Balloon Cartoon

This editorial cartoon appeared on the front page of the June 5, 1909 Indianapolis News - the date of the national balloon championship races hosted at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The image tells us a few things. One, the event was of huge importance to the city and something they were proud of. Two, the images tell a story, especially the horse drawn-cart but also the interurban electric light rail. These were still the dominant vehicles for ground transportation in the day. I just love this art as a glimpse into everyday life from a markedly different time.