Hold my Beer: Tight Rope Walking in the 19th Century

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In a time of social media when people will do anything to become internet famous, we might think we are the ultimate "Hold my beer" generation. But. like so many things, the achievements of the past put our present to shame.
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This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As very few images of the actual event are available in the Public Domain, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.
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#history #thehistoryguy #tightrope

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Use code thehistoryguy at incogni.com/thehistoryguy to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan. As several viewers have mentioned, Seal Rock is in the Pacific, not San Francisco Bay and Funambulism is derived from Latin rather than Greek. I apologize for the errors.

[@cbwilson2398]

Your responsiveness to suggestions/corrections continues to impress.

[@phayroent9742]

I really like topics like this. Not all history is war and exploring. Looking forward to more 'obscure' topics like this.

[@GraniteMoose]

He has a playlist about history without war

[@daniellabunsky653]

Also, just to be pedantic, the gap between Cliff House and Seal Rock goes over the Pacific, not the Bay.

[@Cydonia2020]

One of my favorite stories of Karl Wallenda, possibly the most famous tight rope walker of the 20th century (if not ever) was when he would invite an audience member to ride on his shoulders as he walked across a highly elevated wire. One woman that he picked from the audience was so frightened, she urinated down his neck. He never lost his nerve and they safely made it to the other side, if not a bit more damp, than when they started.

[@RetiredSailor60]

Good Wednesday morning History Guy and everyone watching....

[@playhouseinthewoods6103]

Good morning to you from North Idaho.

[@belloons]

Thank you, pal! Good morning to you,

[@RetiredSailor60]

@@playhouseinthewoods6103 Spent a weekend in McCall ID in 1995. Lots of fun

[@RetiredSailor60]

@@Matt-rz6hj Australia??

[@dougp6664]

The writing in the old papers is a far cry from what we see today.

[@theobserver9131]

I had dinner and spent an evening with some of the Wallenda family once. Very nice and quite polite and proper people.

[@nooneofconsequence1251]

Funambulism: it's like ambulating, but more fun.

[@mauricedavis2160]

Well, I didn't realize tightrope walking had a technical term, THG&Crew thank you, if you pay attention you can learn something every day!!!🙏👌👻❣️

[@skydiverclassc2031]

More recently (2021), a pair of brothers strung a highline (slackrope) across part of Yosemite NP (with permission from the NPS) and walked over 2800' across the 1600' deep canyon.

[@-jeff-]

Thanks for carrying us across this piece of forgotten history!

[@DawnOldham]

So I've learned a new word today! I'm a grandmother who loves words (and history!), so this was a fun word, too! The foibles of funabulism was a very interesting topic to wake up to this morning!

[@goodun2974]

It would be interesting to look up if the Perils of Pauline ever crossed paths with the Foibles of Funambulism. It was a little before my time but I seem to remember Pauline hanging off of a window ledge....

[@Phryxil]

A nice four-dollar word with a buried history lesson: Defenestration.

[@goodun2974]

@@Phryxil , probably Vladimir Putin's favorite word, if there's a direct Russian translation. Although sometimes his secret police merely dangle the offending journalist or political rival out the window or off the balcony by their feet, without letting go.

[@TheGreyGhost_of43rd]

Awful word. Unlearn it

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

Back in the Saddle Again Naturally!

[@adizmal]

13:00 "the daring rope-walker, has his brains dashed out at the Niagara Gorge" 🤣 amazing headline

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

Hey Playboy, 👋 🤓 I have a busy weekend ahead I'm going to see Morris Day and the Time and on the 2nd I'm going to see U2 ! Las Vegas is an awesome place be. Still waiting for you to pay us a visit.

[@goodun2974]

U2 without their original drummer and playing as a Vegas act isn't really U2 anymore; it is the exact antithesis of rock and roll. Just like there's Elvis during the Sun Records years, and then there's the Elvis who did a bunch of shitty movies and ended up performing in Vegas. I prefer to remember performers as they were, at their peak, and not as the shadow of their former selves that they all too often become.

[@brentjenkinsdesigns]

Huh. I never knew there was a formal name for a tightrope walker. Excellent episode Lance and thank you & your team for the many years of impeccable content.

[@nozecone]

"The Great Farini" - AKA William Leonard Hunt - was an extraordinary man who led an extraordinary life. Among his many accomplishments was the invention of the folding (hinged) theatre seat ... ! He started out as an Ontario farm boy who strung a wire between house and barn and taught himself 'funambulism'. You might want to consider doing on episode just on 'Farini' himself.

[@theemmjay5130]

You certainly had a real honey of a time with punning on the Sacramento Bee's name.

[@daniellabunsky653]

Good morning from SF Bay!

[@JustMe-cr1dr]

After hearing stories about dare-devils plunging over the Falls, this was a refreshing twist. Thank you, History Guy!

[@DeanStephen]

Philippe Petit’s famous feat will certainly never see repeat.

[@rcrevel5767]

I seem to recall a newspaper story that in the same time frame as Cook's feat that a local 16 year old girl was hired by The Ciff House to regularly perform the walk to Seal Rock. For anyone familiar with Seal Rock(s), just the construction of the wire from the two points is an accomplishment in itself. While the waters at that time were treacherous, changes to the beach area nearby have at times left the island rock in the story connected to the beach at Kelly's Cove. Great story,HG!

[@alfa4pete]

From the Cliff House to Seal Ricks actually goes across a portion of the Pacific Ocean, not SF Bay. To heighten the perceived danger, there are waves breaking on the rocks and cliff below.

[@kathybuttsarnold3534]

Haven't watched in awhile and your haircut seems a bit longer than the last time, very flattering! 🤩

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Well, it grows. ;)

[@backwashjoe7864]

To adapt the old saying, getting haircuts may not always be fun, but it sure beats the alternative! :)

[@thirdiprodigy3579]

Ahh yes my favorite KZbin channel has posted again

[@ralficlaspill4074]

Might I suggest a video about the “Mercer Girls” an interesting bit of history about the founding of Seattle, Washington.

[@BasicDrumming]

I appreciate you and thank you for making content.

[@bryanestes8558]

Always a pleasure learning "history that deserves to be remembered". I do have a subject that might be of interest for a future episode...The Hensley settlement in Kentucky. Sherman Hensley was my great great grandfather..you might find their story interesting. Thanks for your dedication and time spent.👍

[@robertpierce1981]

I love how you string us along

[@goodun2974]

He did rope us into this story, didn't he?!😁

[@robertpierce1981]

@@goodun2974 seems like a balanced report of events

[@goodun2974]

@@robertpierce1981 , The poll was far-reaching and wide-ranging.....😉

[@theemmjay5130]

I get high off of it.

[@BenjySparky]

THG you rock! Peace

[@thirdiprodigy3579]

"Hold my beer" 😂 And Bowmanville of all places!

[@frankgulla2335]

What an amazing summary. Great pictures and paintings.

[@markstevenson6635]

Cliff House to Seal Rock is above the ocean, not over SF Bay.

[@HM2SGT]

9:10 *What a marvelous painting!*

[@ChiefMac59]

The Cliff House and Seal Rock are not in San Francisco Bay. They are on the other side of San Francisco and it would be over the Pacific Ocean instead

[@goodun2974]

" High up above the clouds/The Great Valerio is walking/the rope seems hung from cloud to cloud/and time stands still as he is walking/ His eyes are steady on the target/his foot is sure upon the rope/alone and peaceful as the mountain/and certain as the mountain slope...... We falter at the sight/we who stumble in the mire/fools who think they see the light/ prepare to balance on the wire/ but we learn to watch together, and feed on what we see above/'til our hearts turn like the seasons, and we are acrobats of love.....how we winder, how we wonder/ watching from far below/we would all be that great hero/The Great Valerio...." sung by Richard and Linda Thompson.

[@mellissadalby1402]

All I can say is WOW!

[@tygrkhat4087]

I'm from Buffalo, I have family in Canada and have spent much lesiure time up north. I don't think I've crossed the Niagara 300 times in my 62 years.

[@michaeleasterwood6558]

In season one of the series Have Gun Will Travel there is a great episode about this with Stother Martin playing the tightrope walker

[@theobserver9131]

Did you know; Walking a tightrope WITH a balance bar is quite easy. Most people with a decent sense of balance can do it with little or no training.

[@michaelfaklis8169]

Actually the area of Seal Rock to the cliffs are not within the San Francisco Bay.

[@MarshOakDojoTimPruitt]

thanks

[@CwL-1984]

Awesome 👍👍

[@Dirtzoo]

Cliff house is on the Pacific side

[@Postmortumaz]

I remember reading about Charles Blondin when I was a kid.

[@DeconvertedMan]

today I learned a new word "funambulism" :D

[@ashergoney]

Readymade Rolls Is As Much I Depend On White Rolling Papers.. Regular White or Rice Paper Available.. in the Region.

[@robertjensen1438]

What do you call a fun sewer? An amoozement park.

[@johnshinn6274]

Even your dress and style is impressive. But why aren’t your Mobi globes turning? Still my favorite KZbin channel.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

They require direct light. They all work fine.

[@KAZVorpal]

Have you done a video on the pole sitting craze?

[@dentonhahn2907]

That photo of Charles blondin stopped me I had to watch, I am doing a study on faith, and this is a great illustration of faith.

[@J.A.Smith2397]

Another fantastically done one good sir

[@ed056]

No one respects the Funambulist more than the Acrophobic. 🙂

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Fair point

[@landonedwards7504]

If funambulism dates to the early Greeks (05:35), it's curious that the words funis and ambulare are both Latin.

[@cbroz7492]

...in 1974 shortly after I got home from Germany, Frenchman Phillippe Petit crossed between the twin yowers if the late, World Trade Center

[@mikecrase3047]

If I recall Mr Bondi died in his sleep

[@KAZVorpal]

"So dangerous that people were wagering on whether they'd survive" and then seconds later we learn the guy crossed Niagara 300 times and then retired. Not THAT dangerous. For him, apparently not very dangerous at all. I'd say it's more like "that SEEMED so dangerous".

[@therakshasan8547]

It is not difficult to find those data brokers , those brokers advertise .

[@DeanStephen]

The Cliff House and Seal Rock are located outside the Golden Gate strait and thus our clown walked over a small portion of the Pacific Ocean, not the San Francisco Bay.

[@shawnr771]

Thank you for the lesson.

[@johnopalko5223]

Oriana Leckert: Funambulism dates back at least to Ancient Greece - that’s where the name comes from: _funis_ means “rope” and _ambulare_ means “to walk.” Except, that's Latin.

[@ElderHiker]

In the pursuit of accuracy, both the Cliff House and Seal Rocks are on the Pacific Coast, not San Francisco Bay. No big deal, but inaccurate just the same.

[@cbwilson2398]

And again we feel the pain of the loss of Latin as a school subject, for the term "funambulist" is of Latin origin, not Greek. Assuming there was a term for this activity in the first century where Greek was spoken, it might have included the pieces "himás" and "peripateo."

[@heathergibbs2904]

I liked and shared this video 📹 out and your welcome. Great history on tightrope walking.

[@thirdiprodigy3579]

It would be great to see a video on Canada's truth & reconciliation day. Let's educate the youth🧡🧡🧡

[@KingCobbones]

*Guy wire 9:50...History Guy.

[@francislarv3012]

Unbelievable.

[@paulksacco]

Worse than that. Seal Rock is in the ocean. Falling into the cold SF Bay is one thing but the ocean in this area can be brutal. I guess not being able to swim is a great equalizer in this specific matter.

[@backwashjoe7864]

@6:18, I laughed extra long because you made me think of the Simpson's line, "put the 'pal' back in 'principal'" :))

[@L_Train]

Im more of a sonambulism kind of guy

[@jon4589]

I can make four or five feet on a tightrope. Just above the ground.

[@LindaCasey]

Wow

[@goodun2974]

None of the photographs appeared to actually show the falls themselves in the background as somebody crosses on a rope; the painting at 9:10 is far more dramatic. "When the myth becomes legend, ignore the photos and *paint the legend*!" Perhaps most of the crossings were done slightly downstream of the falls themselves or were performed when the water flow was at its lowest so that the same funambulists were not obscured in mist. Anyway, I think crossing over Niagara Gorge on a rope pales in comparison to crossing a wire between the Twin Towers.

[@JTA1961]

Your~ROPE~pee~in...

[@goodun2974]

Can somnambulism and prestidigitation be far behind?🤔😉

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

I had to google those words 🥺

[@goodun2974]

@@CathodeRayNipplez , isn't language fun? 😁

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

@@goodun2974 My first language is Drunkaneze

[@markkarasik2211]

😎 sleepwalking magician? I might pay to see that show

[@goodun2974]

@@markkarasik2211 , "I'm innocent, officer; I was asleep when I sawed that woman in half!" 😳

[@merlinwizard1000]

40th, 27 September 2023

[@bigsarge2085]

✌

[@goodun2974]

"Let me ride on the Wall of Death one more time/[repeat]/you can waste your time on all the other rides/but this is the nearest to feelin' alive/oh let me take my chances on the Wall of Death.... on the Wall of Death all the world is far from me/on the Wall of Death it's the nearest to bein' free....." Richard and Linda Thompson (A few people have inadvertently misunderstood the lyrics as " let me ride on the *water bed* one more time..."😁). They've also got another: " I hand you my ball and chain/you just hand me that same old refrain/I'm Walking on a Wire/I'm Walking on a Wire/and I'm falling...."

[@Vic-ok2pp]

Enough with commercials. Bah humbug

[@mikepeterson9362]

So I saw this guy once, like five years ago -- he knows an awful lot about history, and he used to like to tell us about it. There was a time when that's all he did, and I clicked, liked and followed. But then after that, KZbin stepped in. And now we have to watch this man, who's no older than I am, do ad-reads to keep his channel alive. It's unconscionably horrible. He's not a bad man, but THIS is what he's been reduced to. I'm crying in my hands. And that's history, that deserves to be remembered....

[@gingerhiser7312]

We get it. You don't believe in capitalism. Why shouldn't a person get paid for their labor?

[@mikepeterson9362]

@@gingerhiser7312So I saw this guy once, like just a minute ago. I was trying to point out the tragedy of what a successful KZbinr had to do to stay afloat, and he decided that because I did, that I hated capitalism. And that's also, history that deserves to be remembered...

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

I don’t feel abused, no. It is actually awesome when your channel gets large enough to attract sponsors. Certainly it wasn’t forced upon me by KZbin. We do limit the amount of sponsors per month.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

I don’t feel abused, no. It is actually awesome when your channel gets large enough to attract sponsors. Certainly it wasn’t forced upon me by KZbin. We do limit the amount of sponsors per month.

[@mikepeterson9362]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel Brother, I wasn't implying that you were being abused -- I was implying that we were. I'm glad for the success of your channel, but we're both old enough to hate watching commercials on TV, and also understand what those commercials represented. So I know you'll understand if we choose not to, now that we don't have to. Advertisers always end up driving content, eventually. So I've got to go. And that's history, that deserves to be remembered. Love you man.

[@goodun2974]

"I'm up on the tight wire/ one side's ice and one is fire/ It's a circus game with you and me/ I'm up on the tide rope/ one side's hate and one is hope/but the top-hat on my head is all you see....I'm up in the spotlight/oh, does it feel right/the altitude, it seems to get to me/I'm up on the tightwire/flnked by life and the funeral pyre/putting on a show for you to see...." Leon Russell, "TightRope"

[@goodun2974]

That should read "flanked"; and tight rope of course, not tide rope. KZbin editing function makes me wait hours before I can correct it.

[@goodun2974]

Second?

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

🥈

[@scottmantooth8785]

*other...prehaps?*

[@goodun2974]

@@scottmantooth8785 , Only happens about once a year for me; the notification said it was posted 17 seconds before I clicked on it. Patron subscribers probably see it sooner.

[@scottmantooth8785]

@@goodun2974 *fair enough...can't say if with definitive clarity that i've ever managed to catch a posting that early but the momentary fame for doing so is still rather attractive none the less*

[@HM2SGT]

*_Indeed_*

[@yourgooglemeister6745]

I liked your channel better when you didn't have the obtrusive ads. I like listening to history channels as I go to sleep. If a channel has stupid ads I no longer include them in my sleep playlist. There are hundreds of history channels to chose from. I pay for KZbin premium to avoid the ads. DON'T GET GREEDY!

[@chrism4008]

With the way the State has become everyone's overbearing mother throughout the west im very surprised someone was allowed to in 2012. I would imagine he had to pay a egregious fee to be allowed to do it

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

It required special permission from the Governor.

[@HM2SGT]

If the state has become everyone's overbearing Nanny, it is only because people insist on doing things that put themselves and others in Peril and then attempting to dodge and deflect when they are held accountable. All laws, rules and regulations are reactionary; responses to situations where great effort and expense and occasionally putting Rescuers In Harm's Way occurred. Don't misunderstand; I'm as amused and frustrated by the attempt to pad the sharp corners of the world as you are, I just wish people would own up to things and not try to make it someone else's fault and mess to clean up. But that's just the perspective of 37 years as a medic, firefighter, sailor and disabled veteran speaking.

[@chrism4008]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel lol, of course it does. Im assuming its a requirement that each Governor be an expert in tightrope walking in order to make informed decisions.

[@chrism4008]

@@HM2SGT while i agree people shouldnt put others in harms way, the government has absolutely no right to prevent an individual from attempting any feat who's only potential victim is the person performing it. A tightrope walker isn't putting others in danger. Sounds like you're on the governments side though, not the people's

[@gomathigoms8553]

The wisest thing that should be on everyone's mind currently should be to invest in different streams of income that doesn't depend on the govt. Especially with the current economic crisis around the world. This is still a good time to invest in gold, silver, and digital currencies (BTC,ETH...)

[@Scott.412]

It's no longer a story that the world is experiencing a global economic downturn, I'm so happy that I've been receiving $64,000 from my $15,000 investment every 8 days

[@Scott.412]

You actually need an expert trader assigned by a registered broker company to help you out. I currently trade expert Mrs Laura Jennifer. I thought I'm the only one trading with her .

[@Scott.412]

Most people do not know that trading is the best step towards growing more income. I realised this after I came across Mrs Laura Jennifer Reeves.

[@lynellewillock]

I trade with Mrs Laura Jennifer Reeves Analysis and Guidance. She's perfect with crypto trading, that I've made up to $75k monthly returns.

[@Scott.412]

Make a note to Mrs Reeves regarding your interest in investing. She's mostly available onWhatsApp

[@scotthabshi843]

Walk the narrow path

[@Horologist-zu5vq]

Short man? 5 feet 5? Hey come on now im not that short