H96.1.1934

13-Aug-27
7 in HIGH x 5 in WIDE
(17.78 cm HIGH x 12.70 cm WIDE)
The Oakland Tribune Collection, the Oakland Museum of California. Gift of ANG Newspapers
H96.1.1934


Typed paper attached to the back, "Watch your credit--'P & A Photos' SF7038--San Francisco Bureau--DOLE FLYER IN MYSTERY HOP. Frank L. Clark, pilot of the 'Miss HOllydale' one of the entrants in the Dole Race to Honolyly, hopped off from the Oakland Airport at 1:30 PM today, Aug.13, destination unknow. Reports were circulated that Clark was headed for Honolyly. Others stated that he was making an endurance test and still others were to the effect that he was headed for Los Angeles. Before hopping off, Clark stated he never officially withdrew from the Dole Race and further stated that he never signed the gentlemen's agreement to postpone the race until Aug. 16. Photo shows a closeup of Frank Clark shortly before he took off from the Oakland Airport. (SF-FM 3) 8-13-27." Photo is a portrait of Clark wearing a cordiroy jacket over his shirt and tie, an aviator's helmet and goggles on his head. The "Miss Hollydale" was one of the competitors in the Dole Race or Dole Derby which was an air race from Oakland to Hawaii from August 16-18, 1927. There were fifteen original entries but due to various accidents and mechanical problems only eight planes actuall took off and only two ever reached Hawaii. The race was sponsered by James Dole of Dole Hawaiian Pineapple. First prize was $25,000 and second $10,000. The "Miss Hollydale" was piloted by Frank Clarke and the navigator was listed as Jeff Warren. Clarke was a stunt pilot and wing-walker out of Clover Field. He was well known for his sense of humor and was an extremely good pilot. The "Miss Hollydale" was a black and orange biplane designed by Edwin M. Fisk built by International Aircraft in Long Beach. The plane's body was made of plywood with a wingspan of 35 feet and a fuel capacity of approximately 400 gallons. The race was originally supposed to start on August 12th but because not all of the entries were at the Oakland Airport or in the general vincinity by that date, the pilots already on hand made a "Gentleman's Agreement" to postpone the date of the race until August 16th to give everyone more prep time. Regardless of this, Clarke took off in the "Miss Hollydale" on August 13th with Charley Babb (a possible sponsor of the flight and an aircraft broker). Neither Clarke nor Babb explained where they were going, although it was presumed that they were heading for Hawaii anyway. The plane took off and headed out over the Bay toward the Golden Gate. The next day the race officials received a telegram from Babb in Los Angeles saying that the "Miss Hollydale" was withdrawn from the race and apoligized for any inconvience their departure may have created. Clarke went on to fly with the Army Air Force during World War II and also worked in the motion picture industry and other related piloting jobs. Clarke died in a crash of a civilian BT 13 in 1948. During the 1930s, the International Aircraft Co. failed.

Used: Oakland Tribune

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