I'm still waiting for that book of yours Hoov...


Back in 2004, I was working the "Celebrate Freedom" Airshow in SC. On
that November afternoon, the WBE Wright 1902 glider (the mother of all
airplanes IMHO) was tied down between Kermett Weeks' P-51C, and the
Berlin Airlift Museum's Spirit of Freedom C-54. Not bad company. I
would have been in close quarters once again with Col. Morgan, but
sadly he took his last flight a few months before.

Late in the afternoon, when everyone else was watching the sageburners
zip about the sky, a group of Grandmothers (probably
Great-Grandmothers) stopped by for a better look at the glider. After
about 10 minutes of close inspection, one of them approached and asked,
"Who did all of the sewing?" "Well", I said, my roommate Rosemary did
all of the machine work, but I did the hand sewing." The lady paused
for a moment, and then said "If you ever want to join our quilting
circle, you're more than welcome... your stitches look really nice."

'Nuff said.

I'm working on the replica Wright test-bicycle right now. Most of the
fabrication is complete, but it still needs paint and reassembly. I'm
not very happy with the 1960's era saddle and handlebars that I have
for it, so I may try to fab a set of bars and order a replica springer
seat. Wheels are still a big issue, as the original bike probably had
28-inchers with wood rims. I'm going to try a little experimental faux
painting on a spare steel rim and see if I can duplicate the look.
There will be photos on my website when I'm finished. Following that,
those spruce scraps are going to become a fleet of Wright "Bat" toy
helicopters.

Harry Frey
Wright Brothers Enterprises