Honoring ICT Aviation Royalty

The month of December 2023 was a very special one for Wichita aviation. The contributions of Walter and Olive Ann Beech were in the world’s spotlight on two separate but very different ways: The induction of my grandparents into the Paul E. Garber Shrine in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, and the grand opening of The Olive Ann Hotel in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

First Flight Society Induction

December 17 marked the 120th anniversary of the Wright Brothers first flight, an event that changed the world and ushered in the era of modern aviation. On this milestone year, the First Flight Society chose Walter and Olive Ann Beech to be the inductees of the Paul E. Garber Shrine.

My mother, Mary Lynn Oliver (Walter and Olive Ann’s daughter), my brother, Jeff Pitt, and I were invited to the dedication and unveiling of their commemorative portrait that will be on display at the Wright Brothers Museum. 

The First Flight Society members went to such great efforts to make this event so special and meaningful — from the moving speeches to the portrait unveiling — culminating with an impressive flyover of Beechcraft planes in the rain at the very site where Wilber and Orville Wright took their first flight. While listening to the keynote speakers express such high regard for my grandparents, I truly realized the impact they had, not only on the burgeoning air industry, but also their contributions to the war efforts during WWII. 

My family and I were very proud to accept this honor on behalf of my grandparents, and it’s a day we will cherish forever. 

The First Flight Society created the Paul E. Garber Shrine in 1966 to honor individuals for achieving significant “firsts” in aviation and aerospace contributions since 1903. Past honorees who were bestowed this highest of honors include the Wright Brothers, Charles Lindberg, the Tuskegee Airmen and Neil Armstrong. 

Beech enthusiasts from around the country flew their Beechcraft planes to join the flyover celebration; among the aircraft that convened at this historic site was a Staggerwing, Beechcraft’s very first model, built in 1932, as well as two Model 18s (which helped America prevail during WWII) and the beloved Beechcraft Bonanza. 

Some of the distinguished guests who attended this momentous occasion were descendants of the Wright Brothers’ family.

The Olive Ann Hotel Grand Opening

The other great Beechcraft event that took place that same month of December 2023 was the grand opening of The Olive Ann Hotel in Grand Forks, North Dakota. This luxury boutique hotel was inspired and designed around Olive Ann Beech. The chic hospitality property is a tribute to all things Olive Ann in her elegant style, from the tasteful décor and her signature favorite blue color to iconic portraits and paintings that portray her throughout the years. I was so impressed by the enormous amount of detail that the designers put into every aspect of the property, and the way this cozy property transports the guests to the golden age of aviation.

When the hotel management and I first communicated prior to the grand opening, they were very ecstatic and moved when my family and I sent some copies of my grandmother’s photographs from our private family collection to be displayed in the lobby. A small group of Beechcraft/Textron company executives and I were invited to the grand opening. Representing my family, I was very proud to be included with Grand Forks government officials and the hotel proprietors in the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Thanks to this moving experience, I was transported back to fond childhood memories when my brother and I would visit my grandmother at her office in the plant. She would stop whatever she was doing to spend a little time with us, take us on a tour and have lunch. 

The concept of creating a hospitality property inspired by Olive Ann Beech began with a very well-regarded aviation school in Grand Forks, and these innovators wanted to honor the contributions of women in aviation. Olive Ann Beech is considered the First Lady of Aviation and was the eminent choice of inspiration for this Beech-themed hotel. The Olive Ann Hotel and its distinctive elegance was recognized as one of the "2024 Best New Lodging" establishments by Midwest Living.