Mabel Cody's Flying Circus

 

Curtiss JN-4 Auto to Plane Transfer Pilot: Louis "Bugs" McGowan Daytona Beach, FL - 1921 Photo: Florida State Archives	Curtiss JN-4 Auto to Plane Transfer Daytona Beach, FL - 1921 Photo: Florida State Archives	Rumpler C.IV Coral Gables, FL - 1922 Photo: Florida State Archives
LVG C.VI Coral Gables, FL - 1922 Photo: Florida State Archives	LVG C.VI Coral Gables, FL - 1922 Photo: Florida State Archives	LVG C.VI Mabel Cody Shaking Pilots Hand Coral Gables, FL - 1922 Photo: Florida State Archives
Curtiss JN-4 and Unknown Airplane Coral Gables, FL - 1922 Photo: Florida State Archives	Curtiss JN-4 Note: Wing Walker Hanging from Ankles Coral Gables, FL - 1922 Photo: Florida State Archives	Curtiss JN-4 Note: Wing Walker on Top Wing Coral Gables, FL - 1922 Photo: Florida State Archives
Curtiss JN-4 Note: Wing Walker doing Handstand Coral Gables, FL - 1922 Photo: Florida State Archives	Standard Model J-1 1925 Photo: Florida State Archives	Mabel Cody Standing Beside Car Photo: Florida State Archives
Cody Flying Circus - Stationary/Ad Photo: Florida State Archives

The Mabel Cody Flying Circus offered the following stunts: night flying, wing walking, auto to plane transfers both with and without the use of ladders, single and double parachute drops, wingwalking while the plane looped and changing planes without the use of a ladder. Although not a pilot, Mabel Cody (the niece of Buffalo Bill Cody), organized and promoted a Flying Circus. Her Circus performed at fairs as well as for events organized by real estate developers. Once such promoter, George Merrick hired the circus to attract potential land and home buyers to Coral Gables. That event is depicted in the panoramic picture featured on the link below.

On March 24, 1924 Mabel fell from an altitude of 50 feet while performing an auto to plane transfer stunt. Mabel suffered a dislocated shoulder and a broken forearm. The circus disbanded shortly after the accident. Mabel joined the Doug Davis Baby Ruth Flying Circus after she recovered.