Maria Spelterini
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Maria Spelterini (whose last name is sometimes spelled as Spelterina), born about 1853, was an Italian tightrope walker who was the first and only woman to cross the Niagara gorge on a tightrope.
On her crossing of Niagara, she walked backwards, put a paper bag over her head, and wore peach baskets on her feet.
She also toured Europe, performing at Moscow, St. Petersburg, Saint Aubin on the Island of Jersey (August, 1872), and Catalan (24 August 1873).
An article appeared in the French paper L'Univers Illustre in October, 1873, showing her crossing the harbour at St. Aubin, Jersey and her portrait.
[edit] External links
- Images of Maria Spelterina tightrope walking over Niagara Falls Niagara Falls Public Library (Ont.)
- A History of Stunting at Niagara
