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This was not always possible as the pilot would be too far forward on the frame to reach the neck of the appendage to release the gas. The safe thing therefore was to remain low and not take any unnecessary risks.

I DESIGN THE LARGEST U.S. AIRSHIP
For myself I had a new and larger airship designed to carry three people with fuel and ballast for a four hour trip.  This ship was the largest airship in America at that time.  We were all very proud of it.  We set it up on the vacant log out on Collingwood Avenue and conducted experiments [[strikethrough]]from[[/strikethrough]] there.  [[strikethrough]]I conceived the idea that I could fly to Cleveland with George Duesler, my mechanic. We made a number of trips, experimental, and I determined that it could be done.[[/strikethrough]]

Everything seemed particularly hopeful for a very successful season.  It was necessary to place a mortgage on my home to secure the money to pay the preparatory expense.  It was absolutely necessary for the boys to make good or I would be financially embarrassed if enything [[anything]] went wrong.

A LARGE INVESTMENT
Even the best laid plans [[strikethrough]]sometimes[[/strikethrough]] go wrong.  We had equipment which cost me more than $30,000 but had contracts amounting to $425,000.  With partly or poorly trained pilots I hoped to collect this money.  Only an optimist could have undertaken such an enterprise and not been crazy.  My banker must have been very patient to say the least. 

The year 1907 was supposed to be a year of hard times but that year practically every showman made money.  This clearly indicated that the American people wished to be amused even at the expense of spending less at the grocery, the mean market [[strikethrough]]and[[/strikethrough]] or for rent.