Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1911-09-14


lie is quite easy TO be mistaken. de-
Icided that ] WAS near the sea and
would be on the lookout. u
Finally | could see an opening and
it looked like an oasis in a desert to
me. It WAS plowed field and | after
ward learned that it belonged to Mr..
Estes. There was hardly room enough
to get down. but ii looked good to me,
QaughterJ, and | was determined to
make a, landing.
For q long distance. | had been
for two miles, it seemed. | was in the
basket and did not feel the jar, but
was being slapped against the tree tops
and could see lake ahead.
Il was anxious to make a safe land
ing and | wanted clear space. In the
center of the field was a stone wall. in
the very space | wanted to go. | got
Just a bit nervous, for there are 50
many things to think Of at one time.
was dragged over the stone wall sew
eral rods, but was i'll the basket and
that is what saved me. | tell you
hung onto the basket, if / had been
out of ii | would have been smashed
up.
Il do not know what hit me, but /
think [ must have been struck IN the
back of the neck. | became uncon-
scious and the next thing / remember,
/ was in your hospital, receiving the
best of care"
Mr.. Shearman ended his talk at this
point, although he was at once be-
seiged by questioncrs, for every man
in the club rooms had listened intently
to the speaker and wanted to learn
tmore.
The aeronaut explained that he used
a a. cubic foot balloon. which is cap
able OF remaining in the air about 40
hours. He carried 40 bags of sand.
Weighing from 40 to so pounds each.
The balloon cost about $500 and ii cost
s42 TO III it with gas. II requires near
" two hours to fiji 1t, but that all de-
ponds upon the gas company" remark
ed Mr.. Sherman smiling.
1T is surprising how little it takes
to send balloon up further said the
speaker in reply 10 another question.
Il have known a balloon to go up lo0A
feet higher by just throwing out ar
orange peel
Mr.. Sherman said he called his tbs
king of sports. In a balloon, YOU car
go as hugh, remain up so many hours
see such wonderful sights. and you
have no idea where you are going te
land. In reference to aeroplanes. N
sherman said they We're the result
of the spe ed craze and could not com
.nl vaxart
Aeroplanes are dangerous and Their
they are so costly that only the rich
can own them.
When asked If Ii is not possible te
secure fine photos from the balloon.
Mr.. Sherman said it is and during
the late war, he secured a number fol
the government TO demonstrate the
practicabiIity of taking photos OF
cities and forts. Speaking of the beau
tifnl effects seen. he said:
II believe that every man should
to complete his education, stay one
night alone in the woods and one
night alone in the clouds. 1t is sooe
for him: il gives him chance TO take
aeceant of stock"
They want to know where you live
and where you We're born" remarked
DR. John Sturgis. q
II was born in England. but my
home is in New Jersey. live IN my
suit case. Last night. my suit case
was my coat pocket and my belongs
ines consisted of a clean collar
A large delegation accompanied MI
Shearman from the club rooms to the
Auburn Maine Central station, where
he boarded the. 11.07 train for Mas
sschusetts. On the same train with
him was his balloon. !,
Certainly no club in Maine mas aan
a finer treat than Mr.. Sherman gave
the Waseca members. Tuesday eve
ming.
Late in the evening. after lunct
had been served the Creighton Broth
ers drought the courtesy of Mana
ger Bibber, came from Music nan
Lewiston. to give the members snort
entertainment This was well re-
eeived
At the business session. the ciut
voted in eight or ten new members,