This caused some confusion as the man bears little resemblance to the Ira Davenport in the famous photo of Houdini and the spiritulist taken in 1910, and, as far as I know, they never had a second face-to-face meeting.
But by sheer chance, I stumbled on the answer. The mystery man in the photo is actually Edmond Patrick Talon, the son of the magician Philippe. It was taken in Paris, likely in 1909. Below is the photo and an excerpt from the article, "Unknown Facts About Philippe," written by Houdini for the December 1921 M-U-M.
"Mystery and Wonder: A Legacy of Golden Age Magicians in New York City" opens February 12, 2026, and will run until July 11, 2026.
Very little was known of Philippe, though I tried to trace him for a long time. By the merest accident, I made the acquaintance of his son, E. Patrick Talon. One day I walked into the establishment of Caroly, in Paris, who informed me that a son of the celebrated Philippe was alive and wished to dispose of some of his father's letters. An appointment was immediately arranged for at the Alhambra Theatre where I was then performing, which proved to be the inception of a friendship that lasted till the death of Philippe's son. Strange as it may seem, E. Patrick Talon, though he knew not one word of English, was born in Ireland and named Patrick in memory of Philippe's successful stay in Dublin. So great was the joy of Philippe when tiny baby Patrick enriched the musical history of old Erin by giving forth his initial wail, that he produced the inexhaustible wine barrel trick at the performance that evening and bade the audience drink, in good cheer, to the health of his son.
Want more? You can read and download Houdini's entire Philippe M-U-M article as a "Scholar" member of my Patreon below.
Thanks to Leo Hevia and Abby Martin for putting me on the scent.
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Good catch! This is the 1909 Houdini so he looked close to the 1910 photo with Davenport.
ReplyDeleteHoudini also performed at the Paris Alhambra in 1905, so that's a possibility. But, yeah, this looks a little more like 1909 Harry, hence I say "likely 1909." Another thing that argues for 1909 is the fact that this photo and meeting do not appear in The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin (1908).
DeleteThe HRC has a "Letter from son Edmond Talon to Houdini with annotation, 1909." So 1909 is looking strong. Also nice to have the first name.
DeleteWow...the disregard Houdini had for Houdin just drips from the page. He really hated people who steal other's ideas, works etc....and isn't it a wonder how he had so much time to write such a lengthy article while performing? NO AI there!
ReplyDelete"Brain thieves!"
DeleteOkay but Houdini really impresses me here! (Like legit not only with his usual amazing magic and escape stuff) Lol! He does a show AND writes an article?
DeleteI get overwhelmed by my college English class essays enough! Dude!
Harry… tell me your secrets! Spill it or no goulash for you! - Abby Martin
I know what you mean. And it was even more intense in his early years. He's touring Europe while also writing two regular columns for the New York Dramatic Mirror and Mahatma magazine. And he's working on two books. Then, out of the blue, he publishes a children's short story!
DeleteAdding this to my list of why I fell in love with him. 😊❤️ - Abby Martin
DeleteAnd then Conjurer's Monthly...
DeleteRight!
DeleteSeriously! How? And on top of staying in shape for his crazy escapes! I don’t know how he did it but dude! - Abby Martin
DeleteWell Abby--I hate to break it to you but firing on all cylinders eventually caught up with him. Shortly before his untimely death he looked really old. About ten years older than his age. Those radio station broadcast photos of him at desk with a microphone look scary.
DeleteYeah… it did come with a price. 😞 - Abby Martin
DeleteHis workaholic lifestyle definitely came at a price. I understand that lifestyle becomes addictive. He kept mentioning his imminent retirement to journalists, but that never materialized. The fear of being poor again also kept the coal burning. Professor Silverman called it "fear of annihilation."
DeleteThank you! ❤️ - Abby Martin
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome John! I'm happy you cracked this case. Columbo would have been proud of you.
ReplyDelete