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Camp Arcadia
(Ross Field)
 
 
Established during World War I as an Army Balloon School it was Located on the site of the Baldwin Race Track (also known as the original Santa Anita Race Track) at Arcadia, Los Angeles County, about 16 miles northeast Of Los Angeles. While at Camp Arcadia, the California National Guard's 143d Field Artillery Regiment was "adopted" by actress Mary Pickford. Ms. Pickford took her duties seriously as honorary Colonel of the Regiment, and the 143d was known as "Mary Pickford's Fighting Six Hundred."
 
With an airfield being established in June 3, 1918, the balloon school at Camp Arcadia was started by balloon companies from Camp John Wise in San Antonio, Texas. On June 25th, 1918, the 37th Balloon Company commanded by 2nd Lieutenant John H. Bishop and the 38th Balloon Company, commanded by 2nd Lieutenant Benjamin B. Cassiday, left Camp John Wise for Camp Arcadia, to provide men and equipment for the school that was being started.

The school was named in November, after Lieutenant Cleo J. Ross of the Army's Air Service. He was an observer with the 8th Balloon Company. While aloft on September 26th, with Lieutenant Herbert Hudnut at Brabant, France; they were attacked by a German Fokker and their balloon burst into flames. Lieutenant Ross delayed his jump until Lieutenant Hudnut was clear. After Lieutenant Ross left the basket, burning balloon parts dropped on his opened parachute, and he fell from several thousand feet. Lieutenant Ross was the only balloon pilot or observer to be killed in action. He was buried in France, near where he fell. The last publications show that the balloon school was still operating in April 1919. After that time all balloon activities were consolidated to Brooks Field, in San Antonio and later to Scott Field.
 
John H. Hoeppel, who served in the U.S. Army at the school and later became the Congressman from the area, was instrumental in having this Army land transferred to Los Angeles County in 1933. His original plan was to have the land developed as a municipal park. He was unable to interest the City at that time so he approached the County wit the idea and was able to help convince General Douglas MacArthur, then Army Chief of Staff, to approve the transfer of 183 acres of the Ross Field Balloon School to the County without cost for the development of the park.
 
For more information on the Army Balloon School and Ross Field, CLICK HERE!
 
Sources:
Richard DesChênes, Camp John Wise Aerostation Historian
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