On May 10, 1912, Glenn L. Martin flew his hydroplane, built in Orange County, from the sea near the Balboa Pier to Catalina Island. At that time, it was the fastest and longest flight over water. An earlier version adds that he returned to the mainland carrying the day's mail from Catalina, another first.

Photo: courtesy of University of Southern California Libraries and the California Historical Society

Photo: Michael Kindig

Photo: Anonymous