#charles harrison

[garadinervi]

Art & Language – Confessions: Incidents in a museum, Introduction by Charles Harrison, Lisson Gallery, London, 1986 [Saint-Martin Bookshop, Bruxelles-Brussel. © Art & Language]

Exhibition: April 10 – May 10, 1986

[thefugitivesaint]

Charles Harrison (1860-1943), ''Punch'', Vol. 160, Jan.-June, 1921

[bullshityounot]

Father Of Famous Actor Was A Hitman Who Murdered A Federal Judge In 1979

[By A.L. Lee, 2024]

Charles Voyde Harrelson was a hitman who was sentenced to life in prison in Texas in 1979 for assassinating U.S. Judge John H. Wood Jr., when his son Woody Harrelson, the future actor, was 18 years old.

Before then, Charles Harrelson was known for his association with organized crime and was already a suspect in several murders when he met Jimmy Chagra, one of the nation's most prolific drug kingpins, who imported massive quantities of illegal ganja into the United States throughout the 1960s and 70s.

Law enforcement and the courts were out to get Chagra after two of his goons were suspected of shooting at Assistant U.S. Attorney James Kerr near his home on November 21, 1978, firing 19 bullets at his car six months before Wood was killed.

Luckily, Kerr only suffered minor cuts from broken glass, while officials believed Kerr was targeted because he was working to bring down Chagra’s drug empire, although Chagra was not initially charged in this incident.

Later, Chagra paid Harrelson $250,000 to murder Wood, who was known as "Maximum John" for the stiff sentences he handed down against convicted drug traffickers.

Chagra, a flamboyant gambler and high-roller from El Paso, knew he was facing decades behind bars when he made the deal with Harrelson inside the Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas to kill Wood.

A woman named Jo Ann, who grew up with Chagra, bumped into him in the casino that night and introduced him to Harrelson as her new husband — and a contract killer.

Chagra had been arrested in February on trafficking charges, and Harrelson, a slick-looking man with a pompadour hairstyle, said he could help get rid of Chagra's problems for the right price.

The two strangers shook hands and Harrelson reportedly took out a business card from his front pocket that read, "CHUCK HARRELSON, PROFESSIONAL HITMAN" and handed it to Chagra.

Facing a potential life sentence for drug crimes, Chagra followed up with Harrelson the next day and the plan to kill Wood was set.

Weeks later, on May 29, 1979, Judge Wood was gunned down in cold blood in the driveway of his San Antonio home.

Wood, 63, was killed as he was getting into his car to go to work for the day, shot once by Harrelson in the back with a high-powered rifle.

Like the shooting that targeted Kerr six months earlier, the killer opened fired from a distance.

The high-profile murder became known as the crime of the century as Wood was the first federal judge to die by assassination in more than a hundred years.

Three months after the killing, Chagra was found guilty of drug trafficking and sentenced to 30 years in prison.

However, for reasons unknown, the new judge in the case allowed Chagra to remain free on bail, and Chagra didn't show up for his sentencing hearing.

A nationwide manhunt was launched as Chagra secretly moved his family to rural Kansas.

But he didn’t stay holed up for long.

After six months in hiding, Chagra became bored and desperate for another taste of the limelight, leading him back to the gambling tables in Las Vegas, where he was arrested and sent to prison.

Initially, the investigation into the judge's murder did not focus on Chagra, and he did not become a suspect until after he was behind bars at the U.S. Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas, on federal drug charges.

There, guards noticed that whenever Chagra's wife, Elizabeth, visited, the couple would communicate by scribbling notes to each other instead of speaking.

Eventually, police set a trap to uncover the contents of these handwritten messages as jail officials had a hunch that Mrs. Chagra was destroying the notes by ripping them up in the ladies room and then flushing the pieces down the toilet before she left the prison each time.

One day, after doing this, Elizabeth was greeted by lights and sirens behind her car, and she was arrested after jailers managed to retrieve the torn pieces of paper from the plumbing.

When pasted together again, the notes revealed an exchange that ultimately linked Chagra to the killing of Judge Wood, leading to another indictment against Chagra for murder three years after Wood was killed.

Harrelson was also captured and convicted and received two consecutive life terms, plus 5 years.

Harrelson's wife, Jo Ann, meanwhile was sentenced to 25 years for setting up the deal.

Chagra's wife, Elizabeth, was also sent away for 30 years for delivering the $250,000 in blood money to Charles Harrelson.

Jimmy Chagra was cleared of the murder charge for Wood's death, however, Chagra was found guilty of obstructing justice and drug smuggling. His attorney during the trial was Oscar Goodman, who would go on to become the Mayor of Las Vegas.

Chagra was released from prison for health reasons in 2003, and he died of cancer just five years later.

Charles Harrelson's purported claim to also have been the real assassin of President John F. Kennedy on Nov. 22, 1963, when he was 25 years old, remains the subject of historical debate, with no conclusive evidence ever implicating him or any other single individual except for Lee Harvey Oswald, who was charged with the crime.

In the 1989 book Crossfire by Jim Marrs, conspiracy theorists identify Harrelson as the youngest and tallest of the "three tramps" who were photographed by Dallas newspapers as they were escorted by police outside the Texas School Book Depository, where shots were fired at Kennedy's motorcade moments earlier.

Marrs suggests Harrelson had ties to criminals linked to intelligence agencies and the military, and he hints at a possible connection to Jack Ruby, who killed Oswald.

Charles Harrison died on March 15, 2007, at the United States Penitentiary Administrative Maximum Facility in Florence, Colorado, commonly referred to as Supermax, which houses the country's most dangerous criminals.

When his father murdered the judge in 1979, Woody Harrelson had not yet begun his acting career, and it would be another six years before his breakout role on the popular television series "Cheers."

Woody has mostly sought to distance himself from his father's crimes, while rarely discussing its impact on his life and career. He has occasionally mentioned his father in interviews but has generally kept discussions about him out of the public spotlight.

In 2012, he described his father as a "good man" but acknowledged that he had done some "pretty horrible things," while also expressing his belief that his father was not given a fair trial.

[vintageviewmaster]

The Truth About Chuck

This was originally posted in response to the above well-meaning (but inaccurate) meme that was circulating online back in 2020. The following is as it was written on my Vintage View-Master Instagram account:

Excuse this small detour, but I noticed a lot of people posting a (slightly) misleading photo about this incredible man (swipe to see the post I’m referencing) and I just wanted to clear a few things up.

This is Charles “Chuck” Harrison, an industrial designer born in 1931 who designed many consumer products we still use today. You may already know him as the first African-American executive to work at Sears, Roebuck and Company.

As a designer, Harrison is known primarily for his redesign of the View-Master. That includes the internally lit Model F viewer and the famous, ubiquitous Model G viewer. When you imagine a View-Master, chances are Harrison's Model G design is the one you picture.

This may seem trivial or like nit-picking, but as someone interested in the preservation of history, I believe that we should always strive for accuracy, or as close as we can ever get to it. Because of that, I thought it necessary to respond to the many posts claiming Harrison to be the "inventor" of the View-Master. To put it frankly, he is not (the View-Master already had many iterations before his redesign in the 1950s). Now, before you get upset, let me say this: merely claiming Harrison to be the inventor of the View-Master undermines exactly what made him such an influential and genius industrial designer. Harrison was revolutionary not because he "invented" new objects, but because he had the creative vision to rethink existing ones. Harrison took the heavy, expensive Bakelite View-Master and retooled it to be more accessible for all ages and more affordable.

While "inventors" often get all the credit, designers like Harrison are just as talented and just as important. It takes a special brand of ingenuity to look around the world and see it not as it is, but as it could be. Harrison embodied that spirit with everything he touched. Do you ever watch an old TV show or movie (or remember the day!) and find yourself thankful we no longer use those heavy, metal trash bins? Thank Harrison! His redesign of the trash bin, with a plastic body and the addition of wheels, is still used today.

Harrison's contributions are immense and hidden everywhere in our lives, so stop for a moment and take a look around. From hair dryers to toasters, lawn mowers to fondue pots, and even the View-Master, a piece of Harrison can be found in them all.

References:

Photo 1: Tim Klein Photography Photo 2: unattributed, please let me know if you know the source and I will update Encyclopedia Britannica - Charles Harrison, American Industrial Designer. Written by Kathleen Kuiper

[rosefantasy77]

Hi there! Idk if you still do Charles Harrison from Charles in Charge. I saw on your post that you write for him and love the show. I am in season 3 and I love him sm. I was wondering if you could do a Charles Harrison x girlfriend!reader where she comes back from seeing her parents and he is working at the Powell house and he is like stressed with an exam (since he is a college student) and he misses her and she surprises him and he like hugs and kisses her, so does she. Tysm!

𓂃˖ ࣪⊹ Coming Home to You

girlfriend!reader x Charles Harrison

˙⋆✮ ˙ summary: You get back from seeing your parents. And you come back into New Brunswick and Charles is more than happy to you

˙⋆✮ ˙ warning: fluff

˙⋆✮ ˙ a/n: Girl, I am so glad that you love Charles in Charge. I just finished it for the second time and I balled my eyes out. Idc tho, I am gonna rewatch it in a couple weeks. I just love Scott Baio sm. He is amazing. Enjoy!

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

Charles had always prided himself on staying organized.

Normally, balancing college classes, babysitting for the Powells, and keeping the house running wasn't too difficult.

This week, though?

It felt impossible.

His psychology textbook was spread across the kitchen table, surrounded by flashcards, half-finished notes, and a mug of coffee that had gone cold an hour ago.

"Charles!"

Jamie called from the living room.

"Can you help me?"

"In one second!" Charles answered, rubbing his tired eyes.

He glanced down at the chapter he'd been trying to read.

He'd read the same paragraph four times.

None of it had stuck.

He sighed.

"Come on, Charles," he muttered to himself. "You've got this."

But something kept distracting him.

You.

You'd been away for nearly a week visiting your parents, and while he'd insisted you enjoy the trip, he couldn't deny how much he missed you.

He missed your good morning phone calls.

Your laugh.

The way you'd steal his sweaters because they were "comfier."

Even studying wasn't the same without you teasing him whenever he got too serious.

The front door clicked open.

Charles barely looked up.

"Hey, Mrs. Powell, could you—"

He froze.

Standing in the doorway was you, a small overnight bag slung over your shoulder and the biggest smile on your face.

"Hi."

For a second, Charles just stared.

Then his face lit up.

"Y/N? Baby?"

You laughed.

"Surprise."

Before you could say another word, he was already crossing the room.

He wrapped both arms around you in a hug so tight your feet nearly left the floor.

"You came back!"

"I did."

"I missed you."

"I missed you too."

He buried his face against your shoulder for a moment, letting out a content sigh.

"You have no idea how happy I am right now."

You smiled, hugging him just as tightly.

"I think I have a pretty good idea."

He leaned back just enough to look at you.

"You look beautiful."

"You say that every time you see me."

"Because it's true every time."

You gently cupped his cheek.

"You look..."

He raised an eyebrow.

"...Tired."

Charles laughed.

"Yeah."

"And stressed."

"...Also yeah."

You brushed your thumb lightly across his cheek.

"Big exam?"

He nodded dramatically.

"I swear this textbook is trying to defeat me."

You giggled.

"I don't think textbooks have personal vendettas."

"This one does."

"It probably doesn't."

"It definitely does."

You couldn't help laughing.

"I've missed your dramatic speeches."

"I've missed having someone who listens to them."

Your smile softened.

Without another word, you leaned up and kissed him.

It was gentle and familiar, making every bit of tension he'd been carrying all week seem to disappear.

When you pulled away, Charles rested his forehead against yours.

"I really missed that."

"So did I."

He stole another quick kiss.

"...And that."

You laughed.

"I noticed."

He grinned sheepishly.

"I've got a week's worth of kisses to make up for."

"I figured."

Just then, Jamie wandered into the kitchen.

"Eww."

The two of you immediately looked over.

Jamie crossed her arms dramatically.

"Can you guys stop being gross for, like... five minutes?"

Charles chuckled.

"No promises."

Jamie sighed the exaggerated sigh only kids could manage.

"I'm telling Sarah."

"You do that," Charles said with a laugh.

Jamie shook her head and walked away, muttering, "They're impossible."

As soon as he disappeared, you turned back to Charles.

"You know..."

"Hm?"

"I brought you something."

"You did?"

You reached into your bag and pulled out a small paper sack.

"My mom insisted I bring your favorite homemade cookies."

Charles' eyes widened.

"No way."

"And..."

You handed him a folded note.

"My dad wished you luck on your exam."

He unfolded it and smiled at the simple message inside.

"You'll do great. We've got confidence in you."

Charles looked back at you, touched.

"They really did that?"

"They like you."

"I like them."

You slipped your hand into his.

"And I like you."

His smile grew impossibly softer.

"I like you a whole lot more."

You laughed.

"I certainly hope so."

He squeezed your hand.

"Tell you what."

"What?"

"I'll finish studying..."

He glanced longingly at the cookies.

"...After one cookie."

"Just one?"

"...Maybe two."

You smiled knowingly.

"I'll help you study."

"You would?"

"Of course."

Charles leaned over and kissed your forehead.

"See?"

"What?"

"I knew today was going to get better."

With you sitting beside him, a plate of homemade cookies between you, and your hand resting comfortably in his, the exam suddenly didn't seem nearly as overwhelming.

Somehow, just having you home made everything else feel a little easier.

[dd20century]

Charles Harrison: Better Living Through Superior Design

Editor’s Note: This post originally ran on February 25, 2019.

“My best efforts resulted in products that did their job as expected – you look at it, right away guess what it is supposed to do, and that’s exactly what it does.” —Charles Harrison

Here at Design and Desire in the Twentieth Century, the purpose of our blog is to highlight the designers, architects, photographers, and artists of the past century whose talents have impacted the world of the Twenty-first Century. Many of the artists we’ve featured here, while not famous themselves, designed remarkable iconic items or buildings. What about the talented designer whose output may not be remarkable in and of itself, but whose body of work has influenced everyday life so greatly that we have taken his or her achievements for granted? Charles Harrison is undoubtedly one of those designers. 

“Chuck” Harrison‘s Early Years

Charles “Chuck” Harrison, product designer and the first African-American executive at retailer Sears, Roebuck and Company, was born in Lousiana in 1931. During his childhood, Harrison suffered from dyslexia, and his design career would be influenced by a desire to produce user-friendly intuitive products that could help users. Harrison’s father, Charles Alfred Harrison Sr. (1) was a professor of industrial arts. Harrison junior would akso become a design professor later in life. Both Harrison’s father and grandfather were master carpenters and “Harrison credits his interest and ability in design to their influence.” (2) 

Charles Harrison, GAF ViewMaster for Robert Podall Associates (1958). Image source.

Harrison’s Professional Successes Despite His Facing Discrimination

The 1950s in the United States was a challenging period for African-American professionals seeking employment in their chosen fields; Charles Harrison was no exception. In a 2006 interview with The Washington Post, Harrison said, "It was very tough, … I uncovered every rock in Chicago. People wanted to help me. I stumbled around.“(4) Harrison’s former professor from SAIC, Henry P. Glass gave Harrison his first design job. (2) Like many designers unable to find full-time employment, Harrison picked up free-lance jobs; some were for Sears, Roebuck and Company, his future employer.

In 1958 Harrison joined the staff of Robert Podall Associates. It was there Harrison redesigned the View-master toy giving it the look and feel that children of the 1960s and 1970s came to love. (5)

Harrison’s Career at Sears, Roebuck and Company

Charles Harrison, Electric Portable Hand Mixer for Sears (1969). Image source.

Charles Harrison, Plastic Trash Bin (ca. 1965) for Sears. Image source.

Charles Harrison’s Later Years

In 1993 Sears underwent a corporate restructure and eliminated its “entire design department,”(1); Harrison was the last designer to leave. During his retirement, Harrison taught design at “The University of Illinois at Chicago, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and at Columbia College Chicago.” (2)

Harrison published his biography in 2006, A Life’s Design: The Life and Work of Industrial Designer Charles Harrison and earned the Smithsonian National Design Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2008. (4,5)

Harrison died on November 29, 2018. His design sketches can be viewed in the University of Illinois’ digital design collections. (2)

References

Hales, L., (11 October 2006). Chuck Harrison, Adding Dimension to Design. The Washington Post Online. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/10/AR2006101001459.html?noredirect=on

Wkikpedia (2018). Charles “Chuck” Harrison. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_%22Chuck%22_Harrison

Gibson, E., (10 December 2018). Pioneering African-American Designer Charles Harrison Dies aged 87. Dezeen.com.  https://www.dezeen.com/2018/12/10/charles-harrison-designer-obituary/

Harriot, M., (5 December 2018). Charles ‘Chuck’ Harrison, the Most Important Person You Never Heard Of, Dead at 87. The Root. https://www.theroot.com/charles-chuck-harrison-the-most-important-person-you-n-1830891199

Gambino, M., (January 2009). Intelligent Designer, Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/intelligent-designer-99915628/

[galleryyuhself]

Charles Harrison. View-master (model G). 1962 | MoMA

Charles Harrison. View-master (model G). 1962. Sawyer Manufacturing. Injection molded plastic. 4 5/16 × 6 5/8 × 5 7/8" (10.9 × 16.8 × 15 cm). Anonymous gift. 960.2016.1-3. Architecture and Design

~Galleryyuhself~ Graphic Design history on Designers of color.

[golfhistorytoday]

Amateur Charles Harrison bests Ben Hogan & Arnold Palmer in a practice round