This article was published in the daily newspaper The Courier-Herald, Saginaw, Michigan, Saturday, April 17, 1897.
Warning: the airship stories must not be taken at face value as "UFO sightings." Evaluation of such stories is under way here.
Reynolds, Mich., April 16 About 4:30 Wednesday morning at a point a half a mile south of this point and about three miles northwest of Howard City, a balloon or flying machine alighted. The airship was seen about an hour before it alighted by a dozen farmers or more, who had been watching it. On its attempt to alight they gathered around, but a good many of them did not remain long after the landing of the ship. A strange man, if man he might be called, was in charge of the ship. While he seemed to have plenty of heavy clothes which look like the pelts of polar bears, he seemed to have no use for them, as he was almost naked and seemed to be suffering from the heat. He is about 91/2 feet tall, and his talk, while musical, is not talk at all, but seems to be a repetition of bellowing.
One of the farmers who was somewhat braver, attempted to go near him, and got a kick that will last him for some time, having got his hip broken.
Great excitement prevails here, and lots of people are flocking here from Morley and Howard City to view the strange being at a distance, as no one dares to go near. He seems to be trying to talk to the people.
The people here are incredulous, and those who have not seen refuse to believe the report, although six of the best people in that locality are here and affirm that it is the truth. From their excited manners we are led to believe that no hoax exists. His balloon seems to be out of repair. At 8:10 last evening the airship passed south and a little west of Howard City. Hundreds of people watched its flight.
Battle Creek, April 16. -- The aerial phenomenon, construed by some to be an airship, was seen by many persons here Wednesday night [April 14, 1897]. It was traveling west at a rapid rate and was visible but a short time.
