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?

A weathered envelope addressed to Mr. R. S. Sugden in Pittsburgh, PA, with a postmark dated November 27, 1925. Return address is Houdini, New York City, NY.
A weathered envelope addressed to Mr. R. S. Sugden in Pittsburgh, PA, with a postmark dated November 27, 1925. Return address is Houdini, New York City, NY. From the private collection of Alanna Nash
A worn, stained envelope with illegible handwritten text on the flap. The top left corner is damaged, and it shows signs of age and wear.
A worn, stained envelope with illegible handwritten text on the flap. The top left corner is damaged, and it shows signs of age and wear. From the private collection of Alanna Nash
A typed letter with Houdini letterhead, dated November 27, 1925, signed "Houdini," inquiring about "Sugden" and mentioning performances in Hartford, Worcester, and Brooklyn.
A typed letter with Houdini letterhead, dated November 27, 1925, signed “Houdini,” inquiring about “Sugden” and mentioning performances in Hartford, Worcester, and Brooklyn. From the private collection of Alanna Nash, award winning biographer.

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.

Vintage advertisement for Titanine Dope, highlighting its flame resistance and non-poisonous qualities, produced by Titanine, Ltd., with an address in London.
Vintage advertisement for Titanine Dope, highlighting its flame resistance and non-poisonous qualities, produced by Titanine, Ltd., with an address in London. British 1922 Supermarine Aviation ad for the “Sea-going Amphibian Seal Mark II”. Later manufacturer for the famous Spitfire.
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.

Infographic titled "Houdini's Use of 'Dope': A Reinterpretation," discussing 'dope' as a sealant, its historical context, and association with Houdini, featuring vibrant graphics and text.
Infographic titled “Houdini’s Use of ‘Dope’: A Reinterpretation,” discussing ‘dope’ as a sealant, its historical context, and association with Houdini, featuring vibrant graphics and text.

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.

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Today you can purchase dope at Home Depot for just $4.96. Bet Harry would find that quite a bargain.

A white 8 oz. container of Hercules Pro Dope pipe joint compound, labeled "No Drip-No Spill," with a knight logo and warning label visible.
A white 8 oz. container of Hercules Pro Dope pipe joint compound, labeled “No Drip-No Spill,” with a knight logo and warning label visible.

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