Pittsfield, Massachusetts – March 10, 1906
In early March of 1906, two balloons were brought to Pittsfield, Massachusetts, to take part in a race scheduled for Sunday, March 11th One balloon, the Aero Club No. 1, “American”, was to be piloted by famous New England aeronaut Leo Stevens; the other, “L’ Atonette” by well-known French aeronaut Charles Levee. Both balloons were secured to moorings at the Pittsfield Gas Works and the inflation of them began. A guard was posted to supervise the inflation and to keep the curious at bay.
At about 9:23 a.m. on the morning of March 10, a sudden gusty windstorm passed through the area which tore both balloons from their moorings. Both were reportedly about 3/4 fill with gas by that time, and neither were manned.
The “L’ Atonette” was dragged across an open area and became snagged on an iron stake and was torn apart. Meanwhile, the “American” reportedly “shot up with tremendous force”, and disappeared from view. It was last seen heading in an easterly direction towards Boston.
There were no reported injuries.
It is unknown what became of the “American” balloon.
The race was postponed until new balloons could be obtained. It is believed to have taken place in October of 1906.
Source:
The Daily Kennebec Journal, (Augusta, ME.), “Not On Program – Balloons At Pittsfield, Mass. Break From Moorings”, March 12, 1906, page 4.