I used to have this picture on my wall several years ago. It always fascinated me about just how these men were able to perch on such a small piece of metal, so high up with so little support. That was the only thought that ever crossed my mind. However recent I have been listening to some Radio 4 footage about the time and days that were captured in this photograph.
After the great depression, much similar to the recession today, there was something of a building boom in New York. Akin to what is happening in Dubai now it was a case of the taller the building the better. Skyscrapers were being built at a phenomenal rate and what happened in the late 1930’s early 40’s would change the way buildings were built forever.
Workers like the men above were poor, underpaid, often ill yet they knew at that time the most important thing they could do was to work. Often several hundred feet in the air, no safety ropes, no fluorescent jackets or helmets, just hob nailed boots, whatever sandwiches they could make and a happy attitude to just be earning.
I find this period of history fascinating, its largely ignored due to the fact it was sandwiched inbetween the two World Wars of the 20th century but it was a time of prosperity, of hope, optimism and dedication to providing a lasting legacy.
Here is a link below. Its worth viewing.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/7858777.stm