AKINS, Everett "Shorty" - Revision history

Randylyon at 02:53, 27 April 2024

2024-04-27T02:53:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:53, 27 April 2024
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	[[Image:ShortyAkins.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]		[[Image:ShortyAkins.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]
	AKINS, Everett ("Shorty"). (Dubuque, IA, Nov. 5, 1898--~~Detroit~~, MI, 1965). Dubuque's "Human Fly." During the "Roaring 20s," "Shorty," a general contractor by trade, was the talk of Dubuque as he successfully scaled the outside of local buildings without ropes, ladders or hooks. His early life would not have indicated such an interest or talent.		AKINS, Everett ("Shorty"). (Dubuque, IA, Nov. 5, 1898--Berkley, MI, Apr., 1965). Dubuque's "Human Fly." During the "Roaring 20s," "Shorty," a general contractor by trade, was the talk of Dubuque as he successfully scaled the outside of local buildings without ropes, ladders or hooks. His early life would not have indicated such an interest or talent.

	Born on Cherry Street as one of four children, Akins worked for the [[DUBUQUE ELECTRIC COMPANY]]. Although there is no evidence that he served, he registered for the [[WORLD WAR I] draft and played catcher for the Dubuque Studebakers, a barnstorming [[BASEBALL]] team of the early twentieth century. (1) It may have been his work as a steeplejack with his brothers in Dubuque that gave him the idea of climbing buildings without assistance.		Born on Cherry Street as one of four children, Akins worked for the [[DUBUQUE ELECTRIC COMPANY]]. Although there is no evidence that he served, he registered for the [[WORLD WAR I] draft and played catcher for the Dubuque Studebakers, a barnstorming [[BASEBALL]] team of the early twentieth century. (1) It may have been his work as a steeplejack with his brothers in Dubuque that gave him the idea of climbing buildings without assistance.

Randylyon at 02:51, 27 April 2024

2024-04-27T02:51:01Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:51, 27 April 2024
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	[[Image:ShortyAkins.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]		[[Image:ShortyAkins.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]
	AKINS, Everett ("Shorty"). (Dubuque, IA, Nov. 5, 1898-Detroit, MI, 1965). Dubuque's "Human Fly." During the "Roaring 20s," "Shorty," a general contractor by trade, was the talk of Dubuque as he successfully scaled the outside of local buildings without ropes, ladders or hooks. His early life would not have indicated such an interest or talent.		AKINS, Everett ("Shorty"). (Dubuque, IA, Nov. 5, 1898--Detroit, MI, 1965). Dubuque's "Human Fly." During the "Roaring 20s," "Shorty," a general contractor by trade, was the talk of Dubuque as he successfully scaled the outside of local buildings without ropes, ladders or hooks. His early life would not have indicated such an interest or talent.

	Born on Cherry Street as one of four children, Akins worked for the [[DUBUQUE ELECTRIC COMPANY]]. Although there is no evidence that he served, he registered for the [[WORLD WAR I] draft and played catcher for the Dubuque Studebakers, a barnstorming [[BASEBALL]] team of the early twentieth century. (1) It may have been his work as a steeplejack with his brothers in Dubuque that gave him the idea of climbing buildings without assistance.		Born on Cherry Street as one of four children, Akins worked for the [[DUBUQUE ELECTRIC COMPANY]]. Although there is no evidence that he served, he registered for the [[WORLD WAR I] draft and played catcher for the Dubuque Studebakers, a barnstorming [[BASEBALL]] team of the early twentieth century. (1) It may have been his work as a steeplejack with his brothers in Dubuque that gave him the idea of climbing buildings without assistance.

Randylyon at 02:50, 27 April 2024

2024-04-27T02:50:39Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:50, 27 April 2024
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	1. London, Michelle, "Dubuque's 'Human Fly' Led a Life of Adventure," August 20, 2023, p. 42		1. London, Michelle, "Dubuque's 'Human Fly' Led a Life of Adventure," ''Telegraph Herald'', August 20, 2023, p. 42

	2. "The Year's Events," ''Telegraph Herald'', January 2, 1921, p. 14. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3BReAAAAIBAJ&sjid=FWANAAAAIBAJ&pg=5778,2845061&dq=human+fly+dubuque&hl=en		2. "The Year's Events," ''Telegraph Herald'', January 2, 1921, p. 14. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3BReAAAAIBAJ&sjid=FWANAAAAIBAJ&pg=5778,2845061&dq=human+fly+dubuque&hl=en

Randylyon at 02:49, 27 April 2024

2024-04-27T02:49:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:49, 27 April 2024
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	In 1926 Akins operated a gymnasium on O'Hagen Street and gave wrestling and boxing lessons. He also did steeplejack work with his brother. In 1933 he joined the physical department of the [[YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION (Y.M.C.A.)]] as an instructor in tumbling and apparatus work. His class was held Thursday evening from 8:00-9:30 p.m.		In 1926 Akins operated a gymnasium on O'Hagen Street and gave wrestling and boxing lessons. He also did steeplejack work with his brother. In 1933 he joined the physical department of the [[YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION (Y.M.C.A.)]] as an instructor in tumbling and apparatus work. His class was held Thursday evening from 8:00-9:30 p.m.

	In 1934 Akins joined with other local businessmen including Harold H. "Buck" Kunz who served as president to form the [[DUBUQUE AMUSEMENT CORPORATION]]. The company purchased the dance hall at [[UNION PARK]], dismantled the building, moved it to a site near the airport on Sageville Road, and reassembled it. (3) This became [[MELODY MILL]]. (4)		In 1934 Akins joined with other local businessmen including Harold H. "Buck" Kunz who served as president to form the [[DUBUQUE AMUSEMENT CORPORATION]]. The company purchased the dance hall at [[UNION PARK]], dismantled the building, moved it to a site near the airport on Sageville Road, and reassembled it. (4) This became [[MELODY MILL]]. (5)

	[[Image:Human Fly 03.jpg\|right\|thumb\|450px\|Prior to a "climb," Akins' absolved anyone else of responsibility. Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]During Akins' peak popularity, a group of local businessmen hired him as a special attraction and then had a problem deciding which building he should climb. One suggestion was the [[CARNEGIE-STOUT PUBLIC LIBRARY]] because it had more "stories" than any other building in Dubuque.		[[Image:Human Fly 03.jpg\|right\|thumb\|450px\|Prior to a "climb," Akins' absolved anyone else of responsibility. Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]During Akins' peak popularity, a group of local businessmen hired him as a special attraction and then had a problem deciding which building he should climb. One suggestion was the [[CARNEGIE-STOUT PUBLIC LIBRARY]] because it had more "stories" than any other building in Dubuque.
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	4. "Union Park Hall Dance Hall Dismantled; Moved to Airport," ''Telegraph Herald and Times Journal'', Feb. 18,, 1934, p. 3. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Y75BAAAAIBAJ&sjid=xakMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3656,3198470&dq=dubuque+amusement+corporation&hl=en		4. "Union Park Hall Dance Hall Dismantled; Moved to Airport," ''Telegraph Herald and Times Journal'', Feb. 18,, 1934, p. 3. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Y75BAAAAIBAJ&sjid=xakMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3656,3198470&dq=dubuque+amusement+corporation&hl=en

	4. "Huge Dance Palace and Cabaret Will Blaze with Lights and Music," ''Telegraph Herald'', Aug. 5, 1934, p. 6. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Rc5BAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2akMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3055,4522125&dq=everett+akins+dubuque&hl=en		5. "Huge Dance Palace and Cabaret Will Blaze with Lights and Music," ''Telegraph Herald'', Aug. 5, 1934, p. 6. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Rc5BAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2akMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3055,4522125&dq=everett+akins+dubuque&hl=en

Randylyon at 02:48, 27 April 2024

2024-04-27T02:48:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:48, 27 April 2024
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	[[Image:ShortyAkins.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]		[[Image:ShortyAkins.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]
	AKINS, Everett ("Shorty"). (Dubuque, IA, Nov. 5, 1898-Detroit, MI, 1965). Dubuque's "Human Fly." During the "Roaring 20s," "Shorty," a general contractor by trade, was the talk of Dubuque as he successfully scaled the outside of local buildings without ropes, ladders or hooks.		AKINS, Everett ("Shorty"). (Dubuque, IA, Nov. 5, 1898-Detroit, MI, 1965). Dubuque's "Human Fly." During the "Roaring 20s," "Shorty," a general contractor by trade, was the talk of Dubuque as he successfully scaled the outside of local buildings without ropes, ladders or hooks. His early life would not have indicated such an interest or talent.

	~~[[Image:Human Fly 01.jpg\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Atkins can be seen~~ on ~~a trapeze to the right of the courthouse dome. Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]To witness~~ one of ~~his most publicized feats~~, ~~in July 1920, crowds gathered outside~~ the [[DUBUQUE ~~COUNTY COURTHOUSE~~]] ~~as Akins began his ascent~~. ~~Reaching the base of the dome~~, ~~where most spectators expected him to stop, Akins found enough room between the copper plates~~ for ~~his fingers to grasp that he continued on to~~ the ~~top of the building. Akins thrilled the crowd by swinging from a trapeze~~ and ~~dropping backward, catching himself with his feet, while hanging head down. A second performance in~~ the ~~evening drew an even larger crowd. In September 1920~~, ~~Akins scaled the~~ [[~~BANK AND INSURANCE BUILDING~~]] ~~but had to have assistance getting over~~ the ~~upper cornice. (See note written prior to this climb~~.) (1)		Born on Cherry Street as one of four children, Akins worked for the [[DUBUQUE ELECTRIC COMPANY]]. Although there is no evidence that he served, he registered for the [[WORLD WAR I] draft and played catcher for the Dubuque Studebakers, a barnstorming [[BASEBALL]] team of the early twentieth century. (1) It may have been his work as a steeplejack with his brothers in Dubuque that gave him the idea of climbing buildings without assistance.

	Akins joined an air circus in 1921 and went on tour. His act included jumping from one plane to another in the air, walking on the wings, and swinging from a trapeze beneath the plane. During an air show in Farley, Iowa where he was attempting a triple plane change in mid-air, Akins' hands became numb from the cold. (2) When he could not climb back into the plane, Akins had to be rescued by another plane that flew beneath him and cut him free of the rope from which he hung~~. The same year he was playing catcher for the Studebakers, a local [[BASEBALL]] team~~.		[[Image:Human Fly 01.jpg\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Atkins can be seen on a trapeze to the right of the courthouse dome. Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]To witness one of his most publicized feats, in July 1920, crowds gathered outside the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY COURTHOUSE]] as Akins began his ascent. Reaching the base of the dome, where most spectators expected him to stop, Akins found enough room between the copper plates for his fingers to grasp that he continued on to the top of the building. Akins thrilled the crowd by swinging from a trapeze and dropping backward, catching himself with his feet, while hanging head down. A second performance in the evening drew an even larger crowd. In September 1920, Akins scaled the [[BANK AND INSURANCE BUILDING]] but had to have assistance getting over the upper cornice. (See note written prior to this climb.) (2)

			Akins joined an air circus in 1921 and went on tour. His act included jumping from one plane to another in the air, walking on the wings, and swinging from a trapeze beneath the plane. During an air show in Farley, Iowa where he was attempting a triple plane change in mid-air, Akins' hands became numb from the cold. (3) When he could not climb back into the plane, Akins had to be rescued by another plane that flew beneath him and cut him free of the rope from which he hung.

	In 1926 Akins operated a gymnasium on O'Hagen Street and gave wrestling and boxing lessons. He also did steeplejack work with his brother. In 1933 he joined the physical department of the [[YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION (Y.M.C.A.)]] as an instructor in tumbling and apparatus work. His class was held Thursday evening from 8:00-9:30 p.m.		In 1926 Akins operated a gymnasium on O'Hagen Street and gave wrestling and boxing lessons. He also did steeplejack work with his brother. In 1933 he joined the physical department of the [[YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION (Y.M.C.A.)]] as an instructor in tumbling and apparatus work. His class was held Thursday evening from 8:00-9:30 p.m.
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	Source:		Source:

	1. "The Year's Events," ''Telegraph Herald'', January 2, 1921, p. 14. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3BReAAAAIBAJ&sjid=FWANAAAAIBAJ&pg=5778,2845061&dq=human+fly+dubuque&hl=en		1. London, Michelle, "Dubuque's 'Human Fly' Led a Life of Adventure," August 20, 2023, p. 42

			2. "The Year's Events," ''Telegraph Herald'', January 2, 1921, p. 14. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3BReAAAAIBAJ&sjid=FWANAAAAIBAJ&pg=5778,2845061&dq=human+fly+dubuque&hl=en

	2. "Big Air Meet and Circus at Farley, Iowa," Telegraph Herald~~''Italic text~~'', Sept. 18, 1921, p. 9. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-5RSAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8MsMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3818,7143286&dq=human+fly+dubuque&hl=en		3. "Big Air Meet and Circus at Farley, Iowa," ''Telegraph Herald'', Sept. 18, 1921, p. 9. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-5RSAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8MsMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3818,7143286&dq=human+fly+dubuque&hl=en

	3. "Union Park Hall Dance Hall Dismantled; Moved to Airport," ''Telegraph Herald and Times Journal'', Feb. 18,, 1934, p. 3. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Y75BAAAAIBAJ&sjid=xakMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3656,3198470&dq=dubuque+amusement+corporation&hl=en		4. "Union Park Hall Dance Hall Dismantled; Moved to Airport," ''Telegraph Herald and Times Journal'', Feb. 18,, 1934, p. 3. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Y75BAAAAIBAJ&sjid=xakMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3656,3198470&dq=dubuque+amusement+corporation&hl=en

	4. "Huge Dance Palace and Cabaret Will Blaze with Lights and Music," ''Telegraph Herald'', Aug. 5, 1934, p. 6. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Rc5BAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2akMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3055,4522125&dq=everett+akins+dubuque&hl=en		4. "Huge Dance Palace and Cabaret Will Blaze with Lights and Music," ''Telegraph Herald'', Aug. 5, 1934, p. 6. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Rc5BAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2akMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3055,4522125&dq=everett+akins+dubuque&hl=en

Randylyon at 00:43, 21 August 2023

2023-08-21T00:43:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:43, 21 August 2023
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	[[Image:ShortyAkins.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]		[[Image:ShortyAkins.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]
	AKINS, Everett ("Shorty"). (Dubuque, IA-Detroit, MI, 1965). Dubuque's "Human Fly." During the "Roaring 20s," "Shorty," a general contractor by trade, was the talk of Dubuque as he successfully scaled the outside of local buildings without ropes, ladders or hooks.		AKINS, Everett ("Shorty"). (Dubuque, IA, Nov. 5, 1898-Detroit, MI, 1965). Dubuque's "Human Fly." During the "Roaring 20s," "Shorty," a general contractor by trade, was the talk of Dubuque as he successfully scaled the outside of local buildings without ropes, ladders or hooks.

	[[Image:Human Fly 01.jpg\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Atkins can be seen on a trapeze to the right of the courthouse dome. Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]To witness one of his most publicized feats, in July 1920, crowds gathered outside the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY COURTHOUSE]] as Akins began his ascent. Reaching the base of the dome, where most spectators expected him to stop, Akins found enough room between the copper plates for his fingers to grasp that he continued on to the top of the building. Akins thrilled the crowd by swinging from a trapeze and dropping backward, catching himself with his feet, while hanging head down. A second performance in the evening drew an even larger crowd. In September 1920, Akins scaled the [[BANK AND INSURANCE BUILDING]] but had to have assistance getting over the upper cornice. (See note written prior to this climb.) (1)		[[Image:Human Fly 01.jpg\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Atkins can be seen on a trapeze to the right of the courthouse dome. Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]To witness one of his most publicized feats, in July 1920, crowds gathered outside the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY COURTHOUSE]] as Akins began his ascent. Reaching the base of the dome, where most spectators expected him to stop, Akins found enough room between the copper plates for his fingers to grasp that he continued on to the top of the building. Akins thrilled the crowd by swinging from a trapeze and dropping backward, catching himself with his feet, while hanging head down. A second performance in the evening drew an even larger crowd. In September 1920, Akins scaled the [[BANK AND INSURANCE BUILDING]] but had to have assistance getting over the upper cornice. (See note written prior to this climb.) (1)
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	4. "Huge Dance Palace and Cabaret Will Blaze with Lights and Music," ''Telegraph Herald'', Aug. 5, 1934, p. 6. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Rc5BAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2akMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3055,4522125&dq=everett+akins+dubuque&hl=en		4. "Huge Dance Palace and Cabaret Will Blaze with Lights and Music," ''Telegraph Herald'', Aug. 5, 1934, p. 6. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Rc5BAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2akMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3055,4522125&dq=everett+akins+dubuque&hl=en


	[[Category: Entertainers]]		[[Category: Entertainers]]
	[[Category: Firsts]]		[[Category: Firsts]]
	[[Category: Contractor]]		[[Category: Contractor]]

Randylyon at 17:22, 16 February 2023

2023-02-16T17:22:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:22, 16 February 2023
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	AKINS, Everett ("Shorty"). (Dubuque, IA-Detroit, MI, 1965). Dubuque's "Human Fly." During the "Roaring 20s," "Shorty," a general contractor by trade, was the talk of Dubuque as he successfully scaled the outside of local buildings without ropes, ladders or hooks.		AKINS, Everett ("Shorty"). (Dubuque, IA-Detroit, MI, 1965). Dubuque's "Human Fly." During the "Roaring 20s," "Shorty," a general contractor by trade, was the talk of Dubuque as he successfully scaled the outside of local buildings without ropes, ladders or hooks.

	[[Image:Human Fly 01.jpg\|left\|thumb\|~~150px~~\|Atkins can be seen on a trapeze to the right of the courthouse dome. Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]To witness one of his most publicized feats, in July 1920, crowds gathered outside the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY COURTHOUSE]] as Akins began his ascent. Reaching the base of the dome, where most spectators expected him to stop, Akins found enough room between the copper plates for his fingers to grasp that he continued on to the top of the building. Akins thrilled the crowd by swinging from a trapeze and dropping backward, catching himself with his feet, while hanging head down. A second performance in the evening drew an even larger crowd. In September 1920, Akins scaled the [[BANK AND INSURANCE BUILDING]] but had to have assistance getting over the upper cornice. (See note written prior to this climb.) (1)		[[Image:Human Fly 01.jpg\|left\|thumb\|350px\|Atkins can be seen on a trapeze to the right of the courthouse dome. Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]To witness one of his most publicized feats, in July 1920, crowds gathered outside the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY COURTHOUSE]] as Akins began his ascent. Reaching the base of the dome, where most spectators expected him to stop, Akins found enough room between the copper plates for his fingers to grasp that he continued on to the top of the building. Akins thrilled the crowd by swinging from a trapeze and dropping backward, catching himself with his feet, while hanging head down. A second performance in the evening drew an even larger crowd. In September 1920, Akins scaled the [[BANK AND INSURANCE BUILDING]] but had to have assistance getting over the upper cornice. (See note written prior to this climb.) (1)

	Akins joined an air circus in 1921 and went on tour. His act included jumping from one plane to another in the air, walking on the wings, and swinging from a trapeze beneath the plane. During an air show in Farley, Iowa where he was attempting a triple plane change in mid-air, Akins' hands became numb from the cold. (2) When he could not climb back into the plane, Akins had to be rescued by another plane that flew beneath him and cut him free of the rope from which he hung. The same year he was playing catcher for the Studebakers, a local [[BASEBALL]] team.		Akins joined an air circus in 1921 and went on tour. His act included jumping from one plane to another in the air, walking on the wings, and swinging from a trapeze beneath the plane. During an air show in Farley, Iowa where he was attempting a triple plane change in mid-air, Akins' hands became numb from the cold. (2) When he could not climb back into the plane, Akins had to be rescued by another plane that flew beneath him and cut him free of the rope from which he hung. The same year he was playing catcher for the Studebakers, a local [[BASEBALL]] team.

Randylyon at 17:21, 16 February 2023

2023-02-16T17:21:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:21, 16 February 2023
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	[[Image:ShortyAkins.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]		[[Image:ShortyAkins.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]
	~~[[Image:HF.jpg\|right\|thumb\|350px\|Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]~~AKINS, Everett ("Shorty"). (Dubuque, IA-Detroit, MI, 1965). Dubuque's "Human Fly." During the "Roaring 20s," "Shorty," a general contractor by trade, was the talk of Dubuque as he successfully scaled the outside of local buildings without ropes, ladders or hooks.		AKINS, Everett ("Shorty"). (Dubuque, IA-Detroit, MI, 1965). Dubuque's "Human Fly." During the "Roaring 20s," "Shorty," a general contractor by trade, was the talk of Dubuque as he successfully scaled the outside of local buildings without ropes, ladders or hooks.

	[[Image:Human Fly 01.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Atkins can be seen on a trapeze to the right of the courthouse dome. Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]To witness one of his most publicized feats, in July 1920, crowds gathered outside the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY COURTHOUSE]] as Akins began his ascent. Reaching the base of the dome, where most spectators expected him to stop, Akins found enough room between the copper plates for his fingers to grasp that he continued on to the top of the building. Akins thrilled the crowd by swinging from a trapeze and dropping backward, catching himself with his feet, while hanging head down. A second performance in the evening drew an even larger crowd. In September 1920, Akins scaled the [[BANK AND INSURANCE BUILDING]] but had to have assistance getting over the upper cornice. (See note written prior to this climb.) (1)		[[Image:Human Fly 01.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Atkins can be seen on a trapeze to the right of the courthouse dome. Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]To witness one of his most publicized feats, in July 1920, crowds gathered outside the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY COURTHOUSE]] as Akins began his ascent. Reaching the base of the dome, where most spectators expected him to stop, Akins found enough room between the copper plates for his fingers to grasp that he continued on to the top of the building. Akins thrilled the crowd by swinging from a trapeze and dropping backward, catching himself with his feet, while hanging head down. A second performance in the evening drew an even larger crowd. In September 1920, Akins scaled the [[BANK AND INSURANCE BUILDING]] but had to have assistance getting over the upper cornice. (See note written prior to this climb.) (1)

Randylyon at 17:19, 16 February 2023

2023-02-16T17:19:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:19, 16 February 2023
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	[[Image:ShortyAkins.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]		[[Image:ShortyAkins.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]
	[[Image:HF.~~png~~\|right\|thumb\|350px\|Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]AKINS, Everett ("Shorty"). (Dubuque, IA-Detroit, MI, 1965). Dubuque's "Human Fly." During the "Roaring 20s," "Shorty," a general contractor by trade, was the talk of Dubuque as he successfully scaled the outside of local buildings without ropes, ladders or hooks.		[[Image:HF.jpg\|right\|thumb\|350px\|Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]AKINS, Everett ("Shorty"). (Dubuque, IA-Detroit, MI, 1965). Dubuque's "Human Fly." During the "Roaring 20s," "Shorty," a general contractor by trade, was the talk of Dubuque as he successfully scaled the outside of local buildings without ropes, ladders or hooks.

	[[Image:Human Fly 01.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Atkins can be seen on a trapeze to the right of the courthouse dome. Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]To witness one of his most publicized feats, in July 1920, crowds gathered outside the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY COURTHOUSE]] as Akins began his ascent. Reaching the base of the dome, where most spectators expected him to stop, Akins found enough room between the copper plates for his fingers to grasp that he continued on to the top of the building. Akins thrilled the crowd by swinging from a trapeze and dropping backward, catching himself with his feet, while hanging head down. A second performance in the evening drew an even larger crowd. In September 1920, Akins scaled the [[BANK AND INSURANCE BUILDING]] but had to have assistance getting over the upper cornice. (See note written prior to this climb.) (1)		[[Image:Human Fly 01.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Atkins can be seen on a trapeze to the right of the courthouse dome. Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]To witness one of his most publicized feats, in July 1920, crowds gathered outside the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY COURTHOUSE]] as Akins began his ascent. Reaching the base of the dome, where most spectators expected him to stop, Akins found enough room between the copper plates for his fingers to grasp that he continued on to the top of the building. Akins thrilled the crowd by swinging from a trapeze and dropping backward, catching himself with his feet, while hanging head down. A second performance in the evening drew an even larger crowd. In September 1920, Akins scaled the [[BANK AND INSURANCE BUILDING]] but had to have assistance getting over the upper cornice. (See note written prior to this climb.) (1)

Randylyon at 16:21, 16 February 2023

2023-02-16T16:21:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:21, 16 February 2023
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Image:ShortyAkins.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]		[[Image:ShortyAkins.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]
	[[Image:~~Akins3~~.png\|right\|thumb\|350px\|Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]AKINS, Everett ("Shorty"). (Dubuque, IA-Detroit, MI, 1965). Dubuque's "Human Fly." During the "Roaring 20s," "Shorty," a general contractor by trade, was the talk of Dubuque as he successfully scaled the outside of local buildings without ropes, ladders or hooks.		[[Image:HF.png\|right\|thumb\|350px\|Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]AKINS, Everett ("Shorty"). (Dubuque, IA-Detroit, MI, 1965). Dubuque's "Human Fly." During the "Roaring 20s," "Shorty," a general contractor by trade, was the talk of Dubuque as he successfully scaled the outside of local buildings without ropes, ladders or hooks.

	[[Image:Human Fly 01.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Atkins can be seen on a trapeze to the right of the courthouse dome. Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]To witness one of his most publicized feats, in July 1920, crowds gathered outside the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY COURTHOUSE]] as Akins began his ascent. Reaching the base of the dome, where most spectators expected him to stop, Akins found enough room between the copper plates for his fingers to grasp that he continued on to the top of the building. Akins thrilled the crowd by swinging from a trapeze and dropping backward, catching himself with his feet, while hanging head down. A second performance in the evening drew an even larger crowd. In September 1920, Akins scaled the [[BANK AND INSURANCE BUILDING]] but had to have assistance getting over the upper cornice. (See note written prior to this climb.) (1)		[[Image:Human Fly 01.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Atkins can be seen on a trapeze to the right of the courthouse dome. Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]To witness one of his most publicized feats, in July 1920, crowds gathered outside the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY COURTHOUSE]] as Akins began his ascent. Reaching the base of the dome, where most spectators expected him to stop, Akins found enough room between the copper plates for his fingers to grasp that he continued on to the top of the building. Akins thrilled the crowd by swinging from a trapeze and dropping backward, catching himself with his feet, while hanging head down. A second performance in the evening drew an even larger crowd. In September 1920, Akins scaled the [[BANK AND INSURANCE BUILDING]] but had to have assistance getting over the upper cornice. (See note written prior to this climb.) (1)

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:19, 16 February 2023
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Image:ShortyAkins.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]		[[Image:ShortyAkins.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]
	[[Image:HF.~~png~~\|right\|thumb\|350px\|Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]AKINS, Everett ("Shorty"). (Dubuque, IA-Detroit, MI, 1965). Dubuque's "Human Fly." During the "Roaring 20s," "Shorty," a general contractor by trade, was the talk of Dubuque as he successfully scaled the outside of local buildings without ropes, ladders or hooks.		[[Image:HF.jpg\|right\|thumb\|350px\|Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]AKINS, Everett ("Shorty"). (Dubuque, IA-Detroit, MI, 1965). Dubuque's "Human Fly." During the "Roaring 20s," "Shorty," a general contractor by trade, was the talk of Dubuque as he successfully scaled the outside of local buildings without ropes, ladders or hooks.

	[[Image:Human Fly 01.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Atkins can be seen on a trapeze to the right of the courthouse dome. Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]To witness one of his most publicized feats, in July 1920, crowds gathered outside the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY COURTHOUSE]] as Akins began his ascent. Reaching the base of the dome, where most spectators expected him to stop, Akins found enough room between the copper plates for his fingers to grasp that he continued on to the top of the building. Akins thrilled the crowd by swinging from a trapeze and dropping backward, catching himself with his feet, while hanging head down. A second performance in the evening drew an even larger crowd. In September 1920, Akins scaled the [[BANK AND INSURANCE BUILDING]] but had to have assistance getting over the upper cornice. (See note written prior to this climb.) (1)		[[Image:Human Fly 01.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Atkins can be seen on a trapeze to the right of the courthouse dome. Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]To witness one of his most publicized feats, in July 1920, crowds gathered outside the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY COURTHOUSE]] as Akins began his ascent. Reaching the base of the dome, where most spectators expected him to stop, Akins found enough room between the copper plates for his fingers to grasp that he continued on to the top of the building. Akins thrilled the crowd by swinging from a trapeze and dropping backward, catching himself with his feet, while hanging head down. A second performance in the evening drew an even larger crowd. In September 1920, Akins scaled the [[BANK AND INSURANCE BUILDING]] but had to have assistance getting over the upper cornice. (See note written prior to this climb.) (1)

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:21, 16 February 2023
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Image:ShortyAkins.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]		[[Image:ShortyAkins.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]
	[[Image:~~Akins3~~.png\|right\|thumb\|350px\|Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]AKINS, Everett ("Shorty"). (Dubuque, IA-Detroit, MI, 1965). Dubuque's "Human Fly." During the "Roaring 20s," "Shorty," a general contractor by trade, was the talk of Dubuque as he successfully scaled the outside of local buildings without ropes, ladders or hooks.		[[Image:HF.png\|right\|thumb\|350px\|Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]AKINS, Everett ("Shorty"). (Dubuque, IA-Detroit, MI, 1965). Dubuque's "Human Fly." During the "Roaring 20s," "Shorty," a general contractor by trade, was the talk of Dubuque as he successfully scaled the outside of local buildings without ropes, ladders or hooks.

	[[Image:Human Fly 01.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Atkins can be seen on a trapeze to the right of the courthouse dome. Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]To witness one of his most publicized feats, in July 1920, crowds gathered outside the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY COURTHOUSE]] as Akins began his ascent. Reaching the base of the dome, where most spectators expected him to stop, Akins found enough room between the copper plates for his fingers to grasp that he continued on to the top of the building. Akins thrilled the crowd by swinging from a trapeze and dropping backward, catching himself with his feet, while hanging head down. A second performance in the evening drew an even larger crowd. In September 1920, Akins scaled the [[BANK AND INSURANCE BUILDING]] but had to have assistance getting over the upper cornice. (See note written prior to this climb.) (1)		[[Image:Human Fly 01.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Atkins can be seen on a trapeze to the right of the courthouse dome. Photo courtesy: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium-Captain William D. Bowell, Sr. River Library-James Wall-Wild, Registrar]]To witness one of his most publicized feats, in July 1920, crowds gathered outside the [[DUBUQUE COUNTY COURTHOUSE]] as Akins began his ascent. Reaching the base of the dome, where most spectators expected him to stop, Akins found enough room between the copper plates for his fingers to grasp that he continued on to the top of the building. Akins thrilled the crowd by swinging from a trapeze and dropping backward, catching himself with his feet, while hanging head down. A second performance in the evening drew an even larger crowd. In September 1920, Akins scaled the [[BANK AND INSURANCE BUILDING]] but had to have assistance getting over the upper cornice. (See note written prior to this climb.) (1)