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April is National Kite Month. Since at least 200BC China, kites have been used in a surprising number of ways. They've been flown to commemorate special events, such as the birth of a child in certain Asian countries. They've taken prominent roles in scientific experiments (think Ben Franklin) and in testing aerodynamic theories (the Wright brothers). They've been used for aerial reconnaissance in war, peace, and at times of disaster: George Lawrence's famous 1906 aerial photograph of "San Francisco in Ruins" was achieved by attaching a camera to a kite (see link below). They've even been used as sails for carriages!
Of course, most people think of kites as outdoor "toys," but there are a surprising number of individuals around the globe who take kites and kite-flying quite seriously. They are actively engaged in acquiring or designing the most unusual, beautiful, and aerodynamically perfect specimens possible. Some kites can command hundreds of dollars in the retail market, and that's not including the kites used in "kite-boarding" or "kite-surfing." Those can cost up to $1800!
Most casual fliers obtain their kites from the local toy or discount store. These models are usually made of plastic and cost just a few dollars, but still provide hours of fun. And recent online auctions have revealed some interesting trends in the secondary market for these inexpensive kites.
First off, there appears to be a glut of Star Trek and Star Wars kites, with most selling for little, or not at all. Some other cross-collectible kites are doing somewhat better - old Batman kites are garnering bids close to $50 - but the real story seems to be with "vintage" Gayla kites from the 1970's. A Gayla Sky Spy, originally costing just a dollar at the local five-and-dime in 1972, recently sold for $202.50! And many other Gayla kites from the same period are easily going for up to $125! (Note: all prices quoted are for kites still sealed in their original packaging.)
Finally, don't forget other kite collectibles like old pictures, postcards, and advertising pieces depicting kites, and even old kite string. Some of these items (especially the postcards) are selling for up to $85 at online auctions.
If you'd like to delve further into the world of kites, the following resources are recommended.
Books
"Kites," by David Pelham
http://digbig.com/4shes
Websites
The American Kitefliers Association
http://www.aka.kite.org
Non-profit organization founded in 1964 has over 4000 members around the world. Great links section, with over 150 links to kite plans alone! For a history of kites, go to this page:
http://www.aka.org.au/kites_in_the_classroom/history.htm
Gomberg Kite Productions, International
http://www.gombergkites.com/nkm/index.html
Commercial site has nice "Kites as an Educational Tool" section offering history, photos, plans, more.
Japanese Kite Collection
http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~ET3M-TKKW/index.html
Collection of unusual and very beautiful Japanese kites. Also offers kite history, plans, more.
Kite Aerial Photography: 1906 Earthquake Centennial
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/nca/1906/kap/index.php
U.S. Geological Survey page
Kitelife Magazine
http://www.kitelife.com/index.htm
Bi-monthly publication. Offers articles, FAQ's, forum, and check out the archives section that includes articles from Kite Lines magazine dating back to 1977.
NASA Glenn Research Center
http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/shortk.html
Kite Index: everything from "Aerodynamics of Kites" and "Kite Safety" to a "KiteModeler Interactive Simulator"!
National Kite Month
http://www.nationalkitemonth.org
Kite history, events schedule, more.
World Kite Museum & Hall of Fame
http://www.worldkitemuseum.com/index.html
Exhibits, online gift shop, "fun facts," more.
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