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W. STEVENSON MacGORDON

FROM THE FLYING PIONEERS BIOGRAPHIES OF HAROLD E MOREHOUSE

Early Curtiss Flying Boat Sportsman Pilot - Instructor

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W. Stevenson MacGordon was born at Menominee, Michigan February 29, 1892.  Information is lacking concerning his early life and education, but he was evidently born of wealthy parents and developed an early interest in water flying.  
  In the spring of 1913 he reportedly went to Hammonds-port Bew York to see Curtiss flying boats and get a demonstration.  Enthused, he signed up for instruction and placed an order for a boat.  There he was a member of the first class of spring students starting about June 1st, and was taught to fly by Francis "Doc" Wildman, along with Vilas, Reid, Thaw and King.  By July MacGordon was flying well at Lake Keuka and later that month took delivery of his new Curtiss boat.  It was similar to the one built for Vilas, with natural mahogany hull and bright metal trip, a beautifully finished and outfitted sportsman's craft.  
  While at Hammondsport MacGordon and William Thaw became close friends and began to team up together.  In August MacGordon shipped his new flying boat to Newport, Rhode Island and Thaw went along, where they both flew the plane and began carrying society passengers.  There on September 25th MacGordon flew his tests for F.A.I. Hydro License and was granted Certificate No. 10 on October 1st, 1913, flying his 100 H.P. boat.  
  On October 5th they flew to New York, 230 miles, and landed at Oakwood Beach, 

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