#19: Window Washer of the Empire State Building, 1936

You might be able to guess what building this extremely calm window washer is hanging off, but I’ll save you the effort and just tell you that this is the Empire State Building in the 1930s, a mere five years after its construction was completed. You have to marvel at the bravery required of these window washers.

You also have to marvel at the simplicity of the provided protective equipment. This man is simply connected to the window ledge by two ropes attached to a harness. Does he have to climb out of each window and attach himself? Just the thought of it makes me queasy.