Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1867-07-11

The NATIONAL FEsTIVAL-BALLoONW WE'D
DING AND AsCENsIoN.-Weta take the follow
ing description of balloon wedding and
wedding trip from the Pittsburgh CONNER
cial. The affair was under the control of
John Kinney, of this city, and is the only
balloon bridal trip ever successfully accom-
plished.
The National Festival at Union Skating
Park closed on Saturday evening, with
brilliant display of fireworks. which was
witnessed by between three and four thou
sand persons, who were enthusiastic in
their applause as each piece was exhibited
In the afternoon, Notwithstanding the
shower of rain at two O'Clock, upwards OF
one thousand persons assembled to witness
the wedding in the balloon, and the
subsequent ascension OF the par
ties in the Bridal Chariot" About
four o'clock Miss Fornshell and
Mr.. Smithson entered the basket,
accompanied by Alderman Strain. of the
Tenth ward, and in a few seconds the bal
loon ascended to height of one hundred
feet. where the contracting parties were
duly married by the Alderman. At the
conclusion of the ceremonies, the balloon
was drawn down, Alderman Strain stepped
out, and the intrepid aronaut, Prot. S. S.
Thurston, of Meadville, took his place. The
ropes were cut, and the balloon swiftly and
majestically ascended to height of about
two thousand feet, when it sailed off in a
southeastern direction, crossing the Allie
gheny river, over the upper Wards OF the
city, and on up the Monongahela Valley,
landing safely two miles above McKees-
port. This was really one of the most
beautiful ascensions ever made in the
country, and was remarkable as being the
first and only balloon bridal trip ever ac-
nnnnnlichQd Prnf Thnrcfnp xyh hoe
proved himself on this as on other occa-
sions. to be skillful @ronaut, speaks in
eulogistic terms of the nerve of Miss Form
shell, who stood upon the seat in the bas-
ket until the balloon had ascended through
the first clouds-a mile above terra frnld.
The balloon from the time it left the Park
until it reached McKeesport, continued to
ascend, the greatest height attained being
about three miles. AS before remarked,
Prof. Thurston safely landed his aerial YES
sci some two miles above McKeesport, and
in less than five minutes after reaching the
earth the party were surrounded by more
than a thousand persons. A carriage was
provided for MIR. and Mrs. Smithson and a
wagon was employed to carry the balloon
to McKeesport. On nearing McKeesport.
the crowd increased in numbers, and
in their enthusiasm over the iutrepidity of
Mrs. Smithson lifted her from the carriage
and carried her to the hotel, where the
party remained until the arrival of the
evening boat. During their stay in Nc
K-esport, the wedding party were sere-
naded with vocal and instrumental music,
and an enthusiastic time generally was had.
The voyagers arrived safely in the city at
midnight, all suffering somewhat from
deafness, caused by the great altitude they
had reached, but which will disapL ear in a
few days.
Manager Kinney states that another fes-
tival will be held here during the State
Fair, when Prof. Thurston will make sew
eral daring ascensions. Should there be
any parties matrimouially inclined at that
time, and desirous of emulating the exam
pie set by Mr.. and Mrs. Smithson, Prof
rhurston will be happy to take them on a
flying trip.