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advertising of his planes, Hall-Scott engines, his rubberized fabric and his flying field at Oakwood Heights through 1913, and Peoli did more flying for him that year.

In March, 1914 Baldwin signed a 3-year contract with the newly formed Connecticut Aircraft Company of New Haven as chief of construction operations, but retained his aviation camp on Staten Island. The firm planned to build airships and Baldwin left for a tour of Europe to study aerial developments there.

In May, 1915 the Connecticut Aircraft Company was awarded a contract for a dirigible for the Navy. Designated the D-1, it was 175 feet long, 35 feet in diameter and was powered by 160 H.P. engine driving two propellers. Baldwin designed and supervised the construction of this dirigible, then in December he left the firm to become associated with Curtiss in charge of the newly formed flying school at Newport News, Virginia, where he remained until April, 1917 when he was commissioned Captain T.S. Baldwin, Signal Corps, U.S. Army. In June, 1918 he was promoted to Major, serving as Chief of the Balloon Section at Akron, Ohio.

After his discharge from the Service in October, 1919 he remained as Manager of Balloon Production and Inspection at Goodyear. Later he moved to Buffalo, New York, where he passed away on May 17th, 1923 at Deaconess Hospital, at age 65. Burial was in Arlington Cemetery, Washington, D.C. with full military honors. He was a member of the Aero Club of America, Elks, Odd Fellows and a Shriner.

Flying Pioneer Thomas S. Baldwin was a most distinguished early aerial enthusiast. Master showman, he traveled the world as balloonish, chutist, aeronaut and aviator, a truly remarkable record of over forty years of aerial experience. He always made and developed his own equipment and never had a serious accident. Reportedly Baldwin built thirteen dirigibles and undoubtedly it was through him that Glenn Curtiss became interested in aerial activities. Widely known, loved and respected by all who knew him, he certainly earned the name of "Grand Old Man of Aviation" in his later years. He is truly one of the most deserving of an honored place in American aviation history.

[[stamp]]FROM THE FLYING PIONEERS BIOGRAPHIES OF HAROLD E. MOREHOUSE[[/stamp]]

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