Castle, Vernon. (1887 - 1918) & Castle, Irene. (1893-1969)
1916 Program, Two Original Photographs & Autograph Signature
Vintage trifold English Hippodrome program "Souvenir of the Farewell Appearance of Mr. & Mrs. Vernon Castle prior to the departrure of Mr. Castle to join the Aviation Corps of the English Army" (June 23, 1916), including a tipped in photograph with facsimile signatures (as issued), and sold together with two original photographs of the popular ballroom dancers credited with invigorating the popularity of modern dancing. Also, with an autograph signature of Irene Castle. Signature on a small page, 10 x 6 cm. Photographs, both from 1913, measure 6.25 x 9 inches and 8 x 10 inches. A few tears or creases around the edges, else fine.After serving with distinction as a pilot in World War I, Vernon was posted to Canada to train new pilots, and then promoted to Captain and posted to the U.S. to train American pilots. On February 15, 1918, on a peaceful flying field at Benbrook Field, near Fort Worth, Texas, he took emergency action shortly after takeoff to avoid a collision with another aircraft. His plane stalled, and he was unable to recover control in time before the plane hit the ground. Vernon was the only casualty. He died soon after the crash, on February 15, 1918 (aged 30). The present program, from the final public performance of the dancing couple, is a great rarity. (3789)
Signature Dance