Eugene Waddell


On August 21st, 1934, with the news reel cameras rolling, the Jackson Trio balanced precariously on a ledge of the 86th floor of the Empire State Building while this famous picture was taken. The Jackson Trio got their start opening for Houdini on the vaudeville circuit and when in New York, the trio always trained at Sig Klein’s Gym!
In either case, this feat, accomplished by amateur handbalancer Miles Hayes, of Mansfield, Ohio, is still quite impressive (but definitely don’t try this one at home folks.)
They say that the York picnics were so popular that cars were parked three quarters of a mile in every direction. Hoffman’s house is still there and you can see it if you know where to look.
Pictured above is one of his most famous feats: Jones began in a full handstand position with an Indian club underneath each fingertip.
One by one, he flicked away each Indian club until he was balancing on his thumbs alone, an absolutely mind blowing feat of strength and dexterity.