Skyscrapers of New York 1906 (Part 1)

Photographed November 8, 14, and 15, 1906.
American Mutoscope and Biograph Company.
Location: 12th Street and Broadway & Studio
Producer: Fred A. Dobson

ON THE HIGHEST ROOF IN NEW YORK WITH THE BIOGRAPH
Following ''The Tunnel Workers'' we offer a new sensational production in which the action takes place largely on the dizzy heights of the uppermost girder of a twenty-story skyscraper in the heart of New York. The building is said to be the highest in the city, and overlooks Union Square. In the distance are to be seen the Flatiron Building, the Times building and other modern marvels.
- Excerpt from the Biograph Bulletin No. 88, December 8, 1906.

PART 1
The first of three parts, this portion of film is almost entirely an actuality as it opens with a breathtaking panoramic shot of lower Manhattan overlooking Union Square Park. Park Avenue South comes into view just at the top in the distance [0:46]. The scene cuts to bricklayers busily plying their trade, a riveting team sew the buildings frame together, (the city's low skyline in this shot allows for an amazing view of the East River in the distance), iron workers pull a beam into place. The three minute work day is over and four crew members ride a crane hook for the camera and their union pride.

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Qj3WWt2OIA

Recommended reading:
Celluloid Skyline / New York and the Movies - James Sanders

01/01/12 - 32,792

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[fendermac]

I couldn't take that height for a second....I believe lots of Mohawk and Iroquois worked at height in New York.Some can and some just can't I guess.

[TigerRocket]

@fendermac True. Members of the Mohawk tribe, which are part of the larger Iroquois family also known as the 'Five Nations,' made up parts of most workforces which built many of New York's skyscrapers and bridges, in particular the Chrysler Building, Empire State Building and the Washington Bridge. They received lower wages than others though.

[arkatub]

humans are cool :P

[kamikazeboy123]

@plaparen racist back then?wht about now.its more than ever.especially more coming from the whites

[iLOVENATURE2011]

i almost dropped my jaw...what if he cut off the concentration and balance then fall down? weeeeee...i cant imagine!

[MrSupasexi]

i thought about how people do this when i was scared just being on my two story roof lmao

[plaparen]

@TigerRocket

"They received lower wages than others though"

Well, yeah, it was 1906. We were pretty racist back then. Fuck, EVERYONE, WAS RACIST AS SHIT BACK THEN.

[plaparen]

shame there ain't no music.

[1playingyou]

I was there!!!

[john61545]

health and sfety kiss my ass :)

[TheBaltimoreKnight]

No hard hats, no cables. no nothing. We come a long way.

[tripster2011]

These guys are heros in ma book respect

[fendermac]

@TigerRocket ...Tough,intrepid,amazing and unfair times.Thanks for that...