Henry S. Stout, Mayor, calling card with handwritten notes crossed out, circa 1954

The collection is focused on the Wright brothers and their invention of powered flight. It contains Stout’s handwritten notes highlighting dates and notable events in Wright brothers history. The collection also consists of Stout’s collected newspaper clippings, magazine articles, pamphlets on aviation and Wright brothers history, as well as scattered correspondence, and programs from events commemorating the Wright’s place in aviation history.

The collection is arranged into eight folders, with no apparent order. However, the collection is small and easily navigated. Of note is a piece of original fabric from the 1903 Flyer in folder 5; the program and a copy of Milton Wright’s remarks from the 1948 presentation ceremony of the 1903 Flyer at the Smithsonian in folder 6; and a 1950 letter from Mabel Beck to Henry Stout regarding her opinion of an advertisement featuring the Wright brothers in folder 4. Stout also included programs from special events, such as the 1954 Early Birds banquet program, and the 3rd Annual Aviation Hall of Fame Awards Program from 1964. The last folder contains Stout’s notes on the history of his church, the First Regular Baptist Church in Dayton, Ohio.