The sister ship to our Curtiss-Wright 12-W (one serial number below) is shown here in 1932 with its original owner, Ruth Kitchel from Coldwater, Michigan.

Ruth and her friend Alice Hirschman flew in the 1932 Michigan Air Tour. This picture was printed in the Detroit Times. Ruth & Alice flew the 12-W on the 1,500 mile week long trek along with 40 other planes. Thousands of people came to the 16 airports along the way to see the planes, “stunts” and to buy rides, $1.50 charged. 

Notice how elegantly the ladies are dressed. Alice is helping Ruth put on her fanny parachute.