VINTAGE VIEWS OF NEW YORK
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        Bobby Leach, and his Barrel after his perilous trip over Niagiara Falls, July 25, 1911
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         Postcard Era:  Real Photo
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          Originally from Cornwall, England, Bobby Leach lived in Niagara Falls, Canada.

          1898
          Two trips through the Whirlpool Rapids

          1908
          Parachute jumped from the Upper Steel Arch Bridge

          1910
          Third trip through the Whirlpool Rapids

          1911
          Fourth trip through the Whirlpool Rapids
           
          July 25, 1911
          Bobby Leach rode in his steel barrel over the Horseshoe Falls. He broke his jaw, and had two broken kneecaps, and was hospitalized for twenty-three weeks. He made a sucessful living showing a film of his feat and answering questions in vaudeville houses.
          In less than a year he had worn out the film, and returned to the falls to film the empty barrel going over the falls.

          1924
          He makes two attempt to swim the river, starting below the American Falls and heading for Canada, but fails.

          1925
          Jumps with a parachute, from an airplane flying over the falls, landing safely on the shore, the specators were not impressed, and he cancels a second jump planned for the next day.

          April 27, 1926
          Dies at the age of 67 in Christ Church, New Zealand, while on a vaudeville tour.
          He slipped on an orange peel while walking, there were complications, the leg was removed, and he died from gangrene poisioning.

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