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ALVIN K. LONGREN
Pioneer Kansas Aviator - Plane Builder - Manufacturer

Alvin K. Longren was born at Manhattan, Kansas, January 18, 1882.  He attended local schools and while taking an I.C.S. course he also learned the machinist trade.  During 1907-1909 Longren and his brother engaged in an automobile business.

He developed an early interest in aviation and began experimenting in 1910.  While working as a machinist in the railroad shops in Topeka, Kansas, he completed his first plane during the mid-summer and 1911.  Reportedly this plane was a Curtiss-type pusher biplane powered by an 8-cylinder, 60 h.p. Hall-Scott engine.  He began teaching himself to fly on Al Schmidt's farm east of the city and made his first solo hop on September 2, 1911.  On September 13th he flew ten miles across the city and landed on the campus of Washburn University, to claim the distinction of building the first successful airplane in Kansas.  Continuing his practice he flew a few exhibitions at nearby localities late that fall.

In December, 1911, he assisted in the forming of the Young Aviation Company in Topeka with exhibition flight promoter H. Young.  The group consisted of H. Young, President, J. B. Lorimer, Manager, A. K. Longren, Chief Pilot and E. J. Longren, Mechanic.

In January, 1912, Longren began filling exhibition engagements in Texas and Oklahoma for the winter months.  In May he was back in Kansas and few at his hometown of Manhattan on May 3rd and 4th, then at Burlingame May 21st and 22nd.  July 4th he flew at Marion, Kansas, and then at Council Grove July 9th to 11th.  Juy 24th he was at LaCrosse, Wisconsin, and on August 8th made three flights at Anthony, Kansas.

Longren also built a plant that summer for Phil Billard, son of the Topeka Mayor, then taught him to fly that fall.  September 11th and 12th Longren made two flights daily at Belleview, Kansas; then on September 26th made three flights