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."