Category Archives: Anniversaries
Harry Houdini: 144 Years and Counting
By Tom Interval Erik Weisz—later Americanized as Ehrich Weiss and ultimately immortalized as Harry Houdini—was born in Budapest, Hungary, 144 years ago today: March 24, 1874. Although Houdini died on Halloween in 1926 at the age of 52, his name … Continue reading
Houdini’s Suspended Straitjacket Escape at Police Field Day Games
By Tom Interval There’s no enviable day to die, but if you’re a magician, and you have to cash in your chips, anyway, it might as well be on Halloween. That’s exactly what Harry Houdini did 91 years ago today: … Continue reading
Houdini Jack-o’-Lantern 2017
By Tom Interval Last year I skipped my annual ritual of carving a Houdini jack-o’-lantern, but on this day—the eve of Halloween and of Houdini’s 91st death anniversary—I’m pleased to share a few photos of the one I made this … Continue reading
In Memory of Houdini on the 90th Anniversary of His Death
By Tom Interval It’s been 90 years since Harry Houdini (1874–1926) died on Halloween, yet his name lives on—a testament to the genius behind his showmanship, originality, technical abilities, and knack for attaining publicity. Unhappy anniversary, Harry.
Happy Birthday Robert-Houdin: Dec. 6, 1805
By Tom Interval I meant to post this image on Saturday. On that day 209 years ago, the pioneering French conjurer, Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin, was born. Robert-Houdin is known as the “father of modern magic” and is the man whose … Continue reading
In Memory of Harry Houdini
Houdini’s Voice Recorded 100 Years Ago Today
By Tom Interval It was exactly 100 years ago today that Houdini recorded his voice on Edison wax cylinders. This particular version is one I put together a couple of years ago. It’s about 3½ minutes long and is different … Continue reading
Houdini in The New York Times Turns 10: Its Origin and Future
By Tom Interval This year marks the 10th anniversary of Houdini in The New York Times, a website housing more than 125 articles and letters in The New York Times written by or about Harry Houdini. Please enjoy this brief … Continue reading
In Memoriam: How did Houdini die?
By Tom Interval If there were such a thing as the perfect day to die, Harry Houdini would have thanked the Grim Reaper. The legendary showman escaped the earth 87 years ago this minute—1:26 p.m. (ET) on October 31, 1926. … Continue reading
Houdini Museum 