There are times in life when we comfortably dream about the impossible, hours of slumber spent flying across the countryside on a sunny summer day high above in the brilliant blue sky. Dreams such as these are now a reality, but there was a time when thoughts like this were simply the result of a very active imagination. People could simply not fly like a bird hundreds of years ago, or could they?
Travel back in time with me to the year 1838, a very festive autumn day down on Main Street in Concord. A large crowd of spectators have gathered on the grounds of the New Hampshire State House, hundreds of our ancestors with lofty dreams about flying through the skies of New Hampshire. Dreamers one and all perhaps, but they have gathered on this special day to actually see a man flying in the sky. A group enticed by coverage provided in the local newspaper where the momentum grew day by day, the people arrived upon foot, carriage and horseback. They were farmers, laborer’s, factory workers. They were mothers and fathers and little boys and girls. The expectations were certainly grand, a stranger arrived in town in a horse drawn wagon and obtained a hotel room at the Phenix Hotel, he carried a large crate in secrecy under canvas in his wagon. This stranger was here to share his dream of flight on Sept. 21, 1838. A fascinating balloon ascension from the New Hampshire State House Plaza.
It has been said the first hot air balloon flown in America was launched in Philadelphia on Jan. 9, 1793, by the French aeronaut Jean Pierre Blanchard. He launched his hot air balloon from the local jail amongst a fanfare like no other. The Revolutionary War had just concluded a decade prior. How appropriate to launch this modern marvel from the city that represented such American patriotism. George Washington himself stood in the crowd beneath observing this remarkable event, men flying across the sky. People had sailed in a balloon prior to this event in 1793. It was in Paris, France, on a platform beneath a hot air balloon made from paper and silk that balloonist Francois Pilatre de Rozier and Francois Laurent stoked a fire with heat rising into the balloon skirts. This Paris event was witnessed by many as the balloon soured 500 feet into the sky, traveling over five miles and landing safely 25 minutes later. When the Paris balloon landed the local farmers were indeed startled and fearful witnessing these men that did fly from the heavens above.
As our parents’ great grandparents stood on the State House grounds, a dapper gentleman emerged from the Phenix Hotel, dressed in period costume with a leather cap and goggles upon his head, he walked across the street to the grounds amongst much fanfare. The audience was massive and the publicity appreciated by this early aeronaut. Louis A. Lauriat was a man before his time, somewhat of an adventurer his quest for the heavens was evident. On this September day a few unplanned diversions were present. Louis planned his Concord ascension where he would rise towards the heavens accompanied by his young son. As he unpacked the crated balloon and positioned it for inflation with gas some delays were still encountered. Once ready Loise A. Lauriat and his son positioned themselves within their basket beneath, waving to the crowd gathered at Concord the mood was very festive. The band played the most patriotic songs, children enjoyed ice-cream while men smoked their finest cigars. As the band stopped and the ropes tethering the balloon to the ground were readied for lift off a sudden movement occurred.
The crowd applauded as a local man ran towards the basket beneath the balloon. It was Mr. Amasa Powell from Concord, he jumped into the basket at the very last minute and soared into the sky to a height of 200 feet. Mr. Lauriat and his son landed a few miles south of the village and bid Mr. Powell a friendly farewell.
This September balloon ascension at Concord allowed our ancestors to view Mr. Lauriat sail to a height of 5,000 feet where he traveled towards Canterbury. As he approached Shaker Village the community of Shakers gathered in amazement as Louis descended and tossed a rope to those bewildered observers below, requesting they pull his balloon to the ground and anchor him safely. The Shakers, a most kind group, obliged and anchored Louis and his son in their village at Canterbury and provided him with a meal and companionship as he rested with his son. Once refreshed Mr. Lauriat and his young son bid farewell to the Shaker community and again ascended riding across the sky to Northfield where he finally landed sixteen miles away from the New Hampshire State House where his journey began.
When Lois and his son landed at Northfield, they packed their hot air balloon into a horse drawn wagon and returned to Concord, stating that they had flown as high as 11,000 feet, a distance of 16 miles.
Yes, there certainly are times in life when we dream about the impossible. I like to think Mr. Louis A. Lauriat and his son inspired our ancestors by allowing them to witness this remarkable event so very long ago. If you believe in something there is no barrier that can not be conquered, dare to dream about what could be.
Vintage Views is a local history column that explores Concord and its surrounding towns. It runs weekly in the Sunday Your Life section. The author is a historian and not a member of the Monitor’s staff.