| On October 5, 1985 , two months after his first attempt to conquer the Horseshoe
Falls was foiled by the Niagara Parks Police, John "David" Monday finally succeeded.
Dressed in blue coveralls, this 48-year-old mechanic from Caistor Centre made
his trip in a seven foot long, four foot diameter steel barrel. Lined with aluminum
separated by foam, it was painted silver with a red maple leaf on the outside.
His barrel, which included video and radio equipment, cost him $16,000 to build.
After the plunge, Munday's barrel was retrieved by his assistants below the Falls
just outside the observation platform of the Table Rock Scenic Tunnels. Emerging
from his barrel and climbing up over the slippery rocks, he was cheered by his
crew and a few local members of the news media. Munday was the tenth person to
survive the trip.
On July 15,1990 Munday once again attempted to go over the Horseshoe Falls
in a "no frills" 179kg (394lb) steel barrel. The barrel became stranded by low
water on the brink of the Falls and was eventually fished out by a cable attached
to a crane.
On September 27,1993 John"Dave"Monday became the first person to go over the Falls
twice. The 56 year old man accomplished his feat using a red and white home-made
steel barrel.
At 8:35 a.m. Munday's 1.2m diameter steel ball, complete with a red maple
leaf painted on the side, floated to the brink and plunged 55m into the churning
waters below.
He entered the water about 100m above the falls. It took approximately five
seconds to make the plunge. Once over the Falls, the barrel was towed by the Little
Maid to the Maid of the Mist dock. Before emerging, he remained in the barrel
approximately 45 minutes. He sustained no major injuries and he refused to go
to the hospital. Munday was not wearing a protective helmet and there was only
a 2 inch layer of padding inside the ball to soften the impact.
 |
Travel Niagara would like to thank
Royal Specialty Sales for their gracious assistance
in this production of our daredevil gallery. During your stay in Niagara Falls
be sure to pick up a copy of their most recent publication
The Magic of Niagara by noted Niagara watcher
George Bailey. |
Make The Magic of Niagara a great memento of
your visit to Niagara Falls. 65 fully illustrated pages detailing Niagara's glorious
past. Available at gift shops throughout the Niagara Region. |
