Charles F. Walsh

  Charles F. Walsh, who was born in October 1877, was one of the most ardent aviation fans from San Diego.  He would have participated in the Dominguez Meet in his own airplane, had he been able to obtain a motor.  He had sketched his concept of an aeroplane in 1909, and as he formed the San Diego Aero Manufacturing Company backers agreed, even though they hadn't the slightest idea of what they were looking at or what Charlie Walsh was talking about.  Thus the first airplane company in the State of California was formed in September 1909.  Walsh set to work in an abandoned carriage shop at 3rd and F streets. By November, the big monoplane proudly spread its 50 foot wing awaiting only an engine for power. The only source readily available was a 29 hp Cameron automobile engine supplied by a local dealer for advertising purposes. Walsh fitted it into a cradle just behind the pilot's seat where the drive shaft would turn twin propellers through the center section area.  Early in December the ship was dismantled and hauled to the Coronado Country Club Polo Field for final erection and flight trials. Taxi tests were run and as confidence built, attempts at full flight were made.  Charlie had no success; it was quite clear, he had created a 900 pound monster that couldn't possible fly on a 20 horsepower engine.  With the Christmas holidays fast approaching, the big monoplane was staked down on the Polo Field until the New Year.  On New Year’s Day 1910, a violent wind storm hit the San Diego area. The next day Walsh and his helpers went to Coronado to find the plane blown over on its back and smashed.  The first Air Meet in America was scheduled for the Dominguez Ranch between January 10 and 20, and he wanted so desperately to go where he had registered his monoplane.  He didn't have the money to repair the plane and to go to the Meet as well.  It felt that it was vitally necessary to get to Dominguez, to see the aeroplanes and study their construction.  Thus, he borrowed a few dollars from friends, and his wife Alice pawned her wedding ring for $50.00 which enabled him to make the trip.  Although the San Diego Aero Manufacturing Company was not successful, on 11 February 1911, the Aero Club of California issued him License No. 1.