- Susan Koerner Wright, mother of Wilbur and Orville, enjoyed making things for and with her children. Reportedly, her husband Milton could not hammer a nail straight, and she was the handy person in the family. She often made toys for the children, and even put together some small appliances to make her household chores easier.
- In 1900, Dayton listed more inventions than any other city in the United States.
- John Patterson could not stand Charles Kettering, and would often fire him from his company, NCR. Edward Deeds would always hire him back.
- During rainy seasons, carriages would get stuck in the mud. To remedy this, huge logs were buried under the mud, lining Dayton streets in a “corduroy” fashion, preventing wagons and animals from sinking.
Tag Archives: Wright Brothers
A Reputation in Jeopardy
Orville Wright (August 19, 1871 – January 30, 1948)
In honor of what would be Orville’s 146th birthday, here are some facts about the younger Wright Brother:
- Orville was a snazzy dresser – Orville wore well-tailored suits, wingtips, and “snappy argyle socks.”
- Orville loved playing the mandolin. In fact, he played it so often that it drove his sister Katherine to say, “He sits around and picks that thing until I can hardly stay in the house the point of madness.”
Exercise Dayton – Riverscape Inventors Walk
Tired of the same exercise routine? Try visiting some of Dayton’s notable spots while you exercise!
Enjoy fresh air and history as you experience the Dayton Inventors River Walk.
The Route:
Starting with a brick medallion at the corner of Monument Avenue and Main Street, the Inventors Walk continues around Riverscape with informative tiles in the pavement, leading to the Automobile Self Starter, the first of 7 invention stations. Continue toward North Patterson Boulevard, visiting the Cash Register and Ice Cube sculptures. Cross the bridge on Patterson Boulevard to continue reading the tiles. Approximate distance is 1 mile (see map below).
The Man Who Sent Wilbur on the Wright Path
If any fact is known about Dayton, it’s that Wilbur and Orville Wright created their heavier-than-air Flying Machine in Dayton, Ohio. What many don’t know, is that it almost didn’t happen.
Wilbur had set his sights on Yale. A star athlete in football, skating, and gymnastics, Wilbur intended to leave Dayton behind. It was the Winter of 1886 that changed the course of history for Wilbur and the future of flight.
Fun Facts about Dayton – Part 1
There are many things to know about the Dayton area, and sometimes Dayton Unknown learns a few new things that are interesting, but not long enough for an entry. Here are a few fun facts we have learned:
Prominent Local Figures: The Wright Brothers
Who doesn’t know the Wright Brothers? Anyone that has taken a plane, or knows someone that did, has been affected by the Wright Brothers. Born in the mid 1800’s, Orville and Wilbur Wright grew up in Dayton Ohio, in a family of 7 children.
Aug. 19, 1871 – Jan. 30, 1948
April 16, 1867 – May 30, 1912
Dayton Unknown 