Portland, Oreg., July 9. -- With two airships already on the gorunds, and a series of flights and contests scheduled for an early date, the prospects of successful demonstrations at the Lewis and Clark Exposition of the practicability of aerial navigation are exceedingly bright. Captain T. S. Baldwin, inventor of the California Arrow, the only successful airship at St. Louis last summer, is in charge of the contests at Portland, which, for the first time, have been put upon a practical financial basis, so as to avoid all unnecessary flukes.

The two airships now housed in the aerodrome, on the Aeronautic Concourse at the Fair, are the Angelus, which was designed by Captain Baldwin, and built by him in Portland, and a machine of which Charles B. Knox, a prominent gelatine manufacturer of Johnstown N.Y., is the inventor. Both machines are built after the model of Captain Baldwin's Arrow, but differ in important details of construction. The machines have gas bags for lifting power, and the propelling mcahinery rests on an open framework composed of three long light beams; braced frequently by cross pieces. The framework is of triangular cross section. The aeronaut while running the machine, stands on one of the lower beams. While the airships are steered to the right or left by means of a rudder like that on a boat, the upward and downward direction is obtained by changing the balance of the craft, this being accomplished by the aeronaut moving forward or backward along the beam.

Captain Baldwin's machine has a cigar shaped bag of pongee silk, 69 feet long by 22 feet in diameter, and has a capacity of 16,000 cubic feet. The framework and engine weighs 215 pounds. Oregon spruce was used exclusively in the construction of the frame, as this wood, according to Captain Baldwin, is the lightest and strongest known. The motive force for the craft is furnished by a seven and a half horse-power two-cylinder, four cycle gasoline motor which is situated near the forward end. The propellor, which consists of two blades similar to those used in water navigation, is located at the forward end, and pulls the airship after it. This is done so that the air current engendered may be used to cool the engine. The rudder, which sticks out behind like the tail of a fish, is operated by steering ropes. Lincoln Beachy, of San Francisco, has been engaged as aeronaut.

In the Knox machine, which is in charge of George C. Tomlinson an aeronaut of Syracuse, N.Y., the gas bag is 41 feet long and 19 1/2 feet in diameter, and shaped like an elongated egg. Tomlinson's machine has a propellor with disc shaped blades, which he claims is a distinct advantage, and he has his engine moved forward of the center of gravity. This enables the aeronaut to be near his engine all the time. Tomlinson's engine is a single-cylinder, five horse-power motor.

Captain Baldwin, who has charge of the flights and contests at the Fair, has agreed to furnish twenty ascents during the Exposition period, which continues until October 15, and, if weather conditions permit, he will give two exhibitions a week. Weather conditions at Portland are far superior to those at St. Louis, strong winds being quite infrequent, and on this account, if for no other, it is thought that the airship experiments may meet with success. The gas-making arrangements are also much superior, and the place of starting, on the shore of Guild's Lake, in the western part of the grounds, is an ideal one. It is planned that the airships shall desribe a course over the City of Portland, circle the Observation Tower on Portland Heights, and return to the starting place.

Captain Baldwin, who is probably the foremost aerial navigation expert in the United States, has been working on the problem of aerial navigation for a quarter of a century. ...


Source:    "Morning Astorian (Astoria)", Sunday, July 10, 1905, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspaper Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2016.

"Man tried again yesterday to conquer air. It was the same old story of partial defeat. He must try yet again before he can slip the metaphorical harness upon the atmosphere and make it serve him as the giants Steam and Electricity have been brought to serve.

For nearly two hours yesterday afternoon the airship Angelus hovered over Portland and vicinity. To the casual observer it looked like a great bird moving slowly across the sky with ease and perfect control of itself. In fact there was a battle going on every second; a battle against a strong wind which has proved the evil genius of airship inventors since the first. Every inch the brave vessel moved to the southward was an inch to the credit of the contending elements. It is noteworthy, however, that the Angelus bucked the capricious air currents yesterday with a greater degree of success than any previous air vessel. Captain T. S. Baldwin, of California, the inventor, is satisfied with yesterday's showing. He will make some delicate alterations and pit his vessel against the wind at once. He has no doubt but that his boat could navigate in any direction under favorable atmosheric conditions. He intends to make it sail under any conditions.

Starts on Its Trip.

The Angelus made the first airship flight in Northwest history and the first of the Exposition competition. It was witnessed by many thousands. It started from the Exposition grounds and drove southeast bucking a strong wind from the north. Lincoln Beechey, of Los Angeles, went up with the machine, and displayed remarkable skill and courage in his work. He also appeared to have perfect control of the difficult monster at all times. After being drifted along an irregular southward course for about six miles he tacked east and made a safe landing on a dock at a Willamette River pleasure resort. The vessel was not damaged to any great extent and arrangements were made for its conveyance back to the Exposition whence other test flights are to be made this week.

Takes His Course.

The airship was unleased at 2:30 o'clock. Captain Baldwin had been awaiting favorable weather conditions for a week past but high winds had prevailed nearly every afternoon especially in the upper currents. Yesterday reports from the captive balloon indicated that there was less wind than usual. The vessel was accordingly overhauled. Aeronaut Beechey took his place on the framework under the gasbag and the big ship rose gracefully above the Fair grounds. A heavy rope which was trailed at ballast from the stern knocked a pice of tiling from the roof of the Swiss Chalet as it passed above that structure.

Beechey drove the vessel up 500 feet and then paused for a moment, turned about in a broad circle and apparently finding the air currents unfavorable mounted higher, taking a circular course. The big vessel obeyed its tail-like rudder perfectly for a times and in a mild current which was found 1000 feet high answered its propeller and headed northward. Then came an eight-mile an hour breeze and the vessel gave slowly before it, fighting stubbornly every inch of the way. Now and then it would gather itself in a spurt and force its way northward agaisnt the wind.

Wind Too Strong.

At 3 o'clock the wind increased in velocity and all hopes that the airship could return to its moorings were lost. Captain Baldwin and an attendant hurried southward to assist the aeronaut in making a landing. Beechey had no trouble, though in getting down he said the machine worked perfectly and that with calmer air currents he could have made it answer its rudder as readily as a sailboat.

The Angelus is double the size of the California Arrow, which made phenomenal flights at St. Louis last Summer. It is 65 feet long by 40 feet wide. The gas bag has a capacity of 16,000 cubic feet. The propeller blades are eight feet long and three wide and operated by a seven horsepower gasoline motor. The rudder is ten feet long and six wide. It was brought here from California by Captain Baldwin to compete for the prizes offered by the Exposition.

Tomlinson Enters Competition.

George Tomlinson, the well-known New York airship inventor and aeronaut, reached the city yesterday morning to compete for the Exposition prizes. He brought with him a vessel of an altogether different style from the Angelus and will make a voyage with it during the next few days. It is intended to have a flight henceforth on every afternoon which brings favorable weather conditions.

Late last night the airship was taken in tow by a steamer to the Exposition grounds."

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NEWSPAPER IMAGE: Airship Angelus. "Towing the Angelus to the Oaks after its Flight over the City". "Morning Oregonian", July 19, 1905, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspapers Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2016.

Source:    "Morning Oregonian", Wednesday, July 19, 1905, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspaper Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2016.

"It will be a long time before the four drawbridges have to open to permit the passage of an aiarship. That happened Tuesday night [July 18], however, when the "Angelus" was brought down the river from the point where she landed to the Exposition. The huge bag with all its framework was piled on top of the observation launch, Princess May, late at night. Before the Madision-street bridge was reached it was seen that the airship would not go under the bridge. The launch's whistle opened the way. At each of the other three bridges the draw had to open, ant the airship arrived safely."


Source:    "Morning Oregonian", Thursday, July 20, 1905, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspaper Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2016.

"The airship Angelus, disabled by a broken propeller, drifted over the city early yesterday afternoon. Passing over the business portion the big vessel was so near the earth that the drag-rope nearly touched the higher roofs. A safe landing was made at Sixth and Division streets on the East Side, whence an effort will be made early this morning to sail the ship back to its quarters at the Lewis and Clark Exposition.

When the airship was launched yesterday afternoon everything appeared favorable to a successful flight. The motor and propeller were tested just before the launching took place and seemed in perfect working order. The inventor, T. K. Baldwin, was so confident of success that he instructed his aeronaut not to drive beyond the limits of the Exposition grounds. Not only was the ship in the best working order, but the weather conditions were perfect, the wind registering a velocity of less than five miles an hour.

The vessel threw off its moorings promptly at 2 o'clock and lifted gracefully into the air. In it was Lincoln Beechey, the 18-year-old aeronaut. As soon as he reached an altitude of 300 feet he turned on his gasoline motor and the propellor answered the touch. After whirring noiseily for a minute or two it stopped, just as the vessel was completing a half-circle. ...

An effort will be made to get the Angelus in condition for a third flight from the Exposition grounds tomorrow ..."


Source:    "Morning Oregonian", Wednesday, August 2, 1905, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspaper Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2016.

"The airship Angelus was taken back to its quarters in a wagon yesterday morning. Efforts to fix the refractory propeller and motor were not successful, and a crowd of several hundred people which gathered at Sixth and Division streets to see the return ascent were disappointed. After several attempts to get the vessel in working order, the gas was let out of the bag and the airship was loaded on a wagon.

Repair work was taken up as soon as the Exposition grounds were reached. It was intended to make a special flight today as part of Workingmen's day, but it is not believed a flight can be made before Saturday. George Tomlinson, the Syracuse inventor and aeronaut, expects to make a competitive flight with his craft, the Gelatine. This vessel is very much like the Angeles, except that it is considerably smaller. Tomlinson expects to go up in his craft next week."


Source:    "Morning Oregonian", Thursday, August 3, 1905, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspaper Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2016.

"For fully a quarter of an hour yesterday, a huge cigar-shaped airship and a mere lad only 18 years of age demonstrated to the world and the unbelieving public that aerial navigation is practical. But the mastery of the atmosphere and the atmosphere and the wind was short-lived, and the Angelus, Captain T. S. Baldwin's airship, which makes ascensions at the Exposition, failed to return to its shed at the aeronautic concourse by the air route, as was expected.

A flight was scheduled for yesterday afternoon at 2 o'clock, but, owing to an accident with the apparatus that generates the gas at the aeronautic concourse, the airship was not in readiness for the ascension until nearly 6 o'clock. The flight was made for the benefit of the workingmen of Portland, who had a special day at the Exposition yesterday. When the airship was towed from its shed, preparatory to the flight, several thousands of interested people had assembled to witness the ascension.

Lincoln Beachy, the 18-year-old boy who mans the airship, climbed in his place, and upon his signal the moorings were cut loose, and the Angelus shot skyward amid tremendous applause. Beachy ascended about 1000 feet in the air, and then headed the airship directly north. There was a slight breeze blowing, but the Angelus made rapid progress through the air, crossing Guild's Lake between the American Inn and the Bridge of Nations.

The gasoline engine and the propeller worked to perfection, and from the evolutions of the airship for the first few minutes, the thousands of spectators thought that they would be treated to a successful flight. Near the Government building Beachy threw out ballast and rose to a height of nearly 3000 feet. To show the spectators that the airship was under perfect control, Beachy turned it around a couple of times and then headed for the river. After traveling several hundred yards in the direction of the river the propeller suddenly stopped, owing to the breaking down of the gasoline engine.

After several futile attempts to adjust the machinery so that it would run, Beachy opened the gas valve and let the airship drift. He had the Angelus under his control about 15 minutes, but it was about 7 o/clock before he landed at St. Johns. The service of a tugboat was secured and the airship towed back to Government Island, from where it was removed to the aeronautic concourse.

The break in the engine cannot be repaired for several days, but a new machine will be installed immediately, so that it is expected that another flight can be made on Saturday afternoon. Captain Baldwin was greatly disappointed over the untimely ending of the flight yesterday, as when the airship first started out every indication pointed to a successful voyage. He is not discouraged, however, and is confident that the Angelus can be as easily navigated as the Arrow, the airship which made him famous. The Arrow is now at New York City."


Source:    "Morning Oregonian", Friday, August 4, 1905, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspaper Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2016.

"The airship Angelus almost won its contest against the atmosphere yesterday afternoon. The flight which occurred from the Exposition grounds was partially successful. The vessel answered its propeller and rudder for a time but finally gave way before a brisk wind and was carried six miles southeast of the city before being able to make a landing.

The flight started at 2:30 o'clock and was witnessed by many thousands of spectators at the Fair. The wind was blowing about seven miles an hour, and it was realized that unless the motor worked the vessel would be carried rapidly away. A test was made of the mechanism, which was found to be in perfect working condition. Aeronaut Lincoln Beechey then took his place in the car and the leash was slipped.

The Angelus soared up for 1000 feet with a dea propeller. Then the blades spun faintly but not enough to bring the airship against the wind. Hoeps were about given up and manyw ere turning away from the scene when, as the vessel reached a point over the City Park the propeller started suddenly and the Angelus forced its way against the wind. Traveling at the rate of eight or ten miles an hour, it was soon back to the Fair grounds, flying not more than 450 feet high. Beechey intended to run his craft around the Fair in a circular course, but th emotor balked again. The aeronaut tried to make a landing near the Fair grounds and came within 60 feet of earth. He found no favorable landing place though, and soared upward again. Landing was finally made at an open place on the east side of the river, below the city limits.

Inventor T. K. Baldwin was satisfied with the showing made yesterday although he claims that it is only a matter of a week or so until a perfectly successful flight is made. He is emphatic in declaring that the airship problem will be much nearer a solution when the Lewis and Clark Exposition is at an end.

The Angelus was loaded in a wagon last night and returned to the Exposition. It will probably not go in the air again before Saturday when it is to race with the Gelatine over a course yet to be selected."


Source:    "The Morning Oregonian", Thursday, August 10, 1905, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspaper Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2016.

"The airship contest, which was to have taken place this afternoon at the exposition between the Angelus and the Gelatine has been posponed owing to the fact that the acid from which the gas is manufactured could not be delivered on the grounds in time to fill the enormous bags. It is probable that the aerial race will take place early next week."


Source:    "The Oregon Daily Journal", Saturday, August 12, 1905, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspaper Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2016.

"Captain T. S. Baldwin has about lost heart with his airship Angelus, and will fall back on the Arrow, which made him famous and gained for him the name of being the most expert aeronaut in the United States. The Angelus, which is considerably larger than the Arrow and embodies several new inventions, had never been tried before the flights at the Lewis and Clark Exposition.

Captain Baldwin was satisfied that the Angelus would be a success until last Wednesday [August 9], when it failed to make headway against a moderate breeze. It was then that Captain Baldwin decided to fall back upon the old, reliable Arrow. Captain Baldwin will not have the original of this famous airship as it is now in New York, but he has received an exact model of it.

Although no definite date has been set, the competitive airship flight at the Lewis and Clark Exposition will be held in the near future. The contest will be between the Arrow and the Gelatine, the latter a product of the brain and skill of George T. Tomlinson, of New York. Tomlinson's airship which is also at the aeronautic concourse, will be in readiness in a few days to make an ascension."


Source:    "The Morning Oregonian", Monday, August 14, 1905, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspaper Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2016.

"The flight of Captain Baldwin's new airship, the Rose Queen [later re-named the City of Portland], which was scheduled to take place today, has been postponed until later date, owing to the non-arrival of some of the necessary materials for generating gas. The material was ordered from California early last week, but has not yet arrived at the Exposition and the ascent had to be deferred until later. The new motor which was installed recently was tested yesterday and gave satisfaction, and promised to fulfill the highest hopes of the inventor. The new motor is smaller in pattern than the one in use on the Angelus, and is expected to give better satisfaction. The trial of the Rose Queen will take place about Thursday, and the competitive flight with Tomlinson's Gelatine is scheduled for Saturday [August 19]."


Source:    "The Morning Oregonian", Tuesday, August 15, 1905, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspaper Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2016.

"The competitive airship flight between Captain Baldwin's "Rose Queen" and George T. Tomlinson's "Gelatine" will take place at the Lewis and Clark Exposition tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock, providing the weather is favorable. Captain Baldwin will fly the model of hte "Arrow", the airship which brought him fame. He has christened it the "Rose Queen", as Portland is the Rose City."


Source:    "The Morning Oregonian", Friday, August 18, 1905, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspaper Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2016.

"Captain Baldwin's airship [City of Portland], modeled after the Arrow, his greatest aeronautic achievement, will make an ascension into the heavens at the Lewis and Clark Exposition this afternoon, but it is thought that the competitive flight will have to be postponed. George T. Tomlinson, inventor of the ship which is to compete against Captain Baldwin's airship [Gelatine], is not quite ready to make the flight. It is thought that the competitive flight will be held next week. Captain Baldwin's airship will go up promptly at 2 o'clock this afternoon, providing the weather is favorable."


Source:    "Morning Oregonian", Saturday, August 19, 1905, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspaper Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2016.

"One of the most successful airship flights ever made was effected at the Exposition grounds yesterday afternoon when a new craft called "City of Portland" followed an indirect course over the Fair grounds and returned to a point within 20 feet of the starting place. While many witnessed the flight there were thousands at the Fair who missed the spectacle, as the airship was not able to take the air on schedule time and was up less than 20 minutes.

The successful airship, like the Angelus and California Arrow, is the invention of Captain T. K. Baldwin, of Los Angeles. It is about half the size of the Angelus and the plan, appearance and operating methods are identical with the large vessel. The "City of Portland" was constructed on the Exposition grounds. A small force of men has been at work on it for the past two weeks. Captain Baldwin built it because he was not entirely satisfied with th Angelus, which made a number of partially succesful flights and one or two complete failures.

Satisfied With Showing.

With yesterday's showing the captain says he is satisfied. He says he will send the vessel up again for what will be the most successful flight ever made by an airship. He says that during the next week or ten days he will establish that his airship is as dirigible as a ship on the ocean.

When the "City of Portland" went up for its trial trip yesterday afternoon the wind was blowing at the rate of six miles an hour. The flags about the Exposition were standing straight out from their poles. The wind was from the north and as the ship soared into space it took the wind in its teeth and commenced bucking. There was a mementary struggle for mastery and the wind lost out as the airship glided slowly and gracefully forward to the odd tune of a buzzing propeller. ...

Boy Aeronaut in Control.

Lincoln Beechey, the boy aeronaut, was in control, and not once did he let his motor stop on him. He headed his vehicle of the air in the direction of the Government building. Half way over Guild's Lake he altered his course and described a half-circle. Then he pointed the vessel north again and circled the great towers of the Government building. The slow headway he had been making against the wind was replaced by a speed of seven or eight miles an hour, as he turned about and came with the breeze, his motor buzzing merrily. The vessel headed for its quarters and came down as decorously as if on a track of steel.

The success of the flight has awakened the confidence of Inventor Baldwin that he will yet make a thoroughly satifactory and successful series of flights such as have never before been made in the history of the world. ..."

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NEWSPAPER IMAGE: Airship "City of Portland" descending to starting place on Fair grounds. "Sunday Oregonian", August 20, 1905, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspapers Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2016.

Source:    "Sunday Oregonian", Sunday, August 20, 1905, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspaper Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2016.

The airship poked its nose to the east, ran over to the Columbia River, sailed above Vancouver Barracks, cut off to the south, to the west, to the north, and in three-quarters of an hour was dropping back upon the half-acre to its moorings. ...

Captain Baldwin's airship is composed of a rather fat cigar-shaped gas bag and sufficient rigging underneath to support the aeronaut and a gasoline motor which furnishes power for the propeller. There is so little to it and it is composed of so many fine lines and braces that at a few hundred feet from the ground it seems to be made of thread. In fact all the woodwork is of good, stout Oregon fir cut down to less than an inch in thickness, yet strong enough for the purpose. The propeller is placed in front, primarily because in that position it makes a better draught upon the big canvas, bamboo-braced rudder in the rear. The thing sails beautifully ...."


Source:    Alno Dosch, 1905, "Captain Baldwin's Airship", IN: "The Pacific Monthly", October 1905, vol.14, no.4, p.335, The Pacific Monthly Publishing Company, Portland, Oregon, courtesy Google Books, 2016.

"This morning at 11 o'clock another effort will be made to make an entirely successful airship flight at the Lewis and Clark Exposition. Inventor T. K. Baldwin, of the "City of Portland," has made several slight changes in his vessel since the almost successful flight of last Saturday [August 19] and he stated yesterday that today's performance will be a revelation unless something unforeseen happens. It is his intention to keep the airship in the air for an hour or more. Aeronaut Lincoln Beechey will be instructed to make tests in speed and to give a torough exhibition of the craft's dirigibility."


Source:    "Morning Oregonian", Tuesday, August 22, 1905, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspaper Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2016.

"The embryonic science of aerial navigation scored a point at the Lewis and Clark Exposition yesterday morning when the airship "City of Portland" made the most successful flight yet effected at the Exposition. From every standpoint the flight was satisfactory, and the performance of yesterday must take rank with the best flights ever made.

The vessel was in the air for half an hour. During which time the machinery worked without a hitch. The vessel changed its course at will of the navigator, describing circles and loops and traveling against the wind and with it. The craft, in making a spurt, covered a distance of one mile in a trifle more than three minutes. It made this record traveling with the wind which recorded a velocity of five miles an hour at the time. Returning against the breeze the vessel made from two to five miles an hour.

Thousands of people saw the flight and joined in cheering the successful feat as Aeronaut Lincoln Beechey made a safe landing in identically the same spot from whence he had ascended. The vessel took the air at 11 o'clock sharp. Atmospheric conditions were ideal for a thorough test. There was just enough wind to insure a lively combat.

Released form its moorings the craft soared upwards for a distance of about 800 feet. Beechey then turned on his motor and set the propeller in action. The "City of Portland" responded easily and forged its way against the wind across Guild's Lake in the direction of the Government Peninsula. Beechey describes several circles which demonstrated his complete control of his charge and then set out for a fast spin southward, with the wind.

Many watches were held as he gave full power to the propeller and set his rudder for a line run. In a minute and 15 seconds he had cleared the Exposition grounds and in two minutes more had passed the circus grounds. He then turned the vessel and came back. It took about 12 minutes to make the return trip.

Upon reaching a point over Centennial Park the aeronaut dipped the point of his craft downward. The descent occupied about ten minutes. He could have made it more quickly but evidently was taking pains to land at the point of starting. ...

Another flight will be made Friday or Saturday if weather conditions are satifactory."


Source:    "Morning Oregonian", Wednesday, August 23, 1905, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspaper Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2016.

"Two yellow cigar-shaped airships now fly over the Lewis and Clark Exposition, the Gelatine, invented and manned by George T. Tomlinson, of New York, having made its maiden flight yesterday morning. The flight yesterday, while remarkable, considering it was the first attempt on the part of Tomlinson to master the atmosphere and the wind with an airship, as only partially successful, as the Gelatine failed to return to the aeronautic concourse whence it started. The competitive flight was scheduled for yesterday morning, but the balloon attachment of the City of Portland was not wholly filled with gas, and the Gelative had to fly alone.

Start Is Excellent.

The ascent was made in a few mintues after 11 o'clock yesterday morning, thousands of spectators begin present. The airship rose gracefully to nearly 1000 feet, with the motor and propellor working splendidly. However, it could be seen that Tomlinson did not have perfet control of his airship, although only a slight breeze was blowing. At times he would work the rudder in such a manner as to direct the airship any direction he desired to go, but he invariable lost control of it.

The airship circled the aeronautic concourse and the Trail and at one time was nearly over the bluffs overlooking Guild's Lake. The longer he remained in the air the more easily he managed the ship. It lookef for a time as though he had complete control over the Gelatine, and the spectators thought he could return to the aeronautic concourse without difficulty, but at the critical moment the motor broke down. The Gelatine drifted with the wind out of the Exposition grounds, over Portland Heights, landing near the latter place in an open field. The landing was made without an accident, the airship not being injured in the least. It was brought back to the aeronautic concourse yesterday afternoon by wagon.

Propellor May Be Too Small.

Those who have witnessed the flights of the City of Portland at the Exposition are inclined to believe that the propellor on the Gelatine is a little small. ...

The City of Portland will make another flight from the Exposition at 11 o'clock Wednesday morning, if the weather is favorable. Upon landing Saturday morning across the river from the Exposition grounds, a huge gash was torn in the canvas, or otherwise Captain Baldwin's airship would have made the flight with the Gelatine yesterday morning. Lincoln Beechey, the boy aeronaut, will mann the City of Portland tomorrow morning. The date for the next ascension of the Gelatine has not been set yet, but it is expected to take place some time this week."


Source:    "Morning Oregonian", Tuesday, September 5, 1905, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspaper Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2016.

"Lincoln Beechy made another phenomenal flight in an airship this morning at the exposition. It was a machine consisting of the motor and the framework of the "City of Portland" and the gasbag of "the Gelatine," a combination which caused the aeronautic fans to dub the vehicle "The Mongrel."

At 11 o'clock the ascent began. At a height of less than 300 feet the machine skirted the fair grounds on the west side and then, with perfect care, described a figure 8 above the towers of the Government building. Steering then for the mainland, Beechy encircled the dome of the Agricultural building, made a tour of the main plans and Lewis and Clark boulevard, finally working back to the starting point, where the airship landed, within five feet of the "horse" from which it ascended.

The flight lasted 36 minutes and every moment of the time "The Mongrel" was under perfect control: it did not leave the fair grounds at all.

The fact that the "City of Portland" ran into a post several days ago and was rent was responsible for the combination ship which proved so successful today."


Source:    "Oregon Daily Journal", Wednesday, September 6, 1905, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspaper Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2016.

"When the airships were brought to the Lewis and Clark Exposition, a successful flight was entirely unlooked for, the first several attempts at aerial navigation being attended by dire failure. About two months have passed since the initial attempt, but now the conditions are just the reverse, and unsuccessful flights are beginning to be considered a thing of the past. Again yesterday morning at the Exposition did an airhsip mount into the heavens for an extended tour, to return to the aeronautic concourse whence it started.

The airship that made the trip at the Fair yesterday morning was part City of Portland and part Gelatine, the same combination as was used at the early part of the week. The framework of the City of Portland was attached to the gasbag of the Gelatine. Lincoln Beechey, the 18-year-old boy aeronaut, as usual was at the helm of the aerial steed. Beechey is the only aeronaut, who has made an entirely satisfactory flight at the Exposition.

The ascension was made at 11 o'clock. The airship was heavily ballasted, and when released rose into the air very slowly. It ascended to a height of about 100 feet, and then Beechey headed the airship in a northerly direction. He crossed over Guild's Lake and up over the Government building, flying only a short distance beyond. He then turned the airship around and passed between the spires of the Government building, with the rope attached to the framework dragging on the roof.

He then passed along the Bridge of All Nations and through the Trail, the airship not more than 50 feet in the air. Beechey was so low that he could distinctly hear the cheers of the thousands of spectators. He continued his course in a southerly direction until he was in the vicinity of the Administration building. He then proceeded to demonstrate the dirigibility of the airship. He turned it around almost innumerable times, headed it in many different directions, and raised and lowered it at will. He was so low at times that the spectators could easily have reached up and grabbed the rope which hung down from it. From over the Administration building Beechey returned to the aeronautic landing, within five feet of the place from whence he started. Not once while in the air was Beechey more than 200 feet above the ground."


Source:    "Morning Oregonian", Saturday, September 9, 1905, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspaper Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2016.

"Few Portlanders realize fully the remarkable aerial navigation achievements that have taken place at the Lewis and Clark Exposition this Summer. For years experiments with airships and dirigible balloons have been conducted both in the United States and Europe by men who have devoted their lives and fortunes to this work, but all records have been broken in Portland by an 18-year-old boy aeronaut. Lincoln Beechey [Beachey], who has made six entirely successful flights in Captain Baldwin's airship, the City of Portland. Four satisfactory flights were made in succession, the airship each time returning to its starting point, which has never been equaled before in the world. The famed Santos Dumont, who sailed around the Eiffel tower at Paris in an airship, even has to take off his hat to Beechey. ...

Beechey has not been wholly successful in his ascensions at the Fair, five out of his 11 attempts being attended by failure. Beginning with July 24 [in error, July 18], four times did Beechey ascend in the Angelus, and four times did he sail away in his aerial ship from the Exposition grounds, to return by the ground route with his airship in a wagon. ...

The fourth ascension of the Angelus doomed the future of this airship at the Exposition, as Captain Baldwin lost heart in it, and refused to allow Beechey to go up in it any more. Captain Baldwin and Beechey both say that the Angelus is an excellent airship, in fact the very best ever made, but there are a few defects in the motor which need to be remedied.

The City of Portland was then made by Captain Baldwin. The building of the City of Portland marked the inception of the successful airship flights at the Fair. On August 29 [in error, August 19] Beechey made his initial flight in it and for the first time returned to the starting point. Since then he has made six other ascensions, five of which have been extremely satisfactory in each instance, Beechey returning to the place whence he started.

Beechey is a remarkable aeronaut and the City of Portland is a remarable airship. In all its ascensions at the Exposition, not once has it balked or broken down. The one unsuccessful flight which is scored against it is due solely to the high wind which was blowing. ..."


Source:    "Sunday Oregonian", Sunday, September 10, 1905, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspaper Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2016.

Portland, Setp. 15. -- Lincoln Beachy, in the airship Gelatine, today made the most successful of the many flights made this season. Starting against a strong wind, he circled about the post-office and tall buildings, his machine raising, falling and circling at the aeronaut's will."


Source:    "Daily Capital Journal (Salem)", Friday, September 15, 1905, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspaper Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2016.

"What is pronounced the most satisfactory airship flight ever made was effected yesterday forenoon when the Gelatine, manned by Aeronaut Lincoln Beachey, left the Exposition grounds, encircled the Oregonian tower, maneuvered over the business portion of the city and returned to the Exposition landing within a few feet of the starting place.

Not only did the airship cover this distance of five miles without once becoming refractory, but it did so in an amazing short period of time. It made better time in traveling from the Exposition to the Oregonian tower than do the streetcars, covering the journey in a trifle more than 16 minutes.

Thousands Watch Flight.

Thousands saw the performance from the streets and Exposition grounds. As he reached the business portion of the city Beachey dipped his vessel nearer this earth until he cleared the higher buildings less then 300 feet. His manner of operating his charge was easily discernible from the ground. Several times the young aeronaut paused to wave his cap in response to cheering throngs.

The airship started on its journey at 11 o'clock from the Aeronautic Concourse. Inventor Baldwin instructed Beachey to visit the city. For some time young Beachey says it has been his ambition to encircle the big Oregonian tower, although heretofore he has felt a reluctancy in starting on such a difficult journey. He found the weather conditions ideal upon mounting into the air, and decided that the time was ripe for making his dreamed of trip. Heading direct for the Oreognian tower he wavered from his course not half a dozen yards at any time.

Shows Remarkable Control.

As the vessel turned about the tower a remarkable exhibition of control was given which did much to establish the dirigibility of airships. After passing over the Postoffice building Beachey headed back to the Exposition. ..."

Click image to enlarge

NEWSPAPER IMAGE: Airship Gelatine circling the Oregonian Building. "Lincoln Beechey in the Gelatine Cirling the Oregonian Tower". "Monday Oregonian", September 16, 1905, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspapers Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2016.

Source:    "Morning Oregonian", Saturday, September 16, 1905, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspaper Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2016.

"Airship flights at the Lewis and Clark Exposition are attracting such widespread attention, and delighting to many thousands of people every time they are made, that a movement is now on foot to have the City of Portland or the Gelatine make ascensions daily. Captain Baldwin has the matter under advisement, and it is almost assured that a daily schedule of flights will e arranged. The suggestion of having two flights daily, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon, is also under advisement.

Lincoln Beachey will make another flight at the Exposition Tuesday [September 19] in the City of Portland. In a few days the Gelatine will be in readiness to tour the skies again, and, it is believed, will make a flight the later part of the week. George T. Tomlinson, the inventor of the Gelatine, and who goes up in it, has ordered a new motor and a different type of propellor, and they are expected to arrive almost any day."


Source:    "Morning Oregonian", Monday, September 18, 1905, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspaper Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2016.

This stunt constituted the first controlled powered flight in the state of Washington (Pearson Air Museum). ...

It took a mere 40 minutes for the young aeronaut to reach the Vancouver Barracks and become the first pilot to land at what would later become Pearson Field, but a change in winds made the return to the Portland fairgrounds more difficult. As his fuel ran low, Beachey decided to land on the farm of A.B. Gilmore, near Orchards, Washington. Although he had been thwarted in his attempt to complete his return trip, Beachey's flight of almost two hours over Clark County was hailed as a new duration record, shattering by 20 minutes the flight of Alberto Santos-Dumont at the Paris Exposition of 1900 (Library of Congress). ...


Source:    Bill Alley, 2006, Images of Aviation, Pearson Field, Pioneering Aviation in Vancouver and Portland, Arcadia Publishing.

"A message by airship, the first in history, was sent yesterday by Theodore Hardee, assistant to the president of the Lewis and Clark Exposition, to General Constant Williams, Post Commander, at Vancouver Barracks, nine miles away, and the successful navigation of the air was done to some purpose. For the past two months the Exposition has been the scene of numerous successful airship flights, but not until yesterday was an airship used as a medium for carrying a message from one place to another.

The aerial messanger which performed this unique feat was the airship "City of Portland," using the gas bag of the airship "Gelatine," operated by the daring young aeronaut, Lincoln Beachey, who had achieved glory and fame by his wonderful airship performances.

Message by Airship.

The message carried and faithfully delivered by Beachey follows:

In this connection permit me to say that if this message reaches you, as we now have every confidence it will, you will enjoy the distinction of being the first one to have ever received a document conveyed under similar auspices, and President Goode and myself will share your honors in being the first to transmit the same. Yours very truly,

Heads for Vancouver.

Captain T. S. Baldwin, owner of the "City of Portland," and a large crowd of spectators watched the airship as it started on its strange mission, as a messanger through space, from the Exposition grounds at Portland, on a journey among the clouds to Vancouver Barracks. It was 11:15 in the morning when the airship started on its voyage. Aeronaut Beachey steered upward until he reached a height of about 2000 feet and then headed for Vancouver. A strong adverse wind was encountered, but the navigator of the air continued on his journey regardless of impending winds, reaching Vancouver Barracks and delivering the message in 40 mintues time.

Wind Proves Too Strong.

When the airship landed at Vancouver it naturally created somewhat of a sensation and became the center of attraction for the short space it remained there before departing on its return with a message from General Williams to Mr. Hardee.

Gracefully the airship rose high above the barracks and for several miles battled with the winds, which had changed and were then blowing in an opposite direction. Thus, the aeronaut encountered strong head winds both going and returning. His progress was materially hindered by the force of the upper air currents and Beachey was compelled to descend to earth and make a landing. After waiting awhile for the winds to subside, Beachey again started on his aerial voyage, but when high up in the air he found a stronger current than any which he had yet encountered, and being powerless to make any headway, he was compelled to fly with the wind until he could make a safe landing, seven miles beyond Vancouver.

Lands Near Orchard.

After leaving Vancovuer, the airship City of Portland proceeded two miles towards Portland, when a breeze blowing at the rate of 35 miles an hour was encountered, against which Aeronaut Beachey found it impossible to continue his course. The City of Portland then drifted with the wind for about seven miles and Beachey decided to give up his attempt to return to the Exposition grounds.

The landing was made on the farm of A. B. Gilmore, one mile north of Orchard. Harry Stonehouse grabbed the anchor rope which had been lowered and was carried for several hundred yards, when George Howard came to his assistance. Together they managed to fasten the anchor to a fence and the City of Portland was bound safely to earth.

Last night the airship was taken to Orchard in a farm wagon and will be brought to Portland today. It was entirely unharmed by the trip and will be ready for another flight at any time. When the weather permits Beachey will carry a message to The Oregonian office."


Source:    "Morning Oregonian", Wednesday, September 20, 1905, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspaper Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2016.

"Two entirely successful flights were made at the Lewis and Clark Exposition yesterday morning by the City of Portland with Lincoln Beachey, the 18-year-old boy aeronaut, at the helm. It was intended that Beachey should make another attempt to sail to the Vancouver Barracks with a message and return to the Exposition grounds, but as a heavy wind was blowing it was though advisable not to make an extensive flight.

At a few minutes after 10 o'clock the City of Portland was cast loose form its moorings and rose rapidly to a height of nearly 200 feet. Here Beachey encountered a very strong current of wind, and he pointed the airship downward, until the anchor rope was almost dragging along the ground. The wind was blowing from the North, but he made rapid headway against it, crossing Guild's Lake without difficulty.

The airship was so near the ground that to go over the Government building Beachey had to ascend several score of feet, or otherwise it would have collided with the roof of the structure. He sailed around the Government building a couple of times, and then returned to the starting point, landing very gracefully within a few feet of the trestles.

After remaining on the ground for five minutes, the airship was again loosened, and Beachey again sailed over the Government building. He returned by a circuitous route, hovering a few minutes over the Trail and the Lakeview Terrace, alighting without the least difficulty. Because of the heavy wind blowing, which was not less than ten miles an hour, the flights yesterday morning are considered to have been the best ever made at the Lewis and Clark Exposition, which means the whole world. Both the gasbag and the framework of the City of Portland were used by Beachey yesterday morning in the two flights.

The next flight will be made Tuesday morning when Beachey will endeavor to carry a message to the Oregonian. ... The City of Portland will make two flights on Portland day [Saturday, September 30th], one in the morning and the other in the afternoon."


Source:    "Morning Oregonian", Saturday, September 23, 1905, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspaper Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2016.

"Portland, Sept. 26. -- Lincoln Beachey in the airship City of Portland, today made a most successful flight. Starting at the exposition grounds he circled about the business section, alighting on the Chamber of Commerce building, thence threaded about among the highest buildings, returning to the starting place in record time."


Source:    "Daily Capital Journal (Salem)", Tuesday, September 26, 1905, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspaper Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2016.

"During a short cessation of the rain yesterday afternoon, at the Lewis and Clark Exposition, Lincoln Beachey made a successful airship flight in the City of Portland. The airship arose about 4 o/clock in the afternoon, and returned to the landing place after it had been in the air not more than 15 minutes.

Beachey made a tour of the west end of Guild's Lake, circling the Government building, and then heading back across the Bridge of All Nations and the Trial. He landed without difficulty within a few feet of the trestles from which he started.

Beachey also made a flight at 11 o'clock yesterday morning, which was fully as successful as the one in the afternoon. He described practically the same course, circling the Government building towers. To date, Lincoln Beachey has made a total of 22 successful flights with the City of Portland at the Lewis and Clark Exposition, more than all the other satifactory flights ever made in the world.

Beachey will make three ascensions at the Exposition today. His first flight will start at 11 o'clock in the morning, and the others will be made at 2 o'clock and 4 o'clock in the afternoon. The last flights of the City of Portland at the Exposition will be pulled off on Saturday, when Beachey will ascend three times, the same as today.

Captain Baldwin and Beachey will then say farewell to Portland and go the New York, where they will inspect some new gasoline motors, whence they will go to Los Angeles, where they will probably remain until next Spring. Next Summer they expect to go to New York, where Beachey intends to sail under and over the Brooklyn bridge in the City of Portland."


Source:    "Morning Oregonian", Friday, October 13, 1905, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspaper Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2016.

"Two successful flights were made by Lincoln Beachey, the 18-year-old boy aeronaut, in the City of Portland at the Lewis and Clark Exposition yesterday. In the morning the airship arose about 11 o'clock and remained in the air not more than 15 minutes. It crossed Guild's Lake, circled the Government building, and then returned to the landing place.

The afternoon flight was one of the prettiest ascensions that have been made by airships at the Exposition. The weather conditions could hardly have been improved upon, the waters of Guild's Lake being so calm and still that it resembled a mirror, as there was not the slightest breeze to disturb its surface.

The speed of the airship was remarkable, and Beachey had it under perfect control. Crossing over Guild's Lake, Beachey passed out of the grounds, then returned to Government Island. He described a figure 8 around the two immense towers of the Government building. The airship was so low that the anchor rope, which hangs down from the framework, dragged across the roof when Beachey passed over the Government building. He alighted with perfect case within a few feet of the spot whence he began the tour in his aerial craft.

Portland people will see the City of Portland at the Exposition for the last time today, or at least for many years to come. Flights today will be made at 11 o'clock in the morning, and at 2 and 4 o'clock in the afternoon. When it returns to the shed after the last flight, the gas will be let out from the balloon attachment and the framework disjointed for shipment."


Source:    "Morning Oregonian", Saturday, October 14, 1905, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspaper Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2016.

"Owing to a stiff breeze no ascension was made from the exposition aerodrome at 11 o'clock this morning, as scheduled, in the airship City of Portland by Aeronaut Beachey. It is believed that the wind will shift sufficiently to allow an ascension at 4 o'clock."


Source:    "The Oregon Daily Journal", Saturday, October 14, 1905, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspaper Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2016.

"Captain T. S. Baldwin, owner and inventor of the airship City of Portland, with Lincoln Beachey, the boy aeronaut, and the airship, will leave this evening for Los Angeles.

The City of Portland made more successful flights, under varying weather conditions, than any other airship, establishing new records in aeronautics that probably will not be bettered for years to come. In all, the airship made 25 ascents, of which 23 were successful, in that the ship was guided at will and returned safely to the place from which it started. Prior to the flights of the City of Portland, the Angelus went up four times, but did not succeed in getting back to the aeronautic concourse.

"I am well satisfied with the summer's work," said Captain Baldwin this morning. "I think that some progress has been made, and I am going to keep right on trying."

Baldwin will operate all winter, probably in one of the Los Angeles parks. There is a movement on foot, backed by the chamber of commerce of Los Angeles, to build in that city an aerodrome for the use of any airship man who may care to utilize it in making experiments. If this plan goes through Captain Baldwin will be the first to take advantage of it.

Captain Baldwin said this morning that he had two new motors ordered, one a two-cylinder motor and the other of the four cylinder style, which he expected to try out in connection with the experiments in Los Angeles."


Source:    "The Oregon Daily Journal", Friday, October 20, 1905, courtesy Historic Oregon Newspaper Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, 2016.