World map with airmail routes

1919-1950s

This Mecator's projection map shows existing airmail routes from around the world. The map was a gift from Henry Woodhouse, a colorful figure in early aviation history, to Benjamin B. Lipsner. Lipsner had served in the U.S. Army, where he reached the rank of captain. He assisted Major Reuben Fleet with the organization of the first regularly scheduled airmail service in May 1918. When the Post Office Department took full control in August 1918, Lisper resigned from the Army and was named first superintendent of the airmail service.