Open Challenge to Hardeen -- February 5, 2013

This ad, from the 05-November-1908 San Francisco Call, describes a challenge to Escape artist Theo Hardeen, younger brother of Harry Houdini, from Sam and Nat Berger, San Francisco haberdashers. Their carpenters would assemble a case on stage and Hardeen would escape.  The ad also mentions the Milk Can Mystery, which he had borrowed from his brother Houdini.  The challenge to/from local institutions was a popular feature of both men's acts.  It was good advertising for stores.  Be sure to click on the image to see a larger version. Other acts at the Pantages-Empire near Sutter and Steiner in the Western Addition include "Leon Morris and the Wrestling Ponies" and "Musical Huehn, Comedy Musician." 

The Undefeated King of Handcuffs -- November 3, 2011

This ad, from the 20-September-1911 Washington Times, describes a challenge to Escape artist Theo Hardeen, younger brother of Harry Houdini, from "the shipping forces of Goldenberg's Department Stores."  They would assemble a specially designed shipping box on stage and Hardeen would escape.  At the second show, he would substitute the "Great Milk Can Mystery," borrowed from his brother Houdini.  The challenge to local institutions was a popular feature of both men's acts.  It was good advertising for stores.  Be sure to click on the image to see a larger version.  Due to public demand, 100 seats would be sold on stage.  This must have been hard on the other vaudeville acts.

I was sad to learn that Matty Alou, brother of Felipe and Jesus, has died.