A scrapbook and photographs documenting Roland Rohlf's aviaiton career.
Roland Rohlfs started his career establishing motorcycle records in 1914, before turning to the field of aviation. Rohlfs became an instructor and experimental test pilot with Curtiss Aeroplane Company during World War I, and he established speed and altitude records. Because of his popularity, he endorsed advertisements for such items as watches, spark plugs, parachutes and cars. In 1928, Rohlfs developed and patented an aerial neon sign, and established the Aerial Advertising Company to administer it. Toward the end of his career, he promoted private flying as a "Personal Flying Specialist" for the Civil Aviation Authority and he was an operations manager for Aeromarine Airways. Rohlfs was a member of the Early Birds.
Identifier
NASM.XXXX.0278
Creator
Rohlfs, Roland
Date
1914-1973 bulk 1919-1931
Provenance
Roland Rohlfs, Gift, Unknown, NASM.XXXX.0278
Extent
0.23 Cubic feet ((1 slim legal document box))
Archival Repository
National Air and Space Museum Archives
Scope and Contents
A scrapbook records Rohlfs' career and includes correspondence, telegrams, programs, and newspaper articles. Loose photographs were reproduced on NASM Archives Videodisc 2B, and include family photographs as well as subjects relating to Rohlfs' career as described above.
Arrangement note
Photographs located in Videodisc Files; scrapbook is a single item.
Rights
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests
Restrictions
No restrictions on access
Citation
Roland Rohlfs Collection, NASM.XXXX.0278, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution
Topics
Test pilots -- United States Test pilots Aeronautics, Commercial -- United States Aeronautics, Commercial Aeronautics -- Records Aeronautics -- Competitions Aeronautics -- 1903-1916 Aeronautics