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were formed in France, England, Germany, etc., with free ballooning as the popular sporting event.  An association of clubs of Europe was called the International Aeronautic Federation with which the Aero Club of America became affiliated.  Mr. Cortland Field Bishop, was, I believe, the first president with Ernest LaRue Jones, secretary.  Among the members were A. Holland Forbes, John Jacob Astor, Allan R. Hawley, J.C. McCoy, Augustus Post and many others.  Leo Stevens was also a member and constructed many of the balloons for the club members.  The Aero Club was strictly a sportsmen club and at the time of the incorporation had as  its objective only free balloons or lighter than air craft.  On a record making balloon flight, Allan Hawley and Augustus Post were lost for days in northern Canada when they made their landing somewhere near the Arctic Circle.  Later, Holland Forbes and Augustus Post fell in a collapsed balloon over Berlin, crashing through the roof if a house and into the sleeping quarters of a greatly excited lady who had not as yet awakened for the day.
    All of these men were real adventurers who ballooned wherever a balloon could fly.  It was a great sport.  Even honeymooners started their life's journey by making balloon ascensions from Pittsfield, Mass., Kansas City, Mo., St. Louis, No., and many other points in this country as well as abroad.
    On our arrival at Ft. Wayne a terrific storm was in progress ripping up trees and roofs of small buildings.  Naturally, I was worried about the outfit.  I hurried to the grounds and found the tent standing up well and the airship fully inflated and ready for flight.  As soon as the storm had subsided, we led the ship out into the open and warmed up the motor and started to make a flight for the city.  Air conditions were