SIGNOR GUILLERMO ANTONIO FARINI
“THE GREAT FARINI”
AKA William Leonard Hunt
1860
(Survived)
During the early summer of 1860, a young 22-year-old Hunt watched as Blondin made his way across the Niagara and decided to pursue a career as a rope walker. William Hunt changed his name to Signor Guillermo Antonio Farini and quickly become known as “The Great Farini.”
Farini first crossed Niagara Falls on August 15, 1860. In the weeks that followed, Farini matched or surpassed each of Blondin’s performances. Farini balanced himself on his head, hung from the tightrope by his toes and carried a person across the Niagara on his back.
His final attempt in August 1864 was unsuccessful. He injured his leg when one of the stilts he was wearing broke. In 1866, Farini took his tightrope and circus act to England, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
Farini was more than a showman; he was the genius behind hundreds of innovations, from folding theatre seats to the modern parachute. He was an explorer to southern Africa, wrote several books, was an expert botanist and an accomplished artist.
The Great Farini died in January of 1929 at the age of 91 years. Farini is buried in Port Hope, Ontario.
Mississauga To Niagara Falls Day Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Mississauga To Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Niagara Falls Canada Helicopter Tour
Toronto To Niagara Falls Day Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Toronto To Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Oakville To Niagara Falls Day Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Oakville To Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
