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OUR HONOR ROLL of PAST SPEAKERS: CLICK HERE
"I never understood why the enemy abandoned the use of military balloons.... Even if the observers never saw anything, they would have been worth all they cost for the annoyance and delays they caused us in trying to keep our movement out of sight."
- Confederate artillery officer E. P. Alexander, years after the war.
We are proud to announce that our 14 May 2008 speaker team will be Steve and Patrice Demory, presenting “The U.S. Balloon Corps", a little known aspect of Civil War reconnaissance. The U.S. Balloon Corps paved the way for our nation's future in the sky, and is considered the forerunner of today's Air Force.
The U.S. Balloon Corps was officially formed on July 25th, 1861 and was commanded by Professor Thaddeus S.C. Lowe, a young scientist, inventor, aeronaut, balloon manufacturer and patriot. At the onset of the Civil War, Lowe offered his services to President Lincoln who personally appointed him as Chief of the Aeronautic Department of the Army of the Potomac.
The primary mission of the Balloon Corps was reconnaissance: To observe Confederate Army operations and troop movements and report its findings to the command staff. During the first two years of the war Professor Lowe achieved an amazing record of innovations such as:
First use of airborne telegraph
First use of an aircraft carrier
Developed efficient mobile hydrogen gas generators to inflate balloons in the field
Invented aerial artillery spotting
Revolutionized the science of mapmaking
Their presentation will focus on the Balloon Corps during the Civil War, but will also touch on both Professor Lowe's pre-war exploits and his post-war achievements. They will discuss Thaddeus Lowe's pre- war biography and activities that led to him founding the Balloon Corps. They also include information on the technology and personalities of the Corps as well as the tactical use of balloons in battle. Thaddeus Lowe personally made over 3,000 ascensions and became known as "The most shot at man in the Civil War." The Confederates were also very interested in the tactical advantages of balloon usage so they will cover the Confederate "Silk Dress" balloon as well. Lastly, they will cover some of Professor Lowe's post war years, including his residency in Pasadena and the building of the Mount Lowe Railroad.
Steve and Patrice reside in Anaheim. They portray Thaddeus Lowe and his wife Leontine at local Civil War reenactments where they present the history of the U.S. Balloon Corps and it's Southern California connection.
The announcement of their coming May 14th appearance at our April 9th meeting was met with an enthusiastic response! This presentation promises to be another exciting and interesting evening for us Civil War history enthusiasts. They come highly recommended by a number of organizations. Please join us for this multi-media presentation which they do primarily in first person and in period attire.
Weiler's West Hills Deli
22323 Sherman Way - West HillsPresentation at 7:00 PM Sharp!
Enthusiastic Discussion to Follow Steve and Patrice's Presentation
Buffet Dinner at 6:30 PM: Sandwiches, Drinks, etc. $13 (total)
Attendance Only -- $5 (includes drinks & cookies)
RSVP Mandatory* only for Dinner (*By Noon on the Day of the Meeting)
Contact Tom Keesee: E-mail Tom here
We Always Welcome Guests & New Members!
Coming Attractions:
11 June 2008 "The Pennsylvania Gambit: Prelude" -Dave Goracke
09 July 2008 "An Evening With Ambrose Bierce" -Dr Joe Wagner
Please volunteer your presentation for a future meeting!
(Many books and videos available)
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