Browse Items · Iowa Heritage Digital Collections

Billy Robinson flying biplane

Billy Robinson in flight over grass field with tree and spectators in background of photograph

Billy Robinson designed and built this monoplane and its radial engine. In 1914 he set a speed and distance record with it, carrying mail from Des Moines to Kentland, Indiana. (Description taken from Grinnell in Vintage Postcards by Bill Menner)

Billy Robinson in early biplane

Billy Robinson in seat of early model biplane. Air plane has many wires stabilizing the wing structure. Two sets of dual wheels on skids.

Billy Robinson seated in cockpit

Billy Robinson, an early Grinnell (Iowa) aviator, piloting airplane.

Billy Robinson studying in his room

Billy Robinson studying in his room prior to 1909. Photographs adorn walls, oil lamp on table. Back of photograph: Gift of Donna Robinson Garland (Billy's daughter)

Radial engine and propeller, close-up

Duplicate of the radial motor and propeller destroyed when Billy Robinson crashed. This motor was built by the Dodge Tool company, a Grinnell enterprise headed by W. S. Dodge, following Robinson's plans and drawings. It is currently on display at…

Billy Robinson in cockpit of parked airplane

Billy Robinson in cockpit looking over tail of airplane. Open frame of rear half of airplane body is visible.

Postcard of Billy Robinson's monoplane

Postcard of Billy Robinson's monoplane on grass airstrip.

Radial engine and propeller

Duplicate of the radial motor and propeller destroyed when Billy Robinson crashed. This motor was built by the Dodge Tool company, a Grinnell enterprise headed by W. S. Dodge, following Robinson's plans and drawings. It is currently on display at the…

Billy Robinson taxing biplane on grass strip

Biplane piloted by Billy Robinson on grass strip. Wing structure includes a shorter middle tier. Wheel base is attached to skids.

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