The good news is the heavy black we saw spreading over the grave wasn't mold. It was just a heavy accumulation of dirt and grime. So all that was needed was some elbow grease to clean it off, but it was still a big job for two people, especially since the cemetery does not have running water, and Dorothy and David had to cart in all their water. But now Houdini's grave looks great in this all-important year, with so many visiting and filming at the site.
Dorothy also reports that Houdini's headstone, which had been sinking, has been leveled. So it appears the cemetery management is also looking after the site.
To be clear, the SAM does not do this kind of upkeep (something I did not understand until now). The SAM's gravesite fund is used to offset the cost of future repairs, such as the crack in the exedra. Dorothy Dietrich's own Houdini Gravesite Fund is responsible for today's work, so you can see that donations to this fund are put to immediate use. Dorothy is also making arrangements for regular cleaning.
Thank you, Dorothy and David! This is the kind of thing Houdini often did for other magicians' graves. It's wonderful to see the same love and care being given to his gravesite.
Roll on 100!
That’s such great news it’s going to make me cry…..
ReplyDeleteSo Happy, thanks Dorothy and David see you in a month.
John thanks for everything and safe travels to Appleton.
Whew! What a relief! Awww! He looks so good! Make sure to get his good side! 🥺💗✨ - Abby Martin
ReplyDeleteThey did a great job.
ReplyDeleteThis is fantastic! I am so very happy to see it back in proper form (re:cleaning)
ReplyDelete—colleen
Can they post photos of Houdinis gravestone leveled? I don’t remember seeing Hardeens gravestone sinking. I believe his headstone sits upon a base of concrete.
ReplyDeleteIt's possible I misheard Dorothy. Maybe she meant Nathan. I've cut until I can clarify.
DeleteThat’s awesome John, but no running water? That can’t be, there should be a hose Bibb right there at Houdinis site.
ReplyDeleteBeen there in the past to visit and bring flowers. No water and no bathrooms. I've heard there's now a portable bathroom now, but no water. So happy the both of them helped spiffy the site up. Thank you!! P. G.
ReplyDeleteWonderful, admirable, and amazing that they brought their own water to do such a great job!
ReplyDeleteQuestion: How are the grounds/grass apparently kept irrigated, if there is no running water?
I think it's just rain that does it!
DeleteGrew up in Virginia and went to New York State one time and it’s also humid on the east coast keep in mind. ☺️ Houdini shall be hydrated just fine even if it’s hot outside. - Abby Martin
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