100 Objects:
Altimeter
Once touted as the “Greatest Aviator in American History,” DeLloyd “Dutch” Thompson soared through the skies for years making aviation history. After his time as an instructor at the Cicero Flying Field in Chicago, Ill., Dutch toured the country making famed appearances at air fields, county fairs, and aviation exhibitions performing his famous loop-the-loop trick. Dutch also added a number of other impressive achievements to his repertoire. In August 1915 he flew the plane that carried the first woman flown upside down, Etta Pillard. Dutch also became famous for racing. He often flew his plane in races against cars. And on the last day of the 1916 Arden Fair in Washington, he even raced his plane against a horse.
Kansas City had become one of the most frequent places for Dutch to showcase his flying abilities. The airfield regularly held shows where the spectacle of Dutch’s loops and twists and dives could be enjoyed by the public. However, on Aug. 6, 1914, the spectators at hand were able to witness a piece of history being made when Dutch took to the skies. On that day he took off with the goal of setting the world’s altitude record. In a 45-minute ascent Dutch reached a height of 4,750 meters or 15,580 feet. The height, recorded by the Kansas City Aero Club and the Aero Club of America, was later official confirmed as the new altitude record. This record only garnered more attention and prestige for the aviator on his regular fair tour. The altimeter used on this momentous occasion is on display at the Washington County Historical Society.
Clay Kilgore is executive director of the Washington County Historical Society.