Figure 1.--The Wrights did not do a lot in the way of public exhibitions, they were more concerned with keeping their adcances secret and protecting their patterns. Other early vaiators were more interested in publicity. And no group was more fascinated with aviationn than boys. We have not been able to identify these two avaiators, but believe the cental figure may be Glen Martin. We believe he photogrph was taken in America about 1910. Hopefully we will eventually learn more. The photograpgh is interesting as we can use it as a base line to assess how rapidly aviation advanced during the War. Martin's company brcame a major American aircraft comoamy.

There was popular interest when it was announced that heavier than air flight was possible. There were condierable skepticism, however, espeially in Europe where severl groups were working on planes. Most did not believe that two unknown bicycle mechanics had solved the problems thaey had encountered in developing flying machines. The Wrights did some flights for reporters, but did not launch an important public exhibition camapaigm. And began demanding a signed contract before giving a de,onstration. The Wrights were more concerned with maintaing secrecy and a patent struggle. After their success, actually dismatled their Flyer and kept their design innovations a carefully guarded secret. Others were more interested in publicity and a few more dlying machines appeared, but the barnstorming demonstrations that aroused so much interest, only occuured after World War I. But in the years before the War we begin to see some demonstrations, mostly by other groups than the Wrights. Boys in particular were attracted with the opportunity to see an airplane and actual flight. Girls were less interested. but the Wright's achievement was a considerabl sebsation. The achievement did not, however, result in much practical development in air commerce because of the very limited limited capabilities of the Wright Flyer and other early aircraft. There was at first no real practical use for these planes. The majpt interest came from the American and European militaries, although limited capabolities mean that there was no huge rush to aquire planes.

Created: 5:42 PM 3/2/2020
Last updated: 5:42 PM 3/2/2020