The following newspaper snippet was published in 1915. It was common that many strange sightings were met with rude remarks about the local inhabitants. it was a quick way to shut down discussion about what might be going on.
Source: Hopkinsville Kentuckian. June 08, 1915. Page 1.
A strange airship passed over Hickman, Ky., Friday, but didn’t exchange compliments with the local bums.