The Dangerous Business of Ballooning
The Dangerous Business of Ballooning
Following the Civil War, exhibition ballooning became a popular form of public entertainment. Professional aeronauts, both men and women, traveled the country to perform balloon ascensions at local fairs and celebrations. Unlike the first generation of aeronauts, who focused on achieving longer flights, these entertainers performed stunts on trapeze bars or made parachute jumps from their balloons. This highly dangerous business was accompanied by an increase in accidents and fatalities among aeronauts.
The first card in this case is a composite photograph advertising the performer Hazel Keyes, who conducted numerous parachute jumps out of hot air balloons, accompanied by her pet monkey.
Wendt, Frank. Jump From the Clouds with the Aid of a Parachute. Composite photograph of parachutist Hazel Keyes. Boonton, N.J., circa 1890s.
Three letters written by professional aeronauts on illustrated letterhead provide examples of the ways that they marketed themselves as acts for local fairs. The performers touted their number of successful engagements and offered acts varying from trapeze performances to concurrent parachute jumps by man, woman and dog. Professor J. F. Thomison, who claimed he possessed the largest balloon ever made, said he would do ascensions “Hanging by the Teeth, the most daring feat performed by any Aeronaut.”
Three letters: E[dward] Rush to “Sec. of Fair”, August 11, 1898; E. Ashlock to George R. Custiss, 1901 July 14; [J. F.] Thomison to “Secretary of Fair,” Watseka, 1902 July 14. Business and Labor Collection.
Real-photo postcards featuring balloon ascensions show how such attractions were experienced by audiences in local towns across Michigan, at celebrations like Field Day in Carson City or the 4th of July in Hartford. One card depicts 14-year-old Grant Meisell, dressed in sequined leotard and leggings, about to perform an ascent in South Boardman. In Grass Lake, an ascension has apparently gone awry, with black smoke pouring from a tear in the balloon.
Five postcards of balloons: “Wayne Co Inkster,” Inkster, Michigan, 1912; “We havent much to say about Balloon Ascensions,” Grass Lake, Michigan, 1911; “Field Day,” Carson City, Michigan, undated; [Balloon ascension], Hartford, Michigan, 1910; “Balloon Ascent,” South Boardman, Michigan, 1907. David V. Tinder Collection of Michigan Photography.
