So while the story of Houdini visiting McSorley's might still be true, it looks like these are not the original handcuffs that Houdini affixed to the bar himself. According to Fred, one of the older bartenders told him they've had to replace the handcuffs because people took them for souvenirs.
But I still think any Houdini tour of New York requires and stop and a pint at McSorley's. In fact, just thinking about it is making me thirsty!
Thanks to Fred Pitella. Check out Fred's site: Houdini & Escapes Museum. Also check out this recent article about McSorley's anniversary: New York’s oldest Irish pub celebrates 162 years.
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There isn't anything mysterious about the serial number on a pair of handcuffs. I suspected that bar patrons had stolen the cuffs over the years. It would explain that padlock we see holding the cuffs in that photo.
ReplyDeleteThose handcuffs were placed by Captain Walter M. Murphy USMC December of 1966 before he deployed to Vietnam. That is why there is a serial number on the cuffs. He was KIA on January 31, 1968 in Hue City Vietnam. He like the Dough Boys of WW1 said he would get them when he returned from Vietnam, they have been there for 57 years.
DeleteRIP Captain Murphy. The Marines were sent to Hue City to liberate it from the communists who had captured it and raised their flag. They completed their mission.
DeleteWhat was Houdini's attitude toward imbibing alcohol? We know he didn't really drink but did have an occasional beer. Gresham discusses it in his bio and mentioned that HH would have a pint or two of beer with his crew.
ReplyDeleteHoudini said he didn't smoke or drink alcohol. I don't think he was against drinking, and he maybe he took an occasional drink to be sociable, but I don't think drinking or getting drunk held any interest for him. He was so much about keeping his mind and body sharp. It's probably why he got so much done in life!
DeleteYou got that right John! I remember you mentioning that HH fired on all cylinders during the last years of his life, but that applies to his entire lifespan. Studying his life is a kind motivational course.
ReplyDeleteYou can order stuff other than beer, etc in a bar. Soda for instance. Harry may just have had a ginger-ale or something.
ReplyDeleteI remember reading in Gresham's bio that Harry would on occasion have a beer with his assistants after the show. He may have also drank champagne in social gatherings. But no a regular drinker by any means.
ReplyDeleteThe handcuffs were placed on the bar rail by Major Walter M. Murphy, USMC....KIA Hue City 31Jan1968. Buried Arlington National Cemetery. awarded the Silver Star. They were placed there December 1966
ReplyDeleteI went to a ceremony honoring major Murphy USMC alpha one, one Anonymous is correct. SINY.
ReplyDeleteThe Handcuffs on the bar rail at McSorley's were not placed by Houdini, they were placed there by Captain Walter M. Murphy USMC 55 years ago before he left for Vietnam. He like the Dough Boys who left chicken bones said I will be back for these when I return from Vietnam. He never returned he was KIA in Hue City Vietnam January 31, 1968.
ReplyDelete