Harry Gardiner

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Harry H. Gardiner

"Human Fly" redirects here. For the fictional character, see Human Fly (comics).

Harry H. Gardiner (1871-?), better known as the Human Fly, was an American man famous for climbing buildings. He began climbing in 1905, and had had successfully climbed over 700 buildings in Europe and North America by the time of his death, usually wearing ordinary street clothes and used no special equipment. As such, he was the first urban climber or builderer in recorded history.

[edit] Climbs

Some of the famous climbs Gardiner performed:

October 7, 1916 in Detroit - The Detroit News had hired Gardiner to attract attention to the News' ad-taking office by climbing up the 12 story Majestic Building at 12:15 PM. He wore all white, tennis shoes and rimless spectacles.

November 11, 1918 in Hamilton - Gardiner climbed the Bank of Hamilton building to celebrate the end of World War I. While climbing the side of the building, Gardiner stuck his head into one of the open windows and signed some insurance papers. He also purchased a $1,000 bond. The 47-year-old professional Fly admitted that he had to try for insurance at the Bank of Hamilton because it had so far been impossible for him to gain insurance elsewhere, since he was considered a high risk. This spectacle brought much attention to the Bank of Hamilton.

1918 in Vancouver - Gardiner climbed up the outside of the 17 story World Building known today as the Sun Tower. The Vancouver World newspaper was published in this building at the time.