Fisher's Airship

Carl Fisher was a curious man and embraced the leading edge technology of the day. In addition to automobiles and other motor powered vehicles such as powerboats, Fisher was fascinated by the emerging capabilities of air travel. He was among the first Americans to become a licensed balloonist and eventually hosted the Wright Brothers among others at the first national air show at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1910. These articles from 1906 report on his acquisition of his first dirigible and its arrival in Indianapolis. Also I include an article about the tragic death of one of the leading balloonists of the day as a nod to the danger of these early "airships" as they were referred to in the early 20th Century. Note that one of the articles suggests that both Fisher and Barney Oldfield may race airships. This demonstrates an ongoing relationship between the two men.