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268

HUGH A. ROBINSON
Early Exhibition & Test Pilot - Manufacturing Executive

Hugh A. Robinson was born in Neosho, Missouri, May 13, 1881. He attended local schools then entered Webb City College, Missouri, where he was graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering.
Through his keen interest in sports and all things mechanical, he became a trick bicycle and motorcycle rider, then drove racing cars and speed boats and soon became an engine expert. During these activities he developed the vaudeville and circus act of looping-the-loop on a motorcycle inside a steel latticework globe. Reportedly, he also built an early automobile which gained him a position as a foreman in the Dorris Automobile Factory. He also took up ballooning, made some parachute jumps, and in 1906 became a dirigible-airship builder and pilot.
In 1907-1908 his interest turned to flying and he built a glider, towed by an automobile. In 1909 he built a monoplane at St. Louis, Missouri, fitted with a small 18-20 h.p. air-cooled engine, but it failed to fly due to lack of power. Apparently, he exhibited this plane at the St. Louis Centennial Exposition in October 1909, where he met Glenn Curtiss and started a valued association which lasted for many years.
Robinson continued experimenting with his monoplane and in 1910 installed a 30-40 h.p. Elbridge engine, and on May 15, 1910, reportedly made his first solo hop at the Aero Club of St. Louis flying field. Robinson entered this plane in a small local amateur flying meet at the Club field, starting July 11th, and its construction and workmanship received notable mention. There were six contestants, including Howard Gill and J.W. Sparling, and the seven planes entered were housed in a tent. Toward the end of the meet a bad storm demolished both the tent and the planes, including Robinson's entry. Following this Robinson teamed up with Tom Benoist for a short time, helping