139 Ask To "Shoot" Niagara In A Boat

1920

MANY ANSWER MOVIE COMPANY ADVERTISEMENT.

Most of Applicants Seek $1,000 Offered — Others Want Thrill or Experience.

NEW YORK, N. Y. — Think of going over Niagara Falls in a houseboat!

Death came to Charles George Stevens when he tried to ride the 153-foot cataract In a barrel.

Yet 139 husky, red-blooded American young men have gone on record as being ready to try the stunt in a houseboat.

An advertisement appeared recently in one of the New York daily newspapers calling for a man to go over Niagara Falls in a houseboat for a motion picture film. The reward offered was $1,000. The producer expected that possibly five men might apply.

Imagine his astonishment when 139 applicants put in an appearance. Among them was Allan Law, brother of Ruth and Rodman Law.

Majority ex-Army Men.

The majority of those who applied were ex-service men who were overseas. Having faced German bullets in France, they said they were more than willing to attempt Niagara for a thousand dollars. Another interesting fact was that the average age of the applicants was 23 years. Only a few were over 25. The oldest applicant was 48 years of age.

Practically every nationality was represented, and among them were two men who did not know what Niagara Falls is. Upon being informed and being shown pictures of the falls, one of them backed out. Of all who applied, this man and one other were the only ones who resigned.

Another interesting applicant was Frank Dupree, newspaper correspondent, who made the first long-distance aeroplane flight in 1913 from Dover, England, to Cologne, Germany.

Most of 'Em After the Money.

When asked the reasons for seeking so hazardous a job, the majority said "money." Others were lured by the chance for adventure. Practically all were fatalists, who did not for a moment consider the risk. Another interesting feature was the fact that among them were four bank clerks, three security salesmen and one life insurance salesman.

A specially constructed houseboat was made to be used. It includes the compartment and bulkhead construction principle used in lifeboats and the hulls of ocean liners. Tests of the craft show that its scientific construction has reduced to a minimum the risk incurred by the daredevil who rides over the falls.

Stevens, who lost his life in a barrel try at the stunt. was a barber in England, where his wife and eleven children live. He had made parachute drops, high dives and similar feats many times. He used to put his head in a lion's mouth in a circus.

But the question now is — will the motion picture stunt be called off?

—The Saturday Blade, Chicago, Aug. 7, 1920, p. 3.