Sunday, October 4, 2026

My Houdini window card turns 100

The original Houdini window card that hangs in my office turns 100 today. As you can see on the card header, it was on October 4, 1926, that Houdini opened at the Providence Opera House in Providence, Rhode Island. This was part of his second "3 Shows in One" tour. This engagement is generally seen as the beginning of a series of unfortunate events that would culminate in Houdini's death on Halloween. 


This is the only original piece of Houdini poster advertising that I own. I was lucky enough to acquire it from a rare discovery of Houdini window cards in Warwick, Rhode Island, back in 2021. Some of you might remember that wild adventure. I went all-in on restoration and framing, and I think it turned out beautiful.

You know, it's funny. I will spend days at David Copperfield's museum, surrounded by gloriously illustrated Houdini posters that fill entire walls. David has this window card. He has several! Yet, when I come home and see this hanging on my wall, I still think it's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.

Happy birthday window card! Now let the journey to Halloween commence.

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8 comments:

  1. Leo HeviaOctober 4, 2026 at 7:27 AM

    Nice! I've always wondered where window cards were place when the magician was touring. In the theater lobby? The box office window? Wasn't this window card the beginning of Houdini's association with Halloween?

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    Replies
    1. John CoxOctober 4, 2026 at 7:56 AM

      The Halloween imagery was associated with 3 Shows in One advertising even during the 1925 season.

      Delete
    2. Leo HeviaOctober 4, 2026 at 11:17 AM

      It's interesting how Houdini and Halloween were tied together, and it began in 1925. Artistic liberties by the poster designers?

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    3. John CoxOctober 4, 2026 at 1:50 PM

      It's very interesting. I'm sure Houdini had a hand in the design, or at least approved it. Many of the "3 Shows in One" posters used this similar design.

      Delete
  2. AnonymousOctober 4, 2026 at 7:39 AM

    Window cards were often put in just that, windows...often stores as well as theaters, clubs, etc.

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    Replies
    1. John CoxOctober 4, 2026 at 7:58 AM

      Exactly. You'll still see them today. A record store will have a window card advertising a local band performances, etc.

      Delete
  3. AnonymousOctober 4, 2026 at 2:00 PM

    Well done. Looks impeccable.

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    Replies
    1. John CoxOctober 4, 2026 at 2:05 PM

      Thank you. The restorationist (Poster Mountain) and framers (Allan Jeffries Framing) did an amazing job.

      Delete