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This isn't intended to be complete, but I wanted to provide some review of the ongoing email discussions regarding the Otto Site Marker effort. This is for the benefit of people who've just joined the group or may join it later (and who've missed the earlier email discussions).
The project (on this web site) began around October of 2010. The wording for the marker has evolved considerably as we've come closer to the deadline - and with the realization that many engravers charge by the word!. We started off with some very well-written and descriptive proposals, and then cut them back over time. At one point it had been cut back to essentially the name, date, and a web link. Since that time it has evolved to this suggestion:
On this hill, May 23, 1971,
with a gathering of enthusiasts
for personal human flight, began
the worldwide sport of hang gliding.
There is some ongoing discussion about whether this is final or not.
Regarding the stone itself, we've contacted a gravestone company in the area, and the price (quoted for the minimalist version) was $350. For better or worse, we weren't able to make the short deadline for the wording for that quote, so Margie found another source in San Diego to do the engraving. Margie also found some donated counter-top granite for the project, and the total cost is expected to be $150. It's not clear if the counter-top granite is of the proper quality for a permanent outdoor marker, so all members are encouraged to continue seeking other vendors. However, I've decided to pick up the cost myself to have the countertop granite engraved as a potential marker. If the quality is appropriate, then we're done. And in the worse case, the countertop version will serve as a mock up for proposing the idea to various stakeholders and for potentially presenting it to an appropriate group. Given the low cost, we might ask to have it installed on a temporary basis (a month? or a year?) as a trial to see if the marker causes any problems for the landowners.
There has also been some discussion about whether or not the marker should have a URL (web address) on it. Those who favor the URL argue that it provides a link to more history and ongoing activities in the sport of hang gliding. The argument against the URL is that it requires maintenance and may appear commercial or self-serving. A compromise has been suggested that will have the stone engraved with just the text, but a small space will be left where a URL could be added at a later time if it is approved. The border area could be sized so that the stone looks attractive with or without the added URL. Joe has already donated a URL to the project (firstmodernhangglidingmeet.org), and there is already some minimal content at that link.
Regarding the placement, there has been some ongoing discussion to find the exact location of the original meet. Several people have revisited the site and compared historic and current photographs to determine the exact location. There has also been some effort to contact some of the stakeholders in the area. That is an ongoing effort.
Finally, there has been another suggested wording recently offered:
Near this Site on May 23, 1971
the Worldwide Sport of hang gliding
began with the historic gathering of
enthusiasts of personal flight.
There hasn't been any action on this alternate since it was just proposed as of this writing.
This review isn't complete, but it gives an overview of what's happened so far. Please feel free to add more information or ask questions.
Bob Kuczewski
