March 8th marks the conjunction of two celebrations - International Women's Day and a lesser known crossing of Niagara Falls. Whilst these two events may seem worlds apart, connecting them is true pioneering spirit. These two articles tell the true stories of crossing Niagara Falls. Whether you cross by rail, wire, or barrel, and whether you are motivated by escape from physical shackles or those imposed by your sex, conquering the Falls is part of a broader human accomplishment. Part 1: A kite-flying competition, an engineer in a basket, and a railroad over a ravine. Part 2: A lady on a wire, a pensioner in a barrel, and an undercover mission for liberation. Let's take the plunge... A FEMALE FUNAMBULIST – MARIA SPELTERINI Maria Spelterini crossing the gorge with peach baskets on her feet. Niagara Gorge has seen numerous death-defying stunts enacted by legendary acrobats and performers such as Charles Blondin and 'The Great Farini'. One such dar...
A compilation of piquant morsels of history for people with niche interests.