![]() ![]() The women had an undeniably strong bond as the forerunners of women in aviation. Each of them was daring, fearless, and talented, and each recognized the same traits in their counterparts. Although they were as fiercely competitive with each other as they were with the men, the women had an undeniably strong bond as the forerunners of women in aviation. The Ninety-Nines sprouted from the growing sense of community among women pilots, who numbered just over one hundred at the group’s founding. ![]() The photo depicted the inaugural meeting of what would become known as the Ninety-Nines-named for the number of its charter members-the small but growing organization of women pilots in the United States, whose goal was “good fellowship, jobs, and a central office and files on women in aviation.” The Ninety-Nines had been founded in August 1929 after the first annual Powder Puff Derby, when nineteen women pilots took off from Santa Monica, California, and raced to the finish line in Cleveland, Ohio, just over a week later. Fresh off the flying line, outfitted in grease-stained coveralls, a flying cap, and goggles, clipboard in hand, she was clearly a pilot. Aside from the setting, the gathering could have easily been mistaken for a luncheon, except for the presence of one woman, off to the side and staring directly at the camera. ![]() Some are looking in the direction of the camera, but others are turned away, clearly enjoying each other’s company. In a photo taken on the day of the meeting, most of the women were adorned with cloche hats, furs, and oxford pumps-all typical of the time. The day had seen bad weather, so most of the women had arrived by train or car, bundled in winter furs and leather gloves, and were now passing around a tea cart that was actually just a kettle balanced precariously in a toolbox. It was loud and cold, with a persistent hum in the background, as Curtiss mechanics got to work repairing six-cylinder Challenger engines. On November 2, 1929, a group of twenty-six women sat assembled in a dark, musty aircraft hangar at Curtiss Field in Valley Stream, New York. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |