Beschreibung:

WRIGHT BROTHERS – BECK, Mabel (1890-1959) Archive of correspondence and typescripts including two autograph letters signed and ten typed letters signed ("Mabel Beck" and "B"), [Dayton] to Earl Findley, 28 June 1950 to 7 April 1956. – Typescript, "The First Airplane – After 1903" – Draft typescript of the former article with holograph annotations and autograph note signed ("Mabel Beck") at conclusion, [Dayton] 289 November 1954 – GARDNER, Lester. Autograph letter signed ("Lester") to Earl Findley, [New York], 28 July 1951 [ With :] Orville and Wilbur WRIGHT, "The Wright Brothers' Aëroplane", offprint from The Century Magazine September, 1908 – Period photographs of the Wrights with handwritten annotations by Beck on versos – copies of outgoing correspondence, pamphlets, postcards, and related material. 46 pages (approx.), most measuring 210 x 156mm to 280 x 205mm (some pages toned, mild paperclip marks, some pages to magazine offprint folded and lightly soiled). An archive of correspondence with Mabel Beck: Orville Wright's longtime personal secretary and gatekeeper. A revealing collection of letters and documents written by or concerning Beck in the years immediately following Orville Wright's death in 1948. Of interest is Beck's first-hand account of the history of the original Wright biplane following its historic first flight in 1903. In a note at the conclusion of the draft version, she explains to Findley that per his request, "I wrote up this little story but intended to correct it and put in better form which was never done. Now I care not to do it, but the facts are there and you may use any or all of it if the occasion occurs." Beck's letters are more revealing then her reluctantly-written essay, offering clarifications on various points concerning the history of the Wright Brothers including details of other early glider and plane experiments carried out by Orville and Wilbur; Beck's correspondence with Col. E. A. Deeds of the National Cash Register Company concerning the history of the 1905 Wright Flyer; as well as the numerous rival claims for the first motorized flight.