Airship Seen In Iowa

Chicago Chronicle, 13 avril 1897, p. 1

Fontanelle, Iowa, April 12: The airship was seen here at 8:30 (p.m.) tonight and was viewed by the whole population.

It came from the south-east and was not over 200 feet above the tree-tops and moved very slowly, not to exceed ten miles per hour. The machine could be plainly seen, and is described as being 60 feet in length, and the vibration of the wings could be plainly seen.

It carried the usual colored lights, and the working of the machinery could be heard, as also could the strains of music as from an orchestra.

It was hailed but passed on to the north, seeming to increase its speed, and disappeared. There is no doubt in Fontanelle that it is the real thing, and is testified to by the most prominent citizens, etc.