Providence, Rhode Island – January 15, 1913

 

     At 2:12 p.m. on January 13, 1913, aviator Harry M. Jones set out from Boston for New York City in a Curtiss bi-plane, with scheduled stops in Rhode Island and Connecticut along the way.  This was to be the first parcel post flight in America, and among the letters and packages Jones was carrying were nine pots of Boston baked beans which were to be delivered to prominent public officials along the route.    

     The first scheduled stop was in Providence, Rhode Island, and Jones landed in a baseball field off Elmwood Avenue just after 3:00 p.m.

     The following morning he resumed his journey.  As he took off from the baseball field and began a wide circle around it, the aircraft was suddenly encountered a strong cross-wind and was pushed towards some telephone wires and railroad tracks.  The crash landing broke several wooden ribs of the airplane which required two weeks to repair.

     Jones was not seriously injured.  When he resumed his journey it was reported that his cargo included Rhode Island Johnny Cakes in addition to the baked beans.       

     Harry Jones was involved in another plane crash in Rhode Island on May 25, 1913, when he crashed into Narragansett Bay.  To learn more click on link below. 

     Narragansett Bay, May 25, 1913

     He was also involved n another crash in 1915.

     Quincy, Mass. June 15, 1915

     Jones also made the first airmail flight in Maine. 

     First Airmail Flight in Maine

     Jones is buried in Massachusetts. 

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/218878954/harry-martin-jones

     Sources:

     The Sun, (N.Y.), Aero Parcel Post On Way”, January 14, 1913 

     New York Tribune, “Postal Plane Smashed”, January 17, 1913

     New York Tribune, “Parcel Ship May Move – Harry M. Jones Expects To Fly From Providence To-day”, January 27, 1913