Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- ca. 1905-1908, 1985 (Creation)
Level of description
Fonds
Extent and medium
4 photographs
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
William Wallace Gibson, known as Victoria's "Birdman", flew the first all-Canadian built aircraft at Saanich's Landsdowne field on September 8, 1910. He designed and built the engine himself which flew over 70 feet longer than the Wright brothers’ flight in 1903. The plane was built in William Wallace Gibson's coach house at 146 Clarence Street in James Bay. Despite William Wallace Gibson’s remarkable success and history-making achievement, he received little recognition during his lifetime. William Wallace Gibson eventually moved to California where he died at the age of 91. In 1985 his son William Gibson unveiled a plaque at Lansdowne Middle School to honour his flight.
Repository
Archival history
Donated in 1985 by William Gibson, son of William Wallace Gibson.
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Fonds consists of photographs relating to the Gibson family and the aircraft built by William Wallace Gibson.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
No further accruals are expected.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
No restrictions on access.
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
- English
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Note
Accession number: 1985-010