadway, South Amboy NJ 08879, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Old St. Mary’s High School (approx. 0.2 miles away); 1950 South Amboy Explosion (approx. 0.4 miles away); Purple Heart Memorial (approx. 1.2 miles away); The Bluff: Witness to History (approx. 1.3 miles away); The Water Highway (approx. 1.3 miles away); Veterans' War Memorial (approx. 1.3 miles away); Ambo Point (approx. 1.3 miles away); Elizabeth Lawrence (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in South Amboy.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 11, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 15, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 631 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 15, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.