What did Farini invent?

American Civil War. Farini joined the Union Army as a member of the Engineers Regiment. He later claimed to have served as a spy. During the war, he designed a rope bridge that could be easily put up and a pair of pontoon shoes designed to allow a person to walk on water.

Who is Blondin and Farini?

William Leonard Hunt, otherwise known as the Great Farini, was born in Lockport, New York. He was a long time rival of The Great Blondin, although he never reached the same fame level as Blondin. William Hunt changed his name to Signor Guillermo Antonio Farini. He would quickly become known as “The Great Farini”.

What did the Great Farini do for a living?

In the latter half of the 19 th century and beginning of the 20th, Hunt was known as The Great Farini, and while he received the most attention for high wire stunts over Niagara Falls, he also achieved success as a circus impresario, world traveler, author, inventor, businessman, and painter.

When did the Great Farini cross Niagara Falls?

The Great Farini made his most famous tightrope performances at Niagara Falls during 1860, commencing on August 15, trying to one-up Blondin, who had been the first to cross the Falls on a tightrope.

Where did the Great Farini walk on a tightrope?

So he became Signor Guillermo Antonio Farini, or The Great Farini. He announced that on October 1, 1859, he would walk between two buildings along a tightrope stretched about 80 feet above the Ganaraska River. On that day, a crowd of thousands came to Port Hope to see the spectacle.

When did William Farini and his wife divorce?

The Farinis separated in 1878 and divorced very publicly in 1880. In March 1881, Farini returned to the United States from London with costumes from all over the world and planned to form a massive circus with William C. Coup. By 1882, he was arranging many of the entertainments at the Royal Aquarium in London.