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[[underscore]]EXHIBITIONS IN THE MIDDLE WEST[[/underscore]]

   Arriving at Grand Rapids, we moved to the grounds and set up the outfit as quickly as possible.  All of the flights were made without anything unusual occurring and we collected the full amount called for in the contract.  We did keep a close watch on the weather, looking for quick thunderstorms.

   From Grand Rapids we shipped to Louisville, Kentucky.  Here we had a new gas man who made gas without looking at the instructions.  The result was there was not sufficient lift to the gas to quite carry my weight.  I made the first flight without ballast.  In order to get into the air it was necessary for me to remove my shoes as even this weight made the difference between a success or a failure.  Immediately on landing we deflated the balloon and by working all night we had the ship ready for flight the next morning.  I helped to make the gas and taught the new man how to operate the gas machine.

   Our next exhibition was at Nashville, Tennessee.  Here again we had the usual rush to get ready and we succeeded in making an unannounced flight on Sunday.  I flew over the city at an elevation of 1,000 feet and on returning to the grounds found a large crowd comming through the gates, to see the airship.  This was not on schedule and the fair management was quick to take advantage of the situation by collecting an additional charge at the gates, which otherwise was free.  I was told by the management that more than enough had been collected to pay our fee.

   The newspapers printed accounts of the flights and Monday opening day, we had a capacity crowd.  The grounds were crowded the grandstand full.  Every building was filled with people intent on seeing all of the exhibits and the airship.  But the