The Cultural Context
Man’s first successful flights took place in the era of Enlightenment, where scientists and inventors were making great strides at a remarkable pace. Religious beliefs and superstition were a part of daily life for people living in the countryside and outside Europe’s large cities. Legend has it that villagers witnessing the first balloon flights were terrified at the site of strange flying objects and even went so far as to attack the invaders with pitchforks. The first flights in 1783 came after the successful democratic revolution in America and just before the French revolution. The French king who witnessed the first flights was later deposed and beheaded by his countrymen.
The romance of flight had an effect on France and on the rest of Europe and within a few years balloon flights had taken place all over the continent, in Australia and in the Americas as well. Humans being what they are, it was not long before scientists were envisioning how this new way of travel could be used for military applications.
The late 1700s saw great changes in the world. The American and French revolutions brought about a new era of discovery and exploration. The 1800s are known as the Victorian Age in England. The era is characterized by a renewed interest in fashion, music, theater and entertainment. The large pleasure garden became a part of everyday life in London and it was here that the early barnstorming balloonists found a home and an audience. People were curious about how things worked, were hungry for adventure and new experiences. Balloons, for a time, became little more than toys used for entertainment. However, as the 19th century wore on, people became more curious about the world around them and scientists began exploring with balloons and also using the craft for surveillance and transportation in war.
A discussion of barnstormers and entertainers and the advent of sport and competitive ballooning would not be complete without looking at how ballooning influenced culture. Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum has a large collection of ceramics, decorative arts, fine arts, and photography. Commemorative pins, patches, cups, scarves, posters, jackets and t-shirts are all part of contemporary ballooning and hold a prominent place in this exhibit.
Two of the most interesting aspects of the culture of ballooning are the phenomenon of balloon mail and balloon pins. As early as Blanchard and Jeffries, balloonists delivered the mail. During the Siege of Paris, balloons were used to deliver messages from the embattled city to other areas of France. Sport balloonists began the practice of “flying covers” or empty envelopes with special cancellation stamps and signed by the pilot. The covers quickly became collectables and first day covers, those issued on the opening day of a multi-day rally, were the most coveted.
Balloon pins are the darlings of balloon aficionados. Each balloon rally has an official pin and most balloonists have a pin of their balloon which is usually given to first-time riders and crew. Pins hold a prominent place in the museum collection.