In 1950, "Johnny Swaypole" (left) and 72-year-old Ella Carver (below) performed their death-defying acts at the Old Settlers Reuinon in Houston.

$1 for your first month

No commitment, cancel anytime. Renews at normal rate.

Subscription includes unlimited access to our website, newsletters, alerts and the e-edition, an exact digital copy of the printed newspaper.