Meet Glenn Hammond Curtiss Step back a century in time to learn more about the remarkable man who was the “Father of Naval Aviation,” “The Fastest Man on Earth” and so much more…
By Kris Grant Coronado might never have been the Birthplace of Naval Aviation if not for the wonderfully inventive mind of a rather introverted man from upstate New York – Glenn Hammond Curtiss. As most Coronadans know, Glenn H. Curtiss was the guy who set up a school in Coronado in 1911 at what is now North Island Naval Air Station and trained the first naval aviators. I learned so much about the prodigious career of this man by visiting his hometown of Hammondsport at the southernmost point of Lake Keuka, one of the 11 Finger Lakes. In Hammondsport, this native son is a local hero, and I soon found photographs of his accomplishments adorning the walls of the Park Inn restaurant, and images of him on the interior walls of the local ice cream parlor and on murals outside the Hammondsport Grocery Store. But the true gem of this town is the Curtiss Museum, where Richard
Glenn Curtiss’ first flying boat, 1912.
Leisenring, the curator for the past 18 years, took me through Curtiss’ life story. The museum contains a priceless collection relating to early aviation and regional history, and traveling exhibits such as the current “Art at War,” showcasing the art of squadron insignias
painted on fuselages of early airplanes. It has a 75-seat theater, large open area for special events and a museum store. Visitors are welcome to visit the Restoration Shop, talk with volunteer craftsman and watch them work on historic aircraft.
Outside the Curtiss Museum P32 | Coronado Magazine
