Curzon Takes Off @ IMS!

This image first appeared in the December 17, 1909 Indianapolis Star. It shows Joseph Curzon taking off in his Henri Farman designed airplane that was housed at the Indiananpolis Motor Speedway in the track's infield aerodrome. Curzon, while hardly a giant in the field of aeronautics, was perhaps the strongest backer among early pilots and airplane owners of Speedway President Carl Fisher's determined push to establish the Brickyard as America's capital of aviation. Fisher also had established an airplane construction business.
 
This image appeared with a second one that supported an article published the same day that discussed Mrs. Curzon's foray into the market for women's aviation apparel. The level of interest was fueled by the Speedway's continued efforts to attract international air shows. The caption above the photo makes reference to Mrs. Curzon's plans to ride with her husband in the plane.