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Story
August 19, 1885
The Washington Critic
Washington, District Of Columbia
What is this article about?
In Troy, NY, on August 18, Lewis Potter, a notorious steeple climber, jumped from the top of the iron lattice bridge over the Hudson River while intoxicated, survived the plunge feet-first, swam to shore, and was arrested by Officer Reardon.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
Another Foolhardy Leaper.
Troy, N. Y. Aug. 19. Yesterday it was reported that in the afternoon Lewis Potter of this city, who has attained some notoriety as a steeple climber, would jump into the Hudson from the top span of the iron lattice crossing the river. At 2 o'clock a large crowd collected on the bridge. The police being attracted notified the Lansingburg police to be on hand, and an officer was also dispatched from this city. Potter appeared a little ahead of time and before the police arrived was slightly intoxicated. He was dressed in black breeches, a flannel shirt and a straw hat. When the Cohoes officer was seen approaching, Potter, as if fearing arrest, climbed to the uppermost spar of the bridge. For a moment he gazed at the people below and then sprang forward. A stifled murmur was heard from the crowd, who expected that he would be killed. Feet first Potter disappeared beneath the water, and in a few seconds appeared on the surface pretty well exhausted. He swam ashore and was arrested by Officer Reardon and escorted to the police station, a large crowd following.
Potter was asked if he wanted to kill himself and replied: "No. I only wanted to see if I could jump from that height."
Troy, N. Y. Aug. 19. Yesterday it was reported that in the afternoon Lewis Potter of this city, who has attained some notoriety as a steeple climber, would jump into the Hudson from the top span of the iron lattice crossing the river. At 2 o'clock a large crowd collected on the bridge. The police being attracted notified the Lansingburg police to be on hand, and an officer was also dispatched from this city. Potter appeared a little ahead of time and before the police arrived was slightly intoxicated. He was dressed in black breeches, a flannel shirt and a straw hat. When the Cohoes officer was seen approaching, Potter, as if fearing arrest, climbed to the uppermost spar of the bridge. For a moment he gazed at the people below and then sprang forward. A stifled murmur was heard from the crowd, who expected that he would be killed. Feet first Potter disappeared beneath the water, and in a few seconds appeared on the surface pretty well exhausted. He swam ashore and was arrested by Officer Reardon and escorted to the police station, a large crowd following.
Potter was asked if he wanted to kill himself and replied: "No. I only wanted to see if I could jump from that height."
What sub-type of article is it?
Extraordinary Event
Curiosity
Survival
What themes does it cover?
Survival
Madness
Triumph
What keywords are associated?
Bridge Jump
Hudson River
Lewis Potter
Steeple Climber
Arrest
Intoxicated
Crowd
What entities or persons were involved?
Lewis Potter
Officer Reardon
Where did it happen?
Troy, N. Y., Iron Lattice Bridge Over The Hudson River
Story Details
Key Persons
Lewis Potter
Officer Reardon
Location
Troy, N. Y., Iron Lattice Bridge Over The Hudson River
Event Date
Aug. 18
Story Details
Lewis Potter, slightly intoxicated, jumped from the top spar of the bridge into the Hudson to test if he could survive the height, emerged exhausted, swam ashore, and was arrested.