Monday, May 12, 2014

S.A.M. reveals a gem on their birthday

To celebrate their founding 112 years ago, The Society of American Magicians shared this incredible photo of Houdini on their Facebook page over the weekend. I don't believe this image has ever been published before. According to the S.A.M, this was taken at a very early meeting of the organization. Very nice.

Post by The Society of American Magicians.
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While this is an unpublished photo, you still might feel that it's somehow familiar.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.
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11 comments:

  1. Dick Brookz and Dorothy DietrichMay 12, 2014 at 8:22 AM

    Amazing picture!!!

    Since 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

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  2. John CoxMay 12, 2014 at 8:29 AM

    I only recognize Franz Kukol in the background.

    The 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.

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    Replies
    1. Tom and JohanJanuary 21, 2018 at 3:42 PM

      My edition of Kellock doesn't have this pic, alas, but I know other photos were added to subsequent printings of the book.

      Delete
  3. Dick Brookz and Dorothy DietrichMay 12, 2014 at 8:42 AM

    That brings up another question..

    Where 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

    ReplyDelete
  4. John CoxMay 12, 2014 at 8:51 AM

    That's what the SAM said in the comments on the photo, that this was taken at an early meeting.

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  5. John Hinson great nephew of Bess and Harry HoudiniMay 12, 2014 at 11:27 AM

    What a great picture still after 87 years ,what we are finding.

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  6. Dorothy Dietrich and Dick BrookzMay 12, 2014 at 1:49 PM

    Could it have been at Martinka's

    Dick Brookz and Dorothy Dietrich
    The Houdini Museum
    Scranton, PA
    The Only Building in the World
    Entirely Dedicated to Houdini

    ReplyDelete
  7. Leo HeviaMay 12, 2014 at 6:55 PM

    Me too John. Those guys surrounding Houdini look like stiff upper lip Brits to me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John CoxMay 13, 2014 at 7:53 AM

      Oh, 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.

      Every new discovery comes with it's own a little mystery. :)

      Delete
  8. The MagicianMay 13, 2014 at 7:30 AM

    pretty cool!

    ReplyDelete