The San Francisco History Association will feature Dorothy Leland, author of the Gold Rush era book "The Balloon Boy of San Francisco" at its monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 20, 2005.
"The Balloon Boy of San Francisco" is a adventure novel based on the true story of newsboy Ready Gates, who in 1853 took a wild ride on a runaway balloon that carried him more than 50 miles.

The San Francisco History Association is celebrating its 21st year, with a dedicated membership passionately involved in preserving, restoring and remembering San Francisco's colorful history. Monthly meetings take place at the Mission Dolores School Auditorium at 3371 16th Street between Church Street and Dolores Street in San Francisco.

General admission is $5.  Admission is free to Association members.

For public transportation, take the MUNI J-Church line or the 22-Filmore line, or BART to the 16th Street & Mission station.

Free auto and bicycle parking is available in the lot adjacent to the meeting room. Enter the parking lot from Church Street.

For more information and a calendar of upcoming presentations visit the San Francisco History Association website.