The Thrilling Life and Times of Oregon's Original Daredevil, Al Fausett
Al Fausett, born in 1879, is a name that resonates with adventure and courage, as his ventures awarded him the title of Oregon's Original Daredevil. His unique exploits, primarily involving daring jumps over Oregon waterfalls in the 1920s, spotlighted him as a pioneer in the realm of extreme sports. Fausett, hailing from Monroe, Washington, not only captured the public's imagination with his waterfall-jumping stunts but also showcased his ingenuity through the innovative crafts he built himself for these perilous endeavors.
Fausett's life was a blend of ambition, showmanship, and a relentless pursuit of fame that led him to defy death on multiple occasions, turning the waterfalls of Oregon into stages for his death-defying acts. Despite his aspirations for riches and recognition, Fausett's financial successes remained elusive, contrasting sharply with the legacy he left in the world of adventure sports. This article aims to peek into the thrilling life and times of Al Fausett, exploring his most notorious stunts, the challenges he faced, and the indelible mark he left on the spirit of daredevilry.
Al Fausett: The Man Before the Myth
Al Fausett's journey from a logger to Oregon's Original Daredevil is a tale of ambition, fear, and a quest for recognition.
Early Life and Family Background
Born Alfred Irvin Faussett on April 12, 1879, in Minnesota, Al was the eighth of ten children to Irish immigrants John and Annie Faussett.
The family moved to Monroe, Washington, by 1899, where Al grew into a respected tree faller, showcasing his penchant for attention through horse racing, gambling, and swimming.
Personal Life
Al married Vera Schalkaw in 1908, and the couple had two sons. However, his personal life was fraught with complexity, leading to a divorce in 1925.
Despite his adventurous spirit, Fausett harbored a deep fear of water and could not swim, a secret he kept hidden throughout his daredevil career 2.
Transition to Daredevilry
Inspired by a story of a Native who took a canoe over Sunset Falls for love, Al embarked on his own waterfall-jumping exploits across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.
His career as a daredevil began after his divorce, driven by a desire for attention and financial gain. Yet, he performed all his stunts without any safety equipment, underlining his fearless persona despite his aquaphobia.
Defying Death: Fausett's Most Notorious Stunts
Al Fausett's daredevil stunts were not just acts of bravery but also showcases of his ingenuity and showmanship. Here's a closer look at some of his most notorious stunts:
Sunset Falls, 1926:
South Falls, 1928:
Stunt: Attempting a 177-foot drop in a canvas boat reinforced with 36 inner tubes.
Preparation: Constructed a cable from the top of the falls for guidance, not to slow down the descent.
Outcome: Suffered fractures in his legs and ribs but survived, with over 1,000 people watching, each paying 50 cents 48.
Willamette Falls, March 1928:
Stunt: Going over the falls in a tiny canvas boat during a time when the falls were swollen from winter rain and snowstorms.
Challenges: The stunt was highly dangerous due to the lack of dams for flood control.
Outcome: Survived but suffered sprained ankles, a fractured right hand, broken ribs, internal injuries, and significant financial loss due to the disappearance of the gate receipts and side-bets with his manager 2.
Al Fausett's career as Oregon's Original Daredevil was marked by these and other stunts that pushed the boundaries of what was considered possible at the time. Despite the physical toll and financial challenges, Fausett's legacy lives on, inspiring future generations of adventurers and daredevils.
The Price of Fame: Challenges and Controversies
Al Fausett's journey as Oregon's Original Daredevil was fraught with both physical and financial challenges, underscoring the high price of fame in the world of daredevilry. Despite the allure of his stunts and the crowds they attracted, Fausett's financial gains were minimal, often leaving him with more injuries than earnings.
Financial Struggles and Mismanagement
Despite the presence of sponsors and the support of thousands of spectators, Fausett did not profit from his daring exploits. His manager disappeared with all the earnings, a sum totaling approximately $5,000, leaving Fausett in financial distress 2.
Fausett's hope for financial success remained unfulfilled throughout his daredevil career, which spanned from 1926 to 1929. His tendency to overestimate expected revenues, coupled with a generous disposition, often led to financial shortcomings rather than prosperity.
Physical Toll and Controversial Decisions
The absence of safety equipment during his stunts significantly increased the danger of his endeavors. This choice not only amplified the risks involved but also led to several hospitalizations, further straining his financial situation.
A notable incident occurred in 1928 at Silver Falls, where Fausett plunged 177 feet in a canvas boat. The stunt ended with Fausett in the hospital and his partner absconding with the $2,500 proceeds. This event not only highlighted the physical dangers of his stunts but also the precarious nature of his financial arrangements.
Enduring Legacy Despite Challenges
Fausett's career, marked by remarkable bravery and a series of financial misfortunes, did not deter him from pursuing his passion. His continued efforts, despite the risks and financial losses, underscore his dedication to his craft. The secrecy surrounding his fear of water until his death further emphasizes the complex character of Oregon's Original Daredevil.
Legacy of a Daredevil: Fausett's Impact on Adventure Sports
Al Fausett's daring escapades and the legacy he left behind have significantly influenced the realms of adventure sports and popular culture. His impact is multifaceted, spanning from sponsorships that hint at the early commercialization of extreme sports to inspiring characters in popular media.
Sponsorship and Commercialization in Adventure Sports
Al Fausett's stunt at South Falls in Oregon was notably sponsored by Hirsch-Weiss, a Portland canvas tent company, and the Portland-based Columbia Knit Company 2. This early instance of a daredevil stunt being sponsored by commercial entities highlights the potential for adventure sports to attract corporate interest and funding, a trend that has only grown in the subsequent decades.
Influence on Popular Culture
Fausett's legacy has transcended the boundaries of mere adventure sports to leave a lasting impact on popular culture, particularly in the depiction of the Marvel Comics character, Daredevil 10. Fausett’s interpretation of the radar sense, utilizing shades of gray to represent distance and proximity, significantly influenced how this ability is portrayed in comics and other media 10. This depiction has become a crucial aspect of Daredevil's character, explored in various storylines and adaptations, showcasing Fausett's influence beyond the physical realm of stunts and into the imaginative worlds of storytelling and character development 10.
Preservation and Continuation of Legacy
Guy Fausett, Al Fausett's great-grandson, has undertaken the task of collecting news clippings, photos, and film footage of his great-grandfather's feats 5. This act of preservation ensures that the daring exploits and the spirit of adventure that Al Fausett embodied are not forgotten. Moreover, Guy plans to share these stories and the legacy of Oregon's Original Daredevil with the public during a talk at the Monroe Historical Society meeting, further cementing Al Fausett's place in history and inspiring future generations 5.
Al Fausett's life and stunts have not only left a mark on the world of adventure sports but have also permeated popular culture and continued to inspire through the preservation and sharing of his story. His legacy serves as a testament to the enduring allure of daring and the human spirit's capacity to push the boundaries of possibility.
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References
[1] - https://www.historylink.org/File/8567 [2] - https://traveloregon.com/things-to-do/culture-history/historic-sites-oregon-trail/oregons-original-daredevil/ [3] - http://www.skyhistory.org/pdf/AlLaussett.pdf [4] - https://www.newspapers.com/article/33586690/al_fausett_history_1995/ [5] - https://www.heraldnet.com/news/al-faussetts-daring-stunts-were-once-a-sensation/ [6] - https://www.historylink.org/File/9392 [7] - https://www.historylink.org/File/8385 [8] - http://offbeatoregon.com/1708c.al-faussett-waterfall-running-daredevil-457.html [9] - http://www.offbeatoregon.com/H025_DaredevilAl.htm [10] - https://www.theothermurdockpapers.com/2021/06/lets-talk-about-daredevils-world-on-fire/ [11] - http://airportjournals.com/steve-fossett-always-scouting-for-new-adventures-part-2/ [12] - https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fspor.2022.929981
