THE COUNTY FAIR AND AIRSHIP FLYING CLOUD

Cortland County Fairgrounds and Race Track.

Balloon trapeze acrobatics.

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, September 15, 1893.

THE FAIR.

Large Crowds in Attendance—Weather  Fair—Gov. Flower and his Address.

   The fifty-fifth annual fair and exposition of the Cortland County Agricultural Society opened last Tuesday under most auspicious circumstances. The weather, which had been of a threatening nature, was all that could be desired, and Secretary Mager had a pleasant smile for every one when the morn of Tuesday dawned, and it proved to be pleasant. The fair was formally opened by President Harrison Wells on Tuesday morning, which was followed with music by the Cortland City Band. The balance of the day was devoted to the reception and classification of exhibits, etc.

   In the afternoon occurred the first of the series of races, and there were three starters in the 2:40 race for $150.00.  There were also three starters in the colt race for a purse of $50.00.

   G. J. Mager and Co’s prize baby show took place in the Grand Stand, and the child of Mrs. Nellie Wicks of Cortland was awarded first prize, and the baby of Mrs. Patrick Littleton was given the second prize.

   The crowd was usually large for the first day, and all seemed to be well pleased with the exhibition.

   On Wednesday there were two trotting events which were witnessed by a large crowd of people. This was also Grange Day, and the patrons of the fair listened to an address by ex-Gov. Luce of Michigan.

   At half-past three the grandest and most successful balloon ascension ever attempted in this part of the country was made from the fair ground by Leon Dare (Tracey A. Tisdell) of Brooklyn under the management of Prof. Carl Myers, owner of the only real "balloon farm'' in the country, at Frankfort, N. Y.

   Prof. Myers has made aerial navigation a life-long study and made many balloons at his farm for the government.

   The hydrogen gas balloon [Flying Cloud] used Wednesday is his own invention and is perfect, its occupant having perfect control of his own movements, ascending or descending at will. The balloon itself weighs only 56 pounds and holds 6,000 cubic feet of gas. It will carry its net, trapeze bar, 60 pounds of ballast, and Mr. Tisdell for hours if necessary. It is equipped with a barometer, anchor and compass by which he travels after he is beyond the view of his spectators. While he remained in sight the audience were astonished by thrilling feats on the trapeze which hung from the net.

   Mr. Tisdell rose first to an altitude of nearly 6000 feet and the air currents carried him northward. He passed from sight through a rain cloud 10 minutes after leaving the ground, but was later seen passing over Mount Toppin.

   In an Interview he says he was then going toward Otisco lake, with a current from the east, but dropped about a thousand feet into a different one which carried him northward again, desiring to keep in this valley.

   He says his desire and only anxiety in an ascension is to save the balloon, so when he saw the large field of N. T. Van Denberg, two miles northwest of Preble, he made up his mind to land there. Dropping nearly to the earth he attracted the attention of Mr. Van Denberg and some others with a whistle which he carries for the purpose and they assisted him and captured the balloon just 23 minutes after leaving the Cortland Fair Grounds.

   Mr. Tisdell landed twelve miles away, having been over a mile above the earth. After putting on the suit of clothes he carries to cover his tights when returning, Mr. Van Denberg brought him to Preble and he came down on the train at 6:30.

   At 7 o'clock, after finishing their supper at the Cortland House, Mr. Tisdell and Prof. Myers explained the working of their hydrogen gas balloons, their manufacture at Frankfort and many experiences in a life at ballooning. Both gentlemen worked with the government rain-makers who experimented in Texas.

   Mr. Tisdell is the man who made the double ascension at Utica the 4th of July in company with a lady to whom he was married by the Mayor of the city after reaching terra firma again.

   It is certainly to be hoped that these people who are so successful in navigating in the air ships will be seen in Cortland next year.

   [Speech by Gov. Flower on financial panic of 1893 omitted—CC editor.]

Reference: TISDELL, Tracy A.         USA                  (1880?-1940)                  (GB)
See APPENDIX- (B)/L/S.         Military balloonist.
p: Professional balloonist. Resident of Brooklyn, NY.
s: U.S.Army 1898; Served in the Balloon Corps at Tampa, FL, during the Spanish-American War.
f: Student of C. MYERS; First recorded free-flight 4 Jul.1904 from St. Louis, MO.; Flew in a 3-balloon race (against C.MYERS & G.TOMLINSON).
l: The deflation of his balloon 27 Jul.1898 asphyxiated Charles G. Bell in Tampa, FL.
m: ACA.

“Who’s Who of Ballooning” by Robert Recks.

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9D00E0D7113EE733A25755C1A9639C946797D6CF&legacy=true

Photo copied from Grip's Historical Souvenir of Cortland.

PAGE FOUR—EDITORIALS.

A Candidate for State Treasurer.

(from the Watkins Herald Sept. 19.)

   One of the most important offices to be filled at the election this fall is that of State Treasurer. The present Treasurer, Elliott Danforth, has held that office for the past three years, and among those who have been suggested as a successor to him we note the name of Hon. Hugh Duffy of Cortland.

   Mr. Duffy is one of the best known Democrats of this section, and he should receive the support of the delegates from this county. One reason why he should receive our delegates is that this is the native county of Senator David B. Hill, and Mr. Duffy's county, (Cortland) presented Senator Hill's name to the State Convention that nominated him for Lieutenant Governor. Mr. Duffy was instrumental in having his county make this presentation. It would therefore seem no more than just for this county to reciprocate by instructing its delegates for him.

   His record as a Democrat has never been questioned, he having always supported the party's candidates, even though his own choice for an office was not nominated. As to the people in general, he has always been foremost in every enterprise that was shown to be of any practical benefit to them.

   Several times the people of his own county have elected him to their highest offices, and his own city has honored him in the same manner, The county and city are united in urging his nomination this fall, and he would gain many votes for the entire ticket, outside the straight party vote as he would be supported for a high State office as he always has been for the minor offices—regardless of political affiliations.

   Let the Democratic State Convention strengthen the State Ticket this year by making the candidate for State Treasurer the Hon. Hugh Duffy of Cortland.

HERE AND THERE.

   Any gift of clothing for use in Mrs. Gates' work on Prospect Hill may be left with Mrs. Maria Stone, 80 Cayuga-st., Homer, and will be gratefully received by the Association.

   Barnum & Bailey's great show will exhibit on W. A. Smith's lot just east of the railway crossing between Cortland and Homer. The show will unload at the crossing between the villages.

   Ralph Wright, of this place, won the half-mile open bicycle race at the Whitney's Point Fair last Thursday in 1:24. The track was heavy.

   Last Saturday, an engine on the D. L. & W. struck the wagon which J. P. CarIon was driving in Homer, and tossed it 20 feet away. Mr. Carlon struck on his shoulders and was considerably bruised.

   The case of Geo. Chaffee charged with negligence in allowing the "tramp" engine to run away, causing the smash-up on the D. L. & W., June 5th., was called up pursuant to adjournment in police court last Saturday and was again adjourned till to-day.

   The trustees have been repeatedly notified of several very bad sidewalks in this village, but the walks are not even repaired. Should some person be injured by reason of the horrible condition of these walks, the village would be liable for heavy damages. The charter should be amended so that in cases of this kind, where the trustees fail to do their duty, they should be made personally liable for all damages and costs that may accrue as a result of their neglect.

   The Harford Mills correspondent of the Marathon Independent writes as follows to that paper: "Ray Johnson of Lapeer started for home last Thursday night after the heavy rain of the afternoon, which raised the creeks here in such a manner as to be dangerous for one to ford them. But Ray, being full of pluck concluded to try it, as he had to ford the stream near Charles Jennings' where the bridge is broken, he undertook to drive through and the stream being so rapid, it took him, horse, wagon and all down stream. And in some manner upset him, demolishing the wagon top and dash, breaking the reach, racking two wheels, besides losing the cushion, mat, whip and halter, also a milk-can. Luckily, he and the horse, by the aid of Mr. Jennings and others, got out alive, a wetter and a madder man."

FROM EVERYWHERE.

   The State fair begins at Syracuse the 14th of September and continues one week.

   An American half dollar of the issue of 1796 is worth sixty times its original value to collectors.

   The rainiest place in the United States is the shore of Neap Bay, in Washington, where 129 inches of rain fell last year.

   The Donley Brothers who have conducted marble works in Newark Valley and Auburn, have assigned. It is said that the works will be closed indefinitely. About forty hands are thrown out of employment.

   A full grown panther was killed at Mohawk, near Schenectady, last Sunday night. It is thought to have wandered down from the north woods, and had been committing depredations on young stock in the neighborhood for some time.

   Near Marcellus, Sunday afternoon, John Fitzpatrick, a mason, enticed the fourteen year old daughter of James Luckins into the woods and assaulted her, leaving her unconscious. He deserves lynching when caught.

   "Ed" Van Riper's horse in Romulus was terribly injured by having his tongue bitten off by another horse. The animal came near bleeding to death. Four inches of the tongue were torn off by the teeth of the other brute.

   A week ago Sunday morning, while Dennis Costello of Manlius was milking a cow, the cow was struck by lightning and instantly killed. The boy, whose knee was in contact with the cow's leg, received a portion of the electric fluid which tore open his trousers from the knee down and passed out the toe of his boot. He was rendered unconscious and remained so for nearly two hours, but finally recovered. It was a narrow escape for him.