Maria Spelterini

Maria Spelterini (July 7, 1853 - October 19, 1912) was an Italian tightrope walker who was the only woman to cross the Niagara gorge on a tightrope, which she did on July 8, 1876 as part of a celebration of the U.S. Centennial. She used two and a quarter inch wire and crossed just north of the lower suspension bridge. She crossed again on July 12, 1876, this time wearing peach baskets strapped to her feet, just because she could. She crossed blindfolded on July 19, and for good measure, on July 22, she crossed with her ankles and wrists manacled. She was famous for wearing outrageous costumes.

Spelterini had previously toured Europe, performing at Moscos (crossing the Moskva River), St. Petersburg (crossing the river Neva), Saint Aubin on the Island of Jersey (August, 1872), and Catalan (August 24, 1873). In a May 5, 1877 performance in Rosario, Argentina, she survived a fall while riding a velocipede (bicycle) that malfunctioned on a wire.

And yes, she eventually became the "A" in our little logo for this campaign! 💜