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motor.  Also, the operator rode astride the frame, exposed to all the elements.  The propeller was mounted at the front end, thus pulling the airship through the air.  The propeller also could be reversed for maneuvering in tight areas.

The dirigible was built at Idora Park, near Oakland, California, a large recreation ground.  This site was chosen because it contained a large open area where a dirigible could be safely flown essentially free of any obstructions.  Also, it was close to San Francisco Bay, over which Baldwin planned to make his trial flight.  The major reason, however, was that Baldwin had made arrangements with the Park management to share in the increased gate receipts resulting from the crowds curious enough to come and pay to see the new attraction.

Progress was slow and sporadic, but the dirigible was finally completed in late July and the first trial flight was made on July 29.  Satisfied that the dirigible was ready for its official flight, Baldwin climbed aboard the crude framework and the engine was started.  Upon signal, the dirigible was released and Baldwin opened the throttle.  The dirigible rose to about 500 feet and Baldwin headed over the Bay.  It responded to the controls well as he steered it in a flight over the Bay and back to Idora Park.  Nosing downward, the dirigible made a safe landing.  The date was August the third, 1904, and this was the first circuitous flight of a dirigible in America.

In 1903-4 a World's Fair commemorating the Louisiana Purchase, also known as the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, was held at