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Dan Goodwin, clad in a custom-made Spider-Man suit, ascends Chicago's Sears Tower on May 25, 1981, as would-be rescuers are lowered on a scaffold. But the 25-year-old daredevil just passed them by and waved on his way to the top of what was then the world's tallest building.
Dan Goodwin, clad in a custom-made Spider-Man suit, ascends Chicago’s Sears Tower on May 25, 1981, as would-be rescuers are lowered on a scaffold. But the 25-year-old daredevil just passed them by and waved on his way to the top of what was then the world’s tallest building.
Gawkers watch as Dan Goodwin climbs the John Hancock Center on Nov. 11, 1981.
Gawkers watch as Dan Goodwin climbs the John Hancock Center on Nov. 11, 1981.
With a heart-stopping view of Chicago beneath him, Dan Goodwin completes his 100-story journey to the top of the John Hancock Center on Nov. 11, 1981.
With a heart-stopping view of Chicago beneath him, Dan Goodwin completes his 100-story journey to the top of the John Hancock Center on Nov. 11, 1981.
Dan Goodwin, still in the custom-made Spider-Man suit he wore when he scaled the Sears Tower the day before, explains his climb to reporters after his release from jail on May 26, 1981. Goodwin was charged with disorderly conduct.
Dan Goodwin, still in the custom-made Spider-Man suit he wore when he scaled the Sears Tower the day before, explains his climb to reporters after his release from jail on May 26, 1981. Goodwin was charged with disorderly conduct.
A party atmosphere prevailed as a Memorial Day crowd watched Dan Goodwin climb the Sears Tower on May 25, 1981.
A party atmosphere prevailed as a Memorial Day crowd watched Dan Goodwin climb the Sears Tower on May 25, 1981.
Dan Goodwin is released from jail on May 26, 1981, after climbing the Sears Tower the previous day.
Dan Goodwin is released from jail on May 26, 1981, after climbing the Sears Tower the previous day.
Dan Goodwin, still in the custom-made Spider-Man suit he wore when he scaled the Sears Tower the day before, explains his climb to reporters after his release from jail on May 26, 1981.
Dan Goodwin, still in the custom-made Spider-Man suit he wore when he scaled the Sears Tower the day before, explains his climb to reporters after his release from jail on May 26, 1981.
At least 200 people watched as Dan Goodwin climbed the Sears Tower on May 25, 1981.
At least 200 people watched as Dan Goodwin climbed the Sears Tower on May 25, 1981.
Dan Goodwin shakes hands with a fan as he talks to reporters after his release from jail on May 26, 1981, a day after he climbed the Sears Tower.
Dan Goodwin shakes hands with a fan as he talks to reporters after his release from jail on May 26, 1981, a day after he climbed the Sears Tower.
Dan Goodwin, 25, aka “Spider Dan,” dines at the famous Pump Room with a friend after scaling the Sears Tower on May 26, 1981.
Dan Goodwin clings to his suction cup apparatus as he waits for firefighters to extend a ladder following his aborted climb of the John Hancock Center on Nov. 1, 1981. Goodwin would come back on Nov. 11 to finish the climb.
Dan Goodwin clings to his suction cup apparatus as he waits for firefighters to extend a ladder following his aborted climb of the John Hancock Center on Nov. 1, 1981. Goodwin would come back on Nov. 11 to finish the climb.
After failing to climb the John Hancock Center on Nov. 1, 1981, Dan Goodwin gave it a second try on Nov. 11, 1981.
After failing to climb the John Hancock Center on Nov. 1, 1981, Dan Goodwin gave it a second try on Nov. 11, 1981.
A spectator uses binoculars to follow the ascent of Dan Goodwin as he climbs the John Hancock Center on Nov. 11, 1981, in Chicago.
A spectator uses binoculars to follow the ascent of Dan Goodwin as he climbs the John Hancock Center on Nov. 11, 1981, in Chicago.
After failing to climb the John Hancock Center on Nov. 1, 1981, Dan Goodwin gave it a second try on Nov. 11. Firefighters sprayed him with water in an attempt to stop him, but he eventually was allowed to proceed.
After failing to climb the John Hancock Center on Nov. 1, 1981, Dan Goodwin gave it a second try on Nov. 11. Firefighters sprayed him with water in an attempt to stop him, but he eventually was allowed to proceed.
After failing to climb the John Hancock Center on Nov. 1, 1981, Dan Goodwin gave it a second try on Nov. 11, 1981. He encountered resistance from firefighters who sprayed him with high-pressure hoses, then broke out windows and held long poles in his path to block his progress. They brought him to a temporary standstill, but then-police Superintendent Richard Brzeczek ordered that he be allowed to continue. He finished his climb to the top of the 100-story skyscraper and then was immediately arrested.
After failing to climb the John Hancock Center on Nov. 1, 1981, Dan Goodwin gave it a second try on Nov. 11, 1981. He encountered resistance from firefighters who sprayed him with high-pressure hoses, then broke out windows and held long poles in his path to block his progress. They brought him to a temporary standstill, but then-police Superintendent Richard Brzeczek ordered that he be allowed to continue. He finished his climb to the top of the 100-story skyscraper and then was immediately arrested.
Dan Goodwin smiles after he was sentenced to a year of probation during a hearing at the Daley Center on Nov. 19, 1981.
Dan Goodwin smiles after he was sentenced to a year of probation during a hearing at the Daley Center on Nov. 19, 1981.
Dan Goodwin signs an autograph for Viola Novak while in court for an appearance on May 18, 1982. Novak said she watched Goodwin climb the Hancock Center on Nov 11, 1981.
Dan Goodwin signs an autograph for Viola Novak while in court for an appearance on May 18, 1982. Novak said she watched Goodwin climb the Hancock Center on Nov 11, 1981.
Dan Goodwin gives a thumbs-up after leaving a packed courtroom at the Civic Center on Nov. 12, 1981, a day after he climbed the John Hancock Center.
Dan Goodwin gives a thumbs-up after leaving a packed courtroom at the Civic Center on Nov. 12, 1981, a day after he climbed the John Hancock Center.