Tulare in Tulare County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
First Airplane in Tulare County
Photographed By Dr. Samuel Gregg George Chapter No. 1855 E Clampus Vitus, April 24, 2018
1. First Airplane in Tulare County Marker
Inscription.
First Airplane in Tulare County. . At this site on February 11, 1912, Frank Bryant piloted the first airplane to land in Tulare County at what was then the Tulare County Fairgrounds. The plane, a Curtiss pusher-type biplane, had been used by Glenn Curtiss to win a world speed title in France 1909. Later, following a crash, it was rebuilt by Bryant who taught himself to fly this aircraft constructed of wood and bamboo held together by wire; its wings covered by canvas the plane was put through its paces by Bryant during a two-day air show. Executing thrilling dips, dives, and turns at an unbelievable 60 miles an hour. It also raced an automobile around a kite-shaped track. Joining Bryant for the show was Roy Francis, flying a Gage biplane built in Los Angeles by the Eaton Brothers. People packed the fairgrounds grandstand and paid $10,000 in admissions to get a close look at the fearless pilots with their newfangled flying machines, and unknowingly, ushered Tulare County into the modern age of aviation.
At this site on February 11, 1912, Frank Bryant piloted the first airplane to land in Tulare County at what was then the Tulare County Fairgrounds. The plane, a Curtiss pusher-type biplane, had been used by Glenn Curtiss to win a world speed title in France 1909. Later, following a crash, it was rebuilt by Bryant who taught himself to fly this aircraft constructed of wood and bamboo held together by wire; its wings covered by canvas the plane was put through its paces by Bryant during a two-day air show. Executing thrilling dips, dives, and turns at an unbelievable 60 miles an hour. It also raced an automobile around a kite-shaped track. Joining Bryant for the show was Roy Francis, flying a Gage biplane built in Los Angeles by the Eaton Brothers. People packed the fairgrounds grandstand and paid $10,000 in admissions to get a close look at the fearless pilots with their newfangled flying machines, and unknowingly, ushered Tulare County into the modern age of aviation.
Erected 1987 by Dr. Samuel Gregg George Chapter 1855 of E Clampus Vitus.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 11, 1912.
Location. 36° 12.656′ N, 119°
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19.22′ W. Marker is in Tulare, California, in Tulare County. Marker is on East Tulare Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1771 East Tulare Avenue, Tulare CA 93274, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 23, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2019, by Frank Gunshow Sanchez of Hollister, California. This page has been viewed 182 times since then and 13 times this year. Photo1. submitted on October 26, 2019, by Frank Gunshow Sanchez of Hollister, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
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