Balloons and Flying in them have been around a lot longer than the 19th Century and I have a previous post or two on these.(I've posted links below) However, I ran across these tidbits and thought it might be something some of you might enjoy and possibly spawn some creative juices for some of you.
October 19th, 1869, he ascended from Rochester again, this time with his balloon, The Hyperion. The party consisted of seven persons. The day was very unfavorable, the wind was boisterous, threatening clouds flew across the sky, flurries of snow were frequent, and the cold was searching. The ascent was made from in front of the Court House, among high buildings, and to clear these a great ascensional power was given to the balloon. It was a delicate operation to start under the circumstances wiih such an immense aerial craft, but one bound cleared it of all obstructions. Not less than fifty thousand persons witnessed the ascens:on, in spite of the disagreeable weather. In four and a-half minu;es. although gas had been discharged from the valve, they entered a snow cloud. They traveled at the rate of about forty miles an hour; the cold was intense, night came on and they were in the midst of a driving snow storm. The weight of snow gathering on top of the balloon drove them to the grcund, and they were forced to make a landing in the squall. They struck violently in an open field, the anchor did not hold, and the balloon bounded over a piece of woods, alighting on the other side. Here the anchor held for awhile, the gas escaping from the valve at the same time. Unfortunately, in the excitement, two of the party in some way got out of the basket, and the balloon thus lightened broke loose and bounded upon a side hill and at last was driven against a tree, a huge rent being made in the machine so that the gas escaped almost instantly. They had landed in the town of Cazenovia. three miles from the village of that name. From Rochester Mr. King went to Atlanta, Ga., where he made a fine ascension.
Another Story:
IN A BURSTED BALLOON ONE MILE HIGH.
After this ascension Mr. King leased the balloon to Dr. Hape, who was anxious to make an ascension alone. The time set for the ascent was New Year's Day, January I, 1870. Mr. King was present at its inflation, and superintended its management. As soon as the car had been attached to the balloon, the doctor got inside, and, before the preparations for the start were completed, suddenly gave the word to "let go." Mr. King was at the time some distance from the car getting more ballast, and was in consequence unable to prevent the premature ascent. There should have been at least two hundred and fifty pounds more of sand in the car to prevent its rising too rapidly. As it was, the balloon shot upward with such great velocity that the spectators became alarmed, and gathering around Mr. King, begged to know what would be the result. He informed them that unless the doctor should have the forethought to open the valve and allow a large quantity of gas to escape the balloon must burst from the sudden expansion of the gas; and, sure enough, when it had scarcely attained the height of one mile, it was sudderly rent from top to bottom, the gas was gone in an instant, and the balloon descended with great rapidity. The audience gazed at the sight with blanched countenances, and could not be convinced that the poor doctor would not be dashed to pieces. Yet within fifteen minutes —mounted on a policeman's horse—he was riding back through the town at full gallop. When the balloon burst it formed itself into a parachute, and thus met with a sufficient amount of resistance in falling through the air to save the voyager from any serious damage.
Below are the links from previous posts. No, I did not repeat the same information three times, however, I should have changed the titles a bit differently. Oh well. Enjoy!
Hot Air Balloons Hydrogen Filled
Hot Air Balloons
Hot Air Balloons
Hot Air Balloons
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