99% Invisible If Mosquito Hawks Can Fly
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Jul 14, 2026 
James Howard, designer and founder of the Black Inventors Hall of Fame, and Michael Wynn, Central Louisiana historian and former lawman, trace Charles Frederick Page’s patent and vanished airship. They discuss Page’s mosquito-hawk inspiration, archival discoveries confirming his patent, possible scams that derailed his plans, and efforts to recreate his wire-and-canvas design for museum exhibition.
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Family Lore Claims A Pre‑Wright Airship
- Joseph P. Page recounts family lore that Charles Frederick Page invented and built an airship before the Wright brothers.
- The family told schoolchildren Charles Page built the first airship, causing ridicule because mainstream history credited the Wrights.
Airship Disappeared On The Way To The World's Fair
- Family says Page built a full-size airship and shipped it by freight train to the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis.
- The airship never arrived and was never explained, prompting family speculation it was stolen or destroyed.
Newspaper And Patent Verify Page's Airship
- Michael Wynn discovered a 1906 Alexandria Town Talk article headlined Pineville Colored Man Has Invented an Airship and a granted patent in April 1906.
- The patent drawings show a wire-frame craft with oiled canvas and two large gas bags, pumps, valves, pistons, propeller, and rudder.