Saturday, May 2, 2015

Mystery Photo of Houdini


I don't recall seeing this photo before, though maybe some of you have. I know where it's from and I do have an additional photo to go with it. Just wondering if anyone else can identify it? I did so poorly on my first attempt trying to stump you all. If you have an idea, put it in the comments below.
NO USING GOOGLE to FIND IT!!!!!!!

The above photo comes from Oakland California. The site is the Tribune Tower which was still under construction at the time. The year was 1923 and Houdini hung from the unfinished 9th story of the building. 40 years later another escape artist would duplicate the same escape from this same location effectively beginning his career in escapes.

13 comments:

  1. That's a new one to me! Although among John Hinson's collection is another shot taken during this same escape.

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  2. Is this photo related to the one where HH is doing the upside down straitjacket hanging from a crane? That photo is on page 159 of the J.C. Cannell book. I see lots of wood panels in this photo, and the building next to Harry also has lots of wooden panels.

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    1. Hmmm...that is possible! The Cannell pic is of HH doing the jacket escape in Time Sq. in Nov 1917. The wooden buildings are temporary subway constriction. He was suspended from this construction site, using their canes, so maybe this is him on the construction platform itself. Are those cars down on the right? Excellent theory, Leo.

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  3. Thank you John. I seem to have a photographic memory (no pun intended) when it comes to photos of HH. But the giveaway here appears to be the wooden subway platform and the jacket.

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  4. Its not Time Square or the subway platform.

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  5. Dang. That was a good theory. Afraid I'm stumped.

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  6. HH did look a bit older in this photo. I began having doubts about the Times Square theory when I saw the aged appearance on his face. HH started to age at an accelerated rate by the 1920s.

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  7. Oh, wow, this is sensational! I knew of his 1915 escape from what I guess was the original Oakland Tribune building? Not sure I even know about this one. I know I've never seen pics. How cool that it was under construction. Thanks.

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    1. Ah, it looks like this might have been the same building as 1915, but the tower was a new addition.

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  8. You've sent me down the rabbit hole. I've uncovered so great newspaper clippings of this escape. :)

    It also hit me how in 1923 Houdini was firing on all thrusters. He was touring in vaudeville, doing major outdoor escapes, launching his spirit debunking campaign, and he had Haldane in release.

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    1. You found newspaper clippings for this escape? Does it say where he was performing? I've been trying to track down the theatre name.

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    2. They say he's at the Orpheum Theatre. No address.

      I'll send you the clippings.

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  9. Found it. the Orpheum in Oakland was right down the street from the Tribune Tower at 568 12st St.. It has since been torn down, but at least the Tribune Tower remains.

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