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by Deborah Wood

Brothers, Ira and Martin Allen
Here they are dressed in velvet pants and blouses just before their highwire act in the early 1870's.  Ira rode a bicylce on the tight rope. Martin performed from a trapeze suspended beneath. By 1878 they had constructed and piloted their own hot air balloon.

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Watch this clip of Capt. Eddie Allen, Pioneer Smoke Balloonist.

Copyright 1998, 2006 Deborah Shelton Wood - All Rights Reserved

More about Ira Allen

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Video clip, 1937, Gloria, Florence and Eddie Jr, smoke ballooning ascension.

Presented by Deborah Shelton Wood
 
 
 
Sources:
Florence Allen Wood,
Wilfred Rauber,
"The Genesee Country Express",
"Dansville Breeze",
"Livingston County Leader",
"Picket Line Post"
 

Next Photo, Comfort Allen

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Photos of original documents and newpaper articles..not yet finished

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