Harry Houdini
In this seldom seen photo from April 30, 1908, Harry Houdini, arguably the greatest magician to have ever lived, gets ready for one of his numerous life-threatening illusions. Houdini dove 30 feet into the Charles River while shackled, collared, and performing this particular act. Only 40 seconds after diving, he came to the surface holding the chains, much to the relief of 20,000 spectators. Even the mayors of Cambridge and Boston showed up to watch.
Booker T. Washington
In this image from circa 1912, renowned orator and activist Booker T. Washington is seen giving a speech. Arthur P. Bedou, who served as Washington’s personal photographer, took this picture near Mound Bayou, Mississippi. He was African-American, like Washington, and fought to end black Americans’ lack of voting rights in the post-Reconstruction country.
