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Birth of Wilbur Wright
Wilbur Wright was born on April 16, 1867 and was the middle child in a family of five children. -
Birth of Orville Wright
Orville Wright was born on August 19, 1871, in Dayton, Ohio -
The Spark
The brothers’ father, Milton Wright, brought home a rubber band powered toy helicopter but this toy did not simply fall to the ground as expected it flew across the room till it struck the
ceiling. Wilbur and Orville never forgot this toy. Orville accredited this childhood toy as being the object that
sparked their interest in flight. -
The Printing Business
In 1889, at only 18 years old Orville left high school and started a printing business. Wilbur soon joined the business, and they did very well -
Wright Cycle Company
The brothers were involved in a variety of ventures to make
money. In 1892 they formed the Wright Cycle Company to sell bicycles. This was a successful business that also allowed them spare time for otherprojects. Since the business was doing well the brothers opened a repair shop and
later began to manufacture bicycles. -
Wilbur's Letter
In a letter addressed to Octave Chanute Wilbur Wright wrote:
For some years I have been afflicted with the belief that flight is possible to man. My disease has increased in severity and I feel that it will soon cost me an increased amount of money if
not my life. I have been trying to arrange my affairs in such a way that I can devote my entiretime for a few months to experiment in this field. -
The First Flight
On December 17, 1903, the Wright brothers succeeded in making the first flight of a power-driven airplane. This was an extraordinary achievement now the Wright brothers are regarded as the "fathers of modern aviation." Wilbur flew the plane for 59 seconds over a distance of 852 feet. -
Death of Wilbur Wright
On May 30th, 1912, Wilbur Wright died of typhiod fever. -
The Comapany is Sold
After his brothers death in 1912, Orville sold the Wright Company in 1915. His father, sister and himself moved to Oakwood, Ohio. -
Death of Oriville Wright
On January 30th, 1948, 76 year old Oriville Wright passes away in Dayton, Ohio.
