The following appeared in The Rock County Herald on June 24, 1892.
Grand Balloon Ascension One of the Attractions for the 4th at this Place – Additional Committee
It gives the Herald much pleasure to announce that the committee in charge of the Fourth of July celebration to be held at this place have been fortunate enough to secure for that occasion Prof. A. L. Ward, of Sioux City, Ia., one of the most celebrated and daring aeronauts in the country, who is now under contract to be at Luverne at the time stated and make one of his famous balloon ascensions and parachute jumps. The balloon to be used on this occasion is in the neighborhood of thirty feet in height and is equipped for the performance of the most daring feats ever witnessed in the country.
On the way up Prof. Ward gives a thrilling performance on the trapeze and takes with him a trained dog which creates much amusement and interest in making a parachute descent of his own.
After going as high as his balloon will carry him, Prof. Ward discharges a number of explosives and then jumps from his balloon with a parachute. The exhibition will be one of thrilling interest and no one should fail to witness it.
The programme for the day will include many other features of interest, and the Herald feels safe in assuring the public that the celebration will be an exceptionally good one. The programme in full will be completed in a few days and will be ready for publication in the next issue of this paper. A meeting of the general committee was held at the town hall last Saturday evening and the following additional sub-committees were appointed:
On transporation, Geo. S. Bell, L. J. Okre, and Albert Barck;
On ground, F. L. Dobell, Frank Fritz, and the committee on sports; On decorations, S. B. Nelson, John Houg, Chas. Bartlett, Frank Hinkly, Mary Gillham, Babe Shawver and Mabel LaDue;
On programme, L. S. Nelson, A. Ross and R. B. Hinkly;
On reception, W, F, Kendall, P. Hawes, P. J. Kniss and J. R. Wright.
By direction of the committee the president was requested to extend an invitation to the fire department, Co. H, and each of the civic societies to join in the procession.
Half rates will be given on all the railroads and efforts are being made to secure special trains.
Donations to the Rock County Historical Society can be sent to the Rock County Historical Society, 312 E. Main Street, Luverne, MN 56156.
Mann welcomes correspondence sent to mannmade@iw.net.