Vest, worn by Mr. Frick

Vest, worn by Mr. Frick

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Description (Brief)
Werner Groebli, “Mr. Frick” of the legendary ice skating duo of “Frick and Frack”, wore this costume during performances with the Shipstads and Johnson Ice Follies. Werner, who liked to be addressed as “Mr. Frick”, began skating as a child while living in Switzerland. In 1934, he won the Swiss junior figure skating championship but soon teamed up with his partner of over 20 years, Hans-Rudi Mauch, “Mr. Frack”. Believing theatrical comedy was “low class,” they used the name “Frick and Frack” to shield their families from any embarrassment. Mr. Frick was most famous for his spread eagle cantilever move where he would perform an inside spread eagle with his feet pointing inward and leaning backward all at the same time. Not an easy feat!
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
vest
vest, ice skating
user
Werner Fritz Groebli
Physical Description
velvet (overall material)
metal (overall material)
plastic (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 53 cm x 52 cm; 20 7/8 in x 20 15/32 in
ID Number
2003.0105.01
accession number
2003.0105
catalog number
2003.0105.01
subject
Sports
Ice Skating
Vaudeville
Professional
Entertainment
See more items in
Culture and the Arts: Sport and Leisure
Highlights from the Culture and the Arts Collection
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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