01/11/2018
Wednesday Wonders Presents, a Halloween tribute to the Houdinis!
In late October of 1926, Harry Houdini was approached by a man who questioned Houdini’s claim to be able to withstand any blow to the abdomen. Quickly after Houdini responded that he could, the man landed multiple blows to Houdini’s abdomen leaving no time for Houdini to brace himself. Afterward, Houdini performed at his show that evening despite the terrible pains. A few days passed while the pains continued to grow until, fittingly, Harry Houdini died on October 31, 1926.
Harry’s widow, Bess Houdini, kept a candle burning beside his photograph since his death. On Halloween night the next year, Bess tried to make contact with his spirit by holding a séance. This tradition continued yearly on Halloween night for many years, drawing crowds of Houdini’s fans as well as celebrities and journalist. In 1936, Bess held her last séance for her late husband. After not hearing even a whisper from Houdini for 10 years, she finally put out the candle that had been burning next to his photograph for all those years and moved on from the tradition. However, the tradition continues to this day without her.
