Morgan, Wade & the Cleveland

This image was published in the Indianapolis Star on June 6, 1909 as part of the paper's coverage of the June 5, 1909 national balloon championship hosted at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Pictured are pilot A.H. Morgan and his assistant J.H. Wade, Jr. in their balloon, the Cleveland. Note the "toy" balloons in the picture. The story goes that a group of women released over 100 miniature balloons as the Cleveland ascended.