It may be hard to believe, but once upon a time cities like New York wouldn’t build above four stories. OK, maybe it won’t be quite so difficult for my Kingston readers to believe! (Kidding of course)

 

The reason was simple: most people didn’t trust elevators even after they started to become more common in the mid-19th century. Would-be passengers were afraid of the ropes breaking, resulting in a faster-than-planned trip to the ground floor.

 

So it was that Elisha Otis in 1853 exhibited his improved elevator at the World’s Fair, held at New York’s Crystal Palace. And he didn’t just demonstrate it: he stood in the elevator cab while a worker with an axe cut the rope above him.

 

As this happened, the elevator’s safety devices went to work and prevented Mr. Otis from falling, providing relief to spectators and, I’m sure, to Mr. Otis.

 

Elevator sales would soon rise, allowing taller buildings to be built. Today, Otis Worldwide Corporation’s products move 2.3 billion people worldwide, including visitors to and residents of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest structure.

 

Otis’ statements, press releases, and personal promises about elevator safety meant very little until he stood in that box suspended in the sky in front of that World’s Fair crowd. Seeing is believing.

 

We want to provide a similar, albeit less suspenseful, experience for a few Lionhearts supporters. You know what we do, but do you want to see what we do? Go behind the scenes?

 

We’re organizing some upcoming tours in the coming weeks where those in the Ottawa area looking to deepen their support for our work can visit our Kingston warehouse, shelter, and kitchen. We have a busy day planned, and space is limited. Please get in touch if you might be interested.