2-839-525 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

In mid-1911, Harry Atwood and Charles Hamilton flew a Burgess Model F Moth aircraft from Boston to Washington, setting a 737.9 km (461.2 miles) flight distance record. Stops included New London, New York, Asbury Park, and Atlantic City. Disparity between the 14 hour flight time and 12 day trip is probably not surprising considering contemporary aircraft development and operational and logistical support. Subsequently, Atwood landed on the White House lawn and was decorated by President Taft with the Aero Club of America's gold medal. The Model F Moth, a copy of the Wright Model B, is a pusher airplane powered by a Wright Vertical 4 engine driving two propellers. This is believed to be an original left hand propeller, damaged landing near Baltimore and replaced by propellers made by the American Propeller and Manufacturing Company. It is one of a 21 propeller collection donated to the museum in 1930 by the American Propeller and Manufacturing Co, Baltimore.