Here's an absolutely fascinating rppc photograph of a balloon launch in Highland Park. [c.1910]
found on eBay quite some time ago
Here's a closer look.
detail
There appears to be two men (one large, one small) in the basket and another man (in white) manipulating the balloon with a tethered rope.
The scattered onlookers, some standing. . .some sitting, create a configuration worthy of a painter.
I'm still looking for evidence of a 1910 hot air balloon event in Highland Park, CA.