topic Re: THE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO FAMOUSLY CAPTURED WORKERS EATING LUNCH IN THE AIR in Community Chat

THE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO FAMOUSLY CAPTURED WORKERS EATING LUNCH IN THE AIR

Oznell — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 22:58:14 GMT

Here's Charles C. Ebbets, in 1932 when he photographed construction workers at Rockefeller Center, far above New York City:

How graceful, adorable and dashing can someone be, in that precarious position?? I'd be prone, clutching, wrapped around that I-beam, and shaking like a leaf. (Don't you love his garden-party shoes, by the way?)

Props also to the 'other' photographer who had to be there, presumably more securely anchored, to take Charlie's picture!

Clearly, Charles Ebbets was an adventurer of a high order. Former race car driver, stunt man, actor, "wing-walker"-- (yes, he walked on planes, aloft, shudder), Associated Press photographer in Florida, among other pursuits.

I guess a lot of it was prep work so he could take the famous photo everyone all over the world has seen. Those seemingly nonchalant, stout-hearted men and true, who built the buildings:

Charles C. Ebbets was a fascinating character:

Re: THE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO FAMOUSLY CAPTURED WORKERS EATING LUNCH IN THE AIR

golding76 — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 23:12:02 GMT

Once again, Oznell, one of your posts has left me gasping. Vertigo overwhelms me at even modest heights. How did these men risk life and limb and have such a dégagé attitude while doing it?

Perhaps Mr. Ebbets was creating an embedded, subtle joke with the photo taken of him -- note his spectator shoes. He's the ultimate spectator in that shot of him.

I checked to see if he was related to Charles H. Ebbets, the sports executive who built Ebbets Field, but did not find a connection.

Re: THE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO FAMOUSLY CAPTURED WORKERS EATING LUNCH IN THE AIR

KBEANS — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 23:14:46 GMT

@Oznell 😊 Thanks for this tid bit. I always liked this photo but didn't know anything about the photographer.

Re: THE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO FAMOUSLY CAPTURED WORKERS EATING LUNCH IN THE AIR

RoughDraft — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 23:19:30 GMT

The dichotomy of Mr. Ebbets' split personality of throwing caution to the wind then wearing a belt AND suspenders is a riot!

Re: THE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO FAMOUSLY CAPTURED WORKERS EATING LUNCH IN THE AIR

cookie16 — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 00:46:16 GMT

Love the worker on right sitting on beam clutching a bottle of ?? That is what I would need to sit up there.

Re: THE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO FAMOUSLY CAPTURED WORKERS EATING LUNCH IN THE AIR

spiderw — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 01:03:44 GMT

I have seen he group picture of the workers on the beam, it has always given me the shivers!!!! I cannot imagine anyone feeling safe in these photos and it is amazing that Ebbets had his picture taken up there!!!

I was at the top of the Empire State Building and the Twin Towers, I had such a feeling of fear even though there was protection around me while these workers and Ebbets didn't. Unbelievable but thanks to Ebbets for his excellent photography!

Re: THE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO FAMOUSLY CAPTURED WORKERS EATING LUNCH IN THE AIR

Spacrazy — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 01:10:09 GMT

Fascinating !!! Thanks for posting.

Re: THE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO FAMOUSLY CAPTURED WORKERS EATING LUNCH IN THE AIR

Zhills — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 01:15:52 GMT

Interesting, but who photographed the photographer??

Didn't do selfies in those days!

Re: THE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO FAMOUSLY CAPTURED WORKERS EATING LUNCH IN THE AIR

kindred cats — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 01:18:50 GMT

@Oznell .... Fabulous photos, however, they gave me chills!!!

Re: THE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO FAMOUSLY CAPTURED WORKERS EATING LUNCH IN THE AIR

1Snickers — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 01:48:32 GMT

Great photos! I noticed the workers appear to be wearing regular shoes. I wonder if they have nonslip soles?
👞 vs 👟🥾

Re: THE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO FAMOUSLY CAPTURED WORKERS EATING LUNCH IN THE AIR

shoekitty — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 03:00:29 GMT

@Oznell The photographer is stunning, handsome , and yes, I love his Garden larty shoes. And I admire his death wish to get a photo. Good Lord, did he liv long? Lol. No way for me, I don't go further on than the second rung on a step ladder, lol

Re: THE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO FAMOUSLY CAPTURED WORKERS EATING LUNCH IN THE AIR

SharkE — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 03:26:25 GMT

Think there is footage of people working on the St. Louis arch too.

Re: THE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO FAMOUSLY CAPTURED WORKERS EATING LUNCH IN THE AIR

Zernia Rose — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 03:40:00 GMT

Oznell, thanks for information and art/photographs that cause me to head to history and art books! I mmediately thought about generations of Mohawk (First Nations, Indians, Native Americans) worked on skyscrapers and bridge in and around New York. The Mohawk were known for their comfor with heights maong other skills. P.S. This information does not diminish the contributions of other groups.

Re: THE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO FAMOUSLY CAPTURED WORKERS EATING LUNCH IN THE AIR

Kachina624 — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 03:41:29 GMT

I get sweaty palms just looking at the pictures. I can't even imagine crawling down the I-beam.

Re: THE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO FAMOUSLY CAPTURED WORKERS EATING LUNCH IN THE AIR

Northray — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 03:50:14 GMT

As a person who is afraid of heights - WTF! How are they all so calm, like they aren't going to fall if one of them sneezes? Dang, I would be paralyzed up there!

Re: THE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO FAMOUSLY CAPTURED WORKERS EATING LUNCH IN THE AIR

lgfan — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 17:34:45 GMT

I am beginning to hyperventilate just looking at the picture. It is a great picture but scary at the same time.

Re: THE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO FAMOUSLY CAPTURED WORKERS EATING LUNCH IN THE AIR

drizzellla — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 04:05:07 GMT

My Dad's Father was an Engineer for the American Bridge Company. They helped design and build many suspension bridges around the United States and the Panama Canal.

When my Dad was about 12 years old, his Dad took him to the top of the Tower of the George Washington Bridge.

Too bad there were no photographs of the event.

Re: THE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO FAMOUSLY CAPTURED WORKERS EATING LUNCH IN THE AIR

catter70 — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 10:32:38 GMT

My local pizza place has that picture hanging on the wall. Scary stuff. Certainly brave men.

Re: THE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO FAMOUSLY CAPTURED WORKERS EATING LUNCH IN THE AIR

781Florist — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 12:39:03 GMT

These men, as well as their polar opposites--the sandhogs who work in depths as much as three football fields deep below the earth to carve out tunnels for bridges, sanitation and subways, are really quite elite. A special breed that built (and builds!) our country and while being handsomely paid, risk their lives to do it.

I think the fact they aren't seen by most of us on a daily basis increases our awe and admiration for them. We seem to be less amazed by surgeons who stick their hands inside a human body to manipulate and (hopefully) heal it. Police who run TOWARDS gunfire and disarm bombs and talk people down from bridges and rooftops.

Firefighters who run into burning and collapsing buildings to save others trapped inside.

When we are presented with the horror show that is the evening news each day it's easy to forget the amazingly brave heroes that are all around us in our everyday life.

Seeing photos like these always causes me to ( after the initial shock!) thank God that we have individuals who bring those special gifts to the table and make the life that we enjoy possible. Thanks for the reminder, Oznell!

Re: THE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO FAMOUSLY CAPTURED WORKERS EATING LUNCH IN THE AIR

ECBG — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 12:47:22 GMT

I just got "that" feeling in the bottom of my stomach.

I guess I'm lucky I can look down from our deck!!!