.png)
Roy Knabenshue established the first passenger air service in America by taking guests of the Raymond Hotel in his “Knabenshue Airship” on regular flights over parts of the San Gabriel Valley and downtown Los Angeles.
The 13-passenger dirigible made daily aerial tours for $25 per passenger.
The hotel’s proprietor, Walter Raymond, encouraged Roy’s pioneering venture, helping him to build his hanger nearby at the corner of Glenarm Street and Marengo Avenue.
Walter Raymond’s son Arthur credits Roy for his lifelong passion for air travel, which led him to design such classic aircraft as the DC-3 and DC-8.
Throwback Thursday is written and produced by Rick Thomas
