Columbus Circle ca. 1918

Max Schreyer traveled around the United States and Europe making a name for himself by riding a bicycle down a wooden chute, launching himself into the air and landing in a tank of water. Photographer William Hassler was there for the event at Broadway and 59th Street on November 27, 1918. Schreyer succeeded on that day, but six months later, performing in Van Cortlandt Park, his famous “Leap of Death” finally proved fatal