![Lark of Duluth 2013](https://vintageaviationnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Lark-of-Duluth-2013-678x381.jpg)
(Image Credit: Duluth Aviation Institute)
The original plane arrived by train from St. Louis in June 1913 along with a mechanic from its manufacturer, the Benoist Aircraft Company after it was purchased by a local prominent businessman, Julius Barnes for the lofty sum of $5,000.00. Barnes and pilot Tony Jannus took the maiden flight in the craft on June 25, 1913, soaring over the waters of Lake Superior and creating such a stir that it gave rise to a impromptu celebration, the Lark O’ The Lake Festival, which stretched over six summer weekends in 1913, featuring flight demonstrations, races, fireworks and games.
The “Lark of Duluth” returned to Duluth for the second and last “Lark O’ The Lake” festival as well as offering joyrides at Chennault Lake in Pennsylvania and San Diego, California. It was in San Diego that the plane met its end as it was written off after being damaged in a hard landing towards the end of 1914.
A flying replica of the Benoist XIV was constructed in n 1984 by the Florida Aviation Historical Society for the 70th anniversary of the flight and is now on display at Fantasy of Flight in Polk City, Florida. In 2008, the Duluth Aviation Institute was formed with the intent of reproducing the “Lark of Duluth” and having it airworthy in time for the centenary of the “Lark O’ The Lake” Festival, which they would also commemorate with their own similarly titled festival in July 2013.
The reproduction is made much like the original, with a frame of sitka spruce with holes bored through the larger pieces to lighten the weight, the skin of the original plane was linen, though the reproduction will use a stronger and more durable polyester fabric. Other departures from the original include some additional cable bracing of the wings, seat belts and some instruments to allow monitoring of the engine, deviations that are completely understandable, given that they intend to fly in the craft.
More pictures and detailed information on the build are available at the Duluth Aviation Institute website.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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