On May 20-21, 1927, Charles Lindbergh literally flew into history when he crossed the Atlantic Ocean in his Ryan NYP Spirit of St. Louis, thus becoming the first pilot to fly solo and nonstop from New York to Paris. This flight made Lindbergh a household name and catapulted him into fame and celebrity. The objects of popular culture in the National Collection display everything from ashtrays to wristwatches reflect the public adulation for Lindbergh and the powerful commercial response to his celebrity. More than 75 years after the Spirit's historic flight, Lindbergh's name still has the power help sell manufactured goods.
Gift of the Stanley King Family.
Date: May 28, 1927
Dimensions:
2-D - Unframed (H x W): 10.5 x 14.6cm (4 1/8 x 5 3/4 in.)
Materials:
Paper
Physical Description:
Invitation for a reception for Lindbergh on May 28, 1927 in Brussels. The invitation is printed on both sides of a single card. On one side of the invitation across the top is handwritten "Reception to Capt. Lindbergh. Flying from Paris to Brussels." The word "Brussels" is handwritten under the typed words "Evere Airdrome," and along the bottom edge of the card is handwritten "Capt Lindbergh flew the Atlantic - N.Y./Paris. Arr'd May 21. 1927.” On the reverse side of the card is handwritten "Mr. Keenan U.S. Shipping Board Antwerp." This side of the card has two round stamps on it which read "United States Shipping Board Received 28 May A.M. Antwerp." In one of the stamps is handwritten the year "1927." On one edge of the card are some scraps of paper that are adhered to the invitation.
