A view of Howard Hughes (left), California Governor Frank Merriam (center, front), and Will Hays (center, back) at a banquet held for Howard Hughes in the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, California.
Howard Hughes exiting the Lockheed 14. Typed on a piece of paper attached to the image: "Howard Hughes, millionaire sportsman, leaving cabin of plane (Lockheed 14) at Wichita airport, after trip from coast to N.Y., where he's reported taking off for Europe. Credit Line (ACME)."
Press Release attached to photo: "HUGHES HERCULES READY FOR TESTS. LONG BEACH, CAL. An aerial view shows Howard Hughes' giant plywood seaplane Hercules ready for taxi tests at Long Beach. The initial flight of the plane, which cost $20,000,000 and will seat 700 persons, will not be attempted until early in 1947. ACME 10/13/46." Los Angeles Harbor, Terminal Island are now known as Long Beach.