1930 East’s First Glider Meet – Richard Atwater in Flight – Bayside, Queens NY – Vintage ACME Photo

This rare original press photograph, dated May 13, 1930, captures a historic moment in American soaring history — the first glider meet held on the East Coast. The event took place at the Queensborough Golf and Country Club in Bayside, Queens, New York City.

In the photograph, pilot Richard Atwater is seen soaring over the golf course in his glider, captured mid-tow just after launch. Atwater dominated the competition, winning three out of four events at the meet. A large crowd of spectators watches from the ground, and a photographer can be seen tracking the glider’s climb.

The reverse bears the original ACME Newspictures stamp, a typed press caption strip, and NEA reference department marks, attesting to its provenance as a contemporary press image.

• Date: May 13, 1930

• Location: Queensborough Golf and Country Club, Bayside, Queens, New York

• Pilot: Richard Atwater

• Event: First glider meet on the East Coast

• Photographer/Agency: ACME Newspictures

• Format: Vintage gelatin silver press photograph with period press caption and stamps

• Condition: Very good — crisp detail, minor handling wear consistent with press use

A significant early glider competition image linking American soaring history with the growth of aviation sport in the 1930s, particularly in the Eastern United States.