dirigible

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Shenandoah_(ZR-1) "USS Shenandoah was the first of four United States Navy rigid airships. It was constructed during 1922–1923 at Lakehurst Naval Air Station, and first flew in September 1923. It developed the U.S. Navy's experience with rigid airships and made the first crossing of North America by airship. On the 57th flight, Shenandoah was destroyed in a squall line over Ohio in September 1925."

According to the Pasadena Stars Souvenir Pictorial this float won the $100 first prize in Class B in the 1908 Rose Parade

One of the most beautiful entries of the parade was that of the Altadena school. This school has always been wonderfully well represented, and. this year the entry was no exception to the rule. Novelties have come from Altadena, once a battleship, once an elaborate Chinese parade, but nothing done has been as clever as the airship depicted this year.

The airship presented was built of silk and measured 35 feet in length, with a diameter of seven feet, a great bamboo frame covered with silk forming the body. Mounted on an automobile, the motive power was so cleverly hidden that the deception was most complete.

Smilax-covered ropes fastened the car to the big bag above and roses and royal red carnations were used in the greatest profusion. Poinsettias and roses were used about the edges of the car and the 22 young people who rode in the car were garbed as soldiers with white suits and caps. The car was peopled by the following Altadenan children: Fred Schuman, Andrew Neff, Wallace Neff, George Griffen, Abraham Hollinger, Bert Stevens, Ivan Way, Alfred Armstrong, Frank Allen, Harry Schoeppy, Samuel Gilbert, Samuel Perry, Ernest Perry, George Butler, James Butler, Lawrence Fhy, Elton Fhv. Rudololi Alpi, Earl Fowler, Geo. Coulson and Kyle Palmer and Glen Welbaum.

Having won the first prize in their class for the past several years, the patrons of the Altadena school announce that they will not compete next year, but will have an exhibition worthy of their beautiful section.

Thanks Seuss. for finding this great description. We'll add some of this info to the catalog record.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Shenandoah_(ZR-1)

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