Two Boys from Dayton

 “…the distinctive popping, cluttering, flapping sound of engine and propellers drifted over from the Huffman pasture. The Wright boys were at it again” (289).

The Book

The Bishop’s Boys: A Life of Wilbur and Orville Wright by Tom Crouch is an in-depth look at the two men who succeeded where everyone else failed, inventing heavier than air powered flight. Wilbur and Orville were determined and meticulous. Their differences complemented each other, while their ability to argue through a problem spurred them to new ideas.

Crouch divides the book into three sections: Family, Wings, and World. “Family” lays the ground work for the following sections by exploring the lives and influence of the Wright Brothers’ parents, Milton and Susan, the experiences that shaped the brothers, and their early careers in printing and bicycles. “Wings” focuses on the early experiments of the brothers, from the late 1890s to 1904. Often bored, the brothers would look for another project. Wilbur became interested in flight first, with Orville joining later. Here is where their differences begin to complement each other: Wilbur was interested in the big picture and Orville in making the big picture work. Unlike all others pursuing flight, Wilbur believed the pilot needed complete control of all axes of flight – just like on a bicycle. This belief impacted the design of all their gliders and flyers.

After spending several years traveling to Kitty Hawk, NC, and realizing that this was no longer a hobby, the brothers searched for an alternative closer to home. In Spring 1904, they chose Huffman Prairie for its isolation (eight miles from Dayton) and location on the interurban line (a form of public transit). The 1904 machine struggled due to poor flying weather and mechanical problems. But, once the brothers built a catapult to launch the flyer, the take-offs were less risky and flights more successful. “World” begins with the success of the 1905 Wright Flyer III at Huffman Prairie. Throughout the Fall, their flights are increasingly longer, they demonstrate complete control over the machine, and attract spectators. Not long after, the brothers stopped flying to focus on obtaining a patent and contracts to sell the plane. The bulk of the section details the ups and downs of negotiating with the US and European governments, creation of the Wright Company, and maintaining their status as the first in flight. The brothers are often labeled as fakes due to their insistence on secrecy (all to protect their design). When Wilbur passes away in 1912, at the age of 45, Orville lost interest in the company. He sold it and walked away, preferring to tinker in his Dayton laboratory for the rest of his life.

Crouch writes in an engaging way, describing the technical details and experiments that are easy to understand and visualize. In some cases, the narrative slows to a play by play. Here, the reader can almost imagine what it would have been like to fly for the first time or watch a man fly for the first time. Crouch relies heavily on long passages from family letters to provide details and character insight, helping the reader visualize who Wilbur and Orville were. I particularly liked the chapters in the “Wings” section that explored Wilbur’s early thoughts about flight and where to experiment. There are a handful of black and white photos interspersed in the chapters; it would have been nice to have a few more of them. There were two areas where I think opportunities were missed. One was the too brief mention of the Wright Brothers Home Days Celebration in Dayton and the other was too much time spent on biographies of other individuals.

The Place

The Huffman Prairie Interpretive Center sits high above the Huffman Prairie Flying Field, where the Wright Brothers flew the world’s first practical airplane in 1905. On a clear day, it’s easy to imagine the Wright Flyer III soaring over the trees and circling the prairie. There may be some other curious people there and you strike up a conversation about a sight you have never seen before or thought was even possible!

I recommend that visitors start at the museum. It focuses on the Wright Brothers time at Huffman Prairie: developing and testing the Flyers and the flying school they started in 1910. There is very little overlap between this museum and the other sites in Dayton. Just outside is a memorial, dedicated in 1940. Once you complete your time in the museum, you can drive down to the flying field. A replica barn and catapult sit in the field, similar to the ones the Wright Brothers would have used, and interpretive signs are scattered around the field.

The Center is located on a public section of the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The Air Force has preserved the Flying Field and the National Park Service runs the museum. It can be a bit difficult to find, but isn’t far from the National Museum of the United States Air Force. It won’t take visitors long to explore the museum or view the flying field and admission is free.

The Vehicle City

 The Book

Remembering Flint Michigan: Stories from the Vehicle City takes readers on a trip through history and Flint, pointing out well-known and random tidbits. Reading it is similar to driving through town with a local. The chapters were originally articles published in an alternative newsletter (2004-2007), with some updates. 

Flint was founded in 1819, but events in the late 1890s and early 1900s are what put it on the map. David Buick founded the Buick Auto Company, which he later sold to William C. Durant (Durant-Dort Carriage Company). This sale was the precursor to the creation of General Motors in 1908. In 1900, Flint’s population was 13,103; but by 1920 it was 91,600. That population growth continued through the mid-20th century and resulted in numerous businesses, manufacturing companies, and amenities. Author Gary Flinn introduces readers to the M&S soda bottling company, Durant Hotel, Flint radio stations, and Flint’s version of the Coney Island hot dog (including the recipe for the special sauce). 

The best audience for Remembering Flint Michigan is Flint natives, especially those who enjoy reminiscing. Black and white photos, both from the past and present, depict various locations. It is written in conversational style and includes a lot of lists of the various iterations of buildings or businesses. I found myself hoping for more information about the people and history of the places. Some chapters got close to accomplishing that, particularly the ones on former Mayor William McKeighan (who ran the political machine) and the Community School Movement (which originated in Flint).

The Place

Flint, Michigan has had its share of challenges over the past several decades; however, the people of Flint are not letting that damper their desire to renovate, restore, and attract visitors. Probably the most obvious are the arches that straddle the brick paved Saginaw Street. They were originally erected in 1899 to provide light at night, but were taken down in 1919. In 2003, the arches returned to welcome visitors and residents. 

A few highlights of Flint include the downtown, Factory One, and the Flint Institute of Arts. Downtown Flint is like many rustbelt cities across America, reinventing itself after major employers closed or moved out. Local shops and restaurants sit alongside historic office buildings, the Flint Farmer’s Market, and the Capitol Theatre. Visitors will also have fun finding the numerous murals throughout downtown. My favorite was in an alley, on a parking garage, depicting Hollywood stars from the 1950s. Factory One is the birthplace of General Motors. Visitors, by appointment, can tour the factory and extensive archives. The Flint Institute of Arts is a great asset to the Flint community. Visitors can see a large collection of Picasso paintings, floor to ceiling medieval tapestries, and watch glass blowing. My favorite section was the glass sculpture; it was incredible to see what artists created! Hours differ, depending on the day of the week, and there is an admission fee. Although, compared to many art museums, the fee is minimal and county residents are admitted for free.

The Center of Ohio Government

“Built in an age when Americans believed that public architecture could shape beliefs, refine discourse, and instill patriotism, the Statehouse symbolizes the solidarity and permanence of Ohio’s government” (12).

The Book

Ohio Statehouse: A Building for the Ages does more than provide the history statehouse, it presents a building that has three purposes: a memorial to important Ohioans, the seat of state government, and an educational center. Authors Cheryl Straker and Chris Matheney walk readers through a “tour” of the Capitol Square, a ten-acre plot in Columbus made up of the Statehouse, Senate Building, Atrium, and grounds.

Unlike many state capitol cities, Columbus was not a pre-established town when it was chosen as the third location for Ohio’s state capitol. In 1812, four prominent men donated the ten-acre plot and a statehouse building opened in 1816. It wasn’t long until a new statehouse was needed, for safety and size needs. The legislature held a design competition and the top three designs were merged into a composite final design. Convicts began work in 1839, cutting Ohio limestone for the foundation, but it took 22 years to complete. Delays came from arguments amongst legislators, a cholera outbreak, and insufficient funds. The Ohio Statehouse went through a $10 million restoration project from 1990-1996. It is considered one of the best examples of Greek-revival architecture and, according to Frank Lloyd Wright, it is “the most honest of all American statehouses” (20).

Throughout the “tour”, readers are able to peak into the legislative chambers, hearing rooms, and offices. They also learn how the purposes of various sections have changed over the years and the meticulous detail that went into the historically accurate restoration. One totally random fact, that I can’t help but share: there once was a squirrel house served Columbus’s squirrel population. Citizens could come watch the squirrels explore the multiple rooms, porches, doors, and windows. Sadly, the squirrel house was demolished in 1917; but there are still plenty of monuments to see in Capitol Square.

Ohio Statehouse: A Building for the Ages is a thin version of a coffee table book, going a bit more in-depth than a guided tour. The images, photos, and sketches take precedent over the text and quotes from historically significant individuals are set apart. The section on the grounds and monuments was unique for its detailed descriptions, explaining why monuments were erected and including the inscriptions on the monuments. The book is thorough, even including information about the underground parking garage!

The Place

The Ohio Statehouse is not a tall building, but it commands attention in the heart of Columbus. Situated in the Capitol Square complex, the Statehouse is surrounded by a public park and monuments. Ohio has done a great job of using the Statehouse to both govern and educate, using every level of the building:

• The interactive exhibits of the Museum Education Center allow visitors the opportunity to learn about state government and hear from former legislators.
• The Map Room displays a 20’ x 20’ map of the state where visitors can walk across the counties.
• The artwork in the Rotunda highlights significant moments in Ohio history and influential Ohioans.
• The legislative chambers and offices provide inspiring settings for the work of governing.

My favorite part of the tour was the Rotunda and Cupola, because of the history depicted and the architectural features. Our tour guide explained that the legislature wanted both a cupola and a dome, so the architects gave them both. From the outside, you see a cupola, and from the rotunda, you see a dome.

When visiting the Ohio Statehouse, you have two options: free guided or self-guided tours. Guided tours are available seven days a week, with the exception of state holidays. Tours begin in the Map Room and are offered on the hour (times differ between weekdays and weekends). Reservations are not required for groups of 9 or less. If you choose a self-guided tour on the weekend, know that the House and Senate Chambers are locked. Our guided tour only included the House Chamber. Once your tour is complete, you are free to roam the halls, gaze up in the rotunda, visit the museum, and stop by the Ladies Gallery.