Today's trivia (July 19)

Nearly six decades ago, L. Ron Hubbard produced some of his earliest writings on Dianetics in Wichita.

Hubbard, the author of "Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health," lived at 910 N. Yale in 1951 and 1952.

While in Wichita, he gave more than 140 lectures at the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation and wrote several books on Dianetics.

A search on Hubbard through the Eagle's archives indicate the Dianetics Foundation was at 211 W. Douglas, now the northwest corner of the Century II property. The Hubbard College was on Broadway. While in Wichita, Hubbard trained people from across the nation on the subject of Dianetics.

In a Feb. 6, 1952, speech Hubbard gave at the Arcadia Theatre — now on file at Wichita State University's special collections — he told the audience:

"I wish to announce tonight what may be the successful accomplishment of the knowledge and skills necessary to alter the basic nature of man."

In the speech, Hubbard said, "Dianetics is the field of knowledge which pertains to the treatment of the human mind."

An Eagle story in March 1995 indicated that by 1952, Hubbard was seeking to leave Wichita. His second marriage had ended in divorce, and his company had gone bankrupt.

When he left in March 1952, Hubbard left instructions with his housekeeper to ship his personal papers and manuscripts to Phoenix. For some reason, those items never arrived.

Question: Because of the popularity of Dianetics, what church became the springboard for Hubbard’s philosophy?

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Answer to Monday’s question: In 1963, Bill Lear's first prototype for a business jet, the Learjet Model 23, made its maiden flight from Wichita Mid-Continent Airport. The plane was a success with a price tag lower than any competing aircraft.

Check back at Kansas.com Wednesday for the answer to today’s question.

This story was originally published July 8, 2011 at 12:19 PM with the headline "Today's trivia (July 19)."