Farini was more than a showman, he was the genius behind hundreds of innovations, from folding theatre seats to the modern parachute. A fearless explorer, his journey in southern Africa brought about the myth of the Lost City of Kalahari. He spoke seven languages, wrote several books, was an expert botanist and such an accomplished artist that his paintings were shown alongside those of contemporary Canadian masters. There is even some evidence that he worked as a spy in the American Civil War early in his life.
As a boy Farini lived west of Canton on a farm, where he practiced tightrope walking and studied to be a doctor; in later years he lived at 36 North Street in Port Hope. His final residence was at 77 Dorset Street. He died of old age in 1929 and is buried in Union Cemetery. His descendants still reside here in town. |
