The Asheville Citizen, Asheville, NC, Sat., January 1, 1921:
p. 8, c. 1 -
TRICK FLYING TO BE
DONE THIS AFTERNOON
----------
Lieutenant Turner Will Stage "Fare-
well" Exhibition Flight at Baird's
Bottom Today.
----------
Tail spins, loop-the-loops and other "death defying" air stunts
will be performed at 3:30 o'clock this afternoon at Baird's bottom by
Lieut. Roscoe Turner, of the U.S.R.C., who, in announcing the event,
termed it a "farewell to Asheville."
Lieutenant Turner, who has been connected with an Asheville aero
company for the last several months, has resigned and will accept a
position as sales manager for the Southern Motor company, Columbia, S.C.,
and will also take charge of flying for the Carolina Aircraft company.
He is orginally from Mississippi, but lived in Tennessee for a
number of years, having been engaged in the automobile business there.
He is an airplane pilot, observer, airplane acrobat, parachute jumper and
served overseas as an aviator. Upon his discharge he entered commercial
flying.
Providing the wind is not blowing too hard, Lieutenant Turner
promises to do a few acrobatic stunts while trick flying this afternoon.
The Sunday Record, Columbia, SC, Sun., January 9, 1921:
S.2, p. 1 , c. 1-5 -
PHOTO: [Picture of plane and automobile with Roscoe inset at top left of
photo] Caption: THE TWO GREATEST TIME SAVERS. The Curtiss Oriole
'plane driven by Lieut. Roscoe Turner, whose picture is seen in
the insert. Lieut. Turner has selected Columbia as his
headquarters on account of this city's central location, and
hopes to see this section the center for aviation in the
southeast. He refers to the airplane and the motor car as "the
two greatest time savers in our industrial life."
COLUMBIA SHOULD BE THE AVIATION CENTER FOR THE ENTIRE SOUTHEAST
----------------------------------------------
ADVANTAGE OF THE
CITY AND SECTION
FOR AVIATION TOLD
----------------
Daring Aviator, Who Has Seen
Varied Service in A.E.F.
and in U.S., Locates Here
Columbia's Advantages Stress-
ed as Center for Aviation in
the Southeastern Section
Lieut. Roscoe Turner, United States Reserve Corps, who is already
well known to Columbians as a daring and skillful aviator, arrived in
this city the past week, and will make Columbia his future headquarters,
accepting a position with the Southern Motor Company as assistant
sales-manager, and also assuming the duties of sales-manager for the
Carolina Aircraft Company. Lieut. Turner is a former partner of Runser
and Turner, exhibition and cross country fliers. Before America entered
the world war he lived in Mississippi and Tennessee, being engaged in the
automobile business.
When America entered the war Lieut. Turner enlisted in the army
and was later commissioned in the air service, in which branch of the
A.E.F. he saw considerable active service in France and later in Germany.
His experience in the American Expeditionary Forces was varied, being
assigned to duties as a pilot, observer and spherical balloon pilot and
captive balloon observer. After the war was over Lieut. Turner devoted
himself to commercial flying, being retained in the United States Reserve
Corps as an aviation officer.
In flying in the United States Lieut. Turner has seen a varied
amount of service and has had many thrilling experiences as a parachute
jumper and aerial acrobat. He is also an expert mechanic on aeronautical
and automobile motors.
Cont.....
The Asheville Citizen, Asheville, NC, Weds., January 19, 1921:
p. 11, c. 1 -
[WANT AD in Classified section- this was photo credit on picture of AVRO
with Runser and live pig]
-----------------------------------
KODAK FINISHING
-----------------------------------
When We Do Your
Kodak Finishing
and Enlarging, You're Sure of
Obtaining the Best Results
THE PLATEAU STUDIO
Over Smith's Drug Store
1-13-1
------------------------------------
Marion Progress, Marion, NC, Thurs., Jan. 20, 1921:
p. 1, c. 4 -
MARION TO HAVE
AEROPLANE FACTORY
Among the various industries of Marion there is, so it is said,
to be added a plant to manufacture aeroplanes. Think of it! Marion,
N.C., the first city in the South to engage in the construction of the
flying craft. The location of the new plant has already been settled
upon and it is expected that the skilled labor necessary for the work
will be on hand soon and that before many weeks have elapsed the hum and
whiz of the new plant will be heard by the folks of Marion.
The plant is to be managed by an expert in the business. The
capital will be furnished largely by local financiers who will doubtless
have a controlling voice in the new enterprise. The announcement that
local promoters have gone into the manufacturing of air machines may
sound skeptical to some folks but nevertheless The Progress has good
reliable information that it is a fact.
The new company, it is said, has taken advantage of an
opportunity to secure a quantity of war material and expects to build a
limousine type of machine. It is to be electrically heated, started and
lighted.
The first machine to be produced will be made of Carolina wood,
and will be named the Carolina Cloudster. Western North Carolina has
long been famous as the "land of the sky," but hereafter the name is to
be changed to "land of the Carolina Cloudster."
The new organization has secured the services of Lieut. Harry S.
Runser as head of the construction department. Lieut. Runser has an
envious record as an aviator. He was first to fly across the Blue Ridge.
He has flown in twenty-two states and in Canada and has the distinction
of never having had a mishap.
The Lenoir News-Topic, Lenoir, NC, Thurs., Jan. 20, 1921:
p. 1, c. 6 -
PLANNING TO MAKE
AIRPLANES SOON
--------
Runser Is Going to Establish a
Manufacturing Plant at
Marion, N.C.
------------
The first city in the South to plan to manufacture airplanes from
the ground up is to be Marion, N.C., according to a statement sent out by
Harry Runser. Lieut. Runser is well known here as having piloted the
first airplane ever to cross the Blue Ridge. This was accomplished on
his trip from a town in western Virginia to Lenoir to give exhibition
flights at the Caldwell county fair two years ago.
Runser says he is going to form a corporation with $100,000
capital. Associated with Runser is Monte Rolfe of London, England. The
company is to be known as the Marion Aircraft Corporation and will build
the "Carolina Cloudster," constructed entirely of North Carolina products
save the motor, which is to be the Liberty type purchased through the
U.S. government.
Lieut. Runser in boosting his coming concern said they would be
able to build a good commercial plane at half the price demanded on
foreign markets. The first plane will be of the enclosed limousine type,
electrically started, lighted and heated, comparing favorably with
machines selling for $30,000 in Europe, and to be offered at about half
that sum.
A flying school for pilots in the vicinity of Marion is another
feature contemplated.
The Asheville Citizen, Asheville, NC, Sun,Mon,Tues., February 13-15, 1921:
p. 18, c. 8; p. 11, c. 2; p. 11, c. 4 -
[WANT AD in Classified section]
---------------------------------------
SPECIAL
---------------------------------------
MUSIC TEACHER-- Using Lesche-
tizky method, organizing class for
beginners and advanced pupils,
about Feb. 15. Ten years' experi-
ence in teaching this method. It is
recognized by people who know, as
foremost in music. Class limited to
twenty pupils. Phone 657 between
3 and 5 p.m. during coming week.
Mrs. Kathyrn Runser. 2-13-3
----------------------------------------
The Asheville Citizen, Asheville, NC, Weds., February 23, 1921:
p. 2, c. 6 -
TO DROP CIGARS FROM
HEAVENS SATURDAY
-----------
2,000 Will Be Dropped From Airplane
Over the Business Section of the
City at 3 P.M.
------------
Cigars literally dropped from the heavens will greet Asheville
people who are on the lookout next Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock, when
J.B. Porter and company, manufacturers' agents and cigar brokers, and
Hughes and company plan to drop 2,000 good smokes from the sky, to be
given to those who get them first.
The big airplane owned by Scott Dillingham will be used and one
of the pilots who brought the machine here will drive it. It is planned
to drop the cigars over the business section of the city and in the depot
section. Each cigar will be wrapped separately and it is believed that a
scheme has been worked out whereby the cigars will not break, even after
they strike the pavement or sidewalks, or houses.
Everything is in readiness for the exhibition and if weather
permits the event will take place. In case of inclement weather, J.B.
Porter stated last night that the cigars would be dropped some other day.
The Asheville Citizen, Asheville, NC, Sat,Sun,Mon., February 26-28, 1921:
p. 9, c. 4; p. 14, c. 7; p. 10, c. 5 -
[WANT AD in Classified section]
---------------------------------------
SPECIAL
---------------------------------------
KATHRYN RUNSER -- Teacher of
piano. Studio 22, Dunham's Music
House. p2-26-3
----------------------------------------
The Columbia Record, Columbia, SC, Mon., March 14, 1921:
p. 7 , c. 2 -
COLUMBIAN WOULD
FLY MT. EVERETT
-------
Turner Accepts Challenge of
Buffalo Aviator for Daring
Trip to Top of World
--------
Picture: [Young dashing Roscoe Turner in civilian clothes]
Lieut. Roscoe Turner, of Columbia, army aviator, has offered
himself for an airplane flight of explortation to the top of Mount
Everett, in the Himalayas, the highest peak in the world. His offer was
sent Monday to Roland Rohlfs, of Buffalo, who has worked out a plan of
making the flight to the top of the world and who recently sent out a
challenge, over the Associated Press wires, for some one to accompany him
on the dangerous flight.
The plan which Rohlfe has worked out is for the aviators to wear
electrically heated coats and carry oxygen tanks. The air is so rare at
the top of Everett that man can not live there without an extra supply of
breathing air from somewhere. The wind at the top of the world blows at
all times at a speed of from 60 to 80 miles. The plane will be driven at
a faster speed than this until the top of the peak is reached, where the
engines will be slowed down until their speed is exactly the same as that
of the wind. This will make the airplane stand still. The aviator will
then climb down a rope ladder and make his explorations.
Lieut. Turner, if allowed to accompany the Buffalo flyer,
proposes to use a long ladder that will give him considerable range on
the mountain, where he can take photographs. He says it will take a man
of strong physique to stand the trip, as the rareness of the air will
make existence difficult. It is said that the top of the world is
terribly cold and the air is so thin that blood pops out at the ears,
nose and other thinly protected parts.
Lieut. Turner is hoping that his acceptance of the challenge for
the daring flight will be accepted.
The Asheville Citizen, Asheville, NC, Tues., March 15, 1921:
p. 8, c. 4 -
AVIATOR NOT TO
BLAME FOR DEATH
OF WOMAN IN FLA.
---------------
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 14. -- Monte Rolfe, civilian aviator,
was today exonerated of any blame in connection with the death yesterday
of Mrs. A. Mollenkopf of Van Wert, Ohio, by a coroner's jury which
rendered a verdict of "unavoidable accident."
Mrs. Mollenkopf was killed while gathering seashells at Pablo
Beach, when she was struck by an airplane piloted by Rolfe.
Testimony introduced at the coroner's inquiry was to the effect
that Mrs. Mollenkopf was within an area in which pedestrians were warned
against descending planes.
[PALMAFESTA in Columbia, SC was Mon, March 28 - Sat, April 2, 1921]
No Source, No Date clipping-
FLIES TO PALMAFESTA
Lieut. H.J.Runser, the well known aviator arrived in Columbia
Friday afternoon in time to take in the evening festivities at
Palmafesta. He flew from the mountains of North Carolina. He will make
his home in Columbia and will be associated with his old partner, Lieut.
Roscoe Turner.
The Columbia Record, Columbia, SC, Sat., April 2, 1921:
p. 3 , c. 4-6 -
LIEUT. RUNSER
WILL LIVE HERE
--------
Another step in advancement of Columbia as the largest air center
in the South is marked by the arrival of Lieut. H.J. Runser, who has come
here to join his former partner, Lieut. Roscoe Turner, assistant sales
manager of the Southern Motor Co. and one of the pilots of the Carolina
Aircraft Co. Lieut. Runser arrived in Columbia at 6:10 o'clock Friday
afternoon after making a trip of 180 miles in good time coming from the
heart of the mountains of western North Carolina where he has been giving
flights.
In addition of Lieut. Runser means a big step forward for
Columbia in the aerial activities. They will also have associated with
them Mr. J.E. Mann of the Davis Motor Co. of Columbia. This gives
Columbia three planes now and the automobile men are cooperating to a
great extent. Among other plans being made is to carry the automobile men
over the state, which gives Columbia the distinction, it is stated, of
being the first city to use airplanes as the exclusive mode of travel for
the automobile men on their business and pleasure trips.
Both. Lieut. Turner and Lieut. Runser are well known for the
records, both during the world war and as commercial flyers. They are
well known throughout the country. They have helped to develop the
airplane transportation as one of greatest means of travel. Further
plans will be given later.
There are now three planes here, two property of Carolina
Aircraft Co., and one the property of Turner and Runser.
Lieut. Runser stated that he had a fine ride to the Palmetto
capital and that the air was fine for flying. The clear skies gave him a
clear vision for a radius of one hundred miles. He flew at an altitude
of a mile and a half when he came over. He arrived in time to enjoy the
festivities of Palmafesta Friday night.
Lieut. Runser is well known in Columbia having been here on other
occasions and he will be welcomed by his old friends and will make new
friends as a new citizen of Columbia.
He came over in a British plane, which was made famous during the
world war and considered by all the allied armies, it is stated, as being
the fastest airplane in use during the big conflict "over there."
The Sunday Record, Columbia, SC, Vol IV, #8, Sec 2, Sun, April 3, 1921:
p. 1, c. 7-8 -
PALMAFESTA QUEEN
RIDES IN THE AIR
THIS AFTERNOON
-----------
As an aftermath of the Palmafesta week festivities, Lieuts.
Roscoe Turner and H.J. Runser have planned to take Miss Sarah
Kirkpatrick, of Chester, Queen of Palmafesta for a trip over the city
today.
At 3 o'clock this afternoon at the old government flying field on
the Garner's Ferry road, Lieut. Turner will deliver a lecture on
"Aeronautics" and will then make a flight, doing dare-devil stunts in the
air.
The lecture will stress the idea of making Columbia a leading air
center. Lieut. Runser has just come to Columbia to be associated with
Lieut. Turner, and some big plans are in store in things aerial.
The Columbia Record, Columbia, SC, Mon, April 4, 1921:
p. 5, c. 7-8 -
EXHIBITION FLIGHT IS
POSTPONED 'TIL SUNDAY
---------
The flying exhibition by Runser and Turner which was scheduled
for Sunday afternoon, April 3, has been postponed until next Sunday
because of a broken ball bearing in one of the motors. This trouble was
not dangerous, but the aviators prefer not to fly unless things are
perfect. The only trouble that could have developed from the broken
bearing is that it might have ruined a $3,000 motor. A new bearing has
been ordered from New York and will be put in the motor in a few days.
Runser and Turner regretted very much to disappoint the people in
their flights but their success has been through careful inspections of
their plane and proper judgment of when and how to fly.
Plans are fast developing for a big corporation in Columbia to
buy, sell, build and repair airplanes and operate a school for automobile
and airplane mechanics by Runser and Turner of the Southern Motor Company
and J.E. Mann of the Davis Motor Company.
Bob Lambert's Easter Egg and JN-4 Curtiss will be tuned up this
week also for next Sunday.
The Sunday Record, Columbia, SC, Sec 2, Sun, April 10, 1921:
p. 8, c. 6 -
LARGE AIRPLANE
COMPANY SOUGHT
------
Turner and Runser go After
big Corporation for the
Capital City
------
Lieut. Roscoe Turner, the aviator who is now located in Columbia
has received an answer from his letter recently written regarding a
flight to the top of Mount Everett. His request to take a flight to the
dizzy heights has been referred to the proper authorities also to the
Royal Aero Club. Lieut. Turner has made a request to take this trip in a
plane and he is anxiously awaiting a favorable reply.
Lieut. Runser and Turner of the Southern Motor Co., and J.E.Mann
of the Davis Motor Co. have been negotiating during the week with a big
corporation to make Columbia headquarters which would help to put
Columbia on the map as an aerial center. Their charter covers quite a
wide field so that they may add to its activities as its business
progresses. Initial plans are to take on several planes for Southern
states and to buy, sell, build and repair airplanes or automobiles,
operate schools for automobile, airplane and tractor mechanics and also a
school of flying for both men and women.
Lieut. Turner has received two names, one of a prominent woman of
the city for the class.
Last Sunday's exhibition flight and lecture by Lieut. Turner was
postponed but it will be put on at the old Emerson aviation field on the
Garner's Ferry road Sunday at 3:30 o'clock.
The Columbia Record, Columbia, SC, Wed, April 13, 1921:
p. 10, c. 5 -
BIG BRITISH PLANE
TAKES WEDNESDAY FLY
----------
The big British airplane was sent up on a test flight Wednesday
morning after having been out of commission for several days awaiting the
arrival of parts for the rotary motor. The Runser and Turner ship
hovered over the city with M.O.Dunning of Columbia, as a passenger. Mr.
Dunning is also an aviator with overseas experience.
One flight was made last Sunday in the Curtiss plane, to keep
from dissappointing the crowd which had gathered on the flying field.
Lieut. Roscoe Turner did not attempt his wing walking stunt because of
the high wind but he announces that each Sunday from now on there will be
flights and exhibitions given unless advance notice is given to the
contrary.
Messrs. Runser and Turner leave Wednesday afternoon, weather
permitting, for Charlotte to attend the automobile show. Lieut. Turner
announces that he is receiving applications for the courses in flying
which is to start June 1.
The Charlotte News, Charlotte, NC, Tues, April 15, 1921:
p. 20, c. -
AIRPLANE LINE FOR
CAROLINAS PROPOSED
---------
An airplane line for commercial and passenger carrying service
between Columbia, Charlotte and Winston-Salem is proposed by Roscoe
Turner, H.J. Runser and J.E.Mann of Columbia, who came here before and
did exhibition flying. Mr. Turner says he and his associates are
considering plans now for opening the line and they expect to employ a
de luxe six-passenger plane within a short time.
Another feature of their plan is the opening of a school for
flyers in Columbia soon. They expect to open this within a short while.
Instruction will be given to either men or women applicants.
Lieutenant Turner recently filed application to accompany
Lieutenant Roland Rolfe on his trip to exploration over Mt. Everett in
the Himalayas. The application has been forwarded to the proper
authorities in London, where plans are being made for the flight.
The Sunday Record, Columbia, SC, Sun, April 17, 1921:
p. 8, c. 4 -
AVIATORS TO RETURN
THIS MORNING, WILL
GIVE FLIGHTS TODAY
-------------
Runser and Turner, the Columbia aviators who have been in
Charlotte this week wired Saturday night that they had been held up in
Charlotte by wind and rain but expected to reach Columbia by nine o'clock
Sunday morning and give an exhibition flight and take up passengers
Sunday afternoon from Emerson field on the Garner's Ferry Road.
The Columbia Record, Columbia, SC, Tues, April 19, 1921:
p. 3, c. 6 -
BY PLANE TO COLUMBIA
CHARLOTTE MAN HURRIES
-----
A.P.Mull, a prominent business man of Charlotte, father of Harold
R. Mull, distributor for the Davis motor car in Columbia, returned with
Runser and Turner, the Columbia airmen, to this city yesterday afternoon
in the Columbia flyers' plane, the trip consuming just 64 minutes.
Lieutenant Turner, in explaining the longer time necessary on the return
trip, stated that terrific winds were encountered high in the air, their
direction changing almost momentarily. The trip from Columbia to
Charlotte last Friday was made in 54 minutes.
Mr. Mull, in relating his experience, said he wished to make a
business trip to Columbia in a hurry, and decided to use the Columbia
plane for that purpose. He came, he said, in the biggest hurry of his
life, but the trip was thoroughly enjoyable all the way.
Runser and Turner are flying every afternoon between 5 and 7
o'clock, and will soon make a flight from Columbia to Savannah.
The Columbia Record, Columbia, SC, Weds, April 20, 1921:
p. 2, c. 7 -
AVIATORS TO FLY
BY NIGHT, FRIDAY
-------
Columbia Flyers to Do Stunts
in Illuminated Plane- On
Emerson Field
--------
"Flying by night" will be the stunt to be put on by Runser and
Turner, the Columbia aviators for Friday evening of this week, if the
weather permits. If it is cloudy or the weather is not otherwise
favorable the stunt will not be attempted, but otherwise they expect to
put it over in good style.
The aviators have been disappointed for the past three Sundays,
because of the winds and other unfavorable weather, that they could not
put on their exhibition flights and dare devil stunts but now they are
planning to show Columbia how the aviators work and fly at night. The
plane will be illuminated with an electrical apparatus furnished by the
B-C Electric company and the storage battery by the Southern Motor
company. The birdmen will demonstrate how night flying is accomplished
both in "taking off" and landing in the dark. They will also show how
the aviators find their objects at night.
In addition to the flight the aviators will give a talk on
aviation. A charge of $1 for automobiles regardless of the number of
passengers will be made to the entrance of the field. This money will be
used for the up-keep of the flying field, on the Garner's Ferry road,
formerly known as Emerson field.
Runser and Turner announce that they will make another trip to
Charlotte next Saturday to confer with well to do North Carolina men on
the proposed establishment of an air-line between Columbia and Charlotte
and Winston-Salem.
The Columbia Record, Columbia, SC, Thurs, April 21, 1921:
p. 3, c. 3 -
ELEVEN PASSENGERS
IN COLUMBIA PLANE
---------
Runser and Turner carried eleven passengers in their airplane
Wednesday afternoon for birdseye views of the capital and the sightseers
seemed to enjoy their trip immensely. Four of the eleven passengers
asked that their names not be published but the other seven were: L.D.
Strauss, Tom Kelly, R.C.Kennan, Jr., S. Watson, L.B.Friday, T.C.Mole and
Dr. Nelson. One of the passengers, S. Watson, made the trip to Lexington
and return in fifteen minutes with the aviators. He had a great
experience and when he returned he was briming over with enthusiasm over
his ride.
Preparations are in the making for the night flight on Friday
evening. If the weather permits, Lieuts. Turner and Runser will fly over
the city in an illuminated plane and will demonstrate how night flying i
done, how an object is located in the dark and how the plane takes off
and lands in the darkness. A talk will also be given on aviation. This
will be at Emerson field on the Garners' Ferry road. An admission fee of
one dollar regardless of the number of passengers the funds to go to
upkeep of the field.
The Columbia Record, Columbia, SC, Fri, April 22, 1921:
p. 8, c. 2 -
THE ILLUMINATED
FLIGHT FRI. P.M.
--------
Runser and Turner to Dem-
onstrate Night Flying at
Emerson Field
---------
Runser and Turner, Columbia aviators, are all set for their night
flight and demonstration for Friday evening. They expect to go up in an
illuminated plane and all arrangements have been completed. The only
thing now doubtful is the weather. If that is favorable the flight will
be made. The people of Columbia will have the opportunity of seeing how
night flights are made and demonstrations will be given showing how an
aviator finds his objects in the darkness or semi-darkness of the night.
Flights after the sun had sunk in the West were regular occurrences
during the recent World dispute.
Runser and Turner made a trip to Lexington Thursday and took up
Sheriff Miller and also Miss Pauline Hook and Dr. R.B. Harmon. Weather
permitting, Runser and Turner plan to make a trip to Charlotte Saturday
morning, leaving Emerson field at 6 o'clock.
An admission fee of $1 for automobiles, regardless of the number
of passengers will be charged for entrance to the field Friday night
where the flight will start. There will also be a talk on aviation by
one of the flyers.
The Sunday Record, Columbia, SC, Sun, April 24, 1921:
p. 5, c. 3 -
NIGHT FLIGHT IS
MADE OVER CITY
------
Columbia Aviators' Illumin-
ated Plane Goes Up for In-
terview With Stars
-------
Flirting with the moon and stars last evening, Runser and Turner,
the Columbia aviators gave a new kind of aerial demonstration to a few
Columbians with a night flight that was most creditably done. Taking the
air in perfect manner, the birdmen soared over the tree tops, into the
sky, and they had appeared to be having communication with the moon and
stars so that the ship appeared to be a star itself moving around in the
heavens.
The men soared over the field and then glided over the city.
They reported that the city with its lighted skyline would have made an
excellent target.
The landing was as perfectly done as if it were broad daylight.
It was a decided feather in the cap of these aviators.
When the field can be properly illuminated the aviators state
they plan to take passengers up for night trips.
The electrical equipment for the illuminated plane was supplied
by the B-C Electric Company.
The Columbia Record, Columbia, SC, Mon, April 25, 1921:
p. 10, c. 2 -
AVIATORS WILL PITCH
FIRST BALL FROM SKY
AT OPENING BALL GAME
------------
The "gay festivities" at University field will be opened Monday
afternoon when the first ball pitched will be delivered from Runser and
Turner's airplane. The Columbia aviators will circle the field and just
as the play begins they will drop the ball into the diamond.
Runser and Turner carried several passengers up for flights
Sunday afternoon and later gave a demonstration with Turner playing
around on the upper wings of the plane. The aviators also had a head on
collision with a buzzard up in mid air and report a broken propellor but
this was soon replaced and the chief damage was to Mr. Buzzard who has
perhaps "gone where all good buzzards go."
Several passengers were taken for rides Sunday afternoon. The
names of several could not be given but Runser and Turner report these:
M.T. Durham, L.L. Berry, S.T.Carter, J.G. Wilbourne, John L. Mimnaugh,
Jr., Miss Emily Thompson, Mr. Johnson of Carter Motor Co. and others.
The State, Columbia, SC, Tues, April 26, 1921:
p. 1, c. 1-2 -
COLUMBIA WINS FIRST
BEFORE GREAT CROWD
-----
Baseball Hungry Thousands at Carolina field to See
Champion Comers Turn Spartanburg Back in Sea-
son's Opening Game- Zinn Beck's Team
Comes Through in Impressive Style.
---------
The Columbia champions got out on the right sides of their
respective beds in the morning and put their best foot or feet forward in
the afternoon as befits champions opening a baseball season and when it
was all said and done the Comers had defeated Spartanburg, 10 to 5, in a
game that made up in satisfaction for the faithful what it lacked in the
way of polish. The official paid admissions totalled 5,763, some three
hundred less than the record breaker of last season but nevertheless
quite a crowd. The stands were filled an hour before the game time and
when Paul Johnson threw the first ball plateward baseball hungry men,
women and children were massed in all the outfield space not required for
the players and crowding the base lines to the danger point.
...Runser and Turner, flying a British plane, ducked low over the
field and dropped a ball as Photographer Sulzman was clicking the crowds
and the game was on....
The Columbia Record, Columbia, SC, Tues, April 26, 1921:
p. 8, c. 4 -
AVIATORS KEPT
BUSY ON MONDAY
-----
Drop First Ball at Opening
Game- Take Passengers
Repair an airplane
------
Columbia departed from the time-honored occasion of having the
governor, mayor or some other celebrity to pitch the first ball at the
opening game of the season Monday. Just about the time the teams were
ready to take the field Runser and Turner the Columbia aviators circled
the field and then scooped down right over the field and tossed a
baseball into the playing field. The horsehide landed near the third
base foul lines and some Columbia lad recovered it. The lad did not seem
to know what to do with the pill as he was being urged to throw it in and
by others to keep it. Finally he cut it loose and one of the Spartanburg
players got it. This was not the ball that was used in play but it was
the opening of the season all right. The throw was difficult to make so
as to avoid hitting somebody in the huge crowd.
The aviators carried several Columbians over for a view of the
city from the sky Monday, including Mrs. J.M. Black, William Lorrick, and
R.C.Keenan, Jr.
The Carolina Aircraft company did its first repair job Monday
when it overhauled a Curtis plane and put it in fit shape. It had a bad
landing. When the job was finished Aviator Long carried the ship to its
destination. There are several orders for repairs but until the company
is properly equipped it can not handle repair work for the present.
Negotiations have been completed, it is announced for the
Carolina Aircraft company to represent an aircraft concern of New York
whereby the big British Avaro airplane will be handled here.
The Columbia Record, Columbia, SC, Weds, April 27, 1921:
p. 8, c. 5 -
RUM RUNNING PLANE
SIEZED IN SAVANNAH
---------
Savannah, April 27.-- The city of Savannah was confronted with a
brand new problem today in connection with enforcement of the prohibition
law. Last night eighty quarts of liquor were confiscated from an
airplane that was found resting in the municipal landing field.
Today the commissioner of police was advised by the solicitor
general that the state prohibition law made no provision for confiscating
a vehicle flying through and found to bring intoxicants. There was
provision for confiscating boats, automobiles and other vehicles of land
and water, but none to permit the taking over of one which used the air.
Nevertheless, the commissioner decided to take a chance, so today a force
of men representing the municipality is dismantling the airplanes and
carrying it in pieces to the police barracks. It is hoped yet to find
some law by which they can act. If not the machine probably will be
turned over to the government.
This is the first bootlegger of the air caught by the local
police. The can contained the finest brands of whiskey which up to this
time are unclaimed. It landed here three days ago, presumably from Cuba.
[Runser and Turner attempted to buy this plane in Savannah, GA, later in
September, 1921]
The Columbia Record, Columbia, SC, Thurs, April 28, 1921:
p. 10, c. 5 -
COLUMBIANS WILL
FLY TO ROCK HILL
------
Air Trip Friday for Someone.
Airplanes to Race- Many
Ride With Runser-Turner
-------
Runser and Turner, the Columbia aviators, are planning a trip to
Rock Hill Friday. They will be the guests there of President Anderson of
the Anderson Motor Co. They will return Saturday. They announce that
they can carry a passenger with them on this trip. Anyone wishing to
make the ride through the air to the Metoropolis of York county can leave
his name at The Record office.
Viewing a rain storm thirty miles away was the experience enjoyed
Wednesday by three members of one family. These were Miss Nell Carter,
John Carter and little Miss Fravis Carter. Their father State Treasurer
S.T.Carter took a flight a few days ago and was so impressed that he sent
these members of his family up. They circled the city in the Avaro,
which did not seem "to mind" the overload at all. While in the air they
saw a beautiful rain scene in the distance.
Other passengers getting a birdseye view from the clouds
Wednesday were J.B.Lamar of Spartanburg and R.T.Clark of Columbia.
To Stage Air Race
To settle the discussion as to whether the Avaro or the Oriole,
otherwise known as "Bob Lambert's Easter Egg", is the fastest plane a
race has been announced for next Sunday afternoon. Lieut. Turner will
pilot the Avaro and Lieut. Gaines will be at the helm of the Oriole.
Abstracts (c) Copyright 1993 Stephanie L. Sandy
Data transcription by: Milton Sandy, Jr. Corinth, MS - May 24, 1993