Photos for December 17, 2003
Museum of Science & Industry Says Thank You.

Back to Photo Gallery page.
 

On this day the Wright Redux Association honors Orville and Wilbur Wright for giving birth to flight by formally presenting the 1903 Wright Flyer replica "Spirit of Glen Ellyn' to Chicago Museum of Science and industry. MSI in turn graciously gave to us and our major contributors a wonderful celebratory thank-you party which took place in the museum's rotunda. The rotunda is the circular portion of the museum through which everyone passes who enters the building. The rotunda is also the location where the "Spirit of Glen Ellyn" was hung from the ceiling for display. Kurt Haunfelner, vice president of exhibits and collections, positioned the aircraft in such a manner as to allow the Orville figure to gaze at those entering the hall. The first image shows the display upon entry.


  1. As you enter the rotunda your first glimpse is that of the "Spirit of Glen Ellyn."

  2. With tables set up, guests begin to arrive.

  3. The "Spirit of Glen Ellyn" looks grand as it floats in the great rotunda.

  4. Guests are seated as the festivities begin.

  5. From any angle the "Spirit" looks awesome.

  6. Packer folks put on a slide show describing the project.

  7. Packer Engineering presents a bronze plaque honoring the major contributors to the building of the 1903 Wright Flyer replica.

  8. Orville is too intent on his mission to be distracted by the activities below him.

  9. The party carries on.

  10. Before the Wright Redux Association handed over the "Spirit" the members signed one of the end struts.

  11. This view shows the surrounding exhibit "Christmas around the world." Each tree is decorated per the country it represents.

  12. Dr. Ken Packer was presented by Mark Miller with a replica prop covered a very special paint scheme.

  13. Dr. Packer poses with the prop's artist.

  14. In one of the museum's exhibits, artifacts of construction are displayed. It includes a replica of the ribs used in construction. Below it is the actual jig (built by Mark Miller) used to assemble the ribs. Below the jig is an exhibit of a wing tip displaying the materials and parts used to assemble the wing. Clear plastic is used to view the inside of the wing. It was constructed by Jean and Bill Mumford.

  15. This exhibit shows a small wing mockup of the wings struts and wire trusses. It is made of cardboard, pencils and thread. It was built by Chuck Clendenin. Also displayed is a small mockup of how the material was laid out, cut, and marked for stitching. It was created by Jean Mumford.

  16. The Packer Engineering built engine is on display. This is the engine, which powered the 1903 Wright Flyer replica into the air on October 14, 2003. It was also used on the Flyer for the four attempts to fly on the front lawn of the Museum of Science & Industry.

  17. This exhibit shows the test stand built by Ted Craft, which was used for testing the shape, thrust and spin characteristics of the props carved by Mark Miller.

  18. This photo shows the test stand in actual use for a test done on December 17, 2001, two years earlier.

  19. … the party continues.

  20. The founders of the Wright Redux Association Tom Norton in derby and Mark Miller give a brief speech to thank everyone who participated in and contributed to the project.

  22. Tom Norton and his wife Erin.

  23. Mark Miller.

  24. Mark Hayward, director of collection, head curator and Mike Perry.

  25. Ted Craft, Dr. Packer and Jim Wright.

  26. Barb Craft (Ted's wife) and Steve Klein.

  27. Jim Wright and Ken Lapi.

  28. Steve Klein and his family.

  29. Bill and Jean Mumford and family.

  30. Turk Tilev in foreground, Dave Hall to the left.

  31. Chuck and Peg Clendenin, and Jenny and Ken Lapi.

  33. Rick Perry discusses the Flyer with one of the many contributors.

  34. Mark Miller, John Nowicki and Turk Tilev.

  35. Dr. Ken Packer.

  36. Betty Wherli and Ed Meyer.

  37. John Nowicki.

  38. Penny Rusch and family.

  39. Keith Gill.

  40. Mark Miller poses with his parents.

  41. Tom Norton chats with three more contributors.

  42. This image taken days before the party shows a blue stripe on the floor beneath the Wright Flyer. The stripe describes the timeline of the Wright brothers from their first experiments with flight until the first powered flight on Dec. 17, 1903. The stripe is 120 feet long to illustrate the length of the first flight.

  43. The "Spirit of Glen Ellyn" - 1903 Wright Flyer Replica.