Beschreibung:

WRIGHT BROTHERS] WRIGHT, Katharine (1874-1929). An extensive correspondence of 41 autograph letters signed and six typed letters signed, (“Katharine Wright” and “Katharine’), Dayton and Kansas City, 28 January 1915 to 29 August 1928 to Earl Findley together with Findley’s retained return correspondence. [ With: ] WRIGHT, Orville (1871-1948). Documents Signed, a pair of engraved holiday cards, [1920 & n.y.] additionally signed by Katharine WRIGHT; WRIGHT, Katharine (1874-1929), two additional engraved holiday cards signed by Katharine (who also signs on Orville’s behalf), [1916 & 1925]. 171 pages, various sizes 215 x 140mm to 280 x 216mm. An important correspondence from Orville Wright’s older sister Katharine writing on the Curtiss-Wright lawsuit; their dispute with the Smithsonian, and her 1926 marriage to Henry Haskell that caused a permanent rift between herself and Orville. Katharine Wright rose to celebrity when she accompanied Orville to Pau, France. Unlike her shy brothers, she dominated the social scene with her outgoing personality. After Wilbur’s death in 1912, Orville became increasingly dependent on her to manage both household and business affairs. Her letters to Findley, which cover a variety of topics, underscore her deep involvement in Orville’s business concerns, including lengthy discussions concerning the Glenn Curtiss lawsuit, Orville’s disputes with the Smithsonian, and arrangements for a planned authorized biography of the Wright Brothers. Also of interest are her letters describing the passage of female suffrage in Ohio as well as Orville Wright’s negative reaction to her marriage to her former schoolmate, Kansas City Star editor Henry Haskell: You will understand how almost unendurable it is for Orv and me. I count on your understanding and sympathy for us both. Please don’t write to Orv now for he can’t bear it.