Without the Use of Explosives
A firework display without the employment of brimstone and saltpeter is somewhat unusual. But it is quite possible to give such a display, and to do so without the heavy expense usually attending Fourth of July pyrotechnics.
It is first necessary to make a frame or “stage,” upon which to present the firework display. In appearance this frame greatly resembles a three-winged clothes-horse; in fact, one of these humble home “thoroughbreds” may, after slight alteration, be easily pressed into service.
Fig. 1.—Showing frame and side wings.
The question of dimensions rests entirely with the exhibitor. [Fig. 1] shows a diagram of the frame. As will be seen, its front is divided into two compartments, A and B. The lower compartment, B, is occupied by a scene of some Exposition Building. This must be made of cardboard, and can either be permanently nailed to the frame, or so constructed as to slide in and out between two grooves. The advantage of the latter mode of fixture is that when the owner of the firework show tires of one scene he can readily substitute another.
To represent the windows and glass domes of the Exposition Building, small squares should be cut from the cardboard scene and tissue paper pasted over them. When a light is placed behind, the effect will be very pleasing, and will considerably enhance the reality of the firework display.
After draping the two side wings (C and D, [Fig. 1]) with red or green cloth, the framework or “stage” may be set aside, and attention paid to the fireworks themselves. They are by no means of a character calculated to send cold shivers down the backs of timid parents. [Fig. 2] shows a portion of one. It simply consists of a piece of cardboard, slightly larger than the top frame (A, [Fig. 1]).
A design similar to that in the diagram must be lightly penciled upon it. Then, with a rather coarse needle, prick out this design with a series of small holes, through which the light can easily penetrate. It is also necessary to make four larger holes at each corner of the card, and to drive four wooden pegs or nails into the corresponding corners of the frame. By means of these the cardboard design can be quickly removed from or fixed to the “stage.” (See D, [Fig. 4].)
Fig. 2.—Showing firework design formed by series of small holes.
Fig. 3.—Revolving wheel, spaces fitted with colored tissue paper.
From another piece of cardboard cut out a wheel about 6 inches in diameter, and of the shape shown in [Fig. 3]. The numerous spaces between the spokes should be filled with pieces of transparent tissue paper of various colors.
A small stand upon which this wheel can revolve is the next requisite. This simply consists of a flat wooden base, with two wooden uprights glued firmly upon it. These uprights are connected at one extremity by a short piece of wire—an ordinary pin will serve the purpose excellently—forming an axle for the cardboard to revolve upon. [Fig. 3] makes this quite clear.
Now to test the effect of the first firework.
Fix the cardboard design in the upper portion of the frame, and stand the whole upon a table. Then take a magic lantern (B, [Fig. 4]), or, failing this, a bull’s-eye lantern or cycle lamp, and focus its rays upon the cardboard design. Next place the “wheel” (C, [Fig. 4]) in such a position that the beam of light shines through one of the tissue paper films, and then continues its original course to the screen.
When everything is in position, the room in which the display is to take place must be darkened. Having done this, grip the edge of the “wheel” by the thumb and forefinger, and spin it sharply round.
Fig. 4.—Firework apparatus complete.
As it swiftly revolves various colored beams of light will be thrown in rapid succession on the cardboard screen, and, penetrating the minute holes, will present the appearance of a fountain of brilliant, life-endowed sparks.