Spring 05 Flyer 5/4/05 6:13 PM Page 5

THE

P. O. Box 1903, Kitty Hawk, NCFlyer 27949 Spring 2005 www.firstflight.org • Ph. 252-441-1903 Time Capsule Buried at Monument “I can’t imagine the excitement the people are going to feel when they open that time capsule,” First Flight Society President, Bill Harris said at the recent cer- emony held at the Monument to a Century of Flight in Kitty Hawk. As part of the First Flight Centennial Celebration on the Outer Banks, Icarus International constructed the monument adjacent to the Aycock Brown Welcome Center on US 158. The First Flight Rotary Club collaborated with Icarus in arranging the insertion of a time capsule at this site. A call for submissions, which was over- The Wright brothers' grand niece, Janette Yoerg and her son Keith, enjoy an seen by KaeLi Spiers, Curator of the Outer evening with Gerard Bollee (center), the grand-nephew of Leon Bollee, who, like Banks History Center, resulted in a collec- William Tate of Kitty Hawk, welcomed Wilbur Wright to Le Mans, France in 1908. tion of docu- (photo by Lisa Loy) ments, pho- tographs, souvenirs and letters Le Mans to Celebrate in 2008 that were By Lisa Loy placed into a stainless If you thought the 2003 Centennial of when feats of derring-do and new innova- steel cube Flight celebrations were a big deal, just tions were introduced in rapid-fire succes- and buried wait until 2008 when the good folks in Le sion. 1908 was solid gold. at the State Senator Pro Tempore Mans, France celebrate the centennial of To give you some sense of the enormity Monument Marc Basnight with Lisa Wilbur’s exhibition flights in their fair city. of the impact Wilbur made on the to a Century Loy and her children, Alexi It will be an event that lures Outer Bankers Europeans, let’s try and visualize the peri- of Flight in and Pierce Holian, follow- in good number as well as members of the od––other planes were being built and Kitty Hawk ing the dedication of the Wright Family, and aviation buffs from flown, but in short distances or hops, and in April. Monument to a Century of around the world. generally in a straight line. The state of avi- Some of Flight in 2004. While the Wrights’1903 flight from Kill ation was not much more than a novelty. the buried Devil Hill is considered the birth of pow- Behind the scenes however, the Wrights items include refrigerator magnets, T- ered flight, they were not recognized by the were in high gear despite their avoidance shirts, a pilot’s scarf, the key to the town of world until five years later, 1908 to be of the public eye until they achieved their Kitty Hawk, an Apollo 11 flight crew patch, exact. patent goals. Many people wondered if photographs, a fireman’s badge, lapel pins, You can expect the French celebration they had achieved any flights at all. The flags, dozens of tourist brochures, a ceram- in 2008 to rival our 2003 centennial cele- New York Herald ran the headline, “Flyers ic rotary clown sculpture and 4,050 docu- bration here at Wright Brothers National or Liars.” ments. The First Flight Society also includ- Memorial. On the excitement scale, we can Now imagine Orville and Wilbur, ed copies of Visions, the Official Centennial look forward to a perfectly wonderful “10.” emerging from the background to demon- Program, the Society’s 2003 membership To me, the 1908 flights gave birth to what list and its list of charter members. It is we call “The Golden Age of Aviation,” Continued–– Please see Le Mans on page 3 hoped that the time capsule will be opened in 2103. Spring 05 Flyer 5/4/05 6:08 PM Page 2

2004 Celebration ReCap First Flight Sculpture By C.T. Halfhill By Joe Hardman Imagine, a 70-degree day, gentle winds, the warm conditions.) From the same The latest major attraction of the comfortable, warm seats, and no rain, sleet high school, the Air Force Junior ROTC Wright Brothers National Memorial is a life or snow for the annual celebration at presented the colors. Many other digni- sized sculpture in stainless steel with Wright Brothers National Memorial on taries on stage gave interesting speeches. bronze statues, depicting the moment of December 17th. That's what we had this They were covered in previous newsletters. take-off of the first heavier-than-air pow- year, believe it or not! For the first time in At 10:35 a.m. the huge doors at the end of ered flight. history, the annual commemoration was the Pavilion were opened and the monu- Dedicated during the 2003 First Flight held inside the spacious Centennial ment on the hill was visible as four F-15's Centennial celebration, the sculpture is Pavilion donated by Northrop Grumman from Seymour Johnson Air Base streaked located to the south, or back-side of the Aviation that was built for the 100th overhead to herald the outdoor entertain- main Kill Devil Hill, which supports the anniversary of powered flight. The com- ment. Those who wished were able to stay Wright Memorial Pylon at its top. plex houses a variety of exhibits and a large inside and still see some of the aircraft fly- A gift of the people of the state of North auditorium; everyone enjoyed the change. ing by. But to see the amazing aerobatic Carolina at a cost of $250 thousand, Planning for this big event, as well as show, you had to go outside. There was a Stephen Smith’s work is “a welcome and other events throughout the year, is a year- parachute team of Green Berets that defied beautiful addition to grace the Memorial long effort by the First Flight Society's gravity for quite a while before making soft grounds,” said NPS Superintendent Program Committee. Already meetings landings. One flying group we always Lawrence Belli. have been held for 2005. As you read in last depend on regardless of the weather was The life-sized work of art is the creation year's newsletters, the Tuskegee airmen the Coast Guard located in Elizabeth City. of Stephen Smith, noted Carolina artist from WW2 were honored and another The Candy Bomber C-54 made an encore from Marshville, NC. The sculpture reflects magnificent painting by Gregory Kavalec flight, and several civilian aircraft also flew. and recreates the famous photo of the joined all the other portraits that line the Book signings by Dr. Tom Crouch of the world’s first powered take-off, with John T. walls of the museum surrounding the lat- Smithsonian and Tuskegee airmen took Daniels, surfman, at the camera, and est replica of the 1903 flyer. The First Flight place, and some of the pilots were also Wilbur Wright running along the plane’s Society has received many complements available for conversations. right wing, as the craft lifts off the launch for the fine program from the several This is just a brief description of all the rail with brother Orville Wright at the con- Tuskegee airmen and their family mem- activity that goes on every year and to trols. The stainless steel craft, weighing bers who were able to attend. those of you who have never made the 10,000 pounds, is irresistible to visitors, One of the original members of their trip, well, you are missing a great experi- especially children, who climb aboard and group sang the National Anthem and the ence. It’s all followed by the annual lunch- relive the moment. crowd gave MSGT. Ezra M. Hill (Ret) a eon and brief meeting of the Society, and The sculpture not only commemorates well-deserved standing ovation. Super the Anniversary Ball that night. All of these the instant of that first flight, but also is Bowl and others take notice! The activities are open to the public, but designed to inspire the imaginations of Northeastern High School band from advance reservations are required for the future generations. Elizabeth City entertained the audience Luncheon and Ball. On the night of the Plans are currently underway to add before and after the ceremony and did 16th, The Man Will Never Fly Memorial additional figures of the five witnesses to their usual outstanding performance; I Society International gives its annual din- the first fight. believe they were at their best. (Must be ner and entertainment. You'all come! New Wright Brothers Multi-use Path Dedication A beautiful, breezy day in Kitty Hawk and creating a beautiful, safe and fun pub- designed to support emergency equip- was complimented by the ribbon cutting lic area for the townspeople. It reestablish- ment and provide an emergency route to ceremony for the Wright es the old sound authorized personnel when other routes Brothers Multi-use Pathway front route used to are totally inaccessible. in Kitty Hawk. On October connect Kitty Hawk, The path is located along Kitty Hawk 1st, 2004, officials, Kill Devil Hills, and Bay between West Tateway Road and volunteers, and Nags Head and Beacon Drive and is open from dawn till enthusiasts gathered enables pedestrians dusk. The view of Kitty Hawk Bay is much at Wind Grass Circle and bicyclists to the same as it was for the Wright Brothers. Park to usher in a new travel safely along Windgrass Park is an excellent place to put era and honor a past residential byways in your kayak or canoe, relax on the deck, one. Society President and Kitty Hawk and multi-use or walk your dog. Parking is provided at Kitty Hawk Mayor Mayor, Bill Harris (center), with new paths from Windgrass Circle Park, and a few places Harris has been a driv- Society Director and Kitty Hawk Mayor Southern Shores to along Beacon Drive. ing force in restoring Pro Tempore, Doug Seay (right), lead Nags Head. The this historic landmark the walk that followed the ceremony. path is also Continued–– See Wright Path on page 4 -2- Spring 05 Flyer 5/4/05 6:10 PM Page 3

Le mans continued Hail & Farewell

strate, almost simultaneously, on both major tourist destination of the city. The sides of the Atlantic (yes, they had a pretty sculpture raises a few eyebrows however–– Susie F. Von Suskil Originally from Alexandria, Virginia cool marketing strategy), flights that broke some say its Wilbur in the buff. But truly Susie is a graduate of Virginia all boundaries. Orville went to Ft. Myer in we don’t know the identity of that naked Intermont College and James Madison Virginia to woo the U.S. Army into buying guy on the top. I believe that he represents University. She came to the Outer their planes; Wilbur traveled to Le Mans. mankind embracing the sky. At the Banks on vacation in 1982 and never France was base of the left. She started at the Wright a natural monument Memorial sell- choice. The however, there ing air tour French had is a fairly dash- tickets for already ing relief of Kitty Hawk demonstrated Wilbur Wright, Aero Tours. their passion fully clad, in the Her husband, for flight. They cockpit with Paul John, was can even boast tributes to Leon a Pilot there that they Bollee and who flew over organized the Orville. 7000 hours at first aviation Now fast for- First Flight. club in the ward to Susie received world. Its exis- February 13, her real estate tence pre- 2005 when a 6- Lois Smith (2nd from left) with husband Bryan license in 1984 and has been selling land dates even the member delega- (2nd from right) welcome members of the French and homes on the beach for 20 years and 1903 flights. tion from Le delegation. Lois has become a driving force in works with Prudential Resort Realty. She In Le Mans, Mans, including membership and fundraising for the Society. She served the Outer Banks Association of Wilbur became Gerard Bollee, is the granddaughter of witness and photogra- REALTORS as Secretary, 3-Year Director, acquainted the grand pher of the first flight, John T. Daniels. (photo by and many committees. with a car nephew of Leon Lisa Loy) Susie brings her enthusiasm and plan- manufacturer Bollee, arrived at ning skills to the organization and is excit- named Leon Bollee. Think of Bollee as the Kelly’s Restaurant and Tavern in Nags Head ed to serve as Director with the First Flight French version of Kitty Hawk’s William for a reception and dinner hosted by the Society. She is already hard at work plan- Tate. He gave Wilbur warehouse space to First Flight Society. Wright family mem- ning the Society’s annual ball and is seek- assemble his plane, gave him food, and bers, Janette Yoerg and her teenage son ing volunteers. If you’re able to lend a provided lodging. The two even over flew Keith traveled to the Outer Banks from hand, please contact her at susie.von- the area in a balloon on July 26 before their home in Minnesota to personally [email protected] transferring the plane in the night to the welcome the delegation. hippodrome, (their horse track) August 4. "It was such a joy to meet with the The two became great friends, and the French delegation," Janette Yoerg said, "As Lawrence Belli notoriously thin Wilbur also discovered a Wright I am thrilled that the French are The National Park Service has trans- the joys of French cuisine. He gained 15 dedicated to preserving the entire history ferred Outer Banks Group Superintendent pounds in 6 months. of what Uncle Orv and Uncle Wil accom- Lawrence Belli to the Southeast District In August of 1908, Wilbur Wright flew plished. It is always important to celebrate Office in Atlanta, Georgia. 1600 meters (about a mile) before a mod- the success of 1903, but there is so much “Larry did a fine job in planning and est crowd over the horse track. Aviation more to the story." Keith and I are pleased directing the Wright Brothers event,” pioneer, Louis Bleriot was a witness of the that there are people who are as proud as Southeast Regional Director Patricia Hooks flight where Wilbur used a pylon with a we are and are dedicated to preserving that said in a prepared statement. “However, it 700-kilo counterweight to catapult his air- legacy. I was impressed with all the dele- has been determined that it is in the best plane into the sky. The word was out. gation but as I said at the dinner, there will interests of the park service to make a When he flew again on September 21, always be a special place in my heart for change immediately.” more than 10,000 people showed up, Mr. Bollee. The Wrights and the Bollee Philip A. Francis, the deputy superin- including several kings from across families will always have a bond and Keith tendent of Great Smoky Mountains Europe. Wilbur’s flights were a stunning, and I will always honor the words Wilbur National Park, will be acting superintend- turning point for the Wrights as audiences wrote to Leon: ent until a successor is named. witnessed sustained, controlled distance "We do not forget that you expended As superintendent, Belli has actively flights with Wilbur banking the plane as he much time and gave yourself much trou- served the First Flight Society as an ex offi- turned the aircraft numerous times above ble in order to be of assistance to us and cio Boardmember. The Board of Directors their heads. that you rejoiced with us in our success wish to extend their appreciation to Larry The good folk of Le Mans never forgot and grieved with us in our troubles. For Belli for his efforts and best wishes for a Wilbur. In fact, the first monument to avia- these things we do not attempt to pay with successful assignment in Atlanta. tion in the world is located there and it money, but we cherish them forever in our ranks second, only to the racetrack, as a hearts." -3- Spring 05 Flyer 5/4/05 6:11 PM Page 4

Wright Path––continued fishing in the shallow sound waters off Kitty Hawk Bay. The Flyer is the Newsletter of The Wright Brothers used this route In the 1980’s Kitty Hawk Town Council The First Flight Society extensively on their visits to the Outer gave away the Town’s right of access to the 2005 Board of Directors Banks. They transported their equipment pathway. Intense development of the area President, Bill Harris from the small pier that was then located and the resultant flooding of the bypass First Vice President, W. J. Jack Overman on Moore Shore Road near Beacon Street and the beach road reminded the present Second Vice President, to their camp in Kill Devil Hills. They may Town Council of the value of the historic Melvin R. Daniels, Jr. have been the first to bicycle over this route. Town Attorney Norman Shearin, Third Vice President, roadway. On their third visit to the area, acting at the direction of Town Council, James E. Red Smith Secretary, Joe Hardman they brought a specially built bicycle with fought for and reinstated the Town’s right Treasurer, Henry B. Frazier, III wide tires that enabled them to ride on the of access. loose sandy roadway between their camp The multi-use path is a private/public at Kill Devil Hill and the village of Kitty partnership. The $100-thousand path was Hawk to pick up supplies and mail. funded by the Visitors Bureau ($50,000), From 1750 to 1963, the sound route BD&A Construction ($25,000) and the was the main thoroughfare for small settle- Town of Kitty Hawk ($25,000). ments from Nags Head to Currituck Inlet near Penny’s Hill. When the Beach Road The foregoing information and photog- was paved, the sound front road fell into raphy appear courtesy of www.kittyhawk- disuse. In 1963 Dare County closed the freepress.com road and allowed Kill Devil Hills to build a Newsletter Editors subdivision on it. Mayor Bill Harris said it Tom Halfhill and Lisa Holian Loy was one of the saddest days of his life. He Office Secretary, Pat Morrison recalled fond childhood memories of bik- www.firstflight.org ing down the path, and swimming and Telephone 252-441-1903

First Flight Society Membership Application Members of the First Flight Society come from all walks (or flights) of life, but we all share a common bond: our love of aviation. The purpose of the society is to foster and promote a public awareness of, and widespread interest in, the origin, history and future of flight, in all its forms, and to memorialize Orville and Wilbur Wright, first in the world to successfully achieve powered flight in a heavier-than-air machine, December 17, 1903, near Kill Devil Hill, at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Join us by completing the information below and mailing your membership check made payable to the First Flight Society.

Name ______, Address ______,

City, ______, State _____, Zip ______Phone ______, E-mail ______

(Mail to The First Flight Society, P. O. Box 1903, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949) ❑$35.00 Renewal ❑$35.00 New Member ❑$50.00 Family ❑ $200.00 Business ❑ $350.00 Lifetime Members

First Flight Society Non-Profit PRSTD STD P. O. Box 1903 U.S. Postage Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 PAID Kitty Hawk, NC Return Service Requested Permit No. 1903