Thursday, October 10, 2013

Historical News and Notes: Bankers Win Balloon Race - Welsh Strawbridge and Robert Glendinning Contest



Oct. 26, 1906, Pittsfield. This is the starting of the race last Monday. - W.C. Moulton
Image from www.postcardgallery.com

The following appeared in the October 10, 1914 Evening Public Ledger.

Welsh Strawbridge and Robert Glendinning, Philadelphia bankers, won the national balloon pursuit race at Pittsfield, Mass, under assumed names last Thursday, according to word just received by friends in the city. Mr. Glendinning went under the name of "Robert Golden" and Mr. Strawbridge called himself "Sidney Welsh." [editor's note: Welsh Strawbridge had a cousin named Sidney Young]

Four balloons started in the race, the first being a King Balloon. The others were required to land as near it as possible. The Philadelphians landed within 3000 feet of this bag at Worthington, 20 miles from the start, and won the race.

The Libary of Congress has made historic newspapers dating from 1836-1922 available through their Chronicling America series.

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