DESIGNER UNKNOWN
67
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THE NATION, STATE AND CITY WELCOME THE WORLDS GREATEST AVIATORS.
1909.
31
1
/
2
x22 inches, 80x56 cm. The Walker Litho. Co., Dayton, Ohio.
Condition B+ / B: repaired tears and restored losses at edges; overpainting in margins; creases, abrasions and
restoration in image.
After their initial flight in 1903, the Wright Brothers were met by skepticism at home and virtually ignored
by the American press. But Europe was a different story. After demonstration flights in France in 1908
they were lauded as heroes across the continent. They courted military contracts on both sides of the
Atlantic, with Wilbur travelling to Europe and Orville staying back in America to do demonstrations for
the U.S. Government. They criss-crossed the ocean as they attempted to lure patrons to their project.
Upon their successful return from Europe they were first greeted by President Taft in the White House
and then returned to their hometown of Dayton for this massive two day celebration that included parades,
concerts, fireworks and receptions, but (perhaps ironically) no flying demonstrations. Villard / Allen pl.
11, l’Histoire de l’Aviation p. 42, Perier p. 9, FAI 107.
[15,000/20,000]
