Trans-Atlantic Balloon Site Monuments
|
The Maine Solar System Model gets its inspiration in part from two monuments
built to commemorate balloon crossings of the Atlantic Ocean. These monuments
provide an important local precedent for the construction and funding of
three-dimensional models of rather substantial size. The balloon models
also provide information on contrasting construction and the effects of
weathering. The Maine Solar System Model has benefited greatly from this
experience. On August 11, 1978, the Double Eagle II lifted from a small
field south of the City of Presque Isle. Carrying a crew of three, this
balloon landed six days later in a field in France to become the first human-carrying
free balloon to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Six years later, the second Atlantic
balloon crossing was made by the Rosie O'Grady, with a crew of one, which
lifted from a small field south of the City of Caribou. The Rosie O'Grady
landed in Italy 5 days after leaving Maine, to set a new distance record
and become the first balloon to make a solo crossing.
Assorted
members of the Presque Isle and Caribou communities decided to commemorate
these events with large-sized models of both balloons to be erected outdoors
in small parks. Both models were designed and built locally, with much of
the materials and labor donated. While the two monuments are similar in
size and shape, they were built of different materials by different people.
Both were built entirely by local resources. |
| |
The Presque Isle Site
|
 |
The
land was donated by the Merle Sprague family and the Spragueville Extension
also helps maintain the site. The Presque Isle model was built primarily
by the Northern Maine Technical College (NMTC), using migrant students in
addition to NMTC faculty. The land was donated by the Merle Sprague family
and the Spragueville Extension also helps maintain the site. The balloon
has a steel structure onto which tin sheets have been riveted. The base
is made of brickwork. The Presque Isle model differs from the one in Caribou
in also having a scale model of the gondola. The grounds include a brick
walkway with flowers and are maintained by the Presque Isle Parks and Recreation
Department.
This monument has not weathered as well as the Caribou monument. The balloon
envelope has lost some of its smooth shape, the brick base needs some repair,
and there is some grafitti on the back of the gondola. |
| |
|
The Caribou Site
|
| |
|
 |
The
Caribou balloon model, built to commemorate the site where Col. Joseph Kittinger
initiated his 1984 solo crossing, was built in 1985. Col. Kittinger attended
the unveiling ceremony to honor the 1-year anniversary. The balloon model
has a wooden structure with a fiberglass cover. The base has a deep foundation
of steel rods and cement with a fieldstone surface. The carpentry, welding
and mortar work were all done by students at the Central Aroostook Vocational
Education program at Caribou High School. The setting is a grassy field,
with a gravel parking lot. Most materials were donated, with land for the
site purchased by the City of Caribou and the Caribou Kiwanis. |
 |
This
model, now 19 years old, has required no maintenance except for the replacement
of the American flag. The paint is now becoming weathered and the plaque
at the rear of the base needs replacement. There is no signage on South
Main St. to direct visitors to the site. The local community, under leadership
by Wilfred Bell and others, is starting to work towards revitalizing this
structure. |
|