An Ohio Historical Society marker was dedicated in West Carrollton’s Miami & Erie Canal Park on Friday, Aug. 20, with about 75 people in attendance. It’s taken about three years since the idea was first discussed.
The date of the dedication was chosen for its significance, said Don Ferguson, secretary and local historian for Wright Seaplane Base Inc. On Aug. 20, 1914, Orville Wright completed his final test of the Model G Aeroboat on the Great Miami River at the site between West Carrollton and Moraine.
The flight didn’t end well. Wright had a Navy student pilot, Lt. Kenneth Whiting, along for the flight. A wing broke, and the pair fell the last 30 feet into the river. Both nearly drowned.
Orville hailed a nearby farmer who was plowing a field with a mule and the damaged aeroboat was recovered.
The bend of the river, now adjacent to the Moraine Airpark, was chosen for the floatplane tests by Wright for several reasons. The river was wide with a deep pool of water due to a nearby dam, there were no overhead wires or bridges nearby and the bend of the river allowed for takeoffs and landings with various winds.
The marker was made possible through contributions from the cities of West Carrollton and Moraine, Aviation Trails, West Carrollton Historical Society, Moraine Rotary Club, VFW Post 3438 and the Sanner Funeral Home.
Ferguson said donations of about $3,000 were received.
In the future, the group hopes to add a museum and a replica of the aeroboat.
Among those who gave presentations at the marker dedication were Harold Robinson, president of Wright Seaplane Base Inc.; Jeff Sanner, West Carrollton mayor; Bob Rosencrans, Moraine mayor; Chaplain Donald Liecy; and Ferguson.
Peggy Lehner, representative for the 37th House district, presented a resolution honoring the occasion.
The unveiling of the plaque was conducted by Amanda Wright Lane, great-grandniece of the Wright brothers, and James Tichgelaar, a representative of the Ohio Historical Society.
Contact this writer at (937) 696-2080 or williamgschmidt@verizon.net.
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