OWLS HEAD — Mobsters and moonshiners still get most of the attention when it comes to the 1920s, but there was another type of rogue warrior who managed to stay on the good side of the law while fascinating the public. Back then, stunt pilots known as “barnstormers” or “wingwalkers” were a fabulous novelty, elevated to nearly celebrity status. In the 1920s, barnstorming became one of the most popular forms of entertainment.

According to the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission:

“On any given day, a pilot, or team of pilots, would fly over a small rural town and attract the attention of the local inhabitants. The pilot or team of aviators would then land at a local farm (hence the name "barnstorming") and negotiate with the farmer for the use of one of his fields as a temporary runway from which to stage an air show and offer airplane rides to customers. After obtaining a base of operation, the pilot or group of aviators would fly back over the town, or ‘buzz’ the village, and drop handbills offering airplane rides for a small fee, usually from one to five dollars. The advertisements would also tout the daring feats of aerial daredevilry that would be offered. Crowds would then follow the airplane, or pack of planes, to the field and purchase tickets for joy rides. The locals, most of whom had never seen an airplane up close, were thrilled with the experience. For many rural towns, the appearance of a barnstormer or an aerial troop on the horizon was akin to declaring a national holiday; almost everything in the town would shut down at the spur of the moment so that people could purchase plane rides and watch the show.”

Ormer Leslie "Lock" Locklear was one such American daredevil stunt pilot and famous barnstormer. Much to the horror and fascination of those watching in the fields below, he perfected the Dance of Death, in which two pilots, in two aircraft, switch places in midair.

Capitalizing on that excitement, the Owls Head Transportation Museum is throwing its third annual Barnstormer’s Ball on Saturday, Aug. 27, transforming into a 1920s inspired party venue, taking design cues from the famous — and daring — barnstormers who defined an era of aviation.

Niki Janczura, event organizer for the Museum, said: “We currently have an interactive exhibition called Women Who Dare: Pioneering Women of Transportation that we’ll highlight during the event.” Harriet Quimby, the first woman to get a pilot’s license is included in that exhibit. Though she wasn’t a barnstormer, in 1912, she was the first woman to cross the English Channel flying a Bleriot monoplane.

People are invited to dress up in 1920s evening wear or vintage aviation-inspired garb. Swan’s Way Catering and Fox on the Run Food Truck will be providing the food and expect signature speakeasy cocktails that were popular during that era.

“We are going to a have a terrific dance band, the Carmine Terraciano Band and the Swing and Sway Dance Company will be performing some classic 1920s dances for the guests,” said Janczura. In addition to a photo booth and live auction, Charlie Chaplin will also be making an appearance.

The party starts at 6 p.m. Tickets for the gala are $100 per person, and a limited number will be offered; reserved tables are available in advance. FMI: owlshead.org/events/detail/barnstormers-ball

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com