1911-1914 |
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Max Lillie was the original flight instructor for the Best brothers. Photo & legend from Robert J. O'Connor, 4-1-05 |
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Joe Best - 1911 Photo & legend from Robert J. O'Connor, 4-1--05 |
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Drina Welch Abel collection as found in the AeroFiles website. |
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Joe Best, and his older brother by 7 years James van Vleck Best, purchased the Partridge-Keller
Tractor plane with the help of their Mother. (maiden name of Alice Lampman). The family owned some of the land where the Kohler
plumbing factory is still located . They appeared at local ballparks in Cicero, Il. and once shipped the plane to the state of Arkansas for a short barnstorming trip. Van Best also piloted the palne, but was more interested in the mechanicals, especially the engine. However, upon their return, the plane was stored in a barn in the Cicero area and was consumed by fire in 1912. The picture of the plane and the pilot by Drina Welch Abel @ AeroFiles.com is Joe Best , identified by both his daughters as such. |
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Malta, Montana - 1914 The engine from the plane owned by Joe and his brother was donated by us to the Museum Of History & Industry near the campus of the University of Washington in Seattle,Wa. Photo & legend from Robert J. O'Connor, 1-11-05 |
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Malta, Montana - Fair Grounds - July 4, 1914 Sheriff Shaw pulling A/P Photo & legend from Robert J. O'Connor, 4-1-05 |
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Malta, Montana - Fair Grounds - July 4, 1914 Photo & legend from Robert J. O'Connor, 4-1-05 |
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