Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome by Experience the Hudson Valley

Museum Collection & Air Show Guide

www.oldrhinebeck.org

Visitor Information: MUSEUM HOURS: Mid-June through Mid-October - Daily - 10:00AM to 5:30PM, Weekends - 10:00AM to 5:30PM (No Air shows on Weekdays) AIR SHOWS: Mid-June through Mid-October - Saturday and Sunday, Museum opens and Biplanes rides start at 10:00AM, Air show starts at 2:00 PM (Weather Permitting)

(All photos this page: Courtesy of Joel Weisbrod, except for the photo of Cole Palen, which is courtesy of Brian Coughlin)

The Aerodrome’s 1917 Curtiss JN-4H “Jenny” over the scenic Hudson Valley

Table of Contents Introduction/History Cole Palen Pioneer Era Air Show Aircraft World War I - Allied Air Show Aircraft World War I - German Air Show Aircraft Golden Age/Lindbergh Era Air Show Aircraft Map of Grounds Special Events Schedule Variety of Artifacts in the Aerodrome Collection Museum Building #1 – Pioneer Era Museum Building #2 – WWI Museum Building #3 – Lindbergh Era History of Flight Building and Restorations Saturday and Sunday Air Shows Autographs and Special Thanks Biplane Rides and Gift Shops Directions and Memberships

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Introduction/History The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome is a true "living" museum of antique aviation located in Rhinebeck, New York. Aerodrome Founder, Cole Palen spent his lifetime collecting and restoring aircraft from the 1900-1940 period to present one of the largest collections of early aeroplanes in the world. Many of these machines regularly take to the air during our weekend air shows. The Aerodrome also features, automobiles, motorcycles, early engines and memorabilia from 1900-1940. In addition to the weekend air shows, there are four museum buildings exhibiting aircraft form the Pioneer Era, World War I and the Lindbergh/Barnstorming era.

(Pond photo: Courtesy of Bob Johnston)

The Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum is here today thanks to the efforts of James Henry “Cole” Palen. Cole had a lifelong interest in aviation history, starting with his childhood where he spent his early years living on the fringes of the old Poughkeepsie Airport. His passion for old aeroplanes led him to purchase six aircraft from the Roosevelt Field Air Museum on Long Island, which was being cleared to make way for the Roosevelt Field shopping Center in 1951. These airplanes formed the core of the early collection, and Cole never stopped adding aircraft and vehicles to his collection as time passed. In 1959 he purchased the property, which is now the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome for back taxes owed by the previous owner, with funds he earned for his role in building aeroplanes that were used in the Hollywood film “Lafayette Escadrille.” The property th consisted of two adjoining farms, a 17 century barn and a small farm house where a murder (still unsolved to this day) took place. Cole and his loyal and hard-working friends put in a tremendous effort to turn the rock-covered farm property into a small airstrip. In 1967, he married Rita Weidner, whose business background was instrumental in making the Aerodrome successful. They were happily married until December 7, 1993, when Cole passed away in his sleep. Thanks to Cole’s foresight, the Aerodrome was established as a 501(c)3, non-profit organization before he passed away and remains so to this day. After nearly ten years of continuing her husband’s legacy, Rita passed away on August 12, 2002. Now, more than 50 years have passed and Cole Palen’s Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome continues to educate and inform people of how things were in the early days of aviation using examples of static and flying aircraft from 1900 through 1940. 4

Cole Palen

Cole Palen was a one-of-a-kind individual who inspired countless people to learn about and engage in early aviation related activities, from model-building, researching, collecting and even building and flying full-scale reproductions of their own. He was a role model and a hero to many. His passion, dedication, kindness and generosity will be remembered by all who knew him, and through his creation of the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome he has insured himself a place in aviation history right alongside the Wright Brothers, Louis Bleriot, Eddie Rickenbacker, Manfred von Richthofen, Charles Lindbergh and all of aviation historyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s other greats. 5

Pioneers - 1900-1914 (Air Show Aircraft)

Bleriot XI – 1909, France – Louis Bleriot became a household name when he and his Bleriot XI became the first aircraft to cross the English Channel (22 miles) on July 25, 1909. While this feat may not seem impressive today, it was thought to be an impossible task just over 100 years ago, until Bleriot conquered the Channel.

Hanriot – 1911, France – Designed by Rene Hanriot, this design was known for its simplicity and elegance. Its most recognizable feature was its mahogany-skinned fuselage, which was built much like a racing skiff and required minimal wire bracing. In 1910 Rene’s son Marcel became the world’s youngest flier at age 15 and made news headlines flying Hanriot designs.

Curtiss Pusher, Model D - 1911– Glenn Curtiss was one of the most significant names in pioneer aviation and was a rival of the Wright brothers. One of Curtiss’ most significant contributions to aviation was the development of the aileron, which eventually replaced wing-warping as a means of banking an aeroplane in a turn. 6

World War I – Allied Aircraft 1914 -1918 (Air Show Aircraft)

Caudron G.III – 1914, France – Used by several nations during the First World War, the Caudron G.III was a successful trainer and observation aircraft. Known for its great climbing ability, the Caudron was a suitable aircraft to be used in mountainous terrain and was considered ideal for the needs of Italian squadrons.

SPAD VII – 1916, France – The French military was impressed with the power and reliability of the 150 HP Hispano-Suiza engine and asked aircraft designer Louis Bechereau to develop an aircraft specifically for it. Bechereau was a designer for the Deperdussin company. Louis Bleriot bought the Deperdussin company and the name was changed to Societe Anonyme pour l’Aviaton et ses Derives (Society for Aviation and its Derivatives), and the SPAD name was born. Sopwith Camel - 1917, Great Britain - The Sopwith Camel was considered the leading British fighter type of World War I. It was designed to replace the successful and well-liked Sopwith Pup. The Camel had been described at one time as the most maneuverable aircraft ever built. It received its name from the "hump" of cowling, which encloses its twin Vickers machine guns. Camels were credited with destroying more enemy aircraft than any other allied type (1,294) during the First World War. Other Allied aircraft flying in our shows from this period: 1918 Curtiss Jenny, 1917 Nieuport 27 7

World War I – German Aircraft 1914 -1918 (Air Show Aircraft)

Albatros D.Va – 1917 Germany – The Albatros D.Va was the result of the development and refinement of a long series of successful Albatros scouts. Many noted pilots flew the type in service, and it received favorable reviews. Manfred von Richthofen (a.k.a. the Red Baron) scored many of his victories in Albatros types. (The Aerodrome’s Albatros is presently awaiting new fabric to return to Air shows.) Fokker Dr.I, Triplane – 1917 Germany – The Fokker Triplane combined excellent maneuverability with a high rate of climb. The type was favored by Germany's most legendary fighter pilots, Manfred von Richthofen, and Werner Voss. Both of these men lost their lives in this type of aircraft in two of the most talked about air battles of the war. Fokker D.VII – 1918 Germany – The Fokker D.VII is amongst the best-known aircraft of the First World War, and was considered by many to be the best fighter of its time. The D.VII had the unique ability to hang on its prop while the nose was pitched upward. It also had exceptional slow flight characteristics and was quite maneuverable.

Lindbergh Era/Golden Age 1919 -1940 (Air Show Aircraft)

Great Lakes – 1931, U.S.A. – This particular aircraft was used by the Great Lakes Company in their advertisements in various aviation magazines of the 1930s. The registration number, NC304Y is clearly recognizable in these advertisements. The Lakes was a favorite of Cole Palen’s and other famous pilots such as Paul Mantz and Tex Rankin.

Taylor J-2 “Cub” – 1931, U.S.A. - This aircraft was the predecessor to the famous Piper J-3 Cub, and was the standard training plane of the 1930s. It is powered by a Continental A-40 four-cylinder engine, one of the first very successful four-cylinder aircraft powerplants.

Stampe SV-4B – 1945, Belgium - The Stampe was designed by Jean Stampe of Belgium as an aerobatic trainer for the French government. It was noted for its superb flying qualities and aerobatic capability. In a post-war attempt to promote civil aviation the French government sold as many as 500 Stampes to Aeroclubs for only one Franc each. Also see in shows: Fleet Finch, Curtiss Wright Junior. 9

Variety of the Aerodrome Collection In addition to its large collection of vintage aircraft, the Aerodrome is home to dozens of rare and unusual vintage vehicles and early aircraft engines. Below: 1916 Packard Moving Van, 1926 American LaFrance Fire truck, 1917 Renault Light tank, 1916 Excelsior Motorbike, 1916 110HP LeRhone Rotary Engine, 1929 New Standard D-25, early 1900s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Penny Farthingâ&#x20AC;? High-wheeled Bicycle, Aerodrome Flightline

Museum Building #1 Pioneer Era - 1900-1913

The museum buildings house aircraft and vehicles, which in many cases, performed in our air shows at one time or another during our 50+ year history. Many of these have been temporarily retired and are awaiting restoration back to flying (or driving) condition as manpower and funding allows. In the meantime they serve an important function while on exhibit in the museum buildings to allow visitors a close-up look at the machines of a bygone era. The evolution of the development of these machines is clearly evident when visiting the Hangar #1, the Pioneer Era building, featuring aircraft from the late1890s (The Chanute Glider) up through 1913 (Deperdussin). In a mere 15 years, man had not only progressed from uncontrolled gliders to powered, controlled flight, but had also broken the 100mph speed barrier in the air. Contents of Building #1 include: Aircraft: 1898 Chanute Glider 1902 Wright Glidert 1903 Wright Flyer 1909 Demoiselle 1910 Short S-29 1912 Thomas Pusher 1913 Deperdussin Vehicles: 1903 Grout Steam Car 1910 Maxwell Engines: 1911 Elbridge Featherweight, 40HP 1910 Herreshoff, 40HP 1911 Roberts Model P, 40HP

Museum Building #2 World War I - 1914-1918

Hangar #2 featuring the WWI collection, shows the evolution of aircraft as a machine of war. Aircraft performance quickly accelerated from 1914 through 1918 as warring nations did their best to make their aeroplanes superior to those of their foes. During this period, important developments were made such as the synchronization/interrupter gear, which allowed a machine gun to fire through the arc of a propeller while leaving the whirling propeller blades free of bullet holes! Trial and error experiments with aircraft design in the form of monoplanes, biplanes, triplanes were undertaken by many countries in their efforts to develop the â&#x20AC;&#x153;ultimate fighting machine.â&#x20AC;? Contents of Building #2 include: Aircraft: 1918 Siemens Schuckert D.III 1917 Albree Pigeon Fraser Pursuit 1915 RAF F.E.8 (wings & tail only) 1917 RAF SE5a (mock-up) 1911 Nieuport 2N 1917 Fokker Dr.I Triplane Vehicles: 1911 Baker Electric 1922 Cleveland Speedster 1917 Ford Model T Touring Car 1908 Brush Runabout 1913 I.H.C. Auto Buggy 1912 Metz 1914 Saxon Roadster 1922 Scripps Booth Touring Car 1916 Willys Overland Opera Coupe 1922 Overland Sporster Engines: 1916 170HP ABC Wasp 1917 130 HP Clerget 9B 1918 125 HP Union Dirigible Engine 1918 220 HP Hispano Suiza 14

Museum Building #3 Golden Age of Aviation – Lindbergh Era

The Lindbergh Era building focuses on aircraft from what is known as “The Golden Age of Aviation,” from 1920 through 1940. This was the peacetime period in which man focused on conquering the globe via the airways. Records were set and broken on a daily basis, and in May of 1927 Charles Lindbergh captured the attention of the world when he did what was thought to be impossible...a non-stop solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean from NY to Paris in his Spirit of St. Louis. The flight was over 33 hours long and it proved to the world that aviation was not just a fad, but a practical means of transportation. Air racing and barnstorming were also important to the development and growth of aviation during this period and pushed the performance envelopes of aircraft. Contents of Building #3 include: Aircraft: 1929 Pitcairn Mailwing 1927 Morane Saulnier MS.230 1929 Waco 10 1929 Spartan C-3 1934 Chamberlin 2-S (fuselage only) 1929 Heath Parasol 1931 Aeronca C-3 1929 Kinner Bird 1929 Nicholas Beasley NB-8 1931 Monocoupe 90 Vehicles: 1930 Austin 7 1929 Franklin Engines: 1929 Salmson AB Radial, 230HP 1925 Salmson AD-9 Radial, 40HP 1925 Heath Henderson 4, 30HP

History of Flight Building

The Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum is home to nearly 70 vintage aircraft and dozens of early vehicles of all types (motorcycles to moving vans) from 1900 to 1940. The History of Flight Building contains aircraft from the three main eras of Aviation from 1900 through 1940…the Pioneer Era, WWI and The Lindbergh Era. Some of the aircraft you will see here include: 1908 Voisin, 1911 Gnome-powered Bleriot, 1915 Nieuport 10, 1917 Morane Saulnier AI, 1917 Albatros DVa, 1918 Thomas Morse S4-B, 1929 American Eagle, 1931 Great Lakes T2-1MS, 1937 Fairchild 24. You will also see a variety of vintage aircraft engines, models, aviation artwork and a few vehicles, including: 1912 Hupmobile, 1913 Excelsior Motorbike, 1936 Morgan threewheeler, and more!

Restorations and Projects

Two of our many ongoing projects include completion of the reproduction of Charles Lindbergh’s “Spirit of St. Louis” and the restoration of Cole Palen’s Sopwith Dolphin, WWI Fighter. On May 21, 1927 Charles Lindbergh changed the course of history by becoming the first to fly an aircraft non-stop across the Atlantic Ocean in his Spirit of St. Louis. Lindy made the trip in 33-1/3 hours and altered the way the world perceived aviation. He became an instant international hero, and to this day is considered to be one of the most significant figures in aviation history. The Sopwith Dolphin project is a restoration of Cole Palen’s authentic reproduction of this rare type, which flew in the Aerodrome’s air shows for many years. It will be powered with an original Hispano-Suiza engine. Many other projects are underway too, and you can help to support them! Please contact us for more information if you are interested! 16

Air Shows Saturday Shows: History of Flight Saturday Shows feature aircraft from 1900-1939. Aircraft you may see on the flightline include: 1909 Bleriot, 1910 Hanriot, 1910 Curtiss Pusher, 1914 Caudron G.3, 1918 SPAD VII, 1931 Curtiss Wright Junior, 1936 Taylor J-2 Cub, 1942 Fleet Finch 16-B and the Great Lakes Sport Trainer, first flown in 1931. Look for these planes performing exciting ribbon cuts, balloon bursts, aerobatics and exhibition flights.

(Above photos and Curtiss Jenny photo below courtesy of Gilles Auliard)

Sunday Shows: World War I Sunday Shows feature aircraft from 1914-1918. Aircraft you may see on the flightline include: 1910 Hanriot, 1914 Caudron G.3, 1916 SPAD VII, 1917 Fokker Dr.I Triplane, 1917 Nieuport 27, 1918 Sopwith Camel, 1918 Fokker D.VII, and the Aerodrome’s original 1918 Curtiss JN-4H “Jenny.” Other aircraft may join in, including the Great Lakes Sport Trainer, Fleet Finch and Stampe SV4C. You will witness flying demonstrations that will include ribbon cuts, mock bombing raids and exciting dogfights, complete with pyrotechnics. A cast of characters performing a classic-style melodrama (while showcasing some interesting vintage vehicles in action) add to the excitement.

Autographs During your visit, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to ask the cast members for their autographs. Sir Percy Goodfellow, Trudy Truelove, and even the Evil Baron (if you catch him in a good mood) will be happy to sign your Aerodrome Guide Book!

Special Thanks This Walking Guide to the Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum and Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Air Shows was made possible, in part, by a grant from The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area - Greenways.

Our sincere thanks also go out to Nancy Howell Calligraphy - www.nancyhowell.com for the map in our center pages. Special thanks are also due to Gilles Auliard, Joel Weisbrod - www.jwartworks.com, Don Fleming, Hugh Schoelzel (President: Rhinebeck Aerodrome Air Shows) and Tom Polapink for the use of their photos in this guide. Mike DiGiacomio (President: Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum Board), Don Fleming (V.P. Rhinebeck Aerodrome Air Shows Board), Carol Harklerode and Philip Monteleone, kindly lent their creative talents toward the development of this booklet. The cover art was generated from a 1970s era Aerodrome poster. The map on the closing page is the handiwork of the late Gordon Bainbridge, and it originally appeared in the Aerodromeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1969 season brochure. 18

Biplane Rides See the beauty of New York’s historic Hudson Valley from the air in a classic 1929 New Standard open-cockpit biplane! Passengers are flown over the Hudson River and back at a cost of $75.00 per person. The New Standard seats up to four passengers, so you can share this incredible experience with your friends and relatives. Flights are booked on a first come/first serve basis every Saturday and Sunday June through October. The rides booth opens at 10:00AM on air show weekends. Always a favorite with our guests, these rides book quickly so arrive early to ensure a seat. Sorry...we cannot reserve rides on the weekends. Pre-arranged weekday rides and gift certificates are also available. Call 845-752-3200 for details.

We are proud to be able to offer this unique opportunity to our visitors. Unfortunately circumstances beyond our control such as weather and wind conditions sometimes cause flights to be delayed or cancelled. In the event of flight cancellations, ride tickets are fully refundable. The decision to fly or to stay on the ground is left to the sole discretion of the pilot. As the Barnstormer of yesterday used to say, - "We’ll take you high or low, fast or slow, anywhere you care to go...”

Gift Shops Don’t forget to visit one of our two gift shops to get your Aerodrome souvenirs before you leave. We have one gift shop alongside our airfield near the spectator area, which is open from 10:00AM to 5:00PM on air show days. The other gift shop is located in the main museum building near the parking area and is open from 10:00AM to show-time on weekends. It reopens at the conclusion of the air show. It is also open during the week from 10:00AM to 5:30PM. We also have an on-line gift shop! Please visit www.oldrhinebeck.org and click on the “Store” link. 19

Directions The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome is located in historic Rhinebeck, New York and can easily be reached by car using the Taconic Parkway or the New York Thruway. Concession stand open for lunch and snacks for airshows. From the North, South, West: New York State Thruway Exit 19 to Rt. 209 North. Follow signs to Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge. Cross over the Hudson River. Right turn at the second traffic light onto Route 9G South. Next traffic light, turn left onto Route 9 North for 1/2 mile. Right onto Stone Church Road for 1-1/2 miles. Left on Norton Road. From the East: Mass. Pike or I-84 to Taconic State Parkway. Exit at Rt. 199 Rhinebeck/Red Hook. Rt. 199 west for 6.8 miles. Left onto Orlich Road, then an almost immediate right onto Norton Road for 1-1/2 miles.

By GPS: Address = 9 Norton Rd, Red Hook, NY 12571, Attraction = Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, Airport = NY94 Coordinates (requirements vary by make and model): o

N41 58'11.40" W73 51'52.40" or N4158.2 W7351.9 or N4158 W7352

By Rail: Via Amtrak - www.amtrak.com Via Metro North - www.mta.info/mnr Rental cars and taxis are available.

Membership Memberships to the museum are available starting at the $50 level. Please visit gift shops, ask a staff member or visit our website for detailed information about membership levels and benefits. You can also write or email us for additional information. Donations and sponsorships of projects are also welcome. If you would like to support a specific project, please let us know.