The citizens of Glendale had front row seats for the opening of air travel. They gazed in wonder as the California Arrow, piloted by Roy Knabenshue, droned over the town's modest precincts. Knabenshue planned to operate an airship service and his exploits, even more than those of the Wright Brothers, put thoughts of air commerce in the minds of southern Californians. That was in 1906, the year the town incorporated. It was then a dusty country village with a population of less than 2,000.

Six years later, with the opening of Griffith Park Aerodrome, Glendale welcomed into its midst a burgeoning community of aviators. The newest profession, poorly paid as it was, had never lacked a following. It was a young man's game and new adherents often worked for subsistence or nothing at all, just to gain experience. Among the new arrivals listed in the 1913 City Directory was Jay Gage, builder of the first planes to fly in Panama and Alaska. Four or five others worked for Glenn Martin, whose airplane factory was the largest in the West. Martin, much in demand for movie and exhibition work, is said to have preferred Glendale air for his test flying.

Brand

A far-sighted businessman named Leslie Combs Brand did much to foster local aviation. He opened his hillside airport at the base of his home El Miradero in 1919, and two years later held the first "fly-in" party there. Brand's "fly-in" parties were a highlight of the Los Angeles social calendar. Passing military fliers from March Field and the North Island Naval Air Station often dropped in for a bit of refreshment and conviviality. The bar in Brand's clubhouse, well stocked with the finest wines and spirits, was always open and anyone with an airplane was welcome.