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FIRST SUCCESSFUL DIRIGIBLE FLIGHT IN USA. 

For many years I heard of a man named Thomas Scott Baldwin.  He had in his youth left home and joined a circus, became a trapeze and tight rope performer and was considered very good in his line.  He later became interested in the balloon business. He and his brother Sam, had a balloon factory in Quiney Illinois, I purchased two balloons from them.  However, lately Tom had worked mainly on the Pacific Coast and I had not seen him for some time. But I was sure he would want to take part in this world renown exposition. 

Baldwin's [[anvance]] guard, Ed Carpenter, arrived first, we met and discussed the aerial events to be performed.  He told me they were not interested in competing for any of the prizes.  Their intention was to be paid for all flights made.  He asked my advise as to who to see, that had the authority to make such a contract.  I introduced him to Mr. McGarvey, the Director General of Publicity for the Fair. 

Carpenter quickly made a contract with the Exposition officials to make five flights, one flight per day for five days.  I did not learn the figure, but assume it was to be $1,000 per flight.  

And then Tom Baldwin himself arrived.  His outfit consisted of a small flat trunk containing a silk balloon and netting, a small create containing a motorcycle [[enging]] and a long crate containing the propeller shaft.  These three articles were the makings of a dirigible airship-- Baldwin's California Arrow.