Article: The Hoboken Flying Machine. By Bill Rhode. (1994)
Entry/Object ID
2011.022.0001
Scope and Content
Article: The Hoboken Flying Machine. By Bill Rhode. An article written for "Aerial Anecdotes" column in a New Jersey publication, (1994.) See notes.
Two facsimile leaves with original publication clipped and arranged on the two leaves. Underlining of selected text as received.
The article relates the story of efforts by inventor John Robjohn to create a flying machine in Hoboken from 1851 to 1865. It was not a success and apparently parts of it were removed and stored in New York City where a press notice from 1871 recorded the abandoned machinery. Author Rhode was the owner of a large clipping file of Scientific American magazine articles related to flying and aviation. These articles were the source material for this work.
Acquisition
Accession
2011.022
Source or Donor
Simpson, Mrs. Margaret
Acquisition Method
Gift
Credit Line
Courtesy of Mrs. Margaret Simpson
Archive Details
Date(s) of Creation
1994 - 1994
Archive Notes
Date(s) Created: 1994
Date(s): 1994
General Notes
Note
Notes: The donor attributed the source publication as Air-List Ads, Harry Hamlin, N.J., Publisher; page numbers 22, 24 and 28 appear on portions. While an airport is New Jersey is listed as Air-List-Ad, information about this publication and relation has not been established.
A text reference to "143 years ago" would place the publication date as 1994.
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An additional leaf is present with a published World War II era photo of the author plus a then-current biography. Donor noted below photo "deceased."
About the author
Bill Rhode was nine years old in 1924 wehn he discovered old airplanes at Miller Field in Staten Island, New York and decided to make aviation his life's pursuit. He worked for the legendary Gates Flying Circus and, as a young man, began parachute-jumping at numerous air shows.
A B-17 tail gunner during World War II, he has also been a stunt pilot, acrobatics instructor, and flight instructor. Mr. Rhode has amassed thirty thousand flying hours.
Status: OK
Status By: dw
Status Date: 2011-04-18
