Long before Snoopy, a dog named Bill was co-pilot on an old pusher-type biplane of the pre-World War I vintage. In this photograph on an old postcard in the collection of Mrs. Sam Ray, the pilot is identified as Roger Fowler. Sitting on the leading edge of the photograph at top left. A chain, visible over Fowler's left shoulder, drove one of the two propellers. The long control lever at the front was used to warp the wings when he wanted to turn. Although the postcard does not indicate where the picture was taken, it is likely Fowler stopped in Kansas City on one of his barnstorming tours. He and others ranged far and wide, giving exhibitions for money, part of which came from the sale of postcards such as this. Fowler also was among the early pilots attracted by the $50,000 prized money posted by William Randolph Hearst for the first flier to cross the North American continent. Kansas City Times, December 4, 1968.
Reproduction (printing, downloading, or copying) of images from Kansas City Public Library requires permission and payment for the following uses, whether digital or print: publication; reproduction of multiple copies; personal, non-educational purposes; and advertising or commercial purposes. Please order prints or digital files and pay use fees through this website. All images must be properly credited to: "Missouri Valley Special Collections, Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, Missouri." Images and texts may be reproduced without prior permission only for purposes of temporary, private study, scholarship, or research. Those using these images and texts assume all responsibility for questions of copyright and privacy that may arise.
