Harry Gardiner (the Human Fly) climbed the Bank of Hamilton building on November 11, 1918, to celebrate the end of World War I. [Photo] Courtesy of www.hamiltonpostcards.com
As I was looking on Wikipedia to settle a bet over cholesterol and what foods it is found in (animals and trace bits in plants, fyi), I stumbled across an article on buildering and what it’s perceived to be in the non-climbing community. I was surprised to find out that it’s been around since 1905 when Harry Gardiner started climbing various tall buildings around the world, eventually climbing about 700 around the world. He is said to have climbed in street clothes, tennis shoes and rimless spectacles (awesome). Apparently he climbed for publicity stunts and to celebrate the end of World War I, which may or may not be better than Timmy O’Neil prancing around Boulder, CO, in Front Range Freaks just to annoy people. Just thought I’d share. Happy climbing.
Editor’s Note: Please see the December 19, 2007 Weekly Feature to read about Mike Robertson’s explanation of his Eiffel Tower protest solo.