BIRTHDATE OF ORVILLE WRIGHT

Oznell · ‎11-08-2014

Orville and Wilbur Wright

Orville Wright, born on today's date, August 19, in 1871, along with his brother Wilbur, made the first manned, powered flights south of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina on December 17, 1903.

Massive, history-altering accomplishment for the clever, mechanically-minded Dayton, Ohio brothers.

Their biography mentions that as children, the Wrights were very much encouraged to pursue their interests, intellectual and otherwise, and that their home contained two libraries put at their disposal.

Their quest suffered many setbacks, but they didn't stop. That's one phenomenon that all great inventors and innovators seem to have in common.

golding76 · ‎05-19-2012

Thank you for the reminder, Oznell. The Wright Brothers are included in my personal pantheon of heroes. Their influence on life in this world, the way we live it to this day, was seismic. How fortunate that they helped contribute to what has been referred to as the American Century.

The siblings were intellectually gifted and curious, with Orville inventing a calculating machine when he was 24. When the "Wright boys," as they were sometimes called, were experimenting with their gliders, they built a wind tunnel. Astounding.

Oznell · ‎11-08-2014

How well-put, @golding76 ! If I recall, you have a special interest and expertise in the history of aviation and aerospace (sp?) flight.

golding76 · ‎05-19-2012

I can claim only a special interest in aviation and aerospace, Oznell. How I wish I could claim expertise, but that would be a false assertion.

There's something about the two fields that grabs my interest, and I've always been fascinated by airmen and astronauts. Several members of my family have the same interests, which makes me wonder if there is some sort of genetic predisposition to this sort of thing. LOL

[Forgot the "pre" in "predisposition.]

drizzellla · ‎03-14-2010

Thanks for sharing that information.

Yesterday I happened to watch a local TV show about the Bellanca airplane. The Bellanca Aircraft Factory started to build planes in 1928.

And on the show they were discussing numerous aspects of their history. Very early in their history they interviewed a female pilot. And were asking her about different aspects of her flying experience. They also asked her for her pilot's license. It was signed by Orville Wright.

I found that so interesting. That I am guessing the "Government" hadn't been issuing a license to fly yet. And so Orville Wright was taking it upon himself to check that people were proficient.

I also found it interesting during the show yesterday. The Wright Brothers designed skids for landing the plane. Bellanca was the first manufacturer to put wheels on landing gear.

PS - it was sad that Wilbur died in 1912 of typhoid fever. There may have been other things the brothers might have done.

Oznell · ‎11-08-2014

@drizzellla, how amazing about the pilot with a Wright brother's signature on her document! That is something I hope she kept carefully, and passed down through her family-- what an heirloom to cherish.

Agreed it is terribly sad about Wilbur's early death. Those who knew him described his visionary qualities, and your speculation about what might have been, had he lived, is right on target.

drizzellla · ‎03-14-2010

@Oznell wrote:
@drizzellla, how amazing about the pilot with a Wright brother's signature on her document! That is something I hope she kept carefully, and passed down through her family-- what an heirloom to cherish.

Agreed it is terribly sad about Wilbur's early death. Those who knew him described his visionary qualities, and your speculation about what might have been, had he lived, is right on target.

I am not sure but on the TV show they showed the pilot's license with Orville's signature. So I am guessing that someone in her family donated the pilot's license to the Bellanca Airfield Museum.

Maybe I will have to tour the museum one day and see it for myself.

Last time we visited my cousin we went past a building close to her house. It had a sign about the Wright Brothers and their bike shop. We had a time constraint but I am determined to check it out next time we go to visit her.

spiderw · ‎06-14-2010

As one who loves history, I enjoyed this post and reading about the Wright brothers, very interesting insights!!! My great nephew is working toward becoming a pilot, he already flies small planes. When we are together, he talks about flying and his passion for it. The Wright brothers are part of a great history of inventions and changing the world . Thanks for everyone's input!!!!!!