Land Transportation in the Rochester Area

VINTAGE VIEWS OF ROCHESTER, NY

AIR TRANSPORTATION

IMELINE

1836

1910

1911

First successful flight in Rochester made by John J. Frisbie on July 7. He flies from a field located between Highland and Elmwood Avenues. After crossing Cobb's Hill he attempted a turn above the intersection of Main and Culver when the engine stalled. He was able to restart the engine, and continue west to the New York Central Depot. He then turned again, and landed at the field where he had started.
On July 8th a flying demonstration was given by the Moisant International Aviators, flying Bleriot monoplanes and Frisbie in his Curtiss biplane. On the next day two of the fliers gave a demonstration of how the airplane could be used in war by dropping paper bags filled with flour on a company of National Guard troops.
Five Rochester built planes, in the design of Glenn Curtiss, were at an air meet held in Rochester.
Fred Eells flies a pontoon equipped Rieflin biplane (patterned after the Curtiss) at Glen Haven. He flew at an altitude of 350 feet, for one hour and twenty-one minutes covering a distance of seventy three miles
The first Air Mail flight in Rochester was part of an air meet held at Crittenden Park on October 21. Lincoln Beachey drops a mailbag over Genesee Valley Park to waiting Postal officials. The 15,000 postcards were then specially postmarked, and delivered. 35,000 attended the air show.
The Elbridge engine was built on Culver Road. The Elbridge was a simple powerful water cooled, two cycle engine, highly favored by airplane builders.

1921

The city acquires Britton Field off Scottsville Road for an airfield. The site is left unimproved.

1928

A 1927 visit by Col. Lindbergh inspires Rochester to plan for mail, freight, and passenger air service. A hanger, runways, and signaling devices are built for the newly named 'Rochester Municipal Airport'.
Air Mail route between Cleveland and Albany includes a stop at Rochester.

1930

1931

Three squadrons of the Army Air Corps First Pursuit group stop to refuel. A national record is tied when all eighty-four planes take off in fifteen minutes.

1933

Amelia Earhart visits Rochester to speak at the Lyceum Theater
Wiley Post flies into Rochester in his famous plane the 'Winnie Mae' after his solo round the world flight.

1934

To celebrate Rochester's Centennial Year additional improvements are made at the airport. A new hanger, and Administration Building with waiting rooms and terminal facilities are built. An additional runway, lighting, and a two-way radio are added.

1935

RANSPORTATION

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ARDS