How to Become a Steeple-Jack
In this book I am placing before you the secrets of a trade I have followed for fourteen years. I have made as high as $170 a day. It is a poor Steeple-Jack who cannot make at least $25 a day. If you have the ability, the appearance, and can approach a business man, you need not worry about getting his work.
He is aware of the chances you are taking. He has work that must be done, and has an admiration for the man with nerve enough to accomplish what he would not undertake himself.
Steeple-Jacks are always in demand. When I speak of Steeple-Jacks, I refer to men who comprehend that a certain thing up in the air needs attention, whether it is the reaving of halyards on a flagpole, the adjustment of a cross on a steeple, the replacing of a guy wire on a stack, the repairing of the hands of a clock on a tower, or the mere painting of any ofthese lofty objects which ordinary workmen are not courageous enough to attempt.
I know a great deal of this fascinating game, but I do not want to convey to you the thought that I know it ALL, for that is not the truth. Bear in mind the old adage: “We are never too old to learn.”
I call this work a game, because it appeals to me as a great game, although it is difficult work. People will gather in crowds on the street to watch a Steeple-Jack at his perilous duty. I use the word “perilous” because that is what it would look like to the man on the sidewalk, but to one in the air it is just a trick to the trade, and he would not exchange places with the man who is so eagerly watching every move he makes for fear that he may make a wrong move.
While he is thus busily engaged watching you, the following questions run thru his mind: “How in the world did he ever get up there?” “How can he stay up there so long?” His thoughts finallyrun something like this: “My, but he certainly is brave.”
From my experience with Steeple-Jacks I am convinced that they never like to be called “brave,” because stunts that are pulled are all in the game, and it is no more dangerous for a Steeple-Jack to climb to the top of a flagpole or smokestack than for the individual to ride in an elevator, a motor car or train, for when we consider the number of people who are trusting to the safety of the above mentioned conveyances, and the proportion of accidents in comparison to the number of Steeple-Jacks and the accidents in connection with this trade, the Steeple-Jacks are not at a disadvantage in respect to casualties.
It is to the credit of the Steeple-Jack, however, that he is less careless regarding the dangers of his profession than the thoughtless traveling public.
The Steeple-Jack considers it no more irksome to go out on a job than the book-keeper to go to his desk or a bank teller to enter his cage. The only differencebetween the Steeple-Jack and the book-keeper or bank teller is in regard to working hours. The Steeple-Jack’s hours range from two to four a day, while those of the tradesman are from six to ten hours a day. The Steeple-Jack, whose day comprises about four hours (often less and seldom more) makesmoremoney in hisdaythan the average man makes in aweek.
As before stated, I have had considerable experience in the line about which I write, and I therefore feel safe in saying that no man is worthy of the title of Steeple-Jack unless he can make at least $20 a day in days when he chooses to work less than the customary two to four hours.
From my past experiences I have come to the conclusion that “time is money,” and therefore my advice to any man who entertains the idea of going into the great game of a Steeple-Jack is to always bear that slogan in mind and never perform for the audience which you will undoubtedly have watching you from the street.Remember it isyourtime that is being taken up by the performance of whatever daring stunts you may be able to “show off,” and no matter how large an audience you may have, there are no benefits derived therefrom.
The work of a Steeple-Jack has a great many assets besides that of being able to earn a great amount of money. With the exception of the money question, here are two that will appeal to every man: First, it is healthful work, because you are always in the open air. Second, you have no boss. You are your own boss and may come and go when you please. However, I would not advise any man who is following this work to assume too great an air of independence. We all concede that it helps to be alittleindependent at times, but always bear in mind that it is the privilege of the “other fellow” to assume an air of independence also, and, after all, YOU are dependent upon his work. By that I do not mean just one individual, but I am taking your trade as a whole.In business we must give and take. Remember that.
The Steeple-Jack’s work is ordinarily performed on smokestacks, flagpoles and church spires. You will agree with me that there are very few who follow this line of work. Just to prove this to you, allow me to ask you a question: “How many Steeple-Jacks do you know?” Perhaps the answer will be “One,” “Two,” or “Three,” and, again, it may be “Not any.” I have worked in this business in every large city in the United States and I can candidly say that I have had very little competition and, in a great many cities, not any.
Another important factor of this work is always to endeavor to please the man whose work you are doing and never to do cheap or skimpy work, for I have been convinced that cheap and skimpy workmanship gains nothing for you. However, on the other hand, if you put forth your best and succeed in pleasing the man who is to be considered, you can always count on a renewed order the followingyear. REMEMBER: Satisfy the other fellow first and you cannot help but satisfy yourself.