Early Aviation in Wisconsin

Hi all! We’re hoping that everybody is having a wonderful holiday season.

This week, I have been scanning several albums of photos that were recently donated to the Kelch Aviation Museum showing early aviation in Wisconsin. Some of these are really fascinating and while I haven’t fully researched the photographer and whether or not these have been published elsewhere, I find myself wondering how many of these have been seen widely before. The albums are from George Hardy via the the Dick and Jeannie Hill estate. I thought I would share a couple here.

John Kaminsky of Milwaukee, the youngest aviator in the world.

John Kaminsky of Milwaukee, the youngest aviator in the world.

Aviator Barlow and mascot Jack. Rhinelander, Wis.

Aviator Barlow and mascot Jack. Rhinelander, Wis.

Tomahawk, Wis., July 4, 1914.

Tomahawk, Wis., July 4, 1914.

Unknown pilot, Tomahawk, Wis., July 4, 1914.

Unknown pilot, Tomahawk, Wis., July 4, 1914.

Wreck of the Aeroplane at Tomahawk, Wis., July 4, 1914.

Wreck of the Aeroplane at Tomahawk, Wis., July 4, 1914.

If anyone has more information on these images from northern Wisconsin in the very early days of powered flight, please let us know. E-mail preened@kelchmuseum.org or comment below.

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