Amanda Wright Lane, great-grandniece of the Wright brothers, joined Congressman Mike Turner (R-Ohio) for a White House ceremony, March 30, at which Hawthorn Hill and the Wright factory buildings were brought under the protection of the National Park Service. Turner sponsored the bill, which was signed by President Barack H. Obama.
“Adding Hawthorn Hill and the Wright factory buildings to the Dayton Aviation National Heritage Historic Park is a significant milestone for the community,” Turner remarked. “These historic landmarks will be protected by the National Park Service for the enjoyment of residents and visitors for years to come.”
“I thank Congressman Turner for his hard work to preserve Dayton’s aviation heritage,” added Amanda Wright Lane, the Wright brothers’ great-grandniece. “His advocacy in pressing this legislation will make certain the historic achievements of my great-granduncles will forever live in the Dayton community.”
Amanda Lane gave the president two children’s books about the Wright brothers, for his daughters: Touching the Sky by Louise Borden and Trish Marx, and Wee and the Wright Brothers by Tim Gaffney. He accepted them and thanked her.
Hawthorn Hill was designed by Wilbur and Orville Wright and was the home of the Wright family until 1948. Adding the house to the National Park Service ensures that this architectural landmark remains available for public appreciation, Turner said.
The Wright Company factory buildings in west Dayton are the first American structures specifically designed and built for the manufacture of airplanes. The Wright Company operated at the site from 1910 to 1916 and produced 13 different models of their airplanes.
