Northrop plant closure ends aviation era in Dominguez Hills

Sorry to hear that Northrop Grumman will be closing its Carson facility as part of a cost-cutting effort. The facility employs about 800 workers, many of whom will relocate to other Northrop locations over the next couple of years. Northrop referred to the operation as its Dominguez Hills campus, and for aviation buffs, Dominguez Hills is a very big deal. In 1910, it was the site of the nation's first air show, what the LAT called "one of the greatest public events in the history of the West." Over 10 days, more than 226,000 people turned out (many had never seen an airplane before), and while no one could have realized it at the time, it signaled the beginning of L.A.'s aerospace industry. By the way, Southern Pacific steam trains were a popular way of getting to the air meet - Aviation Field was about 13 miles from what had been the center of Los Angeles. Trains left Fifth and Central six times a day (35 cents round trip). Folks also came by Pacific Electric trolley, automobile, and horse. From Cal State Dominguez Hills:

Over the course of the air meet, spectators were thrilled by the performances of aviators Louis Paulhan, Glenn Curtiss, Charles Willard, and others. Paulhan was the "star attraction" at the air meet. Invited by the organizers to participate, Paulhan brought with him to the event two Bleriot Monoplanes, two Farman Biplanes, and an entourage which included his wife and black poodle. At the air meet, he set a new altitude record (4164 ft.), endurance record (64 miles 1 hr. 49 mins. 40 secs.), and won $14,000 in prize money. Glenn Curtiss won two events - fastest speed with a passenger (55 mph) and quickest start (6 2/5 secs., covering 98 ft.). Curtiss took home $6500 in prize money. Charlie Willard was credited with the most accurate take off and landing skills for which he received a prize totaling $250.