Freakatorium: The Collection of Johnny Fox

Eckhardt, John (1911-1991). Johnny Eck “Half Boy” Archive. 1920s—60s. Thirteen original photographs, including a RPPC of a young Eck posing atop a tall stand alongside his brother Robert. Others show Eck riding a horse, dressed as a miner, in a tuxedo doing a handstand on a bench, holding a top hat while on a display table, on the partial wing of an airplane, driving the “Johnny Eck Special” miniature racing automobile, at a circus with clowns and an elephant in the background, a photo of George Boston his correspondent and a well-known magician, together with Dai Vernon at Hollywood’s Magic Castle, and others. Together with two original TLSs addressed to Boston, and photocopies of two additional letters, with content regarding magician Rajah Raboid and Eck and his brother’s escape from Raboid’s clutches. Johnny Eck, “The Most Remarkable Man Alive,” was also a movie actor, artist, musician, photographer, illusionist, penny arcade owner, Punch and Judy operator and expert model maker. Today he is best known for his role in Tod Browning’s cult classic film Freaks, and his appearances as a bird creature in several Tarzan films.