Search Results | Arcadia History Collection

19 officers are in hangar at Ross Field in Arcadia as part of their training as Reserve Officers Balloon Personnel. J.H. Hoeppel in white shirt is on the right (kneeling). Lt.C.P. Kane, was in charge of the class. He is 4th man from left (next to balloon) in second row.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs1164

Date: 1927

1 image

Date: 1927

Subjects: Balloon School; Hoeppel, John H.; Kane, C.P.

Physical Description: 10x10 b&w badly cracked and broken

ID: 1155

Collection: Photographs

Images

Aerial view, apparently looking northeast, of major portion of Ross Field. Four large barracks-type buildings are along in a row in foreground. There are two other rows of buildings, with flag pole in third row of buildings. Large stand of eucalyptus across background.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs229

Date: c.1918

1 image

Date: c.1918

Subjects: Balloon School

Physical Description: 9x11 b&w

ID: 227

Collection: Photographs

Images

Aerial view looking northeast across Santa Anita Park toward mountains. Note training track called Anita Chiquita has been added (lower left corner), open grandstand has been added to west of covered stand. Note, too, that work has begun to change Balloon School site to Arcadia County Park. Santa Anita Avenue is tree-lined street running entire width of photo about middle of print.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs987

Date: 1937

1 image

Date: 1937

Subjects: Aerial Photo Collection; Aerial views; Anita Chiquita training track; Arcadia County Park; Balloon School; Santa Anita Avenue; Santa Anita Park-1934-1942

Physical Description: 8x10 b&w

ID: 979

Collection: Photographs

Images

Aerial view of Ross Field looking east from a position of about Huntington Drive and present Holly Avenue. Two large hangars are at west point of triangular property. The wash cutting across foreground is the wash just to west of present high school.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs228

Date: c.1928

1 image

Date: c.1928

Subjects: Balloon School; Arcadia County Park

Physical Description: 8x10 b&w

ID: 226

Collection: Photographs

Images

Aerial view south of Balloon School and surrounding part of valley. Large tree-lined street running from center of photo toward lower left edge of photo is Santa Anita. Tree-lined street coming in on right edge of photo about two inches from bottom of photo and intersecting Santa Anita, is Duarte Road. Note wash that at present is just west of Arcadia High School. Rio Hondo Wash runs east to west across middle of photo.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs153

Date: c.1918

1 image

Date: c.1918

Subjects: Aerial Photo Collection; Aerial views; U.S. Army Balloon School see Balloon School; Balloon School

Physical Description: 8x10 b&w

ID: 152

Collection: Photographs

Images

Aerial view toward the east taken from about over present Club House at Santa Anita Park Race Track. The main street running North/South is Santa Anita Avenue. View shows the oval of Elias J. "Lucky" Baldwin's race track in what is currently Arcadia County Park. The buildings would be barracks of Ross Field U.S. Army Balloon School. Duarte Road can be seen coming into photo at right edge of photo near intersection with Santa Anita Avenue. The broad street along left side would be Huntington Drive. Railroad tracks can be seen in lower left corner.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs635

Date: November 1929

1 image

Date: November 1929

Subjects: Aerial Photo Collection; Aerial views; Balloon School; Huntington Drive; Race tracks; Railroads; Santa Anita Avenue

Physical Description: 6x10 b&w

ID: 631

Collection: Photographs

Images

Airman climbing mesh surrounding inflated balloon apparently to check valve. Approximately a dozen men are on the ground watching him.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs182

Date: c.1917-1918

1 image

Date: c.1917-1918

Subjects: Balloon School

Physical Description: 2x4 vertical b&w

ID: 181

Collection: Photographs

Images

Almost same scene as photo #169 but taken a few minutes later with balloon touching down. Buildings and 2 tents show on left side of photo. Row of Eucalyptus trees show all across background of photo.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs171

Date: c.1917-1918

1 image

Date: c.1917-1918

Subjects: Balloon School

Physical Description: 3x5 b&w

ID: 170

Collection: Photographs

Images

Apparently another view taken on visitors' day at Ross Field (as in photo #176). In this photo, balloon is on the ground with basket. Military truck shows on right side of photo with a sign marked "4" in front of truck. Group of people on left; small girl in checkered blouse is closest figure.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs178

Date: c.1917-1918

1 image

Date: c.1917-1918

Subjects: Balloon School

Physical Description: 3x5 b&w

ID: 177

Collection: Photographs

Images

Apparently a visitors' time at Ross Field Balloon School. Photo shows balloon aloft with basket suspended. Many people in photo. Closest to camera is left to right: man, boy, and four women. Eucalyptus trees all across background.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs177

Date: c.1917-1918

1 image

Date: c.1917-1918

Subjects: Balloon School

Physical Description: 3x5 b&w

ID: 176

Collection: Photographs

Images

Apparently taken a few minutes later than photo #172. Same 2 tents show on left. Balloon is approximately 3 feet off of ground.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs174

Date: v.1917-1918

1 image

Date: v.1917-1918

Subjects: Balloon School

Physical Description: 1 1/2 x 2 1/2 b&w

ID: 173

Collection: Photographs

Images

Apparently taken same day as photo #174 but either later or earlier. Balloon is considerably higher in this photo.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs176

Date: c.1917-1918

1 image

Date: c.1917-1918

Subjects: Balloon School

Physical Description: 3x5 b&w

ID: 175

Collection: Photographs

Images

Appears to have been taken just a few minutes after photo #167. Large balloon with a target-like figure painted on its side is down on the ground and being secured by men. Overcast day.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs169

Date: c.1917-1918

1 image

Date: c.1917-1918

Subjects: Balloon School

Physical Description: 3x5 b&w

ID: 168

Collection: Photographs

Images

Balloon aloft has been identified as in trouble. The back portion appears to be folding up.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs181

Date: c.1917-1918

1 image

Date: c.1917-1918

Subjects: Balloon School

Physical Description: 3x5 b&w

ID: 180

Collection: Photographs

Images

Balloon aloft with basket suspended. It appears to be in trouble.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs180

Date: May 1919 (written on back)

1 image

Date: May 1919 (written on back)

Subjects: Balloon School

Physical Description: 3x5 b&w

ID: 179

Collection: Photographs

Images

Balloon apparently being secured on the ground. Approximately 26 men working to secure it.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs160

Date: c.1917-1918

1 image

Date: c.1917-1918

Subjects: Balloon School

Physical Description: 2x3 b&w

ID: 159

Collection: Photographs

Images

Balloon being restrained by about 11 men. An American flag is being raised or lowered from balloon. An automobile is in foreground. One of military winch trucks is on left side of photo.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs167

Date: c.1917-1918

1 image

Date: c.1917-1918

Subjects: Balloon School

Physical Description: 3x5 b&w

ID: 166

Collection: Photographs

Images

Balloon company convoy. In evidence is probable mess trailer trucks and what appears to be 6 or 7 regular automobiles. Four men standing by motorcycle, on leftside of photo.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs164

Date: c.1917-1919

1 image

Date: c.1917-1919

Subjects: Balloon School

Physical Description: 3x5 b&w

ID: 163

Collection: Photographs

Images

Balloon just off ground with men working to secure it (readying to release it). Shows structure of balloon quite well.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs179

Date: c.1917-1918

1 image

Date: c.1917-1918

Subjects: Balloon School

Physical Description: 3x5 b&w

ID: 178

Collection: Photographs

Images

Balloon School

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/subject32

Contents: 1. "Making charts of air currents." Arcadia Journal, June 21, 1919. 2. "Mercury Flights Through Cloudland (1917)." Advertising brochure for sightseeing flights. One of the attractions was the Balloon School. Copied from the original owned by Sid Platford. 3. "Veteran recalls balloon field." Ar…

Contents: 1. "Making charts of air currents." Arcadia Journal, June 21, 1919.; 2. "Mercury Flights Through Cloudland (1917)." Advertising brochure for sightseeing flights. One of the attractions was the Balloon School. Copied from the original owned by Sid Platford.; 3. "Veteran recalls balloon field." Arcadia Tribune, July 1, 1976, page 1.; 4. "Observation balloons ruled air." Arcadia Tribune, August 16, 1973.; 5. " 'Eyes of Army' look back." Los Angeles Times, September 30, 1966, Part II, page 1.; 6. "Veteran balloon pilots." Arcadia News-Post, September 29, 1966.; 7. Goddard correspondence, March 22, 1965; 8. "Gasbaggers reunion." Arcadia Tribune, October 2, 1966.; 9. "Eyes trained at Arcadia." Branding Iron, December 1962, reprint.; 10. "Eyes trained at Arcadia," by J.H. Richardson, in manuscript form.; 11. "Ross field wrecking rushed." Copies from Alton Green scrapbook.; 12. Balloon School personal account. 5 typed sheet.; 13. "C-2 is expected." Arcadia Journal, September 23, 1922.; 14. "History of Fort Omaha Balloon School. Copies from Omaha newspaper.; 15. "Show Ross Field return secured by Hoeppel." Arcadia Tribune, June 2, 1963.; 16. "Balloon corps veterans plan." Arcadia Tribune, September 18, 1966.; 17. "Earlier days in Los Angeles, about Woodrow Wilson, carrier pigeon." News clip, April 7, 1974.; 18. Corps member Cathcart's letter. June 30, 1964.; 19. "Earlier days in Los Angeles, about first all night observation trip." June 1969.; 20. Photos showing buildings, hospital, and balloons in the air. Arcadian Observer, December 21, 1918, page 19, 31, 60.; 21. "Panorama of our new school." Arcadian Observer, August 3, 1918.; 22. "The U.S. Army Balloon School." Arcadian Observer, September 1918, supplement.; 23. "Swimming pool and clubhouse." Arcadian Observer, September 1918, supplement.; 24. Correspondence from Akron-Summit County Public Library. Letter in reply to Balloon School information request, June 5, 1978.; 25. Correspondence from the Department of the Army. Letter in reply to Balloon School information request, June 13, 1978.; 26. Correspondence between Donald G. Cathcart and the City of Arcadia, 1964.; 27. Completion Report Number 1 covering construction of Army Balloon School, October 1, 1918. 40 pages. Purchased from National Archives in 1978.; 28. "Arcadia man recalls ballooning days." (Rudolph C. Shosted) Monrovia Journal, April 11, 1974. (Also in Arcadia Tribune, April 11, 1974, p. A2); 29. "Colonel W.N. Hensley, Jr., commanding." Arcadian Observer, September 1918, page 3.; 30. "Airships tracked enemy from Arcadia balloon base." Arcadia Tribune, January 26, 1978.; 31. Copies of photos with designation of various sections of base.; 32. "Major Max Fleischman." Arcadian Observer, October 5, 1918.; 33. "The Arcadia Balloon School, 1918." Western States Jewish Historical Quarterly, October 1980. Photo with lengthy caption.; 34. "Ross Field does fadeout." Los Angeles Times, November 15, 1933, Part I , page 6.; 35. "Close blind pig at once!" Hensley blind pigs is slang for speak easy or illegal operation, and referred to a need to clean them up if Balloon School is to be here. Arcadia Journal, June 8, 1918.; 36. "Arcadia will be aircraft center." Arcadia Journal, September 28, 1918.; 37. Correspondence regarding archival holdings on Balloon School in National Archives, June 16, 1978.; 38. The first all night observation trip.; 39. "Au revoir Col. Hensley." Arcadian Observer, September 1918, page 6.; 40. Recollection of Mr. John Milton Huston, stationed here at 21.; 41. "The post band." Arcadia Observer, November 9, 1918, page 6.; 42. "Balloons re-enter the wars." News clip, October 7, 1951, possibly from an Omaha publication.; 43. "Airborne 'elephants' once inhabited Arcadia's skies." Fedco Reporter, May 1988, by J.D. Carroll.; 44. "Observer." Arcadian Observer, September 1918, page 19.; 45. "New commander in charge of Arcadia." Arcadian Observer, January 4, 1919, page 8.; 46. "First American Balloon Officer to die in action." (Lt. Cleo J. Ross) Arcadian Observer, November 2, 1918, page 27.; 47. "Two balloon men killed by bomb." Arcadia Journal, September 28, 1918.; 48. "Balloon School awaits on order." Arcadia Journal, March 30, 1918.; 49. Sample of letterhead stationery from Balloon School.; 50. "L.A. Scene - The City then and now." Balloon School/Arcadia County Park. Los Angeles Times, December 20, 1993, page B3.; 51. "Officers to have a camp at Arcadia." Temple Times, June 26, 1924.; 52. "Pioneer 'Birdman' recalls balloon exploits in Pasadena area." Arcadia man won fame in flying dirigible. Pasadena Star News, March 16, 1952.; 53. "Ross Field use known June 1." News clip, May 8, 1929.; 54. " Ross Field bill voted by houses." News clip, March 4, 1933.; 55. "Ross Field Parks Project near vote by County leaders." Pasadena Star News, May 14, 1933.; 56. "Ross Field purchase is urged on Council." News clip, May 18, 1933.; 57. "Ross Field planned to become new park as County gets deed." News clip, August 1, 1935.; 58. "Ross Field betterment approved." News clip, August 2, 1935.; 59. "Ross Field to harbor zeppelin and Ross Field hangar leased as zeppelin assembling center." News clip, no date.; 60. "Air planes gather at Ross Field for zeppelin activities." News clip, May 22, 1929. "Pilots will be trained at Ross." News clip, May 22, 1929. "Light tests on way at Ross site." News clip, May 18, 1929.; 61. "U.S. returns Ross Field as sports center." News clip, June 11, 1935.; 62. "Army School Ross Field Project." News clip, June 24, 1930.; 63. "Park agreed at balloon field site." News clip, July 3, 1935.; 64. "$55,655 price decision near on Ross Field." News clip, May 17, 1933. "Senate passes Arcadia Bill." Los Angeles Times, 1933.; 65. "Set date for zeppelin to take air." News clip, May 28, 1929.; 66. "Dirigible's keel laid at Ross." News clip, May 20, 1929.; 67. "Group backs Ross Field measure." News clip, January 24, 1933.; 68. "Senate passes balloon camp land transfer." News clip, February 10, 1933.; 69. 1996 Heritage Calendar by Chino Valley Bank. Includes photos of U.S. Army Balloon Corp station.; 70. "Today and yesterday of the Arcadia Balloon School Field." Pasadena Star News, July 4, 1931.; 71. Copies of photos of Ray Walters, stationed at the Balloon School. Photo and article regarding the first annual picnic, June 1938.; 72. Copy of photo #186.; 73. "Army's biggest balloon school coming here." Los Angeles Times, March 13, 1916, Part II, page 1.; 74. First draft chapter on Ross Field, by Arcadia resident John Irwin.; 75. "Balloon Work Conditions Better, Y.M.C.A. Outpost is Established at Stocker Field, Officers Will Play Ball Tonight at Balloon Camp." Pasadena Star News, July 18, 1918.; 76. World War I Heroes Remembered : Cleo J. Ross. Written by Ken Hudnut. (Internet article); 77. California Aviation History : The Army Balloon School, Ross Field, Arcadia, California, by Richard DesChenes. From the California State Military Department, California Military Museum. http:www.militarymuseum.org/BalloonSch.html; 78. "Pasadena Public Library does bit for soldiers." Collection of books is provided for the military camp of the Seventh California regiment of guardsmen at Arcadia. Pasadena Star News, May 19, 1917, p. 13.; 79. Overseas Army nurse, Grace Thompson, has been assigned to the post hospital at the United States Army Balloon School at Arcadia. Pasadena Star News, May 21, 1919, p. 11; 80. "Heads For Camp in City." Thirty officers arrive from Fort Dodge, Iowa to take balloon duty in Arcadia. Many live in Arcadia. Lieutenant Colonel W.N. Hensley will host a dinner for his staff at Hotel Huntington. Pasadena Star News, Monday April 1, 1918.; 81. "Tents Erected at Balloon Campsite." Seven tents for thirty men from the United States Army signal corps have been erected on the site of the new balloon station on the Baldwin Ranch in Arcadia. Pasadena Star News, April 4, 1918.; 82. "May Give Up Camp Plans." Rumors from Washington say balloon station is not needed, decision will come soon, war department to meet with Los Angeles representatives. Pasadena Star News, April 9, 1918.; 83. "Sale of Ross Field is Vetoed." War Department's wire stops sale of Ross Field to any private individual or municipality, government will reserve tract for other training. Pasadena Star News, April 13, 1927.; 84. "Fire Plan Revision is Foresters' Job." Forest guards, patrolmen and registrars to complete training at Ross Field in Arcadia before fire season begins. Pasadena Star News clipping April 24, 1929.; 85. "Forest fire work to be given trial. Rangers to carry out training program." The annual forest rangers' training school will be in session for two days at Ross Field, Arcadia. Pasadena Star News clipping, April 30, 1929.; 86. Gallery Guide to Ruth and Charles Gilb Arcadia Historical Museum Exhibit, November 2005-January 2006. Exhibit called "War Department, Department of Military Aeronautics, Army Balloon School." Contains history of Balloon School.; 87. Named "Ross Field" for Lieutenant Cleo J. Ross, killed in France. The Atlanta Constitution, May 23, 1919.

Subjects: Balloon School

Item ID: 32AF

Collection: Subject Files

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19 officers are in hangar at Ross Field in Arcadia as part of their training as Reserve Officers Balloon Personnel. J.H. Hoeppel in white shirt is on the right (kneeling). Lt.C.P. Kane, was in charge of the class. He is 4th man from left (next to balloon) in second row.

Images

Aerial view, apparently looking northeast, of major portion of Ross Field. Four large barracks-type buildings are along in a row in foreground. There are two other rows of buildings, with flag pole in third row of buildings. Large stand of eucalyptus across background.

Images

Images

Aerial view of Ross Field looking east from a position of about Huntington Drive and present Holly Avenue. Two large hangars are at west point of triangular property. The wash cutting across foreground is the wash just to west of present high school.

Images

Images

Images

Airman climbing mesh surrounding inflated balloon apparently to check valve. Approximately a dozen men are on the ground watching him.

Images

Almost same scene as photo #169 but taken a few minutes later with balloon touching down. Buildings and 2 tents show on left side of photo. Row of Eucalyptus trees show all across background of photo.

Images

Apparently another view taken on visitors' day at Ross Field (as in photo #176). In this photo, balloon is on the ground with basket. Military truck shows on right side of photo with a sign marked "4" in front of truck. Group of people on left; small girl in checkered blouse is closest figure.

Images

Apparently a visitors' time at Ross Field Balloon School. Photo shows balloon aloft with basket suspended. Many people in photo. Closest to camera is left to right: man, boy, and four women. Eucalyptus trees all across background.

Images

Apparently taken a few minutes later than photo #172. Same 2 tents show on left. Balloon is approximately 3 feet off of ground.

Images

Apparently taken same day as photo #174 but either later or earlier. Balloon is considerably higher in this photo.

Images

Appears to have been taken just a few minutes after photo #167. Large balloon with a target-like figure painted on its side is down on the ground and being secured by men. Overcast day.

Images

Balloon aloft has been identified as in trouble. The back portion appears to be folding up.

Images

Balloon aloft with basket suspended. It appears to be in trouble.

Images

Balloon apparently being secured on the ground. Approximately 26 men working to secure it.

Images

Balloon being restrained by about 11 men. An American flag is being raised or lowered from balloon. An automobile is in foreground. One of military winch trucks is on left side of photo.

Images

Balloon company convoy. In evidence is probable mess trailer trucks and what appears to be 6 or 7 regular automobiles. Four men standing by motorcycle, on leftside of photo.

Images

Balloon just off ground with men working to secure it (readying to release it). Shows structure of balloon quite well.

Images

Balloon School