Item 22199 - 'The Dawn,' Old Orchard Beach

Item 22199 - 'The Dawn,' Old Orchard Beach
Contributed by Old Orchard Beach Historical Society
Item 22199
'The Dawn,' Old Orchard Beach
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Image Info

The Dawn was the third plane to attempt a transatlantic flight from Old Orchard Beach.

The pilot was Elmer Stultz and the passengers were Frances Wilson Grayson, a niece of President Woodrow Wilson, and Brice Goldsborough.

This photo was taken at Old Orchard on October 18, 1927. The plane was guarded by Dan Mechum while it was on the beach between October 11 and October 19, 1927 before attempting to take off on its transatlantic flight to Copenhagen.

They turned back due to weather and mechanical problems. On October 23, they tried again, but turned back after 500 miles because of an engine problem. They then flew to Curtis Field in New York.

Their final attempt began on Christmas Eve. They were never seen again.

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