"Lunch Atop A Skyscraper"

This is one of my favorite photographs.  It is a famous image of steelworkers having lunch on a beam high above the streets of New York.  They were working on the GE Building at Rockefeller Center.  For years many have wondered who these men were.  Many others have claimed they were family members.  Recent research has uncovered some of the story.  Read more about it at Smithsonian.com:  http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/Lunch-Atop-a-Skyscraper-Photograph-The-Story-Behind-the-Famous-Shot-170513696.html

The Original "Skywalkers"

This is an interesting overview of the role of Native Americans (specifically the Mohawk tribe) in the building of America's tallest projects.  They were involved from the beginning, and their story is a compelling one.  Want to learn even more?  Watch "High Steel"(a 1965 mini documentary produced by the National Film Board of Canada) at http://www.nfb.ca/film/high_steel/.  Lacrosse is featured in the video too.

Not Your Typical Day On The Job

I have always found it extremely difficult to look at photos of the men who worked on the early skyscrapers as they spent time far above the ground with no safety gear. My assumption has been that all modern work taking place "in the clouds" would mandate numerous safety precautions. I guess I was wrong. You have to wonder what type of person is able to do this kind of work regularly, yet there are clearly people out there who are not bothered by heights. I am just not one of them. Surely you will have some reactions after you watch this, but be prepared. You may need to look away from time to time. I know I did.