Stuff You Should Know Flagpole Sitting: A Real Fad
Jul 14, 2020
Exploring the bizarre trend of flagpole sitting, this discussion dives into its 1920s origins and the charismatic figure of Alvin ‘Shipwreck’ Kelly. Listeners learn about the outrageous lengths people went to for fame, including Kelly's stunning 13-hour sit. The conversation reveals how such eccentric fads fostered community and provided entertainment in an era of limited options. With a mix of nostalgia and absurdity, it highlights the fleeting nature of fame and the societal reactions to these whimsical pastimes.
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Shipwreck Kelly's Early Life
- Alvin Kelly, born in Hell's Kitchen, had a difficult childhood marked by loss and instability.
- He worked various jobs, including as a stunt person and steeplejack, before becoming “Shipwreck” Kelly.
The Nickname "Shipwreck"
- Shipwreck Kelly claimed to have survived the Titanic and 32 shipwrecks, but these claims are dubious.
- The nickname “Shipwreck” likely originated from his boxing career, where he was “often adrift and ready to sink.”
Flagpole Sitting Craze
- Shipwreck Kelly's 13-hour sit became a national craze in the 1920s, a decade known for fads.
- People sought to break his record, driven by a desire for fame and the era's limited entertainment options.