Biplane lands circa 1911 at Pismo Beach. © The Tribune
A yellow biplane is a regular sight today off the coast of Pismo Beach but the coast’s aviation dates back over 100 years earlier. This picture postcard from the files of the Tribune has scrawled on the back in pencil instructions for publication – “2 col” and a few scant words of caption information.
“Landed at Pizmo Beach, Billie Weizman owner of plane with wife, 1914.”
Presumably the source of the photo was parenthetically included “(Mrs. Vera McEvoy).”
Behind the intrepid aviators is a bath house touting Warm Plunge and Surf Bathing, strings of laundry flutter on the roof. Next door a building with two horse drawn carriages pulled up in front. The type is hard to read but to my eye it says Mrs A.C. Denns Resort.
This could be a view looking south at Pismo Beach but I confess I don’t know enough about the early business history to confirm the location. This might have been a souvenir card sold or handed out at barnstorming destinations.
The wheels of the airplane are almost axle deep in the soft sand as it rests on its skids.
Perhaps this is a relative of Fred Wiseman documented racing in an airplane-car race at Pismo Beach a few years earler. Perhaps the name and year were misremembered and this is actually from the 1911 visit. In any case the Wright style flyers were not forgiving and no doubt the soft sand was attractive to novice flyers.
No word on how much baggage was allowed per flight.
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