Viewing page 11 of 40

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

ments. Cliff Turpin received his training at the same time and a real friendship developed between the two men that never diminished. The Wrights had just entered the exhibition business and engaged the well known balloon and airship man, Roy Knabenshue, to manage this part of the work, for he was already well versed in the necessary procedures and problems involved in carrying on such activities. 

After his training was completed Parmelee became a member of the Wright Exhibition Team and flew his first public engagement alone at Parkersburg, West Virginia on September 6th to 10th. On the last day he flew over the city and down the Ohio River and return, putting on a good show. From there he flew at the Michigan State Fair, Detroit, from September 19th to 25th, with Brookins, Hoxsey and Johnstone, where they all did sensational flying, Parmelee making a great showing for a beginner. September 26th to 30th he was at Knoxville, Tennessee, where he made two flights daily at the Appalachian Exposition. October 6th to 12th he flew at the Alabama State Fair, Birmingham, and from there went directly to the St. Louis Meet, already in progress, and flew with Brookins, Hoxsey, Welsh, Johnstone, Turpin and LaBlanc. He remained there until October 18th then left for New York to be a contestant at the Belmont Park International Meet held October 22d to 30th. There on October 23d, 1910 Parmelee obtained his F.A.I. flying license, No. 25. This was a large event with all the leading aviators of the world competing, and he made an unusual showing for a new flyer against more experienced competition. On November 7th, 1910 Parmelee flew from Dayton to Columbus, Ohio, carrying 100 pounds of silk yard goods consigned to the Morehouse-Martons Company as an "urgent delivery" stunt. He flew the 65 miles in 61 minutes, and it was undoubtedly the first known aerial express. 

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

Parmelee's next engagement was at the second annual International Meet at Dominguez Field, Los Angeles, California, held December 24th to January 3d, 1911. This was another large event, and also flying there were Brookins, Hoxsey, Curtiss, Willard, Ely, Martin, Latham and Radley. At this event the Wright machines and their pilots somewhat stole the show, and unfortunately Hoxsey lost his life. Par-

2