Lindbergh photo displayed at city hall

A commemorative marker titled “Field to Flight” recognizing the presence pioneering pilot Charles Lindbergh had on the area will open later this year at the corner of Highway T and Sycamore Road adjacent to the seminary grounds.
Trish Erzfeld, director of Perry County Heritage Tourism, recently provided the city a photograph that will be displayed in the city hall meeting room.
Perryville City Clerk Tracy Prost provided city aldermen additional information about the airplane at the Feb. 2 Board of Aldermen meeting.
The picture is from Pete Govro, who had a home in Perryville on St. Joseph Street, and depicts Lindbergh and in front of a Curtiss JN-4 Canuck airplane along with Leon Klink.
Klink, an automobile dealer from St. Louis, and Lindbergh were on a trip down South in January 1923 and first landed in Perryville.
Lindbergh’s visits to Perryville and elsewhere were part of his barnstorming days. Often, he took airplane enthusiasts on short rides over the city for $3.

The plane was widely used during World War I to train beginner pilots. After the war, thousands were sold to civilians, including Lindbergh, who often used the
aircraft for solo flights.
The photograph provided to the city is part of history which will be on display when the historical marker is completed.
Erzfeld said what will make this particular historical marker unique is the grounds are in similar condition to the way they appeared in the 1920s, when Lindbergh visited. In many cases, land and property has been developed.
“We feel this gives us a unique perspective to allow visitors to stand, look and imagine Lindbergh making his dramatic landings and take-offs,” Erzfeld said.
A ribbon cutting for the Field to Flight” historical marker is planned for Sunday, Aug. 8.