200 years since the first balloon flight Maxicard 1984 - McLean, Virginia

The picture depicts the first manned balloon ascent in Austria, which was carried out by Johann Georg Stuwer (1732-1802).

On July 6, 1784, Johann Georg Stuwer ascended a hot-air balloon of his design from his fireworks display, marking the beginning of manned aviation in Austria. Instead of a basket, Stuwer had a "large wooden ship" attached. On board, along with Stuwer, were his son Kaspar, his assistants Michael Schmalz and Johann Hiller, and the architect Daniel Hakmillner. 15,000 spectators watched the spectacle. After the successful ascent, the balloon was pulled down again and the evening concluded with the allegorical fireworks display "Monument of Honor to the Invention of Mr. Montgolfier."

 

Large Letter Reprint - Ashburn, Virginia

Nicknames: Old Dominion, Mother of Presidents

Mottos: Sic semper tyrannis - (English: Thus Always to Tyrants)

More than half of the civil war battles between North and South took place in the territory of Virginia. 2,200 out of 4,000 battles took place there.

Jamestown, the first of 13 Colonies, was established for the purpose of silk cultivation. After that, however, when the plans were thwarted by a fungus plague that completely destroyed the mulberry bushes, it was decided to plant tobacco. To this day, Virginia is famous for its huge tobacco plantations.

 

Lantern Press 42786 - Arlington, Virginia

The holiday of Mardi Gras is celebrated in all of Louisiana, including the city of New Orleans. Celebrations are concentrated for about two weeks before and through Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday.   

The largest and most elaborate parades take place in the last five days of the Mardi Gras season. In the final week, many events occur throughout New Orleans and surrounding communities, including parades and balls (some of them masquerade balls).

Lantern Press 82580 - Arlington, Virginia

Huckleberries have the status of state fruit in Idaho and are wildly popular.

                                      

1 recipe pastry for a 9-inch double-crust pie

4 cups huckleberries

¾ cup white sugar

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon grated lemon set

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons heavy cream 

Step 1

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

Step 2

Place huckleberries in pastry-lined pan. In a small bowl, mix together 3/4 cup sugar and flour. Spoon evenly over berries. Sprinkle lemon rind and lemon juice over top. Dot with butter. Cover with top crust. Seal edges and cut steam vents in top. Brush surface with cream, avoiding fluted edges of the crust. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons sugar.

Step 3

Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and bake an additional 20 to 25 minutes, until crust is golden brown.