This landmark was chosen to honor the pioneering spirit and enthusiasm of the citizens of Akron, who supported the significant advances to motorless flight from 1929 to 1936. A commemorative flight on June 29th, 1985, re-enacted the first towed glider flight 50 years before, flying from Akron to Columbus carrying U.S.Mail in a Gross 4-Place glider.
Bill Bodenlos and Willis Sperry
In 1935, Bill Bodenlos and Willis Sperry carried souvenir mail from Akron to Columbus, OH, in the four-place F-5 glider, designed by Frank Gross.
Gross F-5 Sailplane
Bill Bodenlos, Willis Sperry and Frank Gross in front of the Gross F-5 sailplane.
Ceremony at the Akron Municipal Airport
Ceremony at the Akron Municipal Airport, with Wally Setz presiding.
Envelope
Envelope carried on the 1985 re-enactment flight.
Jim Short & Akron Postmaster
Jim Short, tow plane pilot of the 1985 re-enactment flight with Akron Postmaster and the large mail bag. Both seem to wonder how this huge bag can be stored for the flight in the Grob.