First Forest Patrol Flight
| Wisconsin Historical Marker near Trout Lake. The marker recognizes the first ever forest patrol flight. The marker text reads: "FIRST FOREST PATROL FLIGHT was made from Trout Lake by Jack Vilas June 29, 1915. Vilas was commissioned "Official Aviator" by the Wisconsin State Board of Forestry (now Wisconsin Conservation Department) and on his own request received no salary other than "many thanks". During July and August, 1915, patrol flights were made almost daily in a Curtiss Flying Boat. Vilas had shipped his plane from Chicago to Trout Lake by train. In those days the 350 mile flight from Chicago would have taken several days and a crew of special mechanics following in a train, to keep the 'flying machine' going. The flights from here by Jack Vilas marked the first time anywhere that an aircraft was used in detecting and locating forest fires and patrolling large forest areas." |
| Image ID: | 107654 |
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| Creation Date: | after 1950 |
| Creator Name: | Unknown |
| City: | Boulder Junction |
| County: | Vilas |
| State: | Wisconsin |
| Collection Name: | C. L. Harrington papers, 1904-1966 |
| Genre: | Postcard |
| Original Format Type: | photographic print, b&w |
| Original Format Number: | PH 3164 |
| Original Dimensions: | 3.5 x 5.5 inches |
| This image is issued by the Wisconsin Historical Society. Use of the image requires written permission from the staff of the Collections Division. It may not be sold or redistributed, copied or distributed as a photograph, electronic file, or any other media. The image should not be significantly altered through conventional or electronic means. Images altered beyond standard cropping and resizing require further negotiation with a staff member. The user is responsible for all issues of copyright. Please Credit: Wisconsin Historical Society. |
| Location: | Wisconsin Historical Society Archives, 4th Floor, Madison, Wisconsin |
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