Eleanor (Nellie) Zable Willhite | Teen Ink

Eleanor (Nellie) Zable Willhite

March 23, 2011
By SignGirl BRONZE, Merritt Island, Florida
SignGirl BRONZE, Merritt Island, Florida
1 article 3 photos 6 comments

Who was the first ever deaf woman to fly a plane? Eleanor Zable was born in the Black Hills, South Dakota; on November 22, 1892.She became deaf at age two after being exposed to measles. After her mothers death she went to Sioux Falls, North Dakota for schooling; during that time she met her husband Dr. F. V. Willhite. Also while in Sioux Falls she worked at an airfield where she took her first flying lessons. After that she decided to enroll in South Dakota’s Aviation School, it ended up that she was the first ever female to be involved in the aviation program; as well as the first ever deaf woman to enroll. Her first flight took place on November 13, 1927 in her first plane named “Pard” after her father, whom bought it for her. The plane was an open-cockpit Alexander Eagkerock OX-5 biplane, which was popular plane for that time. She participated in town fairs, air shows, and races. But you might be thinking how could she tell if the engine is off or if some thing is wrong with the plane; well that easy because she could feel the vibrations in the engine. She worked as a commercial Pilate until she was fifty-two. She also was a charter member when the most known pilot Amelia Earhart was president. Nellie started the Sioux Falls chapter of the "Ninety-Nines." Right before she died, she was a part of the South Dakota Aviation Hall of Fame. She passed away at a ninety-nine, on September 2, 1991.

The author's comments:
I hope this article will make you want to learn more about American Sign Langauge history.

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This article has 2 comments.


on Aug. 30 2011 at 7:38 pm
Vacilator BRONZE, Merritt Island, Florida
4 articles 2 photos 96 comments

Favorite Quote:
No cup of tea is large enough, or book long enough, to suit me. <br /> -C.S. Lewis

Hi.  =)

: )  =D :D  C: C= 

And the derp: :B


on Aug. 30 2011 at 7:37 pm
Vacilator BRONZE, Merritt Island, Florida
4 articles 2 photos 96 comments

Favorite Quote:
No cup of tea is large enough, or book long enough, to suit me. <br /> -C.S. Lewis

Hey, you need to post more!  Next time, check the grammar better (I hate to say this, but there are a few gaps here), but I know you!  You have great story ideas!  Type 'em out, get published!!!!!  =)