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By early 1904 I was forced to take inventory of my personal finances.  My family had grown to include one boy and two girls with a fourth child enroute.  My salary with the telephone company had not been continuous and my hobby of ballooning had paid off but not to the extend where I could see security for the immediate or far distant future.  Also, I had my eye on a farm in Waterville, Ohio which I could buy for $2,000!  It included sixty acres of excellent farm land and to me, at that time, it spelled security.  I wanted more money and I wanted it quick!

The Kellogg Switchboard Company of Chicago offered me a salary which I considered fabulous at that time, to go with them.  It was tempting and it was relative security.  But if I went to Chicago I'd have to give up ballooning and somehow, somewhere it was in my blood.  Then, too, I needed the money quickly if I were to buy that farm.

And I thought I knew where I could get it quickly!

In 1904 there was to be held in St. Louis, Missouri the first World's Fair, better known as the Louisiana Purchase Exposition.  A group of citizens and successful business men, headed by David R. Francis as Chairman and President, formulated plans to make this Exposition the most outstanding and memorable show ever held in this country, if not the entire world.  For the purpose of defraying expenses, ten million dollars was raised!  Grounds were to be prepared, buildings erected for the Fair and also for the housing of participants.  (This was the first American bid for Aeronautic recognition.)  Practically all events up to this time, where prizes had been offered for aeronautical skill, had taken place in Europe, with Paris as the center of interest.

Among the many attractions offered to the public, and to 

Transcription Notes:
In this sentence, the parenthesis are hand-written: (This was the first American bid for Aeronautic recognition.)