The Boys from Dayton

When Wilbur and Orville make their famous first flight in 1903, America is at a new peak of industrial output. It now has a pair of heroes, but not from a family that made its fortune in railroads, steel or manufacturing.

When the brothers become obsessed with building a flying machine, neither is yet 30 years old. Previously, they built their own printing press to start a printing business, and opened a small shop making bicycles.

Without the benefit of college education, they just take hold of an idea and never let go. Both are naturally talented mechanics. Orville is popular and athletic, before turning shy after losing his front teeth to a hockey stick.
Wright Brothers and friends

  Party-hardy Friends
The casual scenes shown above are unlike most other formal portraits of the time. Sister Katharine is a constant presence. She manages the bicycle shop herself, during the three summers when the brothers are off flying their gliders over the dunes at Kitty Hawk. After attending Oberlin Academy, she graduates from Oberlin College (center bottom).

Wright bicycle shop, 1900

  It Started with Bicycles
The Wright Brothers succeed due to vision, talent and persistence, but are never far from their tools. Wilbur, who is older by four years and more cautious, is the natural leader. He always seems to be wearing a tie and hat, whether working at his lathe or flying over New York harbor. The Wrights build a small wind tunnel to test 200 different wing shapes (top center), and discover errors in previously-published figures. When they can't find a suitable engine, they have one built to their own specifications.


Intrepid Wilbur Wright

  Intrepid Wilbur Wright
Wilbur is always serious, but this doesn't stop him from taking big risks. In the glider photo (top left), note that Wilbur's legs are visible. The initial idea for landing was to drop the legs down, and run the glider to a stop, though his proves unnecessary. Wilbur keeps on flying after Orville is sidelined by crash injuries, making his big debut flight for the Army with only sister Katherine for support (lower left). She is right by his side for the event (far right), though not for the actual flight.