Hot Air Balloon Ascension

Hot Air Balloon Ascension

A large crowd has gathered to watch as a hot air balloon is being inflated for flight. There are what appear to be homes and some larger exposition-type buildings in the background. Ballooning was not an uncommon sight in the late 1890s and early 1900s. For example, on August 20, 1899, Madame Louise De Leon, wife of local Professor Hoffman, ascended from Harlem Park several hundred feet above the ground before parachuting down. Unfortunately, she landed in the Rock River and had to be rescued. This photograph may have been taken at the Fairgrounds. Similar depictions can be found in photos 90.5.50 and 90.5.38.

circa 1895 - 1905

Midway Village Museum

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Still Image

90.5.45

Glass Plate Negative

8" x 10"