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As our preparations neared completion, the public became intere-sted and patronage increased daily. Newsmen from not only St.Louis but out of town papers were represented at the fair. We had reporters with us daily, the public was well informed as to our progress. 

On October 24, 1904 Baldwin notifies the fair officials that on the following day, weather conditions permitting, there would be a public demonstration. Newspapers carrined the announcement. One printed a proposed triangular course of some twenty miles on each leg. Several thousand persons gathered at the Aeronautic Concourse to witness the demonstration.

Baldwin again walked me beyond earshot and once more repeated his instructions. He explained that if anything happened to cause the lose of the balloon full of gas, it would about ruin our prospects of making a profit on the first flight, the only sensible thing to do, would be to go over the fence and come down immediately. We would then tow the ship back and be ready for a flight on the following day. 

I promised to do my best to faithfully carry out his instructions. We walked back into the hangar and made final preparations for the flight. The gasoline tank was filled, oil was added to the crankcase, steering was tested, extra knots ties in the cordage where it joined the frame, the motor was warmed up and then stopped. Finally the big doors were opened and, while the crowd cheered, we walked the ship out of the hangar and set it down on two saw-hourses made for the purpose, being high enough to permit the propeller to swing clear of the ground.