Harry J. Webster

March 12, 1915--Duluth Herald--page 5
BIRDMAN IN
TWO FLIGHTS
Webster Soars 1,800 Feet
Over City, Surprising
Duluthians.

Splendid Exhibition Given:
More Flights Are
Promised

     Exhaust from a powerful motor startled thousands of Duluthians into looking skyward yestereday between 5 and 6 o'clock, when the city was treated to an exhibition flight by Harry Webster, local birdman. Using his exhibition type Curtiss biplane, the aviator made two flights, the first of fifteen and the second of twenty-five minutes' duration. He first circled around the center of the city at an altitude of about 1,500 feet and then went out along the lake shore until he reached Lester Park and Lakeside, this time at an altitude of about 1,800 feet.
     Aided by the lack of air currents and excellent weather conditions, Webster was able to give an unusual exhibition of his skill, winding it up with a wonderful sweep over the harbor and down onto the ice near the curling club, where his hangar is located.
     No announcement of his flight was made by Aviator Webster, who was scheduled for a flight during the recent auto races, but failed to enter because of trouble with the engine, and yesterday's trial trip was to test out the new equipment.
     "I will make a flight this afternoo," said Mr. Webster today, unless there is a sudden change in weather conditions. In fact, I intend to do considerable practice work during the next few weeks, and will attempt some "stunts" later on when the engine is whipped into shape."

HARRY WEBSTER      Duluthians who work out-of-doors were given a treat this morning by the birdman, who took a short flight from his aero-shed at Fourteenth avenue east and the lake shore.
     "This sheet of ice makes an ideal landing place," declared the birdman as his craft came to a stop within a few feet of his destination. "I wish we could have it all the year ound, because it is the best place I ever saw to land on with a machine like this one.
     "I won't take passengers on any of these trips -- at least not at the start," said the aviator, in response to requests from budding birdmen. "This is an exhibition machine, and I have fitted it up with a single seat so that I would have more room. There really isn't room for another man, unless I put in the other seat."
     Webster's machine is equipped with the regulation 80-horse power "V" type motor. It was built at the Curtiss factory at Hammondsport, N. Y., and is used during the summer and fall at fairs and carnivals for exhibition work.

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