Didier Masson
Member of the Ivan R. Gates'
Flying Circus
May 18 & 19, 1912
Lyons Fair Grounds
Lyons, Iowa

AVIATION MEET WELL ATTENDED

Aviator Nelson Makes Interesting Flights at
Lyons Fair Grounds Saturday and Sunday

FIRST MEET HERE

Between Four and Five Thousand People
in Attendance at Meet Sunday Afternoon
Motorcyles and Automobiles Race

The first aeorplane meet ever held in this city was staged at the Lyons fair grounds Saturday and Sunday and was very successfully carried out by the promoters of the events. Because of the strong wind blowing both days only two aeroplane flights were made by the birdmen, the second flight made Sunday afternoon ending by Aviator Nelson landing in a field about a mile away from the fair grounds, the rapid descent being caused by the breaking of two small parts of the engine. The attendance on Sunday was estimated at between four and five thousand people.

The program on both days was opened at 2:30 o'clock with motorcyle races followed by races between racing automobiles. Because of the poor condition of the track no great records were made, but those who were present witnessed some very interesting races. In the motorcyle races Elmer Machammer of Fulton, with an Indian machine, took all the prizes, his remarkable nerve and a fast machine making it very easy for him to lead the races.

Clinton Herald, Monday, May 20, 1912

Didier Masson

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Photos from a collection of
William Goltman, CHS 1952
Mission Viejo, CA