Odds & Ends 5

Bits that Don't fit anywhere else!

Every researcher and family historian has them. You know, all the odd bits and pieces that don't fit your work and have no specific category! Well I too have the same problem, so rather than hide them away I thought I would share some of them with you. So here goes...

Did you know the world-famous escape artist Harry Houdini visited Aberdeen? Well here's the proof - this photo shows him visiting the grave of John Anderson, 'Wizard of the North' at St Nicholas churchyard in Aberdeen City Centre.

Houdini performed one of his greatest escapes in Aberdeen harbour on 1 July 1909. A large crowd gathered to see him chained, handcuffed and thrown into the sea!

Houdini who was born in the same year as John Anderson's death, and revered Anderson as one of his inspirations and in 1909 arranged for the upkeep of the gravesite which had fallen into disrepair.

I'm pleased to report that this gravestone still exists - though the background housing (and washing!) are long since gone - replaced by the edge of St Nicholas shopping Centre.

Many thanks to John T Chiarella of NYC for permission to use the photo and supplying the background detail to this fascinating story!

War memorial to the fallen of both world wars to be found outside Ruthrieston Church, Aberdeen.

Bits that Don't fit anywhere else!

Every researcher and family historian has them. You know, all the odd bits and pieces that don't fit your work and have no specific category! Well I too have the same problem, so rather than hide them away I thought I would share some of them with you. So here goes...

To be continued!

If you are related to any of the above I'd love to hear from you! Contact me here