The Estate
Donald A. Hall Estate Collection
The Donald A. Hall Estate Collection contains the definitive, original 1927 engineering blueprints, technical notes, and historical photographic negatives documenting the design and construction of the Spirit of St. Louis (Ryan NYP).
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948 images from the family-held record. Search captions and descriptions, and open any image to view it in full.
948 images
Framing himself among towering ponderosa pines, Donald A. Hall Sr. recorded this winter wilderness self-portrait wearing a dark knit watch cap, laced field boots, and a full expedition pack. The composed image captures the quiet resolve and focus of the aeronautical designer immersed in nature.
Donald A. Hall Estate Collection
Resting on massive boulders beside a rushing river, Donald A. Hall Sr. flashes a brilliant, genuine smile in this candid self-portrait. Wearing a heavy overcoat and flat cap, this 1927 image captures the Chief Engineer's profound joy while immersed in the natural world.
Donald A. Hall Estate Collection
Donald A. Hall Sr. frequently sought refuge in nature. This 1927 archival image shows the Chief Engineer wrapped in a sleeping bag next to a massive fallen log, with fellow hikers establishing camp in the background.
Donald A. Hall Estate Collection
Highlighting the immense scale of the California wilderness, Donald A. Hall Sr. captured this self-portrait standing beside a towering giant sequoia tree in a snow-dusted forest. This 1927 photograph emphasizes his deep appreciation for monumental natural structures.
Donald A. Hall Estate Collection
Sitting near a desert oasis adorned with native palm trees, Donald A. Hall Sr. captured this rugged self-portrait in 1927. His plaid flannel shirt, tall hiking boots, and crossed arms project a quiet confidence away from the aviation factory.
Donald A. Hall Estate Collection
Perched high on a granite cliff—likely in Yosemite—Donald A. Hall Sr. looks out over a vast mountain valley. This spectacular 1927 landscape self-portrait reflects the soaring heights the Chief Engineer explored both in the air and on foot.
Donald A. Hall Estate Collection
During a high-altitude expedition, Donald A. Hall Sr. documented his ascent with this 1927 self-portrait next to a loaded pack mule. The wooden sign visible in the frame marks Bishop Pass, a demanding high Sierra route.
Donald A. Hall Estate Collection
Captured deep in a winter forest, this 1927 self-portrait frames Donald A. Hall Sr. beneath the heavy, snow-laden branches of a pine tree. His love for the outdoors provided a stark contrast to his intense aeronautical drafting.
Donald A. Hall Estate Collection
Resting on a high-altitude snowpack alongside his pack mule, Donald A. Hall Sr. smiles brightly for the camera. This 1927 archival image highlights the strenuous alpine environments he navigated during his California expeditions.
Donald A. Hall Estate Collection
A fascinating, sporty departure from his typical wilderness shots, this 1927 self-portrait features a shirtless Donald A. Hall Sr. wearing boxing gloves. Standing confidently near an American flag, it showcases the athletic physique of the famous aviation designer.
Donald A. Hall Estate Collection
Sporting a heavy trail beard, Donald A. Hall Sr. rests against a tree trunk in dappled shade. This intimate 1927 self-portrait perfectly encapsulates his rugged endurance during long, grueling backcountry hiking trips.
Donald A. Hall Estate Collection
Embracing the harsh beauty of the high desert, Donald A. Hall Sr. stands shirtless in front of a sprawling Joshua tree. Wearing a protective straw hat, this 1927 self-portrait beautifully captures his survivalist excursions through the arid California landscape.
Donald A. Hall Estate Collection
Donald A. Hall Sr. takes a moment to pose in the arid California desert in front of native yucca plants. Wearing tall hiking boots and rugged outdoor trousers, this 1927 self-portrait emphasizes his deep connection to the untamed wilderness.
Donald A. Hall Estate Collection
A brilliant, early example of a mirror selfie. A sharply dressed, smiling Donald A. Hall Sr. captured his own reflection in 1927 using a vintage folding box camera, providing a rare and playful glimpse into the photographer's own process.
Donald A. Hall Estate Collection
Standing tall on a wooded ridge, Donald A. Hall Sr. captures a self-portrait fully geared up for a backcountry expedition. This 1927 image shows him wearing a heavy canvas backpack, tall boots, and a knit cap amidst the California pine forests.
Donald A. Hall Estate Collection
Pausing for a break beneath a massive rock overhang, Donald A. Hall Sr. flashes a bright smile in this 1927 self-portrait. Stripped down to a white undershirt in the heat, the image captures the genuine joy he found exploring the rugged outdoors.
Donald A. Hall Estate Collection
In a sharp contrast to his rugged outdoor photography, this 1927 portrait shows a dapper Donald A. Hall Sr. sitting indoors, intently reading a newspaper. His formal suit and striped tie highlight the professional demeanor of the famous aeronautical engineer.
Donald A. Hall Estate Collection
Preserved within the Donald A. Hall Estate Collection, this archival 1927 portrait features a warmly smiling elder wearing a classic plaid wool jacket outdoors. Hall's meticulous documentation ensured these personal family records survived alongside his aviation blueprints.
Donald A. Hall Estate Collection
Demonstrating his athletic prowess, Donald A. Hall Sr. strikes a focused fighting stance in this 1927 self-portrait. Wearing heavy boxing gloves and white trunks, his athletic shadow is cast sharply against the sunlit stucco wall behind him.
Donald A. Hall Estate Collection
Relaxing on the California coast, Donald A. Hall Sr. captured this 1927 self-portrait while sunbathing on the white sand. He is resting peacefully beside the large overturned dark hull of a canoe, a serene moment away from the drafting room.
Donald A. Hall Estate Collection
This rare halftone printed image from the 1927 archives shows a smiling Donald A. Hall Sr. standing in a snowy landscape. Wearing a crisp white shirt and dark tie in the winter elements, it beautifully illustrates his charming eccentricity.
Donald A. Hall Estate Collection
A historic halftone print showing a rugged, makeshift beach shelter constructed of sticks and grass. Preserved in the 1927 Donald A. Hall Estate Collection, this image speaks to the primitive and adventurous coastal expeditions undertaken by the Chief Engineer.
Donald A. Hall Estate Collection
Donald A. Hall Sr. documented this early vintage convertible automobile parked on a rugged dirt road as he traveled from Texas, through New Mexico, then here into Arizona. He was facinated with the towering saguaro cactus in the background. The 1927 photograph highlights the rapid advancements in mechanical engineering during the era. He had only learned to drive after buying the car as he drove back to Santa Monica.
Donald A. Hall Estate Collection
A brilliant 1927 archival image showing a large group of men posing in front of an early flatbed truck. Donald A. Hall Sr. frequently photographed the hardworking crews that powered early 20th-century industry, but this time he was along the group.
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