Robert Goddard
New Mexico, ca. 1930s
Robert H. Goddard (23) Photograph Archive of Rocket Work & Snake Hunting at Roswell
Archive

A collection of 23 small black and white photographs of American engineer and physicist, Robert H. Goddard in New Mexico. Twenty photos measures 3.5" x 2.5" while the remaining three measure 4.25" x 2.5", New Mexico, ca. 1930s. The photographs are taken in numerous places, including Mescalero Ranch, Roswell, High Lonesome, Santa Fe, and more. All are stamped on verso "Roswell, N. Mexico/Hudson Studio", and the majority are captioned on verso by Carl Gustavson. Images include Dr. Goddard with his wife and friends, as well as photos of his studio, cards, snake hunting, etc. Slightly curled edges to all, with minor edge wear and corner creasing. Light toning and soiling to versos. Overall very good. Accompanying the photographs are typed descriptions of the photographs with additional information provided by Gustavson.

Robert Hutchings Goddard (1882-1945) was an American engineer, professor, physicist, and inventor who is credited with creating and building the world's first liquid-fueled rocket, which was successfully launched on March 16, 1926. Goddard relocated to Roswell, New Mexico, in summer of 1930, where he worked with his team of technicians in near-isolation and relative secrecy for years. Between 1930 and 1941, he and his team launched 31 rockets, achieving altitudes as high as 2.6 km (1.6 mi) and speeds as fast as 885 km/h (550 mph).

The Goddard Mescalero Ranch home still stands, three miles outside of Roswell. Goddard had traveled to New Mexico in August of 1930 where he viewed the Mescalero Ranch, which included a large Spanish style house set on 10 acres of land. Once fully equipped the Workshop become known as "the best equipped machine shop in New Mexico". The "Early Years" (1930-1932) at Mescalero Ranch were fruitful, according to Esther Goddard's writings. Despite having only twenty-two months in which to work she described this time as follows, " '...he was an extremely happy man, doing what he most wanted to do, with adequate funds in optimum surroundings."

Carl Gustavson arrived at the Mescalero Ranch in July 1931 and worked there through early July, 1932. He had been working as a tool and die maker at Union Switch and Signal Company in Pittsburgh since graduating high school and had become interested in flight because there was an early airfield (Wilkinsburg Airport) located near his home. Gustavson had followed the career of Charles Lindbergh and had even gone to Bettis Field in McKeesport, PA to see Lindbergh arrive in the Spirit of St. Louis during a nationwide tour in the late twenties. Through reading he learned of the Lindbergh's connection with Dr. Goddard. He would soon learn of a job opening at Dr. Goddard's testing site in New Mexico, and applied for the position of "instrument maker" in early 1931.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!
4.25" x 2.5"