Friday, February 25, 2022

Harry Weiss, boxer and club swinger?


Here's an intriguing item that I came across in the New York Evening World for August 19, 1891. Could the Harry Weiss referenced here be our Harry Weiss?

Evening World, Aug. 19, 1891.

We know Houdini boxed in Athletic club tournaments around this time. We also know that belonged to the Allerton and the Pasttime Athletic clubs. The Harry Weiss here is with the Olympian Athletic Club.

It's sometimes stated--and I'm afraid I've stated it myself--that Houdini was in the running for the U.S. Olympic team at this time. But he missed out due to illness. However, the first modern Olympic games were held in 1896 when Houdini was well into his magic career, so this cannot be right. But could this claim have been born of a misunderstanding about Harry joining a club that was "Olympian" in name only?

If this is our Harry, you'll note that he also participated in "club-swinging". If you have no idea what club swinging is (I sure didn't), check out this YouTube video. Yeah, I could see him doing this.

 

So, Harry Weiss, "Olympian" boxer and club swinger? Just another log for the speculative fire.


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2 comments:

  1. Leo HeviaFebruary 26, 2022 at 10:27 AM

    Another great find!!! A stag part for the benefit of the Sick Babies Fund. Hilarious!!! That could definitely be our Harry at this boxing club.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Michael PascoeSeptember 7, 2024 at 12:25 AM

    It was suggested in a few books that Ehrich Weiss was referred to as Harry long before he changed his last name to Houdini. As it was explained because his nickname was “Ehrie” which sounded like Harry.

    This article kind of shows that it might true.

    ReplyDelete

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