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Military vehicle, probably used to hoist and pull down the observation balloons used at Ross Field. Two men stand at the back, one with his arm raised as a signal. The San Gabriel Mountains can be seen VERY faintly in background. Buildings at the Balloon School can be seen on either side of the truck.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs1055
Date
c.1918

  1 image

Date
c.1918
Subjects
Balloon School
Physical Description
8x10 b&w
ID
1047
Collection
Photographs
Images
Less detail

Photo of General John J. Pershing mingling with a group at Ross Field Balloon School. He is accompanied by other officers and there are a number of young boys eager to greet him. Across photo had been written "Balloon School Training" and "1920" and "General Pershing at Arcadia."

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs224
Date
1920

  1 image

Date
1920
Subjects
Balloon School
Pershing, John J.
Physical Description
9x11 b&w
ID
222
Collection
Photographs
Images
Less detail
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
Less detail

United States Army C-2 Balloon at Ross Field, Arcadia. This was more recent design than the large, floppy ones seen in many of the photos.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs159
Date
c.1920 or 1921

  1 image

Date
c.1920 or 1921
Subjects
Balloon School
Ross Field see Balloon School
Physical Description
3x5 b&w
ID
158
Collection
Photographs
Images
Less detail

Original description, "Balloon about 30 feet off ground. Balloon has round target-like mark on its side. Under balloon is truck with winch and many men participating in restraining it. Overcast day." Revised description 9/7/2017 by Mark Rosenblum, a local Balloon School historian, identifies it as Rockwell Field in San Diego. It is not Arcadia, but he said the men from the Balloon School at Ross Field in Arcadia, went to San Diego to join in on a public display of the balloons.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs168
Date
c.1917-1918

  1 image

Date
c.1917-1918
Subjects
Balloon School
Physical Description
3x5 b&w
ID
167
Collection
Photographs
Images
Less detail

Calisthenics class, Balloon School officers summer camp at Ross Field, 1925.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs1285
Date
1925

  1 image

Date
1925
Subjects
Balloon School
Physical Description
8x10 b&w
ID
1276
Collection
Photographs
Images
Less detail

Photo of one plaque that was placed commemorating Balloon School and another plaque in honor of Lt. John Hoeppel, who was responsible for getting the land from U.S. government for Los Angeles County Park. See also photo #184.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs186
Date
c.1962

  1 image

Date
c.1962
Subjects
Balloon School
Arcadia County Park
Hoeppel, John H.
Physical Description
9x11 b&w
ID
185
Collection
Photographs
Images
Less detail

Goodyear blimp VOLUNTEER is seen stopping at Ross Field Balloon School in 1929. Five automobiles are seen parked and interested spectators are standing nearby. The two large hangars at the extreme west portion of the Balloon School land are seen in background.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs868
Date
1929

  1 image

Date
1929
Subjects
Balloon School
Aeronautics
Physical Description
8x10 b&w
ID
862
Collection
Photographs
Images
Less detail

Maneuvering officer (extreme right) leading about 23 men in readying balloon to take on observers and go aloft. Identification was given by H.F. Paden, August 1978. Mr. Paden was an officer at the Balloon School. Field is totally flat.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs155
Date
c.1917

  1 image

Date
c.1917
Subjects
Balloon School
Physical Description
5x7 b&w
ID
154
Collection
Photographs
Images
Less detail

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
Less detail

Photo shows hangar and large gas tank believed to be on grounds of Ross Field Balloon School. Low buildings show on left and right of hangar.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs172
Date
c.1917-1918

  1 image

Date
c.1917-1918
Subjects
Balloon School
Physical Description
3x5 b&w
ID
171
Collection
Photographs
Images
Less detail

Four wheel drive truck with Cunningham winch used to get balloon aloft and back down and to keep them anchored. One truck for each balloon and had 1500 meters of heavy cable. Tires of truck were solid rubber. Note: ground line coming from truck near winch. This was to take care of static electricity generated along cable due to telephone in balloon. Information from H.F.Paden, Arcadia resident in 1978, former officer at Balloon School.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs157
Date
c.1917 or 1918

  1 image

Date
c.1917 or 1918
Subjects
Balloon School
Physical Description
3x5 b&w
ID
156
Collection
Photographs
Images
Less detail

View north toward San Gabriel Mountains. Men of Ross Field Balloon School, holding gondola or basket just coming to the ground or being readied to go aloft.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs161
Date
c.1917-1918

  1 image

Date
c.1917-1918
Subjects
Balloon School
Physical Description
2x3 b&w
ID
160
Collection
Photographs
Images
Less detail

Two photographs mounted with one sign on each side. Top photo shows 6 balloons with officers at Ross Field. Sign on left reads:"U.S. Army Balloon School, Arcadia, California". Sign on right reads "Established June 11, 1918."

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs1284
Date
unknown

  1 image

Date
unknown
Subjects
Balloon School
Physical Description
8x10 b&w
ID
1275
Collection
Photographs
Images
Less detail

Rudolph C. Shosted, now 79, recalls his time spent at the Army's observation balloon school, located where the Los Angeles County Park golf course now is.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/newspaper594
Newspaper
Arcadia Tribune
Date
April 11, 1974
Pages
p. A-2
Newspaper
Arcadia Tribune
Date
April 11, 1974
Pages
p. A-2
Subjects
Balloon School
Item ID
594AN
Collection
Newspaper Index
Less detail

U.S. Army Balloon School (Ross Field) in Arcadia. View is to the north with the San Gabriel Mountains in the background. In the foreground are Army vehicles lined in a row. Buildings are visible behind the vehicles.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs1350
Date
c.1917-1918

  1 image

Date
c.1917-1918
Subjects
Balloon School
Physical Description
68x11 1/2 b&w self- framed
ID
1341
Collection
Photographs
Images
Less detail

Front cover of The Arcadia Observer, Official Publication of the United States Army Balloon School, Arcadia, California. September 1918 Supplement. Artwork by Volkmann, 1918. Negative and print were made for the grant funded Local History Digital Resources Project 2006-2007. A digital image of this photograph is file name: caarpl_110 on LHDRP 2006-2007 Disc 9 of 14. See black box labeled Arcadia History Room Media Box.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs1827
Date
September 1918

  1 image

Date
September 1918
Subjects
Balloon School
Physical Description
8x10 b&w
ID
1860
Collection
Photographs
Images
Less detail

Parachute pictured coming down on Balloon School field. San Gabriel Mountains and Chantry Flats Road can be seen in background. Parachutes were used as emergency way to evacuate balloon in case of enemy fire, lightning, etc., according to H.F.Paden.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs156
Date
c.1917 or 1918

  1 image

Date
c.1917 or 1918
Subjects
San Gabriel Mountains
Balloon School
Physical Description
8x10 b&w
ID
155
Collection
Photographs
Images
Less detail

Page 19 of The Arcadian Observer, Official Publication of the United States Army Balloon School, Arcadia, California. September 1918 Supplement. Featuring picture and description of The Observer. Negative and print were made for the grant funded Local History Digital Resources Project 2006-2007. A digital image of this photograph is file name: caarpl_119 on LHDRP 2006-2007 Disc 9 of 14. See black box labeled Arcadia History Room Media Box.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs1818
Date
September 1918

  1 image

Date
September 1918
Subjects
Balloon School
Physical Description
8x10 b&w
ID
1851
Collection
Photographs
Images
Less detail

Page 4 of The Arcadian Observer, Official Publication of the United States Army Balloon School, Arcadia, California. September 1918 Supplement. Featuring description of U.S. Army Balloon School grounds and photographs of Post Headquarters, Capt. W.H. Carruthers, A.S.S.C; U.S.A., and Major J.A. Baumann, A.S.S.C.; U.S.A. Negative and print were made for the grant funded Local History Digital Resources Project 2006-2007. A digital image of this photograph is file name: caarpl_112 on LHDRP 2006-2007 Disc 9 of 14. See black box labeled Arcadia History Room Media Box.

https://arcadiahistory.andornot.com/en/permalink/photographs1825
Date
September 1918

  1 image

Date
September 1918
Subjects
Balloon School
Baumann, J. A.
Carruthers, W. H.
Physical Description
8x10 b&w
ID
1858
Collection
Photographs
Images
Less detail

20 records – page 1 of 1.