The Case:
In an appearance worthy of Houdini, a Chicago man replacing roof insulation in his home realized that the insulation material was in fact scores of old posters for a Harry Houdini magic show.
Master of illusion and escape artist, celebrated worldwide, Harry Houdini captivated crowds with his death-defying stunts and unique brand of magic which seemed to defy the very laws of nature.
Could such rare and random theater signs possibly be real?
With the theater where the alleged performance took place no longer in business, our contributor is eager to determine the poster’s authenticity as well as learn what kind of show Houdini was performing in Chicago. Houdini built his reputation on elaborate tricks and illusions, yet in later years, he devoted portions of his stage acts to questioning the spiritualists and clairvoyants who claimed they could contact the dead.
History Detectives ventures to New York City and Las Vegas to peer behind the magician’s veil, and examine the final chapter in Houdini’s career.
Season 4, Episode 1
Detective:
Elyse Luray
Detective:
Gwen Wright
Location:Chicago, Illinois
Related Content
Feature:
Video:
Technique:
Technique:
Feature:
Related Links
Explore
-
Also in Emerging Modern America: 1890-1930
Black Star Line
Is this certificate a rare artifact from the heyday of Marcus Garvey?
-
Also with Gwen Wright
Home of Lincoln Assassination Plot
Did the plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln begin in this New York City building?
-
Also with Gwen Wright
Railroad Station
Is a disused depot the first railroad station in Texas?
-
Also in this episode
Chisholm Trail
Did the Chisholm Trail really run through this small town in Texas?
-
Also with Gwen Wright
Geronimo Photograph
Is this photo really an image of the legendary Apache warrior Geronimo?
-
Related Investigation
Women's Suffrage Painting
What role did this watercolor painting play in securing women the right to vote?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.