Antique art piece. HELP... Can't pin this piece down.

Actually, 1949 was when he first started at General Mills, not his first flight. 1960 was when the first manned flight took place.

The article says this as well, "In 1962 the first balloon was sold to an individual, and the sport of ballooning was created."

 

Think there's any connection between him and Dennis Yost of the Classics IV?

 

Despite being an avid 60's-70's music fan, I've never heard of the Classics IV. Seems Dennis Yost is from a whole 'nother part of the country though, so probably not related.

 

Dennis Yost and the Classics IV

Many hits late 60s.
Probably "Stormy" most notable.

 

I'm afraid of heights, but have always wanted to go up in a balloon. I'd probably faint.

 

It's much different than you might expect.
The sensation is that the Earth is moving away not that you are flying.
You feel almost no movement in a balloon, when you reach an area where the wind changes direction the basket will wiggle a little as the balloon takes up that direction.
If you decide you just can't outright take a flight I suggest you contact some balloon fight companies and find out when they will next have some tethered flights.
This is when the balloon is tied down and only rises a bit.
You can get some idea if this is for you or not in this way.
~
There is absolutely nothing like flying in a balloon. You can see so much and hear everything going on below you, even normal conversation.
The only noise there is is from the heat sources and even those have been made quieter than when I flew.
Go do it and tell us about it!