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24
THE ST. LOUIS EXPOSITION

Publicity for the first St. Louis World's Fair, better known as the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, was released as early as 1902.  A pamphlet was printed and distributed throughout the world.  Interest was almost immediate and the response of interested participants was great.

The total cost of the aeronautic concourse was $45,864.00.  The aerodrome or hangar cost $13,888.00.  The 30 foot fence, enclosing the concourse was $6,559.00.  Two hydrogen gas plants were $16,052.00.  Salaries amounted to $7,028.00.  Small prizes were $1,000.00 and miscellaneous was $1,335.00.

The concourse was located on a plateau west of the administration building, with a total of about twelve acres, completely surrounded by a fence 30 feet high; within the enclosure was the balloon house, the gas plants and other facilities.  Mr. Willard A. Smith, chief of the transportation department, which embraced the aeronautic section, appointed Mr. Percy Hudson as superintendent of aeronautics. 

About the time the pilots assembled, arguments were offered as to the ability of any type of aricraft [[aircraft]] to fly over the course proposed at an average speed of 19 miles per hour.  The speed was lowered to 15 miles per hour, and the course to be not less than 15 miles in length.

I arrived at the fair grounds with one of those pamphlets literally clutched in my hands.  I found a place to live just off the grounds and began, almost immediately, to look about for work as it was necessary for me to seek employment at once.  Having now permanently left the Central Union Telephone Company, I needed to attach myself to a new payroll without loss of time!