Born: 22 December 1868, Germany
Died: 26 July 1935
Country most active: Germany
Also known as: Miss Polly
The following bio was written by Emma Rosen, author of On This Day She Made History: 366 Days With Women Who Shaped the World and This Day In Human Ingenuity & Discovery: 366 Days of Scientific Milestones with Women in the Spotlight, and has been republished with permission.
Katharina “Käthe” Paulus was a pioneering figure in the field of aviation. She is renowned for her significant contributions as an inventor, particularly for developing the first collapsible parachute in 1910. This innovation initially termed the “rescue apparatus for aeronauts,” revolutionized safety for aeronauts and had profound implications during World War I, with Paulus producing about 7,000 parachutes for the German forces.
Paulus’ achievements extended beyond her inventive prowess. She was an accomplished aeronaut, recording over 510 balloon flights and more than 165 parachute jumps. Her dedication to aerial endeavors made her the first professional female air pilot in Germany and the first German woman to perform aerial acrobatics. This period was marked by the prominence of hot air balloons, which were at the forefront of technological advancements in the late 19th century.
Tragedy struck Paulus’ life when her husband, Hermann Lattemann, also an accomplished balloonist, died during a joint jump in 1895. Despite this personal loss, Paulus found the strength to continue her career. Under the stage name Miss Polly, she embarked on a European tour, displaying her skills in theatrical and acrobatic performances, which included unique acts like riding a bicycle suspended from a balloon.
Paulus’ last balloon jump was at 63, marking the end of a remarkable career. She passed away on July 26, 1935, at 66.