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Friday, May 4, 2018
First Fridays at the Museum
Ada Blanche Wrigley Schreiner Building
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Members $20, Non-Members $25
Children (3-15) $10
You are invited to enjoy Magic at the Museum! This month, First Fridays at the Museum offers a magic show on the Magic Isle. World Champion Magician Johnny Ace Palmer will amaze and entertain throughout the evening. He will perform close up magic tricks as he circulates through the crowd. At 7:30 pm Houdini Expert John Cox will do a brief presentation about the great Harry Houdini followed by the main Magic Performance by Palmer.
Each month First Fridays at the Museum encourages residents and visitors to explore the museum’s galleries, digital theater and plazas, enjoy refreshments and shop in the Museum Store. The museum will reopen for this event at 6:00 pm. Wine, beer, soda and water will be available for purchase. Click for tickets.
During the day representatives of the firm had visited the Zoo and complained that there was a trap door on the stage. They proposed to erect a platform on which the packing case should be placed. To that Houdini had no objections, so he called upon the carpenters present to proceed to business, and the band played. Four tradesmen immediately threw off their coats. Long stout beams were dragged on to the stage, and they set to work with hammer and nails to baffle, if possible, the daring performer. The music of the orchestra was almost drowned in the noise of the active woodworkers. By and by the platform was completed. It was about a couple of feet high, supported by struts, so that a clear view of the stage floor could be obtained underneath.
Harry Houdini wasn’t born. He was invented.
The world’s most famous magician began life as Erik Weisz, the son of a Hungarian rabbi. In 1878 immigration to the U.S. transformed Erik Weisz into Ehrich Weiss. It was the first of many transformations for the man who would become the first international superstar.
Inescapable, curated by local performer and magician David London, tells the story of how Ehrich Weiss became Harry Houdini and investigates the technologies, marketing prowess and entertainment trends that transformed him into a superstar. On one level, the exhibit is pure fun – incorporating magic, escapes, seances, films, rare artifacts and hands-on illusions. On a deeper level, the exhibit pulls back the curtain, revealing the story of the man behind the image.
In addition to the exploration of his early life, visitors will find sections illuminating stages of his life and career:
- Setting the Stage describing the struggles of Houdini’s early life and the difficulties faced by his father, artifacts include a Hebrew bible that belonged to Rabbi Weiss.
- The Self Liberator featuring a spectacular display of reproduction posters, photos and press clippings, as well as original apparatus, including a straitjacket and milk can that he used in his performances.
- On the Cutting Edge investigates his exploration of new technologies and also features clips from his film career and a chance to listen to a rare recording of his voice.
- Houdini’s Third Act: Exposing Frauds showcases his crusade against deceptive spiritual mediums.
- The Final Bow/Curtain Call sets the record straight on the events that led to his death and explores the séances to contact him by his wife, Bess.
- Houdini in Maryland shines a spotlight on his appearances in the state where he performed close to 100 shows during his career. This section also features Houdini’s personal diary from 1898 turned to the page recording his first tour of Maryland (before his success) where he where he repeatedly reports “no dinner,” as he could not afford to eat.
Throughout the exhibit, visitors also will have the opportunity to try out some of Houdini’s magic tricks, including the world’s smallest version of Houdini’s biggest illusion – making a five-ton elephant “vanish.”
Houdini Unbound
Speaker David Saltman
Sunday, July 15th at 1pm
Mrs. Houdini: The Woman Behind the Magician
Speaker: Victoria Kelly
Sunday, July 29th at 1pm
Street Show, Sideshow, Stage Show
Speaker: James Taylor
Sunday, October 7th at 1pm
Capturing Houdini
Speaker: Ken Trombly
Sunday, October 21st at 1pm
Houdini in Hollywood
Speaker: John Cox
Sunday, November 4th at 1pm
Film Screening: The Grim Game
Sunday, November 4th at 2pm
The Warren County History Museum aims to bring the memory and legacy of the Great Nicola back and remind our community of the great magician that once called Monmouth "home." The first annual Great Nicola Magic Festival will combine magic, history, and entertainment in a family friendly carnival atmosphere. We invite those in our community and beyond to come out, have fun, see some magic, and learn about a man from Monmouth who went on to mystify the world!
Volume Three of the hit AfterShock Series continues! In 'Under the Pyramids', Harry Houdini walks on through to the other side and discovers that the Rough Riders are up against the legendary Dutch 'Bokkenrijders 'who have returned to this earthly plane to settle a score with one of his teammates! But Harry's truest challenge may be a visitor from his past who can spell his end...unless he listens to his newest teammate H.P. Lovecraft! Created and written by Adam Glass (executive producer of Supernatural and writer of Suicide Squad) with artwork by Patrick Olliffe (Untold Tales of Spider-Man).
Just as Harry Houdini was arriving in Detroit for his fateful last stage performance, a mysterious room was under its final preparations. An unknown person or persons built the room for one purpose: to trap the famed escape artist!
You and your family, friends, or co-workers are tasked with two goals: uncover the cryptic plan, and free yourselves before time runs out!
OPENING APRIL 2018
Who wasn’t? https://t.co/kQRY4Qew0I— Warren G. Harding (@GovHard) April 12, 2018
Unappreciated at her father's detective agency, the fabulous, rabbit-loving Minky Woodcock straps on her gumshoes in order to uncover a magical mystery involving the world-famous escape artist, Harry Houdini. Created by acclaimed artist, author, director, and playwright Cynthia Von Buhler.
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| Joe visits John Gaughan. |
Award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author Joe Posnanski enters the world of Harry Houdini and his legions of devoted fans in an immersive, entertaining, and magical work on the illusionist’s impact on American culture—and why his legacy endures to this day.
To a round of applause, Houdini and the ponderous elephant appeared from the wings, walked to center stage, and saluted the audience. A very large, slightly rectangular cabinet, curtained along one of its long sides, had been pushed on stage by assistants. It was shown to be empty. The docile elephant lumbered up a short ramp and into the cabinet. The curtains were drawn. The cabinet was then slowly rotated, and left with its curtained side toward the audience. Houdini walked to the cabinet and whisked apart the curtains. We looked into an empty cabinet and through a circular opening, much too small for the elephant to pass through, in its rear wall. The elephant was gone.
Wilhelmina Braun–Why do you keep hounding the spiritualists when you known they are consoling the bereaved? Why don't you leave them their faith?
Houdini–You might as well give the dope fiend dope, as a cure. It is far better to tell the bereaved immediately what is what, than let them chase a rainbow.
Anna Jackson–Mediums explain to me that the reason you do not get any evidence from the spirit world is that you are too antagonistic and that you are not acceptable to the spirits. You stop the progress when you are in a seance room.
Houdini–You might just as well say that a man not feeling in the proper frame of mind goes to the photographer. The photographer would say, "You are antagonistic and the emulsion on the negative will not work." Ten thousand magicians investigating the process of the radio could not stop it.
James Atkinson–Do you know there are a great many allusions in the Bible regarding spirit return; Do you wish us to believe that these statements in the Bible are wrong? Have you ever read the Bible?
Houdini–Yes, I not only read the Bible but I study it frequently. I try to keep away from Biblical arguments, as there are so many interpretations of the same thing. But I do know it states in Leviticus: "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live." And you will find frequent statements against having "familiar wizards," but I have no desire to enter into controversies regarding Biblical statements in THE PRESS, if you consult your Bible you will find facts, but please bear in mind I am willing to meet anyone in person and talk over any paragraph in same.
John Stone–You claim you do not believe in spiritualism, but you evidently are superstitious. As I was walking past THE PRESS office the other day, you were with a short gentleman, he walked under the ladder and you did not. Why are you superstitious?
Houdini–We are all superstitious more or less, and I was afraid that the man on top who had a pot of paint, might let it accidentally fall, so to make assurance doubly sure, I walked around the ladder. If you wish to test me, meet me with a flock of ladders and I will walk under them for you. I will admit I have been superstitious, but that was before I looked into the thing and I cannot believe that just because I am seated at a table with 13 that is going to cause someone to die–the only thing that bothers me is that there are people at the table who worry about it.
M. O. Mack, Blairsville–Can you tell me how to locate hidden things? I know about where there is a pot of gold and silver money, but not the exact spot. If you can tell me, you will be well paid.
Houdini–Your letter caused me the first good laugh I have had in a long time. Finding hidden treasure, pots of gold, etc., is something beyond the ken of men. These things are found by accident or clues. I remember the story of a man who had a dream that in his farm there was a pot of gold hidden and he had to plow it up in order to find it. He plowed it up and then thought he might seed it and he had a rich crop. He then saw the dream he had of the pot of gold came true, as the result of his hard work.
Dora Baron–I lost my first born three years ago and since then have been blessed with another child. As often as I embrace my baby I imagine it is still the first born, to whom I was attached. A medium told me that the soul of the first baby is in the body of the one I now possess. Can this be true?
Houdini–The theory of one soul occupying the body of another leans more toward the reincarnation belief, and the white soul that you lost certainly would not usurp the body of another little soul. So your first born is with the other babies who die in babyhood and the little stranger you are now loving was given to you as an entirely different human and will grow up as such. Mothers who lose their first born rarely get over it; there is something so sweet and divine in the first born of a real honest mother that, no matter how much times passes, they still yearn for the little soul whose baby hands entwined themselves around the mother's heart. I am certain that no medium would be in a position to tell you one way or the other.
Henry Frey–Enclosed is a clipping from THE PRESS, which you have read before this, telling about a man driving a car blindfolded through the streets. Explain it. Can you do it without help?
Houdini–Regarding the clipping mailed, that party does not claim that the spirits help him in his work. I never expose an entertainer, or one who admits that he resorts to the natural science and laws. [Note: The Blindfold Drive was a specialty of Houdini's friend and fellow debunker Dunninger.]
Thoman Wilsens–At a friend's home some months ago we all laid hands on a heavy table. We were all friends, and the answered questions by wrapping and eventually moved clear across the room and out the door. There was no chance for trickery. How can you explain that?
Houdini–The theory that tables can be made to move with spirit agency was exploded by Prof. Tyndell long ago, also by Prof. Carpenter. Anyone can make a table move by laying on of the hands. It is simply synchronization of movement, and that is why soldiers break formation when they get to a bridge. If you wish to test a table, do not place your hands on same and see if it will move.
Edgar Johnson–How can a medium read a message that I have written on a visiting card and, though I marked the envelope, nevertheless she read my message.
Houdini–This is accomplished by the medium having a sponge saturated with alcohol and by smearing the envelope with the alcohol causes the paper to become transparent, enabling her to read the message. Try this yourself and you will see that in a few moments the alcohol dries. When I was a boy I paid a medium $100 for this secret.
James Willis–Is there any truth in the statement, of which you are accused, and which came up at your lecture demonstration in Boston, that the Catholic Church is paying you to attack religion, and what is your birth and religion?
Houdini–No. I am the son of one of the prominent rabbi's of America, taught in the junior classes of his college in Milwaukee. I was born in Appleton, Wis., 50 years ago, and if I were to be born again, and the Almighty in his infinite wisdom would grant me the privilege of selecting parents. I would ask for no greater boon than to once again have the same Godfearing mother and studious father.
William Chester Jones, Lancaster–Is there anything true in the ouija board, as I have a had a number of wonderful things told to me by that board? I was alone and no one in the room still it wrote me a message and included a secret of the family of which the purport is known only to the "Clare" who guided my hand in writing or spelling the message
Houdini–The ouija board is the first step towards insanity. A great many people believe that there is something in this writer of supposed-to-be supernormal actions. Even Epes Sargent, the well known author and one time editor of the Boston Transcript believed implicitly in the tracing of the ouija board, but if you will securely tie the operator's eyes and change the letters on the board no one can write messages.
Penley Smith–Do you believe in the Freud theory?
Houdini–I haven't gone into it 100 per cent, as yet, but from what I have discovered it appears to be a license to openly speak about sex matters in mixed circles. Freud's statement that the sex problem is so strong in infants is open to discussion. I do not agree with the doctrine of psycho-analysis, but know that some people have to be analyzed as they cannot do their own thinking. They are like sheep; when one makes a move, the rest follow.
Fred Voalked–I know that you are in league with the devil. If not, please explain to me how you made the elephant vanish six years ago at the New York Hippodrome. I saw what I saw, and you can't kid me. Manager Dillingham also complained that he could not keep you supplied with elephants.
Houdini–I am sorry to note your version of my act, but you are all wrong. Everything I do can be explained by natural means and as to my being in league with the devil, no, that belongs to the dark ages before people were enlightened as they are in the present day.
Mrs. Anna Weber–Will my daughter return and when?
Houdini–I thank you. You will note at the top of the column I am not a fortune teller but I am publishing this in case your daughter reads it and she will know you are worried.
Louis Gensen–Many people believe in the life after death and incarnation. Kindly explain your opinion.
Houdini–I do believe in the hereafter and many believe in reincarnation. I do not.
Mrs. Mary A. Yuran–I am 24 years old and married three years and weigh only 93 pounds. Do you think I have a spell put on me, as I am getting awful poor. And I've been going to different doctors and they can't cure me. I can't sleep right. Sometimes I go to sleep and something seems to get hold of me so that I can't move myself. I call for help and try to move myself, but I can't. What could that be?
Houdini–No one can put a spell upon you. Even in Pittsburgh there are men and women pretending that there are spells on humans and for a certain sum they will cause the spell to leave. Under no circumstances believe that you have a spell. The fact that thought is in your mind is enough to make you worry, and worry will kill a cat. Forget all about it. Take plenty of exercise and plain food, consult a doctor and you will regain your health and cheerful frame of mind. If there was such a thing as casting spells and killing anyone the mediums would have killed me long ago. But the Almighty in His infinite wisdom does not allow such a thing.
The manuscripts total over 100 pages, both holographic and typewritten, and are filled with tantalizing looks inside the Houdini home, Houdini’s ill-fated final tour of America, including the fateful episode in Montreal that would cost Houdini his life. Other elements discussed include the Weiss and Rahner families, the aftermath of Houdini’s death, and even the magician’s finances and the nature of his estate and how it was dealt with after his untimely passing. Various drafts and outlines, both typewritten and handwritten are included. In all, an archive of historical significance, filled with tantalizing unpublished data and anecdotes regarding the most famous magician the world has ever known. Sanford began working for Houdini as his business secretary in the last weeks of the magician’s life. His story, told in these pages, but as yet unpublished, describes in minute detail his time with the great magician, from the moment of his first interview for a position as assistant in Houdini’s dressing room, to the time of the fateful death blow delivered to Houdini in Montreal, and beyond. Sanford had a front row seat to these moments in history and recounts them in great detail in the pages of his unpublished memoir, offered here for public sale for the first time. The material in these pages has been virtually unknown until now and is an un-mined trove of lore not incorporated in to any published Houdini biography.
Potter & Potter's Spring Magic Auction will be held April 28, 2018 starting at 10:00 AM. Previews take place at Potter & Potter's Chicago gallery April 26 & 27, from 10:00am to 5:00pm. The printed auction catalog, which sports a terrific Houdini cover (right), will ship approximately three weeks prior to the auction.
