The Golden Age of Air Racing, 1929-1939, Cleveland Municipal Airport
Description
The era from 1929-1939 is often referred to as the “Golden Age” of aviation. It was during this period that Cleveland, Ohio became the center of the aviation universe during the National Air Races held at Cleveland Municipal Airport, (now known as Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport.)  The 1929 National Air Races attracted all of the legends of aviation of that time including legendary pilots like: Charles Lindbergh; Amelia Earhart; Roscoe Turner; and Jimmy Doolittle. U.S. military pilots came to the 1929 National Air Races, too, including the Navy High Hats squadron and the U.S. Army Air Corps, but those military teams would be outraced in that first Free-For-All Race (later known as the Thompson Trophy Race) pylon speed race in 1929 by non-military pilot Doug Davis flying the Travel Air Mystery Ship.
Credits
F.X. O'Grady
Sections
Ready for Takeoff
In 1927, pilot Charles Lindbergh became the first pilot to fly non-stop from New York to Paris in his Spirit of St. Louis airplane. America and the world had a fascination with aviation at that time in history.
So by the 1929 National Air Races, Americans were already fascinated by aviation speed record and distance records. The Great Depression of 1929 and 1930’s didn’t dampen the enthusiasm (or crowds) attending the National Air Races held in Cleveland in 1929, 1931-32, 1934-35, or 1937-39.
Air Racing Legends
The “Golden Age” of air racing would create several legendary pilots. Daring air race pilots like Roscoe Turner and Jimmy Doolittle would compete and win the Thompson Trophy speed pylon race, known as "The Indianapolis 500 of the Air." Amazing women air race pilots like Amelia Earhart and Pancho Barnes would capture the imagination of America and the world competing in the Women's Air Derby (nicknamed the "Powderpuff Derby" by Will Rodgers as he provided commentary on the launch from Santa Monica, California on a distance race to Cleveland, Ohio.)
Women's Air Derby
The Women’s Air Derby was a women's transcontinental Air Derby from Santa Monica, California finishing in front of the crowded grandstand at the National Air Races at Cleveland Municipal Airport. Louise Thaden would win the inaugural 1929 Women's Air Derby. Amelia Earhart finished third in that first Women’s Air Derby in 1929. Sadly, woman pilot Marvel Crosson would be killed when her plane crashed in that first 1929 Women’s Air Derby.