Bill On The Road
  • ROAD TRIP IDEAS
    • SIGHTSEEING
    • AMERICA
    • ROAD QUIRK
  • Interviews
  • Get My Books
  • Tips
  • Appearances
  • About Bill On The Road
    • About Bill Clevlen
    • Media Kit Request
    • Booking Information
  • Contact
REDISCOVER AMERICA
Road Trip To San Antonio, Texas
Finding The American Dream – Why I Wrote...
This is the Covered Bridge Capitol of the...
This Is The Most Beautiful Drive In America
Covington Georgia is the Hollywood of the South
Columbia: A Gateway To South Carolina
Tennessee’s Country Music Passport
Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas
Quincy, Illinois – An Authentic River Town
Things To Do In Little Rock Today
  • ROAD TRIP IDEAS
    • SIGHTSEEING
    • AMERICA
    • ROAD QUIRK
  • Interviews
  • Get My Books
  • Tips
  • Appearances
  • About Bill On The Road
    • About Bill Clevlen
    • Media Kit Request
    • Booking Information
  • Contact
0

Bill On The Road

SIGHTSEEING

Inside The Wright Brothers’ Historic Mansion

by Bill Clevlen April 14, 2019
by Bill Clevlen

You can’t miss the big house that rests on top of the hill in Dayton’s Oakville neighborhood.  These days, the Wright Brothers’ family home may be best known as a tourist attraction or the place where local kids go sledding after a snowstorm.  But in 1914, Hawthorn Hill was welcoming some of America’s most famous people and of course, serving as a residence for members of the Wright family.

Living in the home was Orville, his sister Katharine, and their father Milton.  (Wilbur died of typhoid fever at age 45, before construction had even started.)

Inside Hawthorn Hill Dayton

If you’re lucky enough to catch a tour of the property, you’ll notice that many of the items still inside belonged to the Wright family.  Even Orville’s bed and favorite reading chair are inside.   There have only been three owners since it was built.

Orville’s library is essentially the same as it was when he lived there, including the books and furniture.  Other notable features of the home include a wild looking, wrap around shower on the second floor.  It was known as a “needle shower” and found mostly in the homes of rich and famous people.

Hawthorn Hill Shower in Dayton Ohio

Speaking of famous people – Hawthorn Hill welcomed many notable Americans over the years.  Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Charles Lindbergh were among the famous house guests.  Ronald Reagan stayed in the home in later years as have many other celebrities.

The house became known as Hawthorn Hill from the abundance of Hawthorn trees on the property.  The house had five bedrooms, four bathrooms, servant’s quarters, and a full basement and attic.

Tours of the home are offered throughout the year on Wednesday and Saturday but pre-paid reservations are required.  You can learn more about booking a tour through Carillon Historical Park in Dayton.  (If you can’t make it for a tour, check out the video at the bottom of this post to take a virtual walk through the house! )

Orville's Library

Orville Wright’s Library

Hawthorn Hill front door in Dayton Ohio

The front door of Hawthorn Hill

Balcony Hawthorn Hill

Standing on the second floor balcony where Charles Lindbergh once greeted hundreds of fans down below during a “secret” visit to meet Orville Wright.

 

0
FacebookTwitterPinterest
Bill Clevlen

Bill Clevlen is a travel journalist, broadcaster and freelance writer based in Saint Louis, Missouri. His stories can be heard on radio and television, including on SiriusXM Satellite Radio or read in traditional media outlets like The Los Angeles Times. He's the author of four travel books - 100 Things To Do In America Before You Die, Driving Across America An American Road Trip For Kids, and Finding The American Dream.

previous post
Riding A Gyrocopter In Gulf Shores, Alabama
next post
Rivers & Routes in Southwest Illinois

Get My Latest Travel Guide!

Finding The American Dream

Have You Seen These Stories?

  • 1

    Top 20 Road Trips From Saint Louis

  • 2

    Top 20 Road Trips From Kansas City

  • 3

    Top 20 Road Trips From Dallas

  • 4

    What On Earth Is Duckpin Bowling?

  • 5

    Covington Georgia is the Hollywood of the South

LATEST TRAVEL TIPS

Subscribe for the latest road trip ideas, behind the scenes updates, travel tips & videos from Bill On The Road!

viagra here kamagra kokemuksia here
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Email

@2020 - Bill On The Road | Rediscover America


Back To Top