SOLD Signed Picture of Charles Lindbergh in His Flight Suit

Lindbergh’s flight from New York to Paris on May 20-21, 1927 took 33 1/2 hours.

The impact of his accomplishment was immediate and immense. When he landed at Le Bourge airport a crowd estimated at over 100,000 thronged the young pilot and his plane. Overwhelmed by the reception, Lindbergh sought refuge in the residence of the American ambassador to France. His thought was to rest a few days and then do some sightseeing through Europe. However, forces beyond his control were soon to overtake Lindbergh. His feat propelled him instantly to the status of a cultural icon and his life would never be the same. When he heard the news of Lindbergh’s success, President Coolidge asked that he be returned to America to receive the first newly-created Distinguished Flying Cross. The Navy dispatched a destroyer to France to pick up Lindbergh and transport him back across the Atlantic. Initially, Lindbergh was reluctant to return so quickly but soon realized he had little choice but to follow the President’s plan. On June 10, Lindbergh returned to the U.S. on board the U.S.S. Memphis; a convoy of four destroyers, two army blimps, and 40 airplanes accompanied him up Chesapeake Bay. Hundreds of thousands turned out to honor Lindbergh as he received his medal from the President. Three days later, more than four million people turned out for events honoring the flier in New York. By this time, Lindbergh had become the most famous man in the world.

Other American cities vied to honor Lindbergh, and the Daniel Guggenheim Fund for the Promotion of Aeronautics sponsored him on a three month nation-wide tour. Flying the "Spirit of St. Louis," he touched down in 48 states, visited 92 cities, gave 147 speeches, and rode 1,290 miles in parades. The tour started at Mitchel Field, Long Island, New York, July 20, 1927, and ended there on October 23, 1927. His flight the first day was to Hartford, Connecticut. The next day, he flew from Hartford to Providence, R.I, where he was the guest of honor at a lavish dinner.

This is the complete, original program for that “Complimentary Dinner to Colonel Charles A. Lindbergh by the Providence City Council and the Providence Chamber of Commerce,” Providence-Biltmore Hotel, July 21, 1927, with a photograph of Lindbergh in his flight suit that he has signed directly to its right. The program also contains the menu and a list of the notables who spoke on the occasion, including Rhode Island Governor Aram J. Pothier, Providence Mayor James E. Dunne, and future Brown University chancellor Henry Dexter Sharpe.