Bess Houdini's birthday is TODAY, January 23, and here's a wonderful piece of proof from the collection of John C. Hinson, the great nephew of Harry and Bess Houdini, and the benefactor of our Hinson Endowment. This is a copy of Houdini's 1920 book, Miracles Mongers and Their Methods, given by Houdini to his "Sweetheart Wife" on "January 23/1921 - on your birthday." This would have been Bess' 45th birthday.
Inside is this wonderful inscription from Houdini:
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| Click to enlarge. |
So there we have it. We can now confidently celebrate Bess' birthday on January 23. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BESS. 138 years young today!
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| The Birthday Girl |
Nice work, John! Thanks for sharing. Do you recall where researchers got the Jan. 22 date?
ReplyDeleteOff hand, I don't know where the 22nd came from. But it stuck.
DeleteI'm sure Bess was thrilled to receive Miracle Mongers and Their Methods for her birthday. Why would she want a pair of diamond earings or a new dress?
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to know Bess and I share the same birthday.
LOL. I thought the same thing. Maybe he gave her some earrings as well. :)
DeleteNice piece of evidence. Thanks for sharing this gift with us.
ReplyDeleteYes, it must have been a package deal. You get the book--autographed by your own husband--with the earrings. You know, it's the little things like this that make you realize Houdini was a bit of a strange character. But I suppose that's part of the fascination.
ReplyDeleteAlthough this book is now worth a lot more than diamond earrings, so...
DeleteAnd signed so personally ...
ReplyDelete