10/24/2025
Before Spider-Man, There Was “The Human Fly” of The Whitcomb -
Did you know??? In October 1916, 20-year-old daredevil Jack Williams—better known as “The Human Fly”—made his way across Michigan, performing daring climbs in Grand Rapids, Battle Creek, and Niles before arriving in St. Joseph.
On the evening of Monday, October 16, 1916, at exactly 9:30 p.m., Williams began his ascent up the façade of The Whitcomb Hotel. A large crowd gathered below as a spotlight followed his every move. Within just ten minutes, he had reached the fourth floor—swinging from window ledges with only his bare hands and nerves of steel.
When he reached the top, the crowd erupted in applause, and Williams passed a hat through the spectators to collect his only payment for the night.
After 1925, “The Human Fly” faded from headlines, and Jack Williams quietly passed away in 1951—but his incredible feat remains one of the most daring moments in The Whitcomb’s long and storied history.
Although the occurrence happened prior to the 1928 building (which still stands today), it’s safe to say that the daring spirit of Jack “The Human Fly” Williams set the tone for the legendary feats and vibrant history which is still associated with The Whitcomb.
Special thanks to local historian and author Chriss Lyon of St. Joseph, Michigan, for preserving this remarkable story. Chriss is the author of "A Killing in Capone’s Playground." "Final Call,"and "Fred “Killer” Burke." Lyon is also a retired supervisor of the Berrien County Public Safety Communication Center.
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