First Plane In Indiana

This image is derived from a microfilm copy of a photo that appeared in the Indianapolis News on October 8, 1909. It is purported to be the Henri Farman-designed bi-plane of young aviator J.W. Curzon. Curzon bought into Indianapolis Motor Speedway Founder Carl Fisher's vision of the track as a multi-purpose facility that included an infield airfield. Curzon housed his flyer in the track's aerodrome, nicknamed, "The Nest."
 
Below is the cutline that appeared with the photo.
 
"Indianapolis is to have a real airship next week, and it will be one of the most famous in the world. The Farman machine of Chalons, France which broke all the Wright Brothers' records for time in the air, is to be shipped to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway next Monday from St. Louis. E.A. Moross, director of contests for the speedway, returned today from St. Louis, where he consulted the aviators who have been taking part in the Mound City aerial carnival. All are anxious to fly from the Indianapolis Speedway, and a big program of aerial events may be arranged for this city, to be held during the next few weeks. Knabenshue, Curtiss, Beachey, Baldwin, and others expressed a desire to fly from the Indianapolis Speedway, which has five times the space allotted the airships at St. Louis. The Farman airship to be sent here is owned by J.W. Curzon. Pending his next engagement, he will practice at the Speedway under the direction of Georges Posmont, a French expert operator. He has been extended the free use of the Speedway. The construction of the machine is interesting. When starting it is run on the ground like an automobile until it has attained the proper speed."