Great article and analysis (as always). When I saw the title, it reminded me of a cover I have from a couple of years ago addressed to Professor" TSC Lowe, addressed as an "Aeronaut" and a Balloon hand stamp (which is quite interesting and unique). Came from Providence, RI to Philadelphia, PA (likely near his family farm near Valley Forge). This was sent to him after he left the Union Balloon service (1863) when he lived in PA before going to CA.
Rusty, That's very interesting and a good reminder that piloted balloon flights were not entirely all that new in 1870 during the Siege of Paris. It was more common to have a person in a balloon that was raised and lowered for military surveillance in times of conflict. I think it is interesting to observe the progression through the 1800s until World War I with the crowding of the skies with blimps, planes, etc.
Something of a nit, but the last mail train left Paris toward the west at 4pm on September 18, meaning that all Paris mail with collection periods of 4e or higher were trapped in the siege. The French consider Sept. 18 as the first day of the siege.
Steven, Thank you! I accept nits and outright corrections. This is a fact that I may have read past and I appreciate hearing from those who know more about a given topic than I do when I write on it. I'll call it a win if I only get a nit.
Reading this postal history sure helped put some of the problems of this day and age in perspective. Many of the "good old days" were indeed very troubled times for many in the world. That has long been true - and still is.
Agreed - wholeheartedly. Choosing to learn and care about history - postal or otherwise - gives valuable perspective and useful lessons, as long as you don't let it overwhelm you. Be well!
Great article and analysis (as always). When I saw the title, it reminded me of a cover I have from a couple of years ago addressed to Professor" TSC Lowe, addressed as an "Aeronaut" and a Balloon hand stamp (which is quite interesting and unique). Came from Providence, RI to Philadelphia, PA (likely near his family farm near Valley Forge). This was sent to him after he left the Union Balloon service (1863) when he lived in PA before going to CA.
Rusty, That's very interesting and a good reminder that piloted balloon flights were not entirely all that new in 1870 during the Siege of Paris. It was more common to have a person in a balloon that was raised and lowered for military surveillance in times of conflict. I think it is interesting to observe the progression through the 1800s until World War I with the crowding of the skies with blimps, planes, etc.
Something of a nit, but the last mail train left Paris toward the west at 4pm on September 18, meaning that all Paris mail with collection periods of 4e or higher were trapped in the siege. The French consider Sept. 18 as the first day of the siege.
Steven, Thank you! I accept nits and outright corrections. This is a fact that I may have read past and I appreciate hearing from those who know more about a given topic than I do when I write on it. I'll call it a win if I only get a nit.
Best, Rob
Reading this postal history sure helped put some of the problems of this day and age in perspective. Many of the "good old days" were indeed very troubled times for many in the world. That has long been true - and still is.
Agreed - wholeheartedly. Choosing to learn and care about history - postal or otherwise - gives valuable perspective and useful lessons, as long as you don't let it overwhelm you. Be well!