Houdini’s Dope Dealer
I think country western artist Tim McGraw sang it right when he wished ” coke was still a Coke”, as meanings change over time in any language.
On November 27, 1925 Houdini sent a letter to Ray Sugden, a fellow magician and friend, inquiring if he had “any of my dope ready?”. Was Houdini hooked on dope?
It depends on the meaning of the word “dope” in 1925.
According to the Oxford languages, dope was a varnish applied to the fabric surface of model aircraft to strengthen them and keep them airtight. In addition it could be used in place of what we now call plumber’s tape to seal a joint and keep it watertight.
Private collection of Larrian Gillespie MD
The ability to create a waterproof glue by mixing keratin and paraformaldehyde also called trioxymethylene, liberates formaldehyde slowly, allowing flexibility and time to adhere to surfaces, especially metal or glass. This was used to seal the windows on aircraft to prevent rain from entering the pilot’s area during a storm.
The traditional method for joining cast iron drainage pipes involves using a strand of hemp, known as oakum, to pack around the pipe joint. Molten lead is then poured over the oakum to seal the connection.
Ray Sugden built various props for Thurston, including the “Spirit Painting” effect, but until this letter from Houdini to Sugden do we now know he also created, what I can only assume is a secret “dope” for Houdini’s waterproof caskets.
On November 2, 1925 Thurston signed Sugden to a 10 year contract. Perhaps this letter was written by Houdini to assure that his supply of “dope” would not be terminated.
Today you can purchase dope at Home Depot for just $4.96. Bet Harry would find that quite a bargain.
