The Deseret News had a plane in the early 1920s, when aviation was new

America was on the move in the early 1920s, and the Deseret News was moving along with it.

The Great War was over and a new optimism was wafting through the country — there were places to go, things to do, newfangled notions to test, new technologies to try.

Under the progressive leadership of general manager Elias S. Woodruff and editor John Q. Cannon, the Deseret News planned on being right at the forefront of this new era.

In 1920, for example, the News announced it was branching into radio.

And in order to promote tourism in the state, the Deseret News sent out a "Tourfinder" to cover 25,000 miles "of the roads that lead to the National parks and the great scenic attractions of the intermountain west."

Then, on July 5, 1921, came even bigger news: "News Only Paper In Intermountain Region With Airplane Staff," read the headline. "Leading the way in utilizing modern methods of newspaper work, The Deseret News has added airplane service to its facilities for the gathering and dissemination of news. ...

"The Deseret News service was first introduced yesterday, when a News staff airplane gave an exhibition as a feature of the Fourth of July celebration at Payson. The aviator devoted half an hour to providing thrills for the Payson

celebrants. Several times he looped the loops, performed 'swing-overs,' Immelmann turns and numerous other death-defying maneuvers."

And that wasn't all: "Possibly more spectacular than the flying at Payson, was the appearance of The Deseret News staff airplane at Lagoon, where two flights were made by Rex Smith, daring staff aviator. In the afternoon he stayed in the air 34 minutes. Following that flight, it was necessary for the plane to return to the airdome at Woodward field, Salt Lake City, because no landing field was available at Lagoon."

That was not the end, however: "At 10:35 p.m., the plane left for the return to Lagoon, where it presented an inspiring sight in a difficult night flight. The wings of the great mechanical bird were illuminated with a diffused lighting system and despite the fact that considerable altitude was acquired, every movement was plainly outlined for the thousands who cheered the work of Aviator Smith.The return to Woodward field, where a successful landing was made, was accomplished without mishap."