Oakville Images

McCurdy's Silver Dart

Description
Media Type
Image
Item Type
Postcards
Description
A postcard sent to Reverend R.B. Layton sailing on the S.S. Maracas to Trinidad on April 3rd, 1909, via the Trinidad Trading & Shipping Co., New York, mailed in Baddeck from Connie.
Notes
This postcard commemorates the first heavier-than-air powered flight in Canada and the British Empire. The successful flight by 23-year-old J.A.D. (Douglas) McCurdy took place on February 23, 1909 over the ice of Baddeck Bay, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. He wrote: "I having taken my seat, the machine was released and after a run of about a hundred feet, took to the air. I landed on the ice about half a mile away and taxied back to the starting point, and I think the thing that impressed me most was the look of absolute astonishment on the faces of the spectators." The wings were covered with silver Japanese silk, hence its name. On March 10th, McCurdy flew it 22 miles.
Inscriptions
Front: Drome, No.4, McCurdy's Silver Dart, Baddeck, N.S. Copyright 1909 HM Benner

Reverse side reads:
"28 March 1909. This did fly 8 miles-
Just a farewell from Baddeck. Hope these machines will be in general use when you come back- if so you could come oftener
Bon Voyage-
Love, Connie"
Date of Original
28 March 1909
Subject(s)
Local identifier
OILL0001
Language of Item
English
Geographic Coverage
  • Nova Scotia, Canada
    Latitude: 46.10014 Longitude: -60.74849
Copyright Statement
Public domain: Copyright has expired according to Canadian law. No restrictions on use.
Contact
Oakville Public Library
Email:oplreference@oakville.ca
Website:
Agency street/mail address:

Oakville Public Library

Central Branch

120 Navy Street

Oakville, ON L6J 2Z4

Tel: (905) 815-2042

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