Authors: Bob White
Date Submitted: February 29, 2000
Article Type: Journal

William Abner Eddy of Bayonne, New Jersey is credited with creating the popular diamond-shaped, tail-less kite that is recognized around the world.

Born into a moderately wealthy family in New York City on Jan.28, 1850, Eddy was encouraged by his father to have an interest in science. Eddy built and flew kites at an early age. He became skilled in building and flying flat, hexagonal kites which were the predominate type of kite flown in the 1860’s. These kites required tails of varying length for stability in a variety of wind conditions. In 1865, at the age of 15, Eddy tied a lantern to the tail of a hexagonal and sent it aloft, creating real excitement in his neighborhood as the blue light of the lens sparkled in the sky.

Eddy attended the University of Chicago where he trained as an accountant. Following graduation, he came back to New York City to work on the Herald, a highly respected newspaper.

PDF Link: Journal Issue