Florence Lowe “Pancho” Barnes

Florence Lowe “Pancho” Barnes. . , Florence Lowe “Pancho” Barnes was a pioneering aviator, rancher, and entrepreneur whose adventurous spirit left a lasting mark on aviation history in the United States. Born on July 22, 1901, in Pasadena, California, she grew up in a family well acquainted with luxury as well as passion for flying. Her Grandfather, Thaddeus Lowe, was a prominent aeronaut during the Civil War, which likely influenced her early fascination with aviation., In her youth, Barnes rebelled against societal norms for women of her time, preferring activities traditionally considered masculine. Although she married a minister in 1924, Barnes was fiercely independent. While traveling through Mexico for several months she took on the nickname “Pancho;” she escaped the notice of the Mexican authorities and left the country disguised as man. She developed a love for flying and earned her pilot’s license (after only six hours of formal instruction) in 1928, becoming one of the earliest female aviators. Barnes quickly gained recognition for her daring stunts and fearless personality, setting several speed records and becoming known as a skilled aviator. Despite a crash at the Women’s Air Derby in 1929, the following year, flying her Travel Air Type R “Mystery Ship”, Barnes broke Amelia Earhart’s speed record - Barnes piloted the Mystery Ship to 196.19 MPH. Following this achievement Barnes worked in Hollywood as a stunt pilot, and flew for Howard Hughes in his epic “Hell’s Angels” in 1930. A year later she was instrumental in establishing the Associated Motion Picture Pilots Union, which standardized pay and safety practices for stunt pilots., Having lost most of her inheritance in the Great Depression, in 1935 Barnes sold what little property she had and bought 180 acres in the Mojave Desert near what would become Muroc Field (later Edwards Air Force Base). Here Barnes established the Rancho Oro Verde Fly-Inn Dude Ranch, a desert retreat for pilots and aviation enthusiasts. This ranch became a hub for aviators and celebrities alike, fostering a community where flying stories and adventures were shared freely. Later it would become know by its more popular name, the “Happy Bottom Riding Club.“ , During World War II, Barnes contributed to the war effort by ferrying aircraft for the U.S. Army air forces, utilizing her piloting skills for the benefit of her country. After the war, she continued her involvement in aviation, although her flying career diminished over time. Barnes continued to entertain test pilots from Edwards Air Force Base, including such notables as Chuck Yeager, Jimmy Doolittle, and Buzz Aldrin at the Happy Bottom Riding Club., Later in life, Barnes became known for her eccentric personality and unconventional lifestyle. She was a central figure in the Hollywood social scene and maintained friendships with many celebrities and notable figures. Despite facing financial challenges and personal setbacks, her legacy as a trailblazing aviatrix and advocate for women in aviation endured. Pancho Barnes passed away during the last week of March, 1975, only a few blocks from this monument.