Description printed on photograph's accompanying sheet of paper: "Howard Hughes and his crew of globe girdlers (L-to-R) Thomas Thurlow, Ed Lund, Albert Lodwick, Hughes, Harry Connor and Dick Stoddart. 8-1-38. (Press Association)." Howard Hughes is standing third from right.

A view of Howard Hughes' Hercules traveling down a street in Culver City, California.

A view of Howard Hughes' Hercules traveling down a street in Culver City, California.

Howard Hughes standing for a photograph.

Howard Hughes pictured after Senate hearings in Washington, D.C. in 1947.

Hughes Helicopters Division of Summa Corporation in Culver City, California.

The exterior of Hughes Research Laboratories where rock bits were test-drilled in Culver City, California in the 1940s. Transcribed from note taped to back of photo: "Rock bits are test-drilled in the laboratory under conditions that duplicate, as far as is possible in the laboratory, those encountered in actual drilling. As a result, rotational speeds, loads, and fluid volume are closely controlled. The rig operator occupies a splash-proof booth above the 'cellar floor.' The instruments on his control panel provide for application and measurement of variable axial loading on the drilling bit up to 100,000 lbs., variable rotational speeds up to 400 rpm, measurement of bit penetration over a total vertical travel of 5 feet at rates up to 180 ft. per hour, and torque. On the panel, also, are several controls for the operation of mud pump and other accessory equipment."