My Brothers' Flying Machine

When Wilbur and Orville’s father brought home a small flying machine, the two brothers tossed the toy in the air over and over until it broke. Their sister, Katherine, watched as they examined and fixed it until it was better than new. Wilbur orchestrated, Orville tinkered, and Katherine encouraged them every step of the way. The toy flying machine was the beginning of a remarkable collaboration, one that would culminate in the first successful airplane flight at Kitty Hawk. Orville Wright said, “When the world speaks of the Wrights, it must include our sister. Much of our effort has been inspired by her.”