The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-06-22
A LEAP TO THE LAKE.
Paraehutist's Feat at Yesler
Avenue Terminus.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE GROUNDS
Professor CsppolO Descends From .
Balloon to the Water-Laying Out
Park-Sea Lions Coming.

In spite of the fact that the weather was
rather disagreeable yesterday an immense crowd
of people went out to Lake Washington over the
Yesler avenue cable line to witness Professor W.
NJ. Cappolo's balloon ascension. The trestles,
wharf beach and verandas of the Casino were
all covered with people anxiously gazing down
on the balloon while it was being filed with
hot air in the beautiful garden below. There
must have been fully 5000 people in the crowd
and undoubtedly as many more refrained from
going out on account of the weather
At O'Clock the order, let her co." was
given, and the balloon shot up into the air like
a sky-rocket. When up several hundred feet
Professor Cappolo threw out bag full OF adj
vertising dodgers of o pink and blue color,
which made quite pretty scene as they came
down. When the balloon was up about I,S00
feet he cut his parachute loose and dropped
After falling about 800 feet, the parachute
opened and he came down slowly until be
reached the water, several hundred feet from
shore boat which was in waiting immedi-
ately pulled out and brought him in, together
with the parachute. The balloon was not
weighted, because weight would sink it when
it fell in the water, consequently it aoated off
mile or more before coliapsing-
Quite q number were disappointed because
the balloon did not go up higher. but Mr. Cap
polo explains this by the fact that it looked as
though it might rain any moment and prevent
the ascension altogether, and, therefore, he did
not wait to get it properly filed. He has made
arrangements to give an ascension every Sunday
afternoon from the same place for several weeks,
and promises that next Sunday, If the weather
is favorable, he will go up high enough to sat
isfy everybody.
After the ascension a heavy cloud gave indica-
tons of an approaching shower, and most of the
people returned to the city. Out number took
the boats for Madison street to attend the bali
game.
At Madison street the crowd was rather light
outside OF the attendance at the ball game, the
majority of those going out making but brief
stop on account OF the unpleasa ntness of the
weather.
Those who went to the Lake Washington ter
minus OF the Yesler avenue road must have no
tieed a great change for the better in the appear
ance of the grounds since last summer. when
these Improvements are completed these
grounds will present one OF the greatest attrac-
tons to pleasure seekers.
The space between the lake and the abandoned
trestle leading TO Jackson street has been graded
and laid out as garden. In the center large
fountain is being built, in which visitors may
see trout and other native fish disporting them
selves. This will be surrounded with flower
beds of various tasty patterns, with beautiful
walks winding among them. Thus delightful
place will be furnished to while away an hour.
swings have been prepared where they may
enjoy themselves at all times Some of them
have been suspended from the trestle, others
on the beach. As they are self-acting, it re-
quires no great exertion to propel them.
Another great change is that the beach has
been covered with a platform, on which
benches have been placed where people
may rest. Beyond this there is q large
enclosure in the lake where four
sea lions just captured of the Santa Rosa
islands in California will be kept. On the shore
side an ample amphitheater, which will seat
1000 people, will be erected for the benefit of
those who wish to watch the animals. Beyond
this to the south the debris has been cleared
away from the shore and shady walks have been
laid out where pleasant stroll can be had and
a beautiful view of the lake obtained.
The slope the west side of the trestle will
be beautifed and made into park. All the I'M
derbrush will be removed and it will be laid out
into walks, summer houses and benches. This
viii make it cool, delightful place of resort.
II thought advisable, lawn tennis court will
be laid out for the use of private parties
The company is also providing a private sys-
tenn of waterworks for fire protection, irrigation
of the grounds and to supply the power house.
Buffalo steam water pump OF 100000 gallons
daily capacity will be placed on the lake shore
and will be connected by pipes, now being laid,
with large tank holding $1,000 gallons, which
will be placed on the bluff above. Pipes are be-
ing laid through the grounds for fire protection
and irrigation