The Appleton Post-Crescent reports that a new commemorative plaque will be installed in Houdini Plaza to mark the 100th anniversary of Houdini's death. The Wisconsin Historical Society approved the proposal in February, and on Tuesday, the Appleton Historic Preservation Commission unanimously approved the project. The marker will read:
1874-1926
Born Ehrich Weiss in Budapest, Hungary, Harry Houdini became a world-famous magician and escape artist.
His family immigrated to the United States when he was 4 years old. They settled in Appleton in 1878. His father, Mayer Samuel Weiss, served as the first rabbi of Appleton's Zion Reform Jewish Congregation.
Throughout his career, Houdini proclaimed Appleton as his hometown. In 1897, he and his wife, Bess, performed at the Appleton Opera House. He challenged the local police and escaped from their handcuffs and a jail cell.
Houdini's career soared after he traveled to Europe in 1900, where he performed many daring escapes and stunts. He was also an author, pioneer aviator, silent film star, inventor, and collector.
Appleton proudly remembers its connection to the legendary “Handcuff King.”
I love that it mentions Houdini's 1897 appearance in Appleton. For the record, this was on March 29-30, when The Houdinis were traveling as part of the Rogers' Orpheum Stars company. Houdini escaped from handcuffs at the local police station on March 29. (As far as I know, he did not do a jail escape.)
The Appleton Opera House was located inside the City Hall building, and it
still stands today! I will definitely be making a pilgrimage to the site when I travel to Appleton for the big
S.A.M. Convention in July.
I always thought it a bit strange that Appleton ultimately rejected his father and yet he still embraced the town.
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