Taking Flight

• By SANDY WATERS –

The village of Hammondsport on the south end of Keuka Lake is well-known for its role as the birthplace of the grape and wine industry here in the Finger Lakes region. This quaint village was the home of Reverend William Bostwick, who in the early 1800’s cultivated grapes in his rectory garden with success. He then proceeded to provide cuttings to local residents, and an industry was born, with an early focus on grape growing and wine production that established the roots of today’s very successful wine region.

Something you might not be aware of however, is the fact that Hammondsport was voted “Coolest Small Town in America 2012” by Budget Travel. And there are lots of reasons why this town is so cool- beautiful views of Keuka Lake, the charming village square, local wineries (breweries and distilleries too), great places to eat, to shop, to hike, to boat…Hammondsport has it all.

Another reason why this town is so cool is the Glenn Curtiss Museum, just south of town. This small museum celebrates the life and legacy of Glenn Hammond Curtiss who was a true visionary and mechanical master both on the ground and in the air. 

A Hammondsport resident born in 1878 and named Glenn for the many waterfalls in the area, his innovations focused on bicycles…then motorcycles …then “aeroplanes”.  And that is truly where he made his mark on history in general, and more specifically on aviation.

In 1907 at the age of 29, Curtiss set an unofficial world speed record of 136 miles per hour on a 40 horsepower V-8-powered motorcycle of his own design and construction. The media dubbed him “the fastest man in the world”. But Curtiss’ mastery of motors was not limited to travel on land. In 1908 at the age of 30 he took to the skies with his flying machine named June Bug, winning the Scientific American Trophy and the attention and admiration of America. In 1911, when only 33 years old, he conquered the challenges of taking off from, and landing an aircraft on water, bringing the reality of seaplanes to air transport. Decades of work with the US Navy followed, with Curtiss being recognized as “The Father of Naval Aviation”.   

Although he was a contemporary of the Wright Brothers, and an equal with respect to his impact on flight, the relationship with the Wrights was competitive rather than collaborative. This resulted in Curtiss “taking a backseat” from a national perspective on America’s history of flight and aviation. The Curtiss Museum shines a bright light on his story and his many contributions.

Like the village itself, this museum is charming, not too big or overwhelming, yet still covering this region’s fascinating history in a way that all can relate to.  The museum collection includes several full-scale Curtiss motorcycles, his June Bug aircraft and more. All modes of transportation are represented.
Vehicles used during wars, beautiful wooden boats, airplanes, seaplanes, and a great section on our early winemaking history are all on display. You can also see antique tools, toys, home-furnishings, fire-fighting equipment and so much more. The museum has a theater where a documentary on Glenn Curtiss plays several times a day. And of course, there is a delightful museum shop to check out as you leave the exhibit area.                                   

Glenn Curtiss was only 52 years old when he passed away of complications due to an appendectomy in 1930. He didn’t live long, but he certainly lived large. He was a true visionary, a pioneer of invention and Hammonsport’s own favored and native son. He accomplished much in his 52 years with tremendous impact on our history, especially aviation. His was a mind that truly “took flight”. 

Learn more at: glennhcurtissmuseum.org/

Sandy Waters is a happily retired nature girl after 19 years as a communications manager for Kodak/J&J, and then another 19 years in the FLX wine industry as a wine distributor. She is loving life in the beautiful Finger Lakes Region.