Welcome to the Oakwood Register

August 22, 2006 - Volume 15, Number 34

a Winkler Company publication

Also featuring photos from our monthly supplement...

A Tudor Thoroughbred on Thruston

NCR donates Hawthorn Hill estate to Wright family

By Lance Winkler

On a sunny Friday morning with the Wright B Flyer replica soaring symbolically overhead, a new era opened with regard to the fortunes of the Wright brothers’ Hawthorn Hill estate in Oakwood. NCR Corporation, long the proud proprietor and dutiful caretaker of the property since 1948, announced that it was returning the property to the Wright family and the Wright Family Foundation, an affiliate of the Dayton Foundation.

Amanda Wright Lane and brother Stephen Wright address audience.

“While this beautiful 1914-era mansion is architecturally significant, the glory of Hawthorn Hill is in how it helps portray the story of Orville and William Wright, and their contribution to aviation – which are of international significance,” said William Nuti, president and chief executive officer of NCR. “NCR has been caretaker of this national treasure for over half a century, but we believe the time is right for Hawthorn Hill to come back to the Wright family. They are passionate about sharing the story of the Wright brothers, their dream of flight and how their accomplishment established Ohio as the birthplace of aviation.”

And with an understated-but-still-dramatic flourish, Nuti handed the keys to the home back to the Wright family, represented by Amanda Wright Lane and her brother Stephen Wright.

“We are immensely grateful for this donation as it is through NCR’s efforts that the house is in the impeccable condition it is today,” said Amanda Wright Lane, great-grandniece of Wilbur and Orville Wright.

Much speculation has swirled around the home’s future over the past few years concerning what NCR’s ultimate plans might be. “I live in Oakwood and every six months there would be a new rumor. It’s a great relief to know it’s where it should be,” said Stephen Wright, great grandnephew of the Wright brothers. “We don’t have any definite plans for now. It’s so sudden.”

“This has always been a tremendous historical treasure. The Wright family is interested in the heritage it represents and also the Oakwood community. It’s going to be fine,” said Oakwood Mayor Judy Cook.

“I think it’s good for Dayton. It’s the logical group to hold this great property,” said Bill Duncan, Oakwood city councilmember.

“The stewardship has been superlative. You can’t find a better caretaking effort. The spectacular condition of this being maintained by a private company is unsurpassed,” said Stanley Castleman, Oakwood city councilmember.

“The Wright family has worked hard to promote our local aviation heritage. The gift of Hawthorn Hill from NCR will allow the Wright Family Foundation to continue to promote Dayton’s aviation legacy and the great Wright brothers’ story, said Congressman Michael R. Turner, Ohio 3rd District.

Oakwood Ice Cream Social 2006