Ira Allen's Balloon Ascension

Sandy Butters • June 21, 2024

In 1888, Professor Ira Allen Ascended from Ross Park in a Hot Air Balloon!

The property here at 454 Pine Street in Williamsport has seen many changes since Michael Ross, co-founder of Williamsport, first owned this special piece of downtown. Originally set aside as a burial site for his own family, the property was to be gifted to the city of Williamsport by Michael Ross. His good intentions failed, however, when he unfortunately passed away prior to the incorporation of the city in 1866, and the deeded property fell into the hands of his descendants who neglected the graveyard. Ross and his family, along with the rest of the "tenants" of the old Pine Street Cemetery, eventually had to be moved to the then new cemetery on Washington Boulevard where they now "rest in peace."

Feel free to read more about this in the "Williamsport History" section under the "About Us" tab here on our website.

So after the graveyard was removed in the late 1860's, but before ground was broken to start the construction of the old City Hall in 1893, Williamsport enjoyed this property once called "Ross Park" when only whispers of the cemetery (and a few missed headstones) remained.

Even though the park itself did not receive the care it deserved, there is a piece of our history that historical investigator Bruce Huffman shared with me that is worthy of remembering. Together with Bruce's research, a single photograph housed in the James V. Brown Library's collection paints a vivid picture of the crowd that came out to see the performance of a well-known aeronaut, Professor Ira Allen, that Fourth of July in 1888.

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THE BALLOON ASCENSION
by Bruce Huffman

A unique experience in the history of Ross Park occurred as part of the July 4th celebration in 1888. On that day, around 6 pm, Professor Ira Allen, a well known "aeronaut" who had travelled from Dansville, N. Y., slowly arose in a hot air balloon. "Ross Park and the adjacent streets, house tops, barn roofs and trees were all filled with an anxious crowd of people," it was reported.

Unfortunately, because the balloon was not properly inflated, the "ascension" did not go well. The airship barely rose above the tree tops to the northeast before landing "on the roof of the Market Street station of the Philadelphia and Erie Railroad," badly tearing the balloon. "The illustrious navigator of the air" was unharmed but "the affair was a great disappointment to the sweltering mass of humanity."

"With a determination to prove to the citizens of Williamsport that he is not a humbug as a balloonist," Professor Allen scheduled another ascension the next evening. This attempt was deemed much more successful by the "large gathering of people in Ross Park and vicinity." Rising to a considerable height and while the balloon was "on the upward flight, the nervy aeronaut performed some blood curdling feats on the trapeze, swinging from the bar with one hand, whirling around it and hanging from it by his feet."

The airship then descended rapidly over Market Street "and the Professor stopped on the gymnastics business." After skirting through an apple tree the balloon landed on the house of Dr. Lewis Ayres, on East Fourth Street. The crash caused some damage to Dr. Ayres' roof and demolished the chimney. Professor Allen escaped with a few bruises.

Still, the onlookers were pleased and Professor Ira Allen was congratulated on his balloon ascension, "as it was a grand one and gave the utmost satisfaction" to those who witnessed it.

Researched and written by Bruce Huffman, Historical Investigator

Excerpts from the Sun and Banner and Gazette and Bulletin newspaper

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The quotes that Bruce used in the above story were much appreciated. Bruce said to me in an email that he had "found that much history is lost by leaving out the colorfully descriptive writing style of the times."

I have to agree!

In addition to this blog, my first attempt EVER at creating something (hopefully) worthy of YouTube, can be seen by using this link to watch a fun four-minute Doodly video I created in honor of Professor Ira Allen's entertaining feats that thrilled the citizens of Williamsport in July of 1888.

(And YAY, something you can share with your children as well.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=w2Kd_cHTMdE&feature=youtu.be

Enjoy!!

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Where to Stay During Little League Baseball World Series

By Sandra Butters • July 3, 2025

The City Hall Grand Hotel is the Best Place to Stay! TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME! Baseball fans, young and old, do not have to travel farther than Williamsport, PA, to get their fill of this All-American game. And what better place to stay in August during the Little League Baseball World Series 2025 , than the City Hall Grand Hotel in downtown Williamsport, Pennsylvania, the Home of Little League Baseball! And, since we are all about the history of Williamsport here at the hotel, it is no wonder that one of our thirty unique rooms, Room 310 , is named "The Little League Room" in honor of the world's largest organized youth sports program. LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL HISTORY Founded by an oil company clerk by the name of Carl E. Stotz , the Little League program began right here in Williamsport in 1939. The first tournament was held eight years later at "Original Field" at Memorial Park here in the city. All but one of the participating teams were from Pennsylvania that year, as the idea of Little League had not yet spread farther than New Jersey. Williamsport's very own "Maynard Midgets" won that series that first year. The Little League program quickly spread throughout the contiguous 48 states, and by 1950, players in Hawaii, Canada, and Panama got involved in the program as well. Since Little League Baseball's onset, participants in the world series have come to Williamsport from 29 countries located all over the world. By 1959, the tournament moved across the Susquehanna River to its current location at the Howard J. Lamade Stadium , just a five-minute drive from the City Hall Grand Hotel. The Little League International Headquarters , Flagship Store, and World of Little League Museum are also located here on a beautiful hill in South Williamsport, PA. Today, approximately two million boys and girls aged 10-12 from all over the United States, along with participants from more than 80 other countries, step into the batter's box to play Little League Baseball and Softball. WHERE TO STAY FOR THE LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL WORLD SERIES Our Top Pick is the CITY HALL GRAND HOTEL, of course! Once the city hall of Williamsport, this boutique hotel has plenty of historic charm, modern comforts, and a friendly staff. With no front desk, travelers can enjoy the contactless, hassle-free entry to the hotel and guest rooms. With thirty uniquely-designed rooms, both Traditional and Industrial styles, there is something for everyone. Location, Location, Location! Our guests can easily walk to restaurants and bars, museums, and shops. You need to book your accommodations NOW, as these rooms sell out fast for LLBWS. Go directly to our reservations tab here on our website to receive the best available rates! WHERE TO DINE DURING LLBWS WEEK You don't even have to leave the hotel! Just hop on the elevator and push the button for the LL (Lower Level) and you can check out either Boom City Restaurant & Pub or the Blind Tiger Lounge (same menu) . Or if the weather cooperates, relax on the back patio at the Tiki Hut. Living in and around the city for nearly six decades, I still find it hard to believe that a city our size has so many top-notch restaurants. Although we have more listed in the guest room binders, I am listing a few of our off-site favorites. Make sure you call well in advance for reservations! NOW THAT'S ITALIAN! DiSalvo's Restaurant | 341 East Fourth Street, Williamsport, PA | 570-327-1200 | www.disalvopasta.com If you can, I recommend that you make reservations for outside in the courtyard! Francos Lounge Restaurant & Music Club | 12 West Fourth Street, Williamsport, PA | 570-327-1840 | www.francoslounge.com A long-time favorite with a speakeasy-feel and just a few blocks from our hotel. Morrone's Cafe | 738 West Fourth Street, Williamsport, PA | 570-323-3030 | https://morronescafe.dudaone.com (Can I recommend the "chicken livers" or the "clams casino?") FOR A LIGHTER FARE! The Crooked Goose | 155 West Fourth Street | Williamsport, PA | 570-907-1913 | www.thecrookedgoose.com Bullfrog Brewery | 229 West Fourth Street | Williamsport, PA | 570-326-4700 | www.bullfrogbrewery.com The Stonehouse Wood Fired Pizza and Pasteria | 343 Pine Street | Williamsport, PA | 570-322-3344 | www.thestonehousepizza.com HERE IS WHAT SOME OF OUR GUESTS HAVE SHARED: Quotes from Google WHAT TO DO WHILE IN WILLIAMSPORT, PA Visit the Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat Take a long walk or go for a bike ride on the four miles of the Susquehanna River Walk & Timber Trail Visit the Thomas T. Taber Museum of the Lycoming County Historical Society Take in a show at the beautiful Community Arts Center . So grab the sunscreen, folding chairs, and rain ponchos, and book your stay for LLBWS 2025 at the City Hall Grand Hotel NOW ! (A special thanks to the James V. Brown Library who has shared this stadium image and several other moments in Williamsport's history with me to restore.)