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Wright Family's Hawthorn Hill Opens To Public

WYSO | By Jerry Kenney
Published April 19, 2016 at 10:47 AM EDT

On April 24th Dayton History will hold it’s highly anticipated annual open house at Hawthorn Hill.  The hilltop Oakwood mansion has been wonderfully preserved and this past week WYSO toured the Wright Brothers' former home with AlexHeckman, outreach coordinator for Dayton History and Steve Wright, the great-grandnephew of Orville and Wilbur Wright. In this excerpt from WYSO Weekend, AlexHeckmanspeaks first on the home’s history.

Information from Dayton History: (WYSO is not responsible for this content)

Many regional residents have long wondered what rests inside Hawthorn Hill--the mysterious Oakwood mansion high upon a hilltop. After Orville died on January 30, 1948, the historic home was wonderfully preserved by NCR for 58 years, but only open intermittently. But today, Hawthorn Hill is open to the public, and Dayton History is meticulously returning the property to its original appearance. To that end, for returning Hawthorn Hill visitors, the organization will be pulling never-before-seen Wright family artifacts out of its downtown Archive Center: Orville's books and shoes, Bishop Milton Wright's chair, and much more. Wilbur and Orville's great-grandnephew Stephen Wrightwill share stories of the family's history and provide commentary on rare 1930s Wright films. And for those curious about the giants of industry living near Hawthorn Hill in the '20s, '30s, and '40s, a walking tour of OrvilleWright's historic neighborhood is also available. Dayton History presents Wright at Home in conjunction with the Oakwood Historical Society. Join the two organizations for this special visit to Hawthorn Hill--the world's first pilot's last home. Tickets + Info: 937-293-2841

 

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This cartoon depicts the evolution of perception the Wright Brothers experienced following a successful trip to Paris.
Jerry Kenney /
This cartoon depicts the evolution of perception the Wright Brothers experienced following a successful trip to Paris.
Orville's affection for his dog, Cipio, is well known.
Jerry Kenney /
Orville's affection for his dog, Cipio, is well known.
More pictures of Cipio.
Jerry Kenney /
More pictures of Cipio.
Orville's study is well preservered and looks much as it did when it was used by him.
Jerry Kenney /
Orville's study is well preservered and looks much as it did when it was used by him.
A grand staircase leads to the upper floors.
Jerry Kenney /
A grand staircase leads to the upper floors.
The stories behind many of the photographs inside Hawthorn Hill will be told during the April 24th Wright At Home event.
Jerry Kenney /
The stories behind many of the photographs inside Hawthorn Hill will be told during the April 24th Wright At Home event.
Alex Heckman with Dayton History stands on the balcony just off Orville Wright's bedroom.
Jerry Kenney /
Alex Heckman with Dayton History stands on the balcony just off Orville Wright's bedroom.
This directional spray shower was designed by Orville.
Jerry Kenney /
This directional spray shower was designed by Orville.
The nearby toilet has an ergonomic design.
Jerry Kenney /
The nearby toilet has an ergonomic design.
A trapdoor in the attic leads to the roof and the 'Widow's Walk.'
Jerry Kenney /
A trapdoor in the attic leads to the roof and the 'Widow's Walk.'
A view from the "widow's walk' atop Hawthorne Hill.
Jerry Kenney /
A view from the "widow's walk' atop Hawthorne Hill.
A view from the "widow's walk' atop Hawthorne Hill.
Jerry Kenney /
A view from the "widow's walk' atop Hawthorne Hill.
A view from the "widow's walk' atop Hawthorne Hill.
Jerry Kenney /
A view from the "widow's walk' atop Hawthorne Hill.
WYSO Stories
Jerry Kenney
Jerry Kenney was introduced to WYSO by a friend and within a year of first tuning in became an avid listener and supporter. He began volunteering at the station in 1991 and began hosting Alpha Rhythms in February of 1992. Jerry joined the WYSO staff in 2007 as a host of All Things Considered and soon transitioned into hosting Morning Edition. In addition to now hosting All Things Considered, Jerry is the host and producer of WYSO Weekend, WYSO's weekly news and arts magazine. He has also produced several radio dramas for WYSO in collaboration with local theater companies. Jerry has won several Ohio AP awards as well as an award from PRINDI for his work with the WYSO news department. Jerry says that the best part of his job is being able to talk to people in the community and share their experiences with WYSO listeners.
See stories by Jerry Kenney