When it comes to image as famed as Harry Houdini , their legacies are often fan out among many places . The thaumaturgist was born in Hungary , died in Detroit , and in between , spend some fourth dimension in New York City . On Wednesday , October 26 , Houdini ’s very first Manhattan residence on the Upper East Side honored that connection to the illusionist with a commitment ceremony .
Today , 244 East 79th Street is the situation of a eating house , but ten ago it was home to Mrs. Leffler ’s Boarding House , where Houdini and his crime syndicate stayed . Halloween marks the 90th day of remembrance of Houdini ’s expiry , and every year , the Society of American Magicians remember the date with a serial of events known as Magic Week . Harry Houdini served as president of the Society of American Magicians from 1917 to 1926 .
Houdini is bury atMachpelah Cemeteryin Queens , New York and for many years , drew large groups of fan and spectators on Halloween , many of whom search to proceed a tradition of Erik Weisz - seeking séances , encouraged in many waysby the man himself . Before he died , Houdini and his married woman Bess agreed on a codification phrase that he would use to stress to meet her from the afterlife . She held séances for10 yearsand never heard from her deceased hubby .
In later years , the Society of American Magicians performed more official ceremonies surrounding his destruction , and move the date to November to avoid the Halloween gang . They now keep the event secret , and the tomb isheavily monitoredon the anniversary to forbid malicious mischief .
As part of the memorial tablet dedication , George Schindler of the Society of American Magicians do theBroken Wand Ceremony , which is held for every member of the lodge who dies . During the words below , the necromancer ’s sceptre , which is leave to every member upon join , is snapped in one-half .
In addition to the plaque ceremony , a séance will be held for the first clock time at Houdini ’s Manhattan residence this Halloween .
George Schindler with a pair of handcuffs used by Houdini and Houdini ’s younger brother / fellow magician , Theodore Hardeen .
Photos and the humiliated baton .
A Houdini display at the ceremony .
The plaque , sport the name of Deborah Hardeen , the granddaughter of Theodore Hardeen ; Deborah was in attendance .
