PROF. DEMAR'S BALLOON ASCENSION

An item of 1899 describes a balloon ascension from Ossian's streets by the "noted aeronaut", Professor DeMar. We assume that the professor passed his hat to raise funds for this spectacle.

The article gives no clue as to whether the inflated bag contained gas or hot air, but whatever the propellant, the craft was prematurely released by its crew and ascended without the professor, who gazed after the departing ship with his feet firmly planted on the ground.

This caused a muttering of discontent among the assembled contributors. They had paid their money with the expectation of seeing the noted aeronaut high in the sky, not on the street beside them. A few, who had been indulging themselves in the local saloons, suggested either the return of their contributions or the possibility of tar and feathers for the perpetrator of this swindle.

Upon hearing these disturbing threats, the professor promptly proved himself to be a man of integrity. He, along with his assistant and two volunteers, departed at a gallop after the disappearing aircraft. The balloon was retrieved, patched, and once again inflated. This time it rose with the noted aeronaut waving from his station in the basket. All the spectators agreed that it was a thrilling sight—well worth the nickels, dimes and quarters they had contributed.

THE OSSIAN BUILDING BRICK COMPANY

This new enterprise was started in 1899. It seems to have been backed by banker Fred Figge in a partnership with Warren Carter. There may have been others with a financial interest.

In May of this year, we find items that Carter and Figge's steam brick machine has arrived, and W. W. Carder has returned from his brick machinery buying trip.

The first kilm of 120,000 bricks was fired by June of 1899- The plant's capacity was placed at 40,000 a day. Thomas Coltman, an expert- brickmaker, is reported to have charge of the plant. Employees are listed as: 11 men and 4 boys drawing from $90 to $100 a week in wages. The editor terms this sum as, "At least 75% of the salaries paid in this town." He takes issue with those detractors who ridicule this new industry.

Evidently, the brick factory was short-lived—probably unsuccessful. Bee editor Heck uses its failure to twit Mayor Figge while feuding with the town authorities during the life of the rival Ossian Enterprise.

We have been told, without recorded substanciation, that the kilm was located just east of the creamery south of Ossian. (in a later period, this site was used as a skeet shooting range.) That the first two carloads of brick shipped to market were rejected for impurities in the clay. If true, this explanation would seem to explain the sudden demise of this enterprise after such a brief period of operation.

THE FIRST STREET FAIR

The first street fair in Winneshiek county took place on August 25 and 26.

There was competition in 19 classifications of exhibits including livestock, vegetables, fruits, flowers, sewing, arts, baking and cooking. Gash premiums were awarded to the winners. Thirty six members of the community agreed to serve as judges. A grand parade with three bands was scheduled, along with many races and other sundry amusements. Attendance for the first day was estimated at 4000.

The Calmar Courier and Decorah Republican criticized the Ossian officials for allowing open gambling, in violation of state law, during the celebration. Editor Heck responded with a blast directed at the editors of these papers, stating: "Among the 3500 souls here Friday, only two had souls so infinit