Aviation Ambitions in a Growing Town
Herbert Powell, a graduate of the University of Redlands, returned to California in July 1926 after establishing himself as an architect in New York. He had earned a degree from Harvard, where his design work earned a prestigious prize that funded a year of study across Europe, shaping his modernist outlook.
Before his return, Powell spent several years working for a leading architectural firm in New York, collaborating on high‑rise projects that left a mark on the city’s skyline. His decision to head west was driven by both personal roots and the growing opportunities in California’s expanding suburbs.
The sporting highlight of the month arrived on July 28, 1926, when the Redlands All‑Star baseball team faced the Riverside Stars in an indoor league contest. Though Redlands had managed only a single victory earlier in the season, the match drew considerable attention as Riverside, viewed as a championship contender, entered the game with confidence.
Riverside’s superiority was evident as they secured a 14‑to‑3 victory, underscoring the competitive gap between the two clubs. The loss left Redlands reflecting on the need for stronger local support and facilities to nurture future talent.
A.E. Isham, secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, used the occasion to stress the urgency of constructing a dedicated landing field in Redlands. He argued that the absence of suitable aviation infrastructure limited both commercial flights and the city’s appeal to pioneering pilots.
Hugh Pomroy, a frequent speaker at the Rotary Club, confessed that he had intended to fly into Redlands but was forced to abandon the plan because of the missing airfield. His remarks highlighted the broader regional ambition to integrate air travel into everyday commerce.
Rex Hicks, an automobile mechanic with a passion for aviation, announced plans to develop an airport on the outskirts of town. His vision combined mechanical expertise with early flight operations, aiming to create a hub that could serve both private and commercial needs.