Vest, worn by Mr. Frick

Object Details

Werner Fritz Groebli

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

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

See more items in: Cultural and Community Life: Sport and Leisure; Highlights from the Culture and the Arts Collection

National Museum of American History

GUID (Link to Original Record): http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746aa-7c90-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa