Click image to view a larger version.
While this is an unpublished photo, you still might feel that it's somehow familiar. That's because Houdini used a slightly different pose from this same session (with the rest of the room airbrushed out) as the bases for a very rare early poster.
Thanks to Adam Steinfeld for the alert. Airbrushed photo from Houdini His Life Story.
Amazing picture!!!
ReplyDeleteSince there were few members then it would also be interesting to know if anyone can guess who else is in the picture. It was a small organization at the time.
Since this was an early picture it would be interesting to know the date.
It is great that the National is taking an interest in its beginnings, how and who founded it, and who was responsible for its growth to an international organization. And thanks to them for resuming the responsibility of the care of Houdini's grave site that was stopped for many years on the recommendation of an old timer there.
Dick Brookz and Dorothy Dietrich
The Houdini Museum
Scranton, PA
The Only Building in the World
Entirely Dedicated to Houdini
I only recognize Franz Kukol in the background.
ReplyDeleteThe photo in Kellock, which was absolutely taken at the same time, is credited to "Campbell-Gray, London" and dated 1900. But that is too early to be an SAM gathering, so... Another mystery.
My edition of Kellock doesn't have this pic, alas, but I know other photos were added to subsequent printings of the book.
DeleteThat brings up another question..
ReplyDeleteWhere would it have been taken? A SAM meeting?
Dick Brookz and Dorothy Dietrich
The Houdini Museum
Scranton, PA
The Only Building in the World
Entirely Dedicated to Houdini
That's what the SAM said in the comments on the photo, that this was taken at an early meeting.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great picture still after 87 years ,what we are finding.
ReplyDeleteCould it have been at Martinka's
ReplyDeleteDick Brookz and Dorothy Dietrich
The Houdini Museum
Scranton, PA
The Only Building in the World
Entirely Dedicated to Houdini
I'm pretty sure this was taken in the UK.
DeleteMe too John. Those guys surrounding Houdini look like stiff upper lip Brits to me.
ReplyDeleteOh, but wait. If this is the Society of AMERICAN Magicians then it wouldn't be the UK. But the shot in Kellock is credited to "Campbell-Gray, London" and this certainly looks like HH circa 1900-1904. Someone is wrong here.
DeleteEvery new discovery comes with it's own a little mystery. :)
pretty cool!
ReplyDelete