Epps was an inventor, mechanic, and self-taught aviator. In 1907, at age 19, he was the first Georgian to build and fly a motor-driven airplane. His first flight was about 100 yards long with an altitude of 50 feet in a cow pasture outside of Athens. His shop was on Washington Street downtown, where the bar 8es is located today.
You can learn more about Ben Epps, and the local effort to raise money for a statue memorializing the man and his achievements at the Ben T. Epps Statue website.
Be sure to stop by the Library's exhibit of Ben Epps memorabilia, donated by the Epps family. The program is free and open to the public, and light refreshments will be served in the lobby after the presentation. We hope to see you there for this exciting program!
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