Tom Raymondson photography

Lunch atop a Skyscraper

Time Machine Edition.

My “The Making of a Photograph” has taken on a life of its own. I learned that three of the workers on the beam have been positively identified: third from left, Joseph Eckner; third from right, Joe Curtis; and far right, Gustav Popovic. The identities of the other men have been variously claimed but never proven. What is not widely known is that all eleven, plus the parrot, formed a bond that lasted a lifetime and led them to share many memorable moments together.

For instance, they loved to go to the movies.

In 1954 they were at the Polo Grounds for “The Catch”.

And then in 1965 they were ringside for the Ali-Liston rematch.

1969 was a busy year for the boys. First, they stowed away on Apollo 11 and thoroughly enjoyed their time on the moon.

When they returned to earth they arrived at Abbey Road just in time for the famous album cover shoot.

Later that summer they were spotted at Woodstock.

They went their separate ways for several decades but were reunited for a Pat Metheny concert in 2010.

They also enjoyed New Years together in 2012.

Having so much enjoyed their time together over the years, in 2020 they got into a time machine for one more get-together on January 20, 2021.