For ten months after it was completed in early 1930, the Chrysler Building in Midtown Manhattan was the tallest in the world. In this fantastic vintage film from the Smithsonian's America in Color: the 1920s documentary, see how construction workers risked all to install the famous metal eagles and top of the iconic building, in color.
The skyscrapers of Manhattan needed a new, bolder type of construction worker. They got them in 'roughnecks' - hardened men who worked without safety harnesses, hard hats or even bathroom breaks.
via Smithsonian
Matt Coneybeare
Editor in Chief
Matt enjoys exploring the City's with his partner and son. He is an avid marathon runner, and spends most of his time eating, running, and working on cool stuff.
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