Trove Tuesday goes abroad this week.  The date, October 31, 1906.  The place, Augusta, Georgia, U.S.A.  The man, Dr. Julian P. Thomas an “amateur aeronaut” from New York with a passion for endurance balloon flights.  Julian’s endurance was put to the test on that day in October 31, when his balloon went up and down and up and down again.

Image Courtesy of State Library of Victoria. Image No: H90.31/103 http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/75888

Dr Thomas was an interesting character as was his wife who often joined him on his flights.  A Google search of the “Julian Thomas aeronaut” found various newspaper articles from the likes of the New York Times about some of their escapades.  Interestingly, a serious car accident in 1907 involving Julian Thomas, almost resulted in his leg being amputated.

Image Courtesy of the State Library of Victoria. Image no. H90.31/103 http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/75888