41 1/2x27 inches, 105 1/2x68 1/2 cm. Gies & Co., Buffalo. Condition A / A-: minor creases, small repaired tears and repaired pin holes in margins; slight darkening at bottom edge.
Glenn H. Curtiss opened his School of Aviation in New York and California in 1910, and by 1916 he had 10 locations across the U.S. The schools trained U.S. Navy pilots, including some of the most skilled aviators leading up to World War II. The first African American aviator and licensed pilot, the first Chinese aviator, first female pilot, among many other "firsts," all trained at Curtiss. In this poster, likely on the beach of Rockwell Field, on North Island in Coronado, across the bay from San Diego, an aviator is being greeted by elegant civilians and military men alike. That the school was abuzz with activity is made clear by the throngs of other people and the Curtiss JN Jenny biplane and H class flying boat in the sky overhead. Pirson was an illustrator, primarily providing illustrations to Judge magazine. Here, the space below the title is left open; other printings list locations of the school in various states, as well as "Under Aviation Section, United States Army, Supervision."
