Putnam patriot., 1929-05-23
Many Putnam People, Includ- ing Officials, Go Up For
 First Time
Stunt Flying and Aerobaties by Two
 Planes

Putnam's first "air meet" staged under the auspices ef the l.. & H. Aircraft Company of Hartford, prov ed to be an abbreviated affair. Only two planes came to Putnam to par ticipate in the three-day program elaborately outlined in advance. Citi- zens of Putnam waited in vain for the aerial procession, in which seven planes were scheduled to take part. C. Benedict Blank left without mak- ing any official statement as to why the meet" was so materially abbre- viated The affair came to an end in a downpour of rain, Sunday af- ternoon.
 Notwithstanding there were but two ships sent to Putnam, people hereabouts had an opportunity to wit ness the progress of the planes all day Friday, Saturday and again Sun. day, until it began to rain The pilots shot alcft when the number of passengers to be carried diminished and performed routine of stunts The edead stick" landing was made from an altitude of approximately 5000 feet. the pilot bringing his ship to the ground in graceful spirals until within a few hundred feet of the earth.
 Lands In Tree
 "Ted" White, heralded as the youngest parachute jumper in the business, made one descent The 1 s- year old daredevil went aloft late Saturday afternoon. He landed in a tree tcp but was not injured. The gathering at Mantup field was not large at the time of the exhibition was given. but those on the scene ex- perienced thrill.
 X great deal of interest had been aroused in the meet" and although there were but two planes at the land ing field many people got their first thrill in the air.
 Mayor and Mrs. Charles A. Rich ard delayed accepting the promoters invitation to fly over the city until Sunday, when weather conditions be- came SC bad that flying was diseon- tinued Mrs. Richard stated that she was fully as anxious as her husband to take a flight and that both were greatly disappointed not to go up.
 In one party that flew over the city were Alderman Charles Ryan, who had taken a flight in a small plane in France, Chief Thurston Of the Putnam fire department. Man ager Jim" Mahoney of the Bradley Theatre, and State Policeman Stearns. Those prominent officers were given protracted ride. Chief rhurstcn was delighted with his first experience. He also reports that the s.gn on the top O. Union block is clearly visible from q plane. Alder man Dean went aloft. He has been up before and was looked upon as a veteran by his less experienced ] brothers. Alderman Dubois also took a ride. He "got kick" cut of it and turned airminded Captain Jarvis also flew over the city and liked the sensation. None os the officials who accepted the promaters invitation to take a ride but are willing to go again.
 Children Ride
 Saturday many children were talk en up. They were given short rides at reduced rates. These youngsters marched up to the planes and clam bered aboard without a bit cf hesti- tancy. 1t was apparent that young America is already airminded and that it is only the middle aged or old CT citizens that need encouragement.
 George Anas is one of the busi- ness men of the city who became in- fatuated with flying He went up a number of times and then flew to Hartford. Monday morning. The trip was made in twenty-six minutes, ae- cording to Mir. Anas, who took a slow express train back to Putnam.
 There were no accidents to mar the affair. Possibly an automobile or two got stuck in the mud but the jam on the country roads in and near the field experienced no trouble. Am. bilious merchants set up stands and easily sold their wares. It was an enjoyable occasion, and an interest. ing one, for many people, notwith- afandiny fhq meet consisted of tho