Balloon ascensions were popular entertainment at fairs in the 1919s. In 1915 Lucille Belmont was hired to appear in Waverly. She also appeared in 1916. The following year a young man, John O;Laughlin, was hired to jump. At showtime as he prepared some described him as appearing a bit nervous. He was sitting on a trapeze, but was wearing a safety rope. Part way into his act he slipped but grabbed his rope. It broke. He fell from a great distance and landed near the Illinois Central depot. It has not been verified that it is young O'Laughin in the photo, that has been the account for years.
Additional photographs and resources can be found at the Waverly Public Library on the local and family history page http://www.waverlyia.com/public-library/research/local-and-family-history-collection.aspx Accession No. - None.
Comments:
Balloon ascensions were popular entertainment at fairs in the 1919s. In 1915 Lucille Belmont was hired to appear in Waverly. She also appeared in 1916. The following year a young man, John O;Laughlin, was hired to jump. At showtime as he prepared some described him as appearing a bit nervous. He was sitting on a trapeze, but was wearing a safety rope. Part way into his act he slipped but grabbed his rope. It broke. He fell from a great distance and landed near the Illinois Central depot. It has not been verified that it is young O'Laughin in the photo, that has been the account for years. Additional photographs and resources can be found at the Waverly Public Library on the local and family history page http://www.waverlyia.com/public-library/research/local-and-family-history-collection.aspx Accession No. - None.