April 4, 2024

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Today’s Forecast

✈️ Just plane awesome

“Chicago” was one of the two DT-2 Bombers that successfully completed the circumnavigation. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons

If we were to step back 100 years in time, we’d find ourselves just on the precipice of an impressive event not just for Seattle, but the world — the first global circumnavigation by plane.

On April 6, 1924, four airplanes took off from Seattle’s Sand Point with the hopes of being the first team to circumnavigate the Earth by airplane.

A few other countries had attempted the feat already — Great Britain tried and failed in 1922 and France tried the year after — and by 1923, several others, including the US, were in on the race.

But the US succeeded in being the first — here’s the story.

A large crowd flocks around three planes in this black and white image. — There was quite a bit of fanfare — of course — once the pilots returned back to Sand Point in September 1924.
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Photo courtesy of PEMCO Webster & Stevens Collection, Museum of History & Industry

Taking to the sky

Following the resolution of World War I, the globe became invested in developing an aircraft that was light enough to stay aloft, but sturdy enough to be able to make a round-the-world trip.

Once the US military settled on a modified DT-2 Bomber for the feat, it began distributing its thousands of gallons of fuel, 35 replacement engines, and other spare parts across the globe.

Then, the “Magellans of the Sky” (or the eight pilots tasked with making the trailblazing journey) traveled from Santa Monica to Seattle to get ready for the journey.

On April 6, 1924 — a few days after takeoff was initially scheduled to happen — the team took to the sky, bound for Prince Rupert, BC.

After 175 days, 363 hours of flying time, and 26,345 miles traveled, two of the four planes (two planes were lost to crashes, but all crew survived) returned to Seattle where a crowd of ~50,000 waited to celebrate.

Join the (history) party

To celebrate the great technological feat, Seattle Parks and Rec will be hosting a centennial celebration featuring “historical banter,” drinks, dancers, and raffle prizes.

Give it a gander:

Where: Magnuson Park Cafe and Brewery, 7801 62nd Ave. NE
When: Saturday, April 6, 2-4 p.m.

Asked

The four planes used for the first world flight were named after US cities. What were they?

A. Seattle, Boston, Chicago, New Orleans
B. Seattle, New York, Chicago, Santa Monica
C. Chicago, Santa Monica, New Orleans, Boston
D. Seattle, Chicago, Boston, Charlotte

Take a guess

Events

Thursday, April 4

Copland Appalachian Spring | Thursday, April 4-Saturday, April 6 | Times vary | Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle | $53-$161 | This multi-composer show features works all inspired by the natural wonders of this world.

Friday, April 5

9th Annual Boylesque Festival | Friday, April 5-Saturday, April 6 | Times vary | The Triple Door, 216 Union St., Seattle | $30-$55 | Come one, come all and check out this set of comedy routines, drag performances, and circus acts from artists across the country.

Saturday, April 6

Bachata and Salsa: Class & Social Dancing | Saturday, April 6 | 5-8:30 p.m. | The Cuff Complex, 1533 13th Ave., Seattle | $25 | Join Queerchata for a night of twirls and whirls no matter your skill level — you can also join the group chat to meet the other dancers beforehand.
Whose Live Anyway? | Saturday, April 6 | 7:30 p.m. | The Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave., Seattle | $40-$80 | The current improv kings from “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” are touring the US just to make you laugh.

Sunday, April 7

Disney Bad Girls Brunch | Sunday, April 7-Sunday, June 30 | 1 p.m. | Julia’s on Broadway, 300 Broadway E., Seattle | $20.95-$30.95 | Turns out Disney villainesses + drag artists make for quite the saucy brunch companions.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Award

Four Seattle chefs and restaurants have been named 2024 James Beard award finalists. Quynh-Vy and Yenvy Pham of Pho Bac restaurant group, Pancita’s Janet Becerra, and Communion’s Kristi Brown + Musang’s Melissa Miranda were nominated for a variety of accolades. Winners will be announced June 10. (Seattle Times)

Listen

What in tarnation? Two Seattle radio stations recently flipped from their usual programming to country music. Star 101.5 is now 101.5 Hank FM and plays traditional country music. Alternative station KPNW saddled up too, now operating as 98.9 The Bull. (Seattle Times)

Opening

The opening date for Bellevue’s new, larger Din Tai Fung location has been set for Tuesday, April 16. Its 17,000 sqft spot at 10455 NE Eighth St. features upscale, Taiwanese-inspired design elements. It’s old Lincoln Square location will end operations on Saturday, April 13. (Puget Sound Business Journal)

Traffic

Ground has officially been broken on the Seattle Department of Transportation’s East Marginal Way Corridor Improvement Project. Once completed, the corridor will have new barrier-protected bike lanes, safety improvements, and weigh-in-motion technology for freight vehicles.

Coming Soon

Watch your necks — Guillotine, a new drinks-forward bar + restaurant, will open in Capitol Hill on Tuesday, May 7. In addition to a cocktail menu crafted by two local veteran bartenders, its selection of bites will feature dishes like oysters, beef tartare, and fried chicken. (Capitol Hill Seattle)

Outdoors

Seattle Parks and Rec has opened its picnic reservations for the year. Bookings for picnic shelters or tables at several local parks can be made anywhere between five and 90 days before an event.

Sports

The Mariners have had a tough few opening games — what’s happening? Hear from the local experts on the team with Locked On’s daily, Mariners-focused podcasts.

Network

Want to grow your network? Think about joining the World Trade Center Seattle community, which brings leaders together in a spacious + professional environment. Learn more about the perks available to organizations of all sizes and grab a free day pass to see what it’s like to be a member.*

The Buy

A bicycle phone holder that fits on bikes, e-bikes, and exercise bikes. The phone holder mounts right onto handlebars, letting you use navigation apps and keep your phone secure during rides.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Alina

From the editor

A fun fact about me is that I used to take piloting lessons in high school. I never quite got to the point where I put enough hours in to get my license, but I can get a small aircraft out of a stall. Just don’t ask me to land the plane.

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