The stretch of beach after which the city of Long Beach is named was good for more than swimming and surfing, says Fifth District Councilmember Gerrie Schipske.
“Our beach made a good landing strip for early aviators,” Schipske said. That’s one reason Calbraith “Cal” Rodgers finished his history-making first transcontinental flight here on Dec. 10, 1911. “That and $5,000 from the Chamber of Commerce.”
Schipske will discuss the first transcontinental flight and other important events that put Long Beach into the aviation history books during her talk entitled “Early Aviation in Long Beach,” based upon her book published by Arcadia Publishing. The Aug. 20 event, at the El Dorado Branch Library, 2900 Studebaker Rd., will be open to the public and begin at 10am.
Schipske’s affection for the city’s history led to her idea for Rosie the Riveter Park near the former Douglas Aircraft plant and this year’s six-month Centennial Celebration of Rodgers’ First Transcontinental Flight aboard the “Vin Fiz.”
To keep track of the events, visit vinfizlongbeach.com.
