Brea in Orange County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Humming Bird
Weighing just 250 lbs., it was 15 ft. in length, had a wingspan of 21 ft. and was powered by a 3-cylinder engine designed for a top speed of 92 M.P.H.
On the afternoon of April 24, 1926, despite a series of successful test flights, the humming bird crashed due to structural failure during an air meet at the Brea Airport, killing 21-year-old pilot Ray Freeman.
Thaheld and Tremaine, however, went on the following year to construct two larger low-wing monoplanes here in Brea, one of which was to compete in the famous 1927 Dole race from Oakland to Honolulu.
A short time later, Thaheld moved to Dallas, Texas, and turned his efforts to designing diesel engines for aircraft and military tanks. Currently, two of these engines are on display at the Smithsonian.
in 1925, Tremain became Brea's constable and held that position until his retirement in 1942.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1928.
Location. 33° 55.247′ N, 117° 53.872′ W. Marker is in Brea, California, in Orange County. Marker is on Brea Boulevard, 0.3 miles north of Imperial Highway, on the right when traveling north. Located in front of Fire Station No. 2. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 192 N Brea Blvd, Brea CA 92821, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Old City Hall (approx. half a mile away); Richard Nixon in City Hall Park (approx. half a mile away); Many a Child (approx. half a mile away); Brea Plunge (approx. half a mile away); Ralph E. Barnes Bandstand (approx. half a mile away); City Hall Park (approx. 0.6 miles away); Brea Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away); Brea American Legion Building (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brea.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 2, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 9, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 184 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 9, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.