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FROM THE FLYING PIONEERS BIOGRAPHIES OF HAROLD E. MOREHOUSE

W. STEVENSON MacGORDON

Early Curtiss Flying Boat Sportsman Pilot - Instructor

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 [[crossed out]] reportedly [[/crossed out]] went to Hammondsport, New York, to see Curtiss flying boats and [[crossed out]] get [[/crossed out]] watch a demonstration. Enthused, he signed up for instruction and placed an order for a flying 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 Vilias, Reid, Thaw and King. By July MacGordon was flying [[crossed out]] well [[/crossed out]] very capably at Lake Keuka and later that month took delivery of his new Curtiss flying boat. It was similar to the one built for Vilas, with a natural mahogany hull and bright metal trim, 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 [[crossed out]] , where [[/crossed out]] . at newport they both flew the plane and began carrying society passengers. [[crossed out]] There [[/crossed out]] On September 25th MacGordon flew his tests for F.A.I. Hydro License and was granted Certificate No. 10 on October 1 [[crossed out]] st [[/crossed out]], 1913, flying his 100 [[crossed out]] H.P. [[/crossed out]] hp flying boat.

On October 5th they flew to New York, 230 miles, and landed in Oaxwood Beach, 

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