Lyra B. Nickerson

Lyra Brown Nickerson (1886–1916) was an American philanthropist, and one of the wealthiest and most popular members of society in the U.S. state of Rhode Island.

Brown & Sharpe was one of the best-known and most influential machine tool builders and was a leading manufacturer of instruments for machinists (such as micrometers and indicators).

[2] The purpose of The American National Aeroplane Fund was to train aviators, provide aviation corps for the National Guard and Navy Militia of the States, and put airplanes in use for the mail carrying service to inaccessible places, forming an aeronautical reserve, which while being used daily for peaceful purposes shall be ready for military service in case of need.

Editorial (23 July 1916) [3]Rhode Island, First to Provide Its Naval Militia With Hydroaeroplane, Should Take Pride in Furnishing Proper Equipment for the Corps.

To the Editor of the Sunday Journal, I had the pleasure of making a flight last Wednesday in Rhode Island’s new seaplane, which weighs 2150 pounds and is 48 feet and 8 inches spread.

It is interesting to note that the Rhode Island Aeronautic Corps has the first seaplane of its kind under operation in the naval militia service, and has been given the No.

She should be patriotic enough to at least assist in the equipment of this corps of 28 picked men, who are enthusiastic enough to give their time and brains for the relatively small pay involved.

The money subscribed in this State last winter will be barely sufficient to pay for the two hangars and the salaries of the mechanics and instructors required, after deducting the cost of the machines themselves.

[1] On 3 August 1916, Nickerson announced her engagement to Henry G. Clark, assistant director of Athletics at Brown University; the date for the wedding was set as 4 October 1916.

At the time of her death, Henry G. Clark (fiancé), Jane Brown Jones (cousin), Dr. Lord of Boston, Dr. Charles Hitchcock of New York and Narragansett Pier, two nurses, and William H. Buffum were present.

Lyra B. Nickerson, just after flight between Quonset and Fort Greble.
Lyra B. Nickerson and Roderich W. Wright, an Aeroplane Instructor, Seated In Machine Preparatory to a Fllght (19 July 1916)
The Sturtevant Model S climblng with Lyra B. Nickerson in the observation seat and Mr. Wright at the Wheel.
Lyra B. Nickerson and Roderich W. Wright, an Aeroplane Instructor, Seated In Machine Preparatory to a Fllght (19 July 1916)
The Sturtevant Model S climblng with Lyra B. Nickerson in the observation seat and Mr. Wright at the Wheel.