1941 Devon Francis First Solo Flight in Baby Bowlus Glider – Original Associated Press Photo Series, Saugus CA

Soar back to the golden age of American gliding with this original 1941 Associated Press photo series documenting aviation journalist Devon Francis’s first solo flight in a Baby Bowlus glider at Saugus, California on July 11, 1941. Capturing the excitement of takeoff, landing, and post-flight reflection, this authentic press photograph series offers a vivid, personal look at pre-WWII American aviation.

Francis, who would go on to become a widely published aviation writer, is shown piloting the sleek Baby Bowlus, a minimalist, high-performance glider designed by Hawley Bowlus. Notably, the glider bears a U.S. flag on the tail, a striking symbol of patriotic aviation enthusiasm just months before America's entry into WWII.

Typed caption on reverse reads:

"Sky Sailing
This is how DEVON FRANCIS, aviation writer, took off, landed, and savored the good earth again (top to bottom) on his first sailplane solo at Saugus, Calif.
ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO – 7/3/41"

Also stamped: "Received Examiner Reference Library, JUL 12 1941."

Aircraft Identification:
The glider shown is a Baby Bowlus, a small, open-cockpit training sailplane designed by William Hawley Bowlus, known for his contributions to early American soaring and aircraft construction, including work on the Spirit of St. Louis.

Historical Significance:
This photo series connects several important threads of American aviation history:

• A well-documented first solo flight

• A classic Bowlus-designed glider

• A renowned aviation journalist at the start of his flying journey

• Authentic Associated Press provenance

This item is highly desirable for collectors of glider memorabilia, aviation journalism, WWII-era aviation ephemera, and those interested in the intersection of flight and media.

Key Features:

• Date of Flight: July 11, 1941

• Caption Date: July 3, 1941 (possibly pre-written)

• Received Stamp: July 12, 1941

• Photographer/Agency: Associated Press

• Subject: Devon Francis, aviation writer

• Aircraft: Baby Bowlus glider

• Location: Saugus, California

• Medium: Original multi-frame press photo series with typed caption and stamp