Description:

Orville Wright
Dayton, OH, ca. February 1924-October 1932
Orville Wright Superb Collection of 11 Signed Checks
Archive

Orville Wright (1871-1948). Eleven bank checks elegantly signed on the payor line by the aviating pioneer as "Orville Wright". All other information penned by Wright's longtime personal secretary Mabel Beck (1890-1959). Checks are dated from February 23, 1924 to October 22, 1932. Drawn from The City National Bank and The Winters National Bank & Trust Co., both of Dayton, Ohio. Payable to various companies and individuals, including Beck, Lottie Jones, and Carrie Grumbach. Each check measures 8.625" x 3.125". Bearing the usual bank stamps, notations, and cancellation hole punches. Light expected wear. Overall, in near fine condition.

Wright's will had a provision to leave a portion of his estate to be held as an Endowment Fund to provide payments to a select group of seven people who had touched his life. Payments were to be distributed quarterly, for the remaining years of their lives. Named were Wright's brother Lorin, his sister-in-law Lulu, his lifelong friend Ed Sines, his mechanic and friend Charles Taylor, Mabel Beck, Carrie Grumbach, and Lottie Jones.

Charlotte "Lottie" Jones (1874-1943) provided laundry and maid services to the Wright family for most of her adult life, in addition to being a good family friend. She purchased and lived in the birthplace home of Orville Wright's birthplace home from 1924 through 1936, eventually selling the home to Henry Ford when she relocated to Dearborn, Michigan.

Carrie Grumbach (1885-1966) was housekeeper to the Wrights for nearly fifty years, and became like part of the family. She left their employ for a short time when she married in 1904, but was persuaded back with the promise that the Wrights would also employ her husband as a handyman.

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This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8.625" x 3.125"
  • Medium: Archive

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April 23, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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University Archives

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