We dug up some great old photos featuring some of the greatest tightrope walkers in history. We would have loved to recognize these folks on RecordSetter!

Maria Spelterini…Tightrope Walking Hero

In 1876 Spelterini became the only woman to cross the Niagara gorge on a tightrope. But that’s not all, folks. She also crossed while wearing peach baskets on her feet. And that wasn’t enough, so she did it again blindfolded and again with her ankles and wrists manacled.

via wikipedia.

Charles Blondin…Justifiably Cocky

Blondin crossed the Niagara Falls gorge in 1859 many times, with each trek heightening the standard of male fortitude. He crossed blindfolded, in a sack, trundling a wheelbarrow, on stilts, and carrying his manager on his back. And of course, because you get hungry walking all that tightrope, he once sat down midway while he cooked and ate an omelet while standing on a chair with only one chair leg on the rope.

via poorwilliam.net.

There have been lots more amazing tightrope feats from back in the day. Here are some retro cool shots from the Niagara Falls Library depicting some majorly impressive feats.

Signor Farini…Blondin Beater

Faraini (who’s real name was William Leonard Hunt) was an inventor and tightrope walker…a real renaissance man! Enjoy a photo of him with his patent washing machine on his back along with other great death defying shots and a poster publicizing one of his events.

Photo by Platt Babbitt. Owned by Niagara Falls (Ontario) Public Library

via Niagara Falls (Ontario) Public Library

Photo by Platt Babbitt. Owned by Niagara Falls (Ontario) Public Library

Photo by Platt Babbitt. Owned by Niagara Falls (Ontario) Public Library 

via Petrie Collection, Niagara Falls (Ontario)Public Library

Let’s not let tight rope walking go out of style. Submit your world records today at recordsetter.com/submit.