Lou Ella Purkaple "Purky" was the first Colorado parachutist in 1927. All photos are from the Frank Van Dersarl Photo Collection of the CAHS. Purky jumped from an aircraft piloted by Jack Euler from an altitude of 2100 feet, on May 15, 1927, Favan Airport. She had to draw her Baldwin parachute from a canister attached to the side of the aircraft. This was her first and only jump.

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There is a discrepancy of the spelling of her name. Newspaper article from the Rocky Mountain News, May 18, 1977, written by Frances Melrose and other newspaper articles stated her name was Lou Ella "Purky" Purkaple Clement. Various spellings of her name exists as photos were labeled.
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Photos are from the Frank Van Dersarl Collection and are for public viewing; and property of CAHS and are to be referenced accordingly.