Harry K. Thaw

Harry Kendall Thaw (February 12, 1871 - February 22, 1947), son of Pittsburgh coal and railroad baron William Thaw.

Murder of Stanford White

In the spring of 1906, Harry and Evelyn decided to travel to Europe and New York. On June 25, while in New York, Evelyn and Harry saw Stanford White while dining at the Cafe Martin. After learning that White was to attend the premiere of Mamzelle Champagne, a show the Thaws were planning to attend as well. Harry took Evelyn back to their hotel and disappeared, returning just in time to pick Evelyn up and head to the show--curiously dressed in a black overcoat, though it was a hot evening. At the rooftop theatre of Madison Square Garden, the hatcheck girl repeatedly tried to relieve Harry of his heavy coat, but he refused. He wandered through the crowd during the show, approaching White's table several times only to back away. Then during the finale, "I Could Love A Million Girls," Thaw fired three shots at close range into Stanford White's face, killing him.

Related Topics:
1906 - June 25 - Mamzelle Champagne - Madison Square Garden

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The crowd initially suspected the shooting might be part of the show, as elaborate practical jokes were popular in high society at the time. Soon, however, it became apparent that Stanford White was dead. Thaw, holding the gun aloft, walked through the crowd and met Evelyn at the elevator. When she asked what he'd done, Thaw said that he had "probably saved your life."

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