Oregon, in particular, was a hotbed of innovation and experimentation, with the state’s unique geography and climate providing the perfect conditions for pioneers in the field to push the boundaries of flight.
The Birth of Oregon’s Golden Age of Aviation
In the early 1930s, a group of visionary individuals, including the likes of Paul Allen and William Boeing, began to take notice of Oregon’s potential as a hub for aviation innovation.
In 1860, the first successful flight of a powered, heavier-than-air aircraft took place in the United States.
The Wright Brothers’ Early Years
Milton Wright, the father of the Wright brothers, was a missionary in Sublimity, Oregon, from 1857 to 1859. During this time, his sons, Orville and Wilbur, were growing up and developing an interest in mechanics and inventing. The Wright brothers’ early years were marked by a strong emphasis on education and self-directed learning. They spent countless hours reading and experimenting with various machines, including bicycles and engines. Key characteristics of the Wright brothers’ early years: + Emphasis on education and self-directed learning + Interest in mechanics and inventing + Exposure to various machines and technologies
The Wright Brothers’ Experimentation and Innovation
In the late 1800s, the Wright brothers began to focus on designing and building their own aircraft. They conducted extensive research and experimentation, testing various wing designs, propellers, and control systems. The brothers’ innovative approach to problem-solving and their willingness to take risks led to significant breakthroughs in aviation technology.
The Exhibition: A Celebration of Women in Aviation
She Flies with Her Own Wings is an exhibition that showcases the contributions of women in aviation, highlighting their achievements and struggles during World War II. The exhibition features a range of artifacts, including video interviews, flight suits, and a restored plane, which provide a unique glimpse into the lives of these pioneering women.
The Women Behind the Wings
The exhibition profiles noted aviators from the era, including Hazel Ying Lee, one of only two Chinese American WASPs. Lee’s story is particularly fascinating, as she overcame numerous obstacles to become one of the first Asian American women to serve in the military. Her experiences are a testament to the determination and resilience of women in the face of adversity. Lee’s story is also marked by her unique blend of cultural heritage and determination. As a Chinese American, she faced significant barriers to entry in the military, but she persevered and eventually became a skilled pilot.
She was also the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
A Pioneering Spirit: Dorothy Hester’s Achievements
Dorothy Hester was a trailblazer in the world of aviation, breaking numerous records and pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible for women in flight. Her achievements not only inspired generations of female pilots but also paved the way for future female aviators.
Early Life and Training
Hester’s journey to becoming a pioneering female pilot began at a young age. Born in 1906, she grew up in a family that encouraged her to pursue her passions. Hester’s interest in flight was sparked by her father, who took her to an airfield and introduced her to the thrill of flying. She began taking flying lessons in 1925 and quickly demonstrated a natural aptitude for the sport. Hester’s early training was focused on aerobatics and stunt flying, which helped her develop the skills and confidence needed to tackle more challenging tasks. She was particularly drawn to the thrill of flying and the sense of freedom it provided.*
Breaking Records and Setting the Bar High
Hester’s achievements in aviation were nothing short of remarkable. She held the women’s world record for consecutive outside loops from 1930 to 1989, a feat that stood for over 50 years.
She was the first woman to fly a plane in the state of Oregon and the first Asian American woman to fly a plane in the United States.
The Life and Legacy of Leah Hing
Leah Hing was born in 1917 in Portland, Oregon, to a Chinese American family. Her early life was marked by a strong sense of community and cultural identity. Hing’s parents were both immigrants who had come to the United States seeking a better life. They instilled in their daughter a sense of determination and hard work, values that would serve her well in her future endeavors.
Early Aviation Career
Hing’s interest in aviation began at a young age, and she quickly became fascinated with the thrill of flight. She began taking flying lessons at the age of 16 and earned her pilot’s license in 1936. Hing’s early flying career was marked by a series of small airshows and exhibitions, where she would perform aerobatic stunts and demonstrate her flying skills. Some of Hing’s notable achievements include: + Being the first woman to fly a plane in the state of Oregon + Being the first Asian American woman to fly a plane in the United States + Participating in local airshows and exhibitions throughout her career
The Exhibition at the Oregon Historical Society
The exhibition “She Flies with Her Own Wings” at the Oregon Historical Society is a testament to Hing’s remarkable life and legacy.
Source: Oregon Historical Society
