aviation history

The Lark Descended

/ mariezhuikov / 1 Comment

This is a quick update to my previous post about the Lark, a replica of a 1913 sea plane that was built in Duluth and celebrated recently with a weekend festival. I am sad to say that the Lark crash-landed in the Duluth-Superior Harbor yesterday as its builders were testing its flight capabilities. News reports say the craft was “totaled,” but that no one was hurt in the crash.

I do believe yesterday was one of the first times the Lark was airborne. So the good news is that the builders know it can fly now. The bad news is that the landing needs some work! A small group of dedicated aviation enthusiasts labored over 5 years to build the replica, which attracted attention nationwide. I sincerely hope the crew takes time to mourn the damage but then gets back to work to rebuild it again. I’m sure the community will gather behind the effort and will want to help in some way.

The Lark Ascending

/ mariezhuikov / 1 Comment
The Lark of Duluth
The Lark, a “flying boat” that first took off in Duluth, MN.

I wanted to share some photos I took this weekend at the “Lark O’ the Lake” Festival, which was held in Duluth. The Lark is a replica of a seaplane that was first flown in Duluth 100 years ago. It was called a flying boat back then. During the winter the original Lark was transported to Florida where it served as the world’s first airliner – transporting passengers between St. Petersburg and Tampa.

The Color Guard at sunset, Sky Harbor Airport, Duluth, MN
The Color Guard at sunset, Sky Harbor Airport, Duluth, MN

Several of my friends were involved in rebuilding the Lark, a labor of love and ingenuity. The builders worked from photos, written descriptions and studying other similar seaplanes. Last weekend’s festival was held to remind Duluthians of their place in aviation history and to show off the flying boat. I attended the opening ceremony of the three-day event, which was complete with skydivers (including the intrepid Mayor of Duluth), spectators in vintage clothing, a band, and carriage rides. The skydivers in my pictures all landed safely, however, later in the weekend, a couple of them ended up landing in Lake Superior. Only in Duluth!

Michael Gardonio, Thomas Betts

Mr. Gardonio and Mr. Betts were among the builders of the Lark.


Duluth Mayor Don Ness in a tandem sky dive for the opening ceremonies of the Lark O'the Lake Festival.

Duluth Mayor Don Ness in a tandem sky dive for the opening ceremonies of the Lark O’the Lake Festival.

Duluth Mayor Don Ness skydive

Duluth Mayor Don Ness, glad to be alive after his skydive. His family is behind him.