1933 Roosevelt Field Air Pageant Winners – Original Photo of William Zelzer & Mrs. Cecil W. Kenyon with Trophies

This original 1933 aviation photograph captures a rare and celebrated moment from the Roosevelt Field Air Pageant in Long Island, New York, featuring winners William Zelzer and Mrs. Cecil W. Kenyon—both crowned champions in one of the most prestigious air competitions of the era.

The image documents the trophy presentation ceremony, with a period aircraft in the background and the pilots dressed in classic 1930s aviation attire—goggles, sweaters, and wind-ready flying gear. These elements, along with the crisp focus and original setting, offer a dynamic and authentic glimpse into early American sportsman aviation.

Event Highlights:

• William Zelzer: Winner of the National Men’s Sportsman Pilot Championship, receiving a trophy and a then-substantial $5,000 prize

• Mrs. Cecil W. Kenyon: Winner of the National Aviatrix Championship, also receiving $5,000 and a championship trophy—a major achievement for a female pilot during the early 1930s

Historical Significance:

• Roosevelt Field was the iconic launch site of Charles Lindbergh’s 1927 solo transatlantic flight and one of the most legendary airfields in American history

• The 1933 pageant represents a Golden Age of Aviation competition, celebrating private pilots and rising stars of air racing

• Women in aviation were still a rarity in 1933, making Mrs. Kenyon’s documented victory especially significant in the history of female aviators and aviation equality

• These early competitions bridged barnstorming and professional air racing, shaping aviation's popular culture

Key Features:

• Date: 1933

• Event: Roosevelt Field Air Pageant

• Subjects: William Zelzer & Mrs. Cecil W. Kenyon

• Achievements: National Sportsman Pilot & Aviatrix Championships

• Prizes: Trophies and $5,000 cash awards

• Location: Roosevelt Field, Long Island, NY

• Medium: Original vintage photograph

• Condition: Excellent detail with clear facial expressions and visible aircraft in background