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Harry W. Powers
Pioneer Chicago Aviator

Information is lacking concerning the date and place of birth of Harry W. Powers, and his early life and education.

In the early 1900's while living in Chicago he became interested in aviation when the first flying activities were begun in that area. 

During the winter of 1910-1911 he became associated with Sam Dixon, a Chicago automobile dealer who had formed the International Aeroplane Compnay to build planes, conduct a flying school and engage in exhibition flying at fairs and carnivals. Early Birds Anthony Stadlman and Allan Lockheed were also working for Dixon.

A Curtiss-type pusher biplane had been built by Stadlman powered by a Roberts engine, and during the early spring months of 1911 this plane was kept in a tent hangar at the site soon to be called Cicero Flying Field. Otto Brodie and mechanic R. W. Schroeder occupied an adjoining tent hangar. Lockheed already had a little flying experience and soon Powers was flying this plane on short hops.

Early that season Dixon sold the business to Dr. Edwin Spates who had more extensive plans for the exhibition work. At that time he had two planes and amateur aviators Ludwig and Rosenbaum in his employ. As soon as the fair season started pilots Lockheed, Powers, Ludwig and Rosenbaum started on the road flying exhibition engagements, and Stadlman was kept busy trying to keep the planes in flying condition. Their engagements took them to Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

During the late fall of 1911 Dr. Spates reorganized to become the National Aeroplane Company, and Powers and Stadlman left the firm to join the Aero Exhiition Company which was preparing to go to Florida for the winter to