A major feature of spiritualism is the séance, a ceremony where one person acts as a medium to contact the spirits of the dead in the spirit world. Doyle introduced Houdini to the religious philosophy of spiritualism-a philosophy that Houdini would come to abhor. Houdini was friends with renowned Sherlock Holmes author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Over the next 20 years, his escapes would amaze audiences and confound critics. He continued touring throughout the country, performing in many American towns and cities, including Scranton.
By the time he returned to the States, Houdini had become a legend. His performances propelled Houdini and his great escapes to international acclaim, allowing him to continuously tour Europe for five years. His big break came in the form of an invitation to join the Orpheum Vaudeville circuit in 1899, giving him an opportunity to perform in the national spotlight. By 17, Houdini had already begun performing magic professionally.Īs the great escape artist, handcuffs were generally child's play to Houdini. By age 12, Houdini had performed his first great escape when he ran away from home and hopped a train car bound for Galveston, Texas. At age nine, Houdini began performing as a trapeze artist, a gig that would eventually introduce him to professional magicians and spark his own interest in magic. Born in Budapest, Hungary, raised in Appleton, Wisconsin, and starting his career in New York City, he was always on the move. Harry Houdini, born Eric Weisz, master magician, escapologist, and skeptic, is a world-renowned legend of magic. It seems everyone wants to take a glimpse into the life of one of America’s most mysterious men. Alakazam! The line for admission stretches around and behind the building. New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Ohio-the license plates show visitors coming from far and wide. Despite its modest appearance, the parking lot along the side of the building is filled to capacity. The signs beckon visitors to step in and disappear into a world of mystery, intrigue, and magic. It’s easy to miss the small, unassuming converted home with two signs painted on its blue stucco exterior.
Passing along North Main Ave through the Green Ridge neighborhood of Scranton in Lackawanna County, there are children riding bicycles, lawns being cut, and neighbors chatting on the street-a portrait of the average American neighborhood. This Scranton house has been the home of the Harry Houdini Museum since 1988.
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