The Raymond Orteig Historical Archive consists of approximately 188 documents relating to the prize of 25,000 dollars offered by Raymond Orteig for the first nonstop flight from New York to Paris or from Paris to New York.
Raymond Orteig (1870-1939) was a Frenchman who owned the Brevoort and Lafayette hotels in New York City. Enthralled by Alcock and Brown's transatlantic flight in 1919, Orteig put up a purse of $25,000 to the first aviator to fly nonstop from Paris to New York or New York to Paris. Orteig made his offer good for five years, but five years came and went without anyone accomplishing the feat. In 1926, Orteig extended the term of his offer for another five years. In 1927, Charles Lindbergh won the prize with his New York to Paris flight.
Identifier
NASM.2005.0055
Creator
King, Stanley.
Date
1925-1927
Provenance
Stanley King, Gift, 2005, NASM.2005.0055
Extent
0.47 Cubic feet ((1 box))
Archival Repository
National Air and Space Museum Archives
Scope and Contents
The Raymond Orteig Historical Archive consists of approximately 188 documents relating to the prize of 25,000 dollars offered by Raymond Orteig for the first nonstop flight from New York to Paris or from Paris to New York. Included are the original entry forms of Rene Fonck, Clarence Chamberlin, Noel Davis, and Paul Tarascon. Telegrams and correspondence relating to the contest and its regulations are included, from such individuals as C. F. Schory, Secretary of the Contest Committee of the National Aeronautics Association; George Burleigh of the law offices of Delafield, Thorne and Burleigh; and Harry Knight of Knight, Dysart & Gamble Investment Securities. Other correspondents are Charles A. Lindbergh and Bert Acosta. Also included in this collection are a phonograph album sound track recording to the movie "The Spirit of St. Louis," starring James (Jimmy) Stewart and a 1918 Non-Partisan Ballot and a Republican Ballot from Sibley County, Minnesota, listing Charles A. Lindbergh for governor, a voter's certificate, ballot envelope, and return envelope.
Arrangement note
Arranged by type of material.
Rights
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests.
Restrictions
No restrictions on access.
Citation
Charles A. Lindbergh Orteig Prize Collection, NASM.2005.0055, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution
Topics
Aeronautics Endurance flights Aeronautics -- Competitions Aeronautics -- Awards Ryan NYP "Spirit of St. Louis" Transatlantic flights
Type
Collection descriptions Archival materials Telegrams Application forms Correspondence Phonograph records