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This article was published in the daily newspaper The Chicago Times-Herald, Chicago, Illinois, Friday, April 16, 1897.
Warning: the airship stories must not be taken at face value as "UFO sightings." Evaluation of such stories is under way here.
Citizens of Linn Say the Occupants Have Extraordinarily Long Whiskers
Belle Plaine, Iowa, April 15 – The citizens of Linn Grove declare there is no longer any doubt among them of the existence of the air ship. This morning a large object was seen slowly moving in the heavens in a northerly direction, and seemed to be making preparations to alight. James Evans, liveryman; F.G. Ellis, harness dealer; Ben Buland, stock dealer; David Evans and Joe Croskey jumped into a rig and started in pursuit. They found the airship had alighted four miles north of town, and when within 700 yards it spread its four monstrous wings and flew off toward the north. Its occupants threw out two large bowlders of unknown composition, which were taken into the village, and are now on exposition.
There were two queer looking persons on board, who made desperate efforts to conceal themselves. Evans and Croskey say they had the longest whiskers they ever saw in their lives. Nearly every citizen in Linn Grove saw the air ship as it sailed over town, and excitement is intense.
