This year marks the 100th anniversary of the first airplane designed, built and flown in Delaware.
Sponsored by the Aero Club of Wilmington, the craft, which they named "The Delaplane," flew at the city's Wawaset Park on October 21, 1910.
The historic event will be celebrated with an art competition sponsored by the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame (DAHF). Cash prizes will be awarded for original concepts of the Delaplane in two categories: two-dimensional painting and drawing, and three-dimensional models and sculpture in any medium. The maximum size is 36 inches
The chairman of the competition is Michael D. Brock, DAHF trustee. Brock said there will be two awards (minimum of $300 each) for youths under age 18, two awards ($300 minimum each) for adults, and a $1,000 grand prize for best-of-show. He said participation is limited to residents of the First State and DAHF trustees and family members are not eligible.
Deadline for submission of entries is Sep. 2. Entries should be delivered to Hardcastle’s Gallery, 622 Newark Shopping Center, Newark. Judging will be performed by panels of DAHF trustees.
Winning entries will be displayed Sept. 25 at the annual honors banquet of the DAHF in Clayton Hall at the University of Delaware in Newark.
For further details on the art competition, please visit website WWW.DAHF.org.
About the Delaplane
The aircraft was built by Wilmingtonian Robbie Seidelinger of spruce with the exception of metal fittings and wires. Wings and control surfaces were covered with cotton fabric and painted with dope for strength and tension. The flying club engaged Eddie Bloomfield to pilot the maiden hop. The Delaplane rose smartly, and spectators jumped with joy.
In mid-1911, the Delaplane succumbed to fire when its "hangar" was struck by lightning, and the flying club disbanded.
Seventeen years later, Giuseppe Bellanca reversed Delaware aviation history: he set up shop in New Castle and became one of the world's leading aircraft manufacturers.
