No photo has ever been discovered of Harry Houdini's jump from Ha'penny Bridge, Stonehouse on 17th August 1909. The reason is probably quite simple. All local newspapers at the time carried just news and no photos. Searching the archives, I found this photo taken just two months before Houdini's Plymouth jump. It comes from the Dundee Courier from Monday 21st June. Some newspapers from around the country challenged their readers to take the best 'snapshot' of Houdini that they could and cash prizes were offered. However, at the time, most people wouldn't have had cameras! As far as I know, this photo has never appeared anywhere since 21st June 1909 so here's an exclusive!
Excellent discovery, Derek!
ReplyDeleteYes, marvellous research and work - so interesting too!!
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