Newly elected National President of the Society of American Magicians, ICE McDonald, along with S.A.M.'s National Dean, George Schindler and one of the Society’s Senior Officers David Bowers, will visit Houdini's grave at Machpelah Cemetery in Queens on October 2 as the first step in what's being described as "planning for the huge restoration process."
"It brings me joy to visit the great city of New York, and an honor to attend the gravesite of one of magic's greatest treasures, the Honorable Past National President of The Society of American Magicians, Harry Houdini," say McDonald, who on July 3, 2014 made history by becoming the first African-American National President of the S.A.M. in the organization's 112 year history. Houdini was national president of the S.A.M. from 1917 until his death in 1926.
This is exciting news, although I'm curious what exactly these "huge" plans could be. Houdini's gravesite is actually in pretty good shape these days, thanks in no small part of the efforts of our friends Dorothy Dietrich and Dick Brookz of the Houdini Museum in Scranton. What I'm hoping is this means the missing headstones for Leopold and Gladys will finally be returned to their proper places in the Weiss family plot. That would indeed be huge.
You can read more about the new S.A.M. National President ICE McDonald HERE.
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As I am sure you surmised we are working closely with The Society of American Magicians (SAM) and the administrators of the grave site, and several artists, and crafts people on this.
ReplyDeleteAs with all these projects we let the parties involved make the announcement first.
There will be other great historic Houdini news about another great project we are involved in between November and January.
Dorothy Dietrich and Dick Brookz
The Houdini Museum
Scranton, PA
The Only Building in the World Dedicated to Houdini
The Original Houdini Museum in New York City
That's great to hear. Yes, I figured you guys would be involved in this. You better be! No one has done a better job looking after Houdini's grave than both of you. :)
DeleteI do admit this spooks me a bit. I hope there are no plans to do any alterations. I don't want to see the plot changed.
The plan, as far as we understand it, is to bring it back to how it looked in its best years. Starting with the repair of the crest of The Society of American Magicians by a professional mosaic artist, and to clean the stains on the entire excedra, and then the rest of the grave site. All in due time.
ReplyDeleteJust a few of the people to thank include David Bowers, Dal Sanders, Phil Milstead, and of course ICE McDonald, and the entire Board of Directors. Also, the management of the cemetery, David Jacobson and his son Efrem.
Dorothy Dietrich and Dick Brookz
The Houdini Museum
Scranton, PA
The Only Building in the World Dedicated to Houdini
The Original Houdini Museum in New York City
So no roller coaster? That's good. :)
DeleteWe are trying to get a parachute ride put in!
ReplyDeleteDorothy Dietrich and Dick Brookz
The Houdini Museum
Scranton, PA
The Only Building in the World Dedicated to Houdini
The Original Houdini Museum in New York City