Wawaset Park in Wilmington in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
First Flight of the Delaplane
Photographed By Bill Pfingsten, January 18, 2016
1. First Flight of the Delaplane Marker
Inscription.
First Flight of the Delaplane. . Near this site, on October 21, 1910, the first heavier than air aircraft built in Delaware made its first flight. The aircraft, known as the Delaplane, was built by Robie Seidelinger and piloted by Eddie Bloomfield. The construction was funded by the Wilmington Aero Club at an estimated cost of nearly $6,000. Construction took place in a barn at the Gentlemen’s Driving Club, also known as Horseshow Park and, later, Wawaset Park. Originally built with two propellers, the aircraft was modified to fly with a single propeller before its first flight. The flight occurred on the last run of three high speed taxi runs when the test pilot pulled back on the controls and the aircraft became airborne for approximately 50 yards. The aircraft was later destroyed by fire while being stored in a shed at a rifle range near the town of New Castle.
Near this site, on October 21, 1910, the first heavier than air aircraft built in Delaware made its first flight. The aircraft, known as the Delaplane, was built by Robie Seidelinger and piloted by Eddie Bloomfield. The construction was funded by the Wilmington Aero Club at an estimated cost of nearly $6,000. Construction took place in a barn at the Gentlemen’s Driving Club, also known as Horseshow Park and, later, Wawaset Park. Originally built with two propellers, the aircraft was modified to fly with a single propeller before its first flight. The flight occurred on the last run of three high speed taxi runs when the test pilot pulled back on the controls and the aircraft became airborne for approximately 50 yards. The aircraft was later destroyed by fire while being stored in a shed at a rifle range near the town of New Castle.
Erected 2011 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number NC-190.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1910.
Location. 39° 45.484′ N, 75° 34.553′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, Delaware, in New Castle County. It is in Wawaset Park. Marker is at the intersection
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of Greenhill Ave. and 11th Street, on the left when traveling south on Greenhill Ave.. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wilmington DE 19805, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 19, 2016, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 557 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on January 19, 2016, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.
