As with all branches of engineering and scientific study, aeronautics and aviation remain perpetual pursuits of perfection. The legacy of these closely related fields at WPI is multidimensional, spans many eras, and involves countless contributors.
Featured here is a photograph calling back specifically to their boom of popularity at Tech in the 1920s. It was at this time that demand for courses on aeronautics and aviation grew exponentially, following a decade of advancement in their instruction since first record of an M.E. "Air Engineering" course offered in 1911.
The campaign to further boost aeronautics and aviation at Tech and in Worcester throughout the 1920s was most prominently fueled by the sixth WPI President, Navy Capt. Ralph Earle. He dreamed of the inauguration of an Aeronautics degree at Tech, which inspired his support of the Worcester Airport Project. It opened as Whittall Field in October of 1927 with remarkable turnout from across New England for its grand opening pageant.
Shortly thereafter, Earle coordinated arrangements for a 12-day course in aviation to be held in September of the following academic year. It was designed for Senior Mechanics and hosted at the airport under the supervision of Lieut. I. K. MacWilliams.
In May of 1928, again through the efforts of President Earle, the U.S. Navy presented Tech with an MO-1 type Martin seaplane. It was housed on the top floor of Washburn Shops and used for demonstration purposes in aeronautics classes. By February of 1929, Earle reported on subsequent changes to this floor as a means to outfit the space for WPI's new Aeronautics Department, including construction of a wind tunnel.
See more about the photo on the Digital WPI Website.