Katharina Paulus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Käthe Paulus
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 22 December 1868 Zellhausen
|
| Died | 26 July 1935 (aged 66) |
| Nationality | German |
| Known for | Inventor of collapsable parachute, aerial acrobatics performer |
Käthe Paulus (born December 22, 1868 – died July 26, 1935) was a brave German inventor and aerial acrobat. She was known for her amazing parachute jumps. She also invented the first parachute that could fold up and fit into a small case. This invention was super important!
Before Käthe's invention, parachutes were too big to carry easily. Her new design, called a "rescue apparatus for aeronauts," changed everything. It was especially helpful for German forces during the First World War. She made about 7,000 parachutes for them, sometimes producing around 125 parachutes every week! Käthe also invented the "drag 'chute." This was a clever system where a small parachute opens first to pull out the main, bigger parachute.
Käthe was an incredible flyer herself. She made over 510 balloon flights and more than 165 parachute jumps in her lifetime. She was the first German person to become a professional air pilot. She was also the first German woman to perform amazing stunts in the air.
In the late 1800s, hot air balloons were very advanced technology. They were popular before airplanes were invented. Today, we often see hot air balloons as fun tourist attractions. But back then, they were at the cutting edge of flight!
Contents
Early Life and Big Dreams
Käthe Paulus was born in Zellhausen, a town near Frankfurt, Germany. Her family was not wealthy. Her father worked hard every day but sadly passed away when Käthe was just nineteen. To help her family, Käthe started working as a seamstress, just like her mother.
When she was 21, Käthe met Hermann Lattemann. He was a famous balloonist. Käthe used her sewing skills to help him repair his balloons. They soon became close friends and professional partners. Eventually, Käthe started parachuting herself, and they got married. They had a son named Willy Hermann Paulus, who sadly passed away later.
In 1895, Käthe and Hermann were doing a jump together. Tragically, Hermann's parachute did not open. Käthe watched as he fell to his death.
A Life of Adventure
After losing her husband, Käthe was very sad and stayed in bed for months. But thousands of people admired her. They sent her letters, asking her to keep flying. So, Käthe decided to continue her career. She bought four new parachutes and started a tour across Europe. She used the stage name "Miss Polly."
Käthe's performances were amazing! She did acrobatic stunts high in the air. She even rode a bicycle while hanging from a hot air balloon's basket. She became famous all over the world.
Käthe completed her very last balloon jump when she was 63 years old. This final jump happened on August 5, 1931.
Later Years and Legacy
Käthe Paulus passed away at the age of 66. She is buried in a cemetery in Reinickendorf, Germany.
Honors and Achievements
Käthe Paulus achieved many important things:
- In 2006, a street in Berlin was named after her. It is called "The Katharina-Paulus-Straße."
- She was the first German woman ever to parachute out of a hot air balloon.
- In 1917, Käthe received a special award called the Service Cross of Merit. She earned this honor after twenty German soldiers used her parachutes to safely escape from balloons.]
