American Polynesia -- Hawaiian Islands -- Hawaii Island -- Hilo (Near)
Date:
undated
Scope and Contents:
This collection consists of newspaper articles and 24 photographs that were photocopied or scanned out of a scrapbook about Walker. Some of the newspaper articles also pertain to Didier Masson, with whom Walker toured in California, Hawaii, and Australia.
Biographical / Historical:
Clarence H. Walker was a wealthy young aviator living in San Mateo, CA. He started aviation as a pastime, building his own plane, but quickly decided to pursue it seriously with a better machine. He flew a Curtiss biplane at various shows in California, Hawaii, and Salt Lake City. Although a successful aviator, he suffered numerous crashes into trees, a fence, a barn, and a telegraph pole, all of which he survived. He holds the claim to being the first aviator to crash in Hawaii, on June 13, 1911 in Hilo, HI after his engine started failing shortly after takeoff.
Provenance:
Duncan Knowles, Gift, 2004
Restrictions:
No restrictions on access.
Rights:
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests