This is one of the most bizarre series of pictures of early Fargo that I have ever seen.

In a vacant lot next to the Fargo Lime & Fuel Co., a balloon is inflated and taken for a ride.

In the upper photograph we can see the balloon being inflated and held to the ground. The photograph directly below is an enlargement showing men holding the balloon. Note the person to the left who appears to be disrobing.

In the picture to the lower right, the balloon is just beginning to ascend.

Bob Davis, an aviation history buff, opines that the pictures may have been taken circa 1930. Bob writes that this was most likely a smoke balloon. The common event was for the pilot to ascend in the balloon and when it reached its highest point, the parachute and balloonist were separated from the balloon, returning to earth by parachute. He writes that it is possible that the flier under the balloon was a woman, Florence Atwood, who flew as a smoke balloonist in North Dakota in 1930 [from Robert Rechs, Who's Who of Ballooning, 1983, page 225]. Thanks Bob !

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