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First to Fly — Almost Flying
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Wilbur Wright (standing, second from the right) with Edward C. Huffaker, Octave Chanute, and George Spratt in the workshed. Chanute was a special visitor from Chicago. At the turn of the century he was widely regarded as the elder statesman of aeronautical research. His 1894 volume, "Progress in Flying Machines," was the foundation for the Wright Brothers' work. At first a mentor for their experimentation, Chanute's role evolved to that of supporter.
1901
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W012P30
WHi 10527
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First to Fly — Wright Brothers' Factory
1910
Workers in the General Assembly Department of the Wright Brothers' airplane factory.
Wright Brothers Memorial
1939
Aerial view of a B-15 flying over the granite memorial to the Wright Brothers' first flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The 60-foot memorial was dedicated in 1932. This photograph is inscribed t...
First to Fly — Completing the Army Demonstration
1909
Wilbur Wright, in the bowler hat, preparing the Flyer for the conclusion of the test required to win a U.S. Army contract. The 1908 demonstration had been interrupted by a crash in which Orville wa...
Flying Tea Party
circa 1920-1929
A tea party on an airplane, a publicity stunt conceived by Harry Bruno to promote his Cleveland-area airline, Aeromarine Airlines. By taking local reporters and photographers along on an aerial tea...
Red Devil Builder
circa 1920-1929
An autographed portrait of Thomas S. Baldwin, builder of the early "Red Devil" airplanes and the first dirigible purchased by the U.S. Army.
Orville Wright in Old Age
circa 1920-1929
Portrait of Orville Wright inscribed to aviation publicist and historian Harry Bruno, whose collection of papers and photographs is housed at the Wisconsin Historical Society Archives.