Shared Photo: The "Human Squirrel," New York City, 1918

Question

National Archives Flickr Albums. The "Human Squirrel" performed many daring "stunts" for the benefit of War Relief Funds in New York City. He is shown here at a dizzying height in Times Square. He is wearing a suit, dress shoes and a smile. Retrieved 30 Sep 2016.

Repository: Still Picture Records Section, Special Media Archives Services Division (NWCS-S), National Archives at College Park, 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD. Times Photo Service. Public domain image; free of copyright.

I wanted to share this photo of DuBois Copyright Free & CC Image Cabinet with the community. Location: New York City. Date: 1918.

Click here for the image details page or here for the full-sized version (1900 x 3000).

Answer 1

Magnificent Capture.

Smart and fun enunciation of man over steel, of technology versus technology, of industry versus spirit of courage versus fear.

Love his free expression and the flag enjoining American liberty.The lioness or cougar statuette seems in vain to counter point and protect its domain against his lifting and prevailing of man's horizon and marriage as a part of the natural forces.

He is assured and confident in his success as he is wearing a harness joined at the waist , gloved hand straps and modified shoes to climb towards the heavens.

His soul abounds, His physic's estates, His senses pulse glory

He knows the police await .    

Masterfully , the life line is sent straight from heaven's door.

 

Superb Persona

 

Appears to be the Chrysler Building. Look closely at the American flag and you can see the black and white photography technique of adding exposure by "burn shadowing" in that area to bring its image out.

Comments

I always admire your reply to photo, you really make them so wonderful colorful well done

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You are right Jerry. He is tethered from the waist and I hadn't noticed the shadowing that does look like its the Chrysler building. Well done and well said. Thanks again.

Answer 2

Hi hi I just love squirrel but I can se this is a very different squirrel. I wonder what make a man do a thing like this and play with his life, do you think he had a safety net under.

Must say he is a very brave man and at least he was well dress and had a hat on

Thank you so much a very interesting photo

Comments

No, I don't believe he would have had a safety net in 1918 NYC. It looks like he might be wearing gloves and he has some straps around his wrists, but that's about it.

Thanks for your kind comments about the awarded star. It was completely unexpected; a nice surprise.

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You are most welcome. You know you migh be right about the safety net

The properly use that to catch fish with for dinner