Seven-year-old boy survives fall over the Niagara Falls
If your parents raised you on CBC Radio, you’ve probably heard Stuart McLean’s voice once or twice, particularly on his show, The Vinyl Cafe, whose official instrument is the yukelele and whose motto is “we might not be big but we’re small.”
Recently, before starting a new season after a summer break, he replayed some of his favourite stories from 2007/08. I heard this one night last week and was so glad to discover it was available online. You can listen to the entire broadcast (and you should – it’s really awesome) but what caught my attention most was the Roger Woodward Story.
I wont say much about it except for it’s a true story about a seven year old who fell over the Niagara Falls and survived. Stuart McLean, to me, is a sort of radio equivalent of Norman Rockwell and Jimmy Stewart in It’s a Wonderful Life. His stories rely on a lot of details to establish a sense of truth and honesty but within these details is a creative talent that aurally livens everyday life to a point where reality seems magical. Granted, falling over the Niagara Falls has a difficult time being classed in the category of “everyday life”
The story itself is great but it’s what happens after the story is told that really clinches the story. In a way, I’m sceptical of the spontaneity of the whole thing but overall, as a piece of creative radio journalism, it’s pretty brilliant.
Download it here 21.2mb / 18:29
I’ve never personally been to Niagara Falls but as it is one of the most photographed locations on the planet, we all sort of know what it looks like. I enjoy the Bird’s Eye View from Microsoft Maps.
In other waterfall news, the Victoria Falls, straddling Zambia and Zimbabwe seems to be another prime spot to check out. In September and December, you can friggin swim at the edge without falling over.
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when this happen?
Comment by stfaby — June 25, 2009 #