1937 San Francisco Bay Bridge Jumper Ray Woods Breaks Back Magazine Page For Sale

Explore this compelling vintage magazine page documenting the dramatic story of Ray Woods, a San Francisco Bay Bridge jumper, from 1937. The headline, "LIFE ON THE AMERICAN NEWSFRONT: A SAN FRANCISCO BRIDGE JUMPER BREAKS HIS BACK," immediately draws the reader into a significant historical event.The page features multiple powerful black and white photographs. One image captures Woods kissing his wife with his mother present before the jump, adding a poignant human element. Another shows him in the water after the leap, followed by his rescue aboard the motor launch "Buster." The final image depicts Woods in a hospital bed, where he learned he would never walk again. Captions provide crucial details, including the date of the jump (March 22), the location (San Francisco's new Bay Bridge), and the tragic outcome. This piece of ephemera offers a vivid glimpse into a daring, yet ultimately tragic, stunt that made national news, highlighting early bridge jumping history and the human cost of such feats. It's a fascinating collectible for those interested in San Francisco history, bridge lore, or vintage journalism.

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