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One of History’s Most Famous New Yorkers
First Man to Jump off the Brooklyn Bridge
BRODIE, Steve (1856-1901). 19TH Century Daredevil, Champion Bridge Jumper of the World, popular actor. On July 23, 1886 he jumped off the Brooklyn Bridge and survived. The jump was from a height of 135 feet, equal to jumping from a 14 story building. This stunt was attempted just a year before in May 1885 by Robert Emmet Odlum but he did not survive. Brodie capitalized on his reputation appearing in vaudeville and musicals in the Bowery. In 1933, Brodie was portrayed by George Raft in the film “The Bowery.” Steve Brodie’s very rare business card which depicts his portrait, his name and states that he is the Champion Bridge Jumper of the World. In addition it states: “Will Appear Season 96-97 in Thos. H. Davis’ Sterling Comedy Drama On The Bowery.” Boldly signed and dated : “Sunday, Feb.7, 1897” on the verso of this card. In excellent condition. The expression “take a Brodie” or “do a Brodie” refers to Steve Brodie. Brodie lived to be only 45 years old and his autograph is extremely scarce.....................SOLD
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