Pioneer glided way into history
One hundred years ago Octave Chanute came to Gary, not far
from the site of the Gary Bathing Beach Pavillion, to experiment
with gliders and kites, laying the foundation for the development
of the first aircraft.
Chanute walked onto the shores of Lake Michigan in the Miller
section of Gary on June 22, 1896 and became known as the "Crazy
Man of the Dunes" because he often flew his gliders over
the heads of sunbathers and swimmers. Chanute's designs were
later used by Orville and Wilbur Wright, the brothers credited
with inventing the first "flying machine." Chanute's
gliders literally changed the world.
You can reach a page devoted to Chanute from the links
page.
How can I help restore the Marquette
Park Aquatorium?
The restoration work you have viewed on this
page is expensive. The Gary Bathing Beach Bathhouse ceased to
function in 1970. In the years since then, the building had fallen
into very sad shape. Indeed, barricades had to be erected around
the building to protect people from falling bricks.
The Aquatorium Society, the organization dedicated
to restoring the building, has spent more than $325,522.13 in
repairs so far, and needs to raise that same amount again to
complete restoration.
You can contribute any amount to the effort
to restore the Marquette Park Aquatorium. Send your contributions
to:
The Aquatorium Society
607 South Lake St., Suite A
Gary, IN 46403
Or call 1-219-938-8080 for more information.
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