Wilbur Wright was born on April 16, 1867, near Millville, Indiana. His fatheris Milton Wright, His mother is Koerner Wright Milton Wright's often brought back small toys for his children. In 1878 he brought back a small model helicopter for his boys. Made of cork, bamboo and paper, and powered by a rubber band to twirl its blades, the model was based on a design by the French aeronautical pioneer Alphonse Pénaud. Fascinated by the toy and its mechanics, Wilbur and Orville would develop a lifelong love of aeronautics and flying.