Howard Hughes waving to crowds in a parade in Houston, Texas in 1938.

A view of Howard Hughes attending an informal press conference in Culver City, California, after Hughes left the Senate War Investigating Subcommittee hearing in Washington.

Typed onto a piece of paper attached to the image: "Howard Hughes (second from left) surrounded by newspapermen in Los Angeles and telling them about his Round-The-World flight. 8/1/38. (Press Association)."

Description given with photo: "Float Hughes Flying Boat, San Pedro, Calif.: Water pours into Howard Hughes' mammoth drydock as the millionaire plane builder prepares to float his giant plywood flying boat on November 1st. The nose of the 200-ton craft can be seen at right. In upper right are three of the four right wind engines. Credit Line (ACME) 11/04/47."

A view of Howard Hughes (wearing headphones, left) inside and at the controls of the Spruce Goose in San Pedro, California.

A view of Howard Hughes (wearing headphones, left) inside and at the controls of the Spruce Goose in San Pedro, California.

A view of Howard Hughes' Flying Boat going on an unscheduled test run in San Pedro, California.