1937 Elmira National Soaring Meet – Original Photographic Collection
Featuring Richard du Pont, Peter Riedel, Harland Ross, and Rare U.S. & German Gliders
Step into the golden age of American soaring with this one-of-a-kind collection of original 1937 photographs from the 8th National Soaring Championships, held in Elmira, New York — a pivotal event in aviation history.
This professionally curated archive captures the top three competition gliders, their famed pilots, and the launch infrastructure that defined early competitive soaring in the U.S. It includes candid, high-quality images mounted on period board — not reproductions — ideal for collectors, museums, and aviation historians.
✈️ Featured Aircraft & Pilots:
Richard C. du Pont’s Minimoa (#25, N‑16923) 🥇 1st Place Winner – U.S. National Champion Rare candid profile photo shows du Pont beside a launch winch — a powerful symbol of his leadership in American soaring.
Peter Riedel’s DFS Sperber Senior 🥈 Highest-scoring flight (ineligible to win due to citizenship) German glider with swastika rudder markings — a pre-WWII image of international competition and rising tension.
Harland Ross’s RS‑1 Zanonia (#20, N‑18134) 🥉 3rd Place – Unique American prototype glider Designed by Ross and funded by actor Harvey Stephens — this was its competition debut.
Bowlus–du Pont Senior Albatross & Utility Glider Flown by early soaring pioneers including Howard N. Wightman of the University of Michigan.
Tow winch & launch crew photos Rare documentation of early launch methods and field logistics.
📜 Historical Significance:
Includes all podium aircraft from the 1937 Nationals
Features both American and international competitors
Contains museum-grade images, many not widely published
Highlights early collaboration and rivalry in aviation before WWII
Ideal centerpiece for aviation exhibits, archives, or high-end collector framing
