Great news! The 9:30 pm séance at 278, which had been reserved for professional magicians only, is now open to everyone. Think of this as the LAST Houdini séance before the strike of midnight and the 100 years are over. But there are only nine seats available, so act fast!
How would you like to spend the 100th Anniversary of Houdini's death at a séance inside his actual house? For the first time in over 50 years, a series of séances will be held inside Houdini's private New York home (278) on Halloween. This is a legitimate attempt to contact Houdini using psychic medium Jodi-Lynn. It is a black-tie affair in the epicenter of Houdini's world. If Houdini was ever going to come back, this will be the time and place!
Visit houdini.nyc for more information and to purchase a ticket. Participation is very limited.
This once-in-a-century event is being organized by magician Reynold Alexander and the homeowners. All proceeds benefit cancer research at the Anandasabapathy Lab at Weill Cornell Medicine and the restoration and preservation of Houdini's House.
I am honored to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime event. I hope to see you there!
How would you like to spend the 100th Anniversary of Houdini's death at a séance inside his actual house? For the first time in over 50 years, a series of séances will be held inside Houdini's private New York home (278) on Halloween. Click the ad below to go to the dedicated website houdini.nyc for more information and to purchase a ticket. Participation is very limited.
I am honored to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime event. I will be giving a short Houdini presentation at each session. So you know, this is not a show. This is a legitimate attempt to contact Houdini using psychic medium Jodi-Lynn, who greatly impressed participants of The Official Houdini Séance in 2022. This is a black-tie affair in the epicenter of Houdini's world. If Houdini was ever going to come back, I think this will be the time and place!
The event is being organized by magician Reynold Alexander and the homeowners. All proceeds benefit cancer research at the Anandasabapathy Lab at Weill Cornell Medicine and the restoration and preservation of Houdini's House.
The events keep coming! The New York Magic Conference, in cooperation with the Houdini Museum in Scranton, will hold a three-day seminar devoted to "Houdini in New York," October 31 to November 2, 2025.
Dixie Dooley, magician, escapist, and author of Houdini--Question Reality (a wild book I really enjoy), has graciously allowed me to share a recording he made about his visit to 278 on November 16, 1985. Dixie was one of the only Houdini fans to enter the house in those days, and he came away with some amazing artifacts. It's a story you have to hear to believe, so click below and take the journey at my Patreon.
If you're heading to New York over the holidays and hoping to get a photo in front of 278, heads up that seeing the outside of the house is a little tricky right now. Our friends Vincent and Niro are having the exterior power washed, cracks repaired, the cornice is being repainted, and other cosmetic touch-ups. It's going to look as good as the day Harry bought it. Probably better!
While you can't see the outside of the house, remember you can see the inside. The owners offer tours. Check out their website house.278.nyc for details, or email Vincent at tours@278.nyc to schedule a time.
Continuing my scene-by-scene dissection of the 1953 biopic HOUDINI starring Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh. Last time, Houdini acquired a new assistant on the eve of his return to America. But will he find success in his homeland?
Chapter 16: Look at those!
Houdini returns to the United States. We know that via a stock establishing shot of the Statue of Liberty. This also tells us he has returned to New York City. The following scene is short, but there is a lot to love, and it contains a shot that has obsessed me for years.
As triumphant music swells, we get a close-up of an invitation being opened in a newspaper office (the year strategically obscured on the postmark). Inside is an invitation to a reception at Houdini's home at 273 W 113th Street. Yes, the address reads 273 instead of 278. Why the change? It's possible the filmmakers were sensitive to the privacy of Rose Bonnano and her sister, who were the occupants of 278 at this time. In fact, producer George Pal had visited Rose in preparation for the film. Or maybe it was just nervous Paramount lawyers. But I'm glad they kept it close.
Notice the date of September 3rd. The real Houdini returned to America in late July 1905 and took a three-week rest. If he had arranged a press reception as this scene depicts, it would have indeed been in early September. However, the recipient crumbles up the invite and throws it into the trash as the music takes a downturn. We've gone from triumphant return to ambivalence in one efficient shot.
We then dissolve to find a forlorn Houdini standing on the stoop of his home. Once again the filmmakers are going for accuracy, although the facade is more Georgian than a classic New York brownstone. But that's what they had (and still have) on the Paramount backlot.
Here's a recent photo of Houdini's actual house, still standing strong on 113th Street in Harlem.
Inside, we see a banquet laid out for reporters who have not arrived. It's always a treat to see a re-creation of 278 in a Houdini movie, and this remains one of the best. A few things to notice here. There's a mummy case in the room. Also, the dress Janet Leigh is wearing is one of the very few pieces of wardrobe from the film that survives.
"I don't understand it," says Harry, "It's 3:30, and they were invited for 2:00. Why haven't the reporters arrived?" His mother answers, "Maybe they don't know who you are, Harry." Houdini responds, "Everybody knows who I am, Mama. Look at those!" He then points to a collection of posters and memorabilia that fills half the room.
Look at those, indeed!
When I first saw Houdini '53 on television, this shot went by in an eye blink, but I could see there were treasures to behold. With my first Beta tape recording of the movie, I could pause, but the picture was never clear on those early machines. The commercial VHS release and a better machine helped, but one could still only see so much in the low resolution of videotape. But with the advent of LaserDisc, DVD, and now Blu-ray, one can finally look deeply into this glorious shot. So let's break it down:
Re-creation of Houdini's famed 1898 "King of Cards" poster with Tony Curtis' image central.
Schultz Dime Museum poster, not based on any real Houdini poster. This is the second of three appearances it makes in the movie.
Re-creation of The Houdinis 1894 Metamorphosis cutting with Tony and Janet images central.
Photographic poster of Houdini escaping from the Russian safe. This seems to be an echo of Houdini's famed Victory in Cologne poster.
Actual photograph of Houdini's 1914 packing case escape off the New York Battery.
Actual photograph of Houdini's 1910 jump into Domain Municipal Baths in Sydney, Australia.
Actual photograph of Houdini's 1917 suspended straitjacket escape in Times Square.
Re-creation of Houdini lobby display case.
Re-creation of Houdini handcuff and antique lock lobby display cases.
A parlor full of mementos of Houdini's career is consistent with the real 278, although what Houdini displayed were mostly his trophies and awards. A trophy or loving cup would have been a nice addition here.
Mama's response to all this is, "But that was in Europe, Harry. Americans are from Missouri; you have to show them."
I never understood this reference as a kid, but I eventually learned that Missouri is called the "Show Me State." This does fit the timeline. Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver reportedly coined the phrase during a speech in 1899 when he declared, "I come from a state that raises corn and cotton, cockleburs and Democrats, and frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies me. I'm from Missouri, and you have got to show me."
Overall, the idea that Houdini was not immediately embraced back in his home country is correct. He had been absent from American stages for five years, and during that time, rival Handcuff Kings had flooded the market. He attempted a publicity stunt in which he defeated a rival in an underwater handcuff escape contest, but the coverage was skeptical and snarky. He then opened at the Colonial Theater, a famously tough venue in New York City, and made good. At the end of the year, he took out a half-page ad in The New York Clipper, proclaiming: "I TOLD YOU SO!" (You might say he "showed them.")
Back to the movie. Houdini steps up to Otto and says, "If the press won't come to me, I shall go to the press. Get my straitjacket." Notice that Otto is threading a film projector here. In a preceding shot, he was sitting across the room. Has something been cut? Regardless, I classify this projector shot as a nod to Houdini's real-life use of early film as a promotional tool.
But what exactly does Houdini have in mind? We'll raise the shade on that next time.
Before I wrap up the blog for the year, I wanted to give a shoutout to Roger Dreyer's Houdini Revealed and this terrific new novelty he is offering. When I visited Roger's amazing museum in September, he gifted me this authentic piece of 278 brick that sits on a miniature 278 base (a clear plastic dome fits over it all; the dome is off in the image below). I love it!
While I don't yet see this on his website store, Roger said these are available for purchase. So if you're interested in gifting a piece of 278 to a loved one or yourself, give Roger a shout HERE.
Roger also offers full 278 bricks and assorted wood pieces that are listed on his website. So you have many ways of owning a piece of Houdini's home this holiday season.
After my 278 sleepover, homeowner Vincent showed me some curious writing they had recently discovered on a stairway landing. When I got home, I realized what it said. If you're a patron, click below to see for yourself.
Not a patron? No reason you can't join today! You'll instantly unlock a year's worth of posts and receive this month's reward: The Final Houdini Seance mp3. Hope to see you inside!
Following the Milbourne Christopher Awards last month––where I was honored to receive the Ambassador of Magic Award––I embarked on a whirlwind tour of Houdini locations in the region. Four states in three days! Here's what I saw on my self-proclaimed "Ambassadors Tour."
My explorations began the day of the Awards, Sept. 16, with a visit to the site of the former Winchell Smith Dam and Grist Mill in Farmington, Connecticut. This is where Houdini filmed the rapids action for The Man from Beyond. I also got to slip on the steel straitjacket from the Tony Curtis Houdini movie. Icovered both these with photos in my award roundup post. The day after the awards is when my tour began in earnest.
Sunday, Sept. 17 I left New London early and drove down the 95, a beautiful drive on a sunny Sunday. As I passed through Stamford, Connecticut, I resisted the urge to turn off and seek out the location of the short-lived Weiss farm. I hadn't anticipated passing through Stamford, so I wasn't ready with the address and research. And I had a lady to meet! So I reluctantly let that location pass as I headed toward New York with the perfect soundtrack playing.
I soon arrived at my first New York destination: Gates of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne. This is where Bess Houdini is buried. I've never seen Bessie's grave, so I was excited to finally make this pilgrimage. However, the cemetery is huge, and Bess isn't easy to find. In fact, I was getting worried about ever finding her! So I began to walk and call out, "Show yourself to me, Bessie," and I'll be darned if I didn't walk right to her.
This was a very different experience than visiting Houdini's grave. It was much more emotional. It's sad to see her here alone, but her headstone is beautiful. I realized I should have brought flowers (something I've never felt the need to bring to Houdini's grave) so I left and returned with a lovely bouquet acquired from a florist just outside the cemetery gates. I ensured it had no yellow flowers as Bess was superstitious about the color yellow. I sang Rosabel (badly) and spent a fair amount of time talking to her. Again, this is something I never do at Houdini's grave. It was a cathartic experience that really took me by surprise. Thank you, Bessie. We love you.
I was now ready for my next stop. So I returned to my rental car and dialed a familiar address into the GPS: 278 West 113th Street. Yes, I was headed "home"!
Little did I know that this Sunday was the 54th Annual African American Day Parade in Harlem, so the streets around 113th were closed and packed! I was nervous enough about driving into NYC and trying to find parking. Now trying to do so in a parade...holy smokes. But maybe Bess was watching over me as I quickly found a parking garage just a few blocks away.
I'm always thrilled to visit 278! As far as Houdini locations go, this is easily #1. As I approached the house, I took a photo. The fact that there were no cars parked on the street was a rare opportunity to get a clean pic. It wasn't until later that I looked at the pic and noticed a strange oval of light directly over the house. Not something you often see in digital photos. I think this is pretty weird!
Homeowners Niro and Vincent were out for the afternoon, but Vincent's friendly father, John, visiting from Kansas City, let me inside and invited me to make myself at home. I cleaned up and was able to relax like it was my very own house. I was also able to enjoy the paraders on 113th Street. I imagined it was a parade for the new Ambassador of Magic!
When Niro and Vincent returned, they caught me up on all the latest renovations and discoveries. We had a wonderful dinner, and it was so much fun to enjoy the house as the Houdinis enjoyed it, filled with family and warmth. Vincent also made a terrific cocktail that I think he should name the "278." I had two!
But it gets even better. Niro and Vincent had invited me to spend the night. (Well, I invited myself and they said yes.) Vincent's parents were in the guest bedroom, so I took a fold-down couch in Houdini's top-floor workroom. Ironically, this is the room I always envisioned myself sleeping in. I even set my Christopher Award on the fireplace mantel to forever imbue it with Houdini 278 energy.
As night fell, it began to rain and continued to pour all night long. In my pajamas, I could look down on a rain-swept 113th Street from Houdini's office window and hear the rain tapping on the skylights. The atmosphere was indescribably perfect, and the entire experience was a dream come true. I'm the luckiest Houdini nut in the world.
Unfortunately, I had no dreams about Houdini or ghostly visitations in the night. However, early in the morning, I heard what sounded like a parrot somewhere on the top floor. Could this have been the spirit of the mischievous Laura who, by all accounts, was the true boss of the house?
Believe
Monday, Sept. 18
After a lovely morning coffee with Vincent and his father, I said my goodbyes and set out in light rain toward my next state: Pennsylvania. Eventually, the skies cleared and it was a beautiful drive into the Poconos. Around noon, I rolled into Scranton. I was there to see another famed Houdini location: the Houdini Museum!
I was so happy to see Dorothy Dietrich and Dick Brookz! For the next several hours we never stopped talking, gossiping, laughing, and having a generally wonderful time. Their museum is incredible! It's packed with memorabilia both old and new. Some reproduction material is there to help tell Houdini's story to visitors, especially children. But the longer you stay and the deeper you look, the more treasure you find. Dorothy then guides you through each with a twinkle in her eye. She also shared some rarities not available to the general public. It was one of the most extraordinary and unique Houdini museum experiences I've ever had.
But there was more to my day in Scranton. After a terrific dinner at a Chinese buffet, Dorothy, Dick, and I traveled downtown to see what used to be Poli's Theatre where Houdini appeared the week of February 22, 1915. The theater has undergone extensive renovation and is today called The Ritz. But it's a surviving Houdini theater, and we love those!
Dorothy also insisted we go see Scranton's famed Lackawanna Building. I'm so glad she did. The building is remarkable inside and out and said to be very haunted. Now a hotel, it was once Scranton's train station. Houdini and his equipment passed through the massive lobby, so this was a bonus Houdini location!
It was hard to say goodbye to Dorothy and Dick, but it was time to move on. Dorothy invited me to sleep in the museum, and I wish I would have! But I had already booked a motel in nearby Wilkes-Barre where another Houdini location was waiting.
Tuesday, Sept. 19
I woke up in Wilkes-Barre and set out early to find a location that was even more obscure than the Farmington rapids. With some luck, I had nailed down the exact spot where the Welsh Bros. Circus set up their tents for two days of performances in July 1898. The streets have changed and the exact site is now occupied by a construction company (who don't care for nosey visitors). These buildings appear to be new as Google Maps still shows the lots empty as recently as November 2020.
However, the railroad tracks directly adjacent to the property are unchanged and afford a great view of the site. I noticed that the tracks branch off here, which makes sense as the circus train would have parked along the side track during these two days. It's a fantastic early Houdini location and the first Welsh Bros. location I've ever visited. (I'll have some other details about Houdini's time in Wilkes-Barre in the diary book.) I also picked up a few railroad spikes off the ground. So this location comes with free souvenirs!
This Welsh Bros. location was good enough that I could have called this the grand finale of the tour. But I had one last stop and one last state to go.
Around eleven, I rolled into picturesque Wayne, New Jersey, and the home of our friend Roger Dreyer. Here is where Roger houses his amazing Houdini Revealed Museum. Roger was super generous and welcoming as always. He had bagels waiting for me and some awesome gifts, including a new retail 278 item that I will be posting about later. I gave him a Welsh Bros. railroad spike. Then we got down to "work!"
I had seen the museum when it was located in Fantasma Magic in New York City, but Roger's setup here is far larger and jaw-dropping. Roger has an excellent sense of how to frame and display his treasures. He even let me try on Houdini's top hat and a pair of authentic jump cuffs.
Roger then let me go through his Houdini files. I only wish I had more time. I had to leave some files unseen if I was going to make it to Newark and my flight home. But what I saw was incredible, and this was a perfect way to end my Ambassador's Tour.
Thank you to Niro & Vincent, Dorothy & Dick, and Roger Dreyer. You are the true Ambassadors of Magic!
Addresses:
Miss Porter's School Administration (formerly Winchell Smith Dam and Grist Mill)
Our friend Todd Karr of The Miracle Factory has made a nice discovery in the recently released book Three Rocks: The Story of Ernie Bushmiller: The Man Who Created Nancy by Bill Griffith. I had no idea Ernie Bushmiller had a connection to Houdini, so this is a great find. I'll let the photo Todd sent speak for itself.
Click to enlarge
By the way, I'm betting the launch party depicted in the top illustration is the same Red Magic luncheon I highlighted in my 2011 post about Houdini's wristwatch.
You can buy Three Rocks: The Story of Ernie Bushmiller: The Man Who Created Nancy on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.
Remember the days when all you could do was stand outside Houdini's famous New York brownstone, 278, and dream what it would be like to step inside? I certainly do!
Those days are in the past, as the awesome homeowners, Vincent and Niro, now offer small private tours by appointment. You'll see where Houdini took several famous photos, learn where his library and famous bookcase once stood, see artifacts discovered during the restoration, and learn some insider secrets. This is a unique opportunity and a must for us wild ones! However, you must make arrangements first––you can't just show up––and there is a charge. But, hey, you're going inside 278!
If you are interested in learning more, visit the 278 website or email tours@278.nyc to work out a tour time and details. I can't wait to get back inside myself!
Magician and lecturer Paul Draper has written a thoughtful article about collecting magic for Anthropology News magazine. Paul includes his memories of The Great Houdini Auction in Las Vegas and talks about a particular piece of cherished Houdini history:
In my collection, I have a wooden lathe, a nail, and a brick from Houdini’s home in Harlem. The current owner has been selling pieces of the original structure to pay for remodeling and refurbishment. The lathe has a thin splatter of white paint, indicating the exact color of the bathroom where Houdini practiced his famous escapes in a bathtub filled with icy water. I steam my suits in hotel bathrooms and practice close-up effects in front of my mirror at home, so when I hold this lathe, I imagine the intimate moments, both mundane and creative, that took place in Houdini’s home.
Click the headline to read the full article at Anthropology News. The print edition includes illustrations by Charlotte Corden.
Dan Gutman, author of Houdini and Me (and a patron), took the Thalia Kids Book Club Camp to Houdini's Harlem brownstone and shared this fantastic photo on his Twitter. How thrilled would the real Harry and Bess Houdini have been to have all these great kids at their home.
I had a great time Wednesday visiting the Thalia Kids Book Club Camp in NYC. The kids read my book “Houdini and Me.” After I talked about it with my editor Elizabeth Law, we took the subway Houdini’s house on 113th street, where my story takes place. @holidayhousebkspic.twitter.com/ttkXCrG7fb
In 1938 a ghostly phenomena was reported in Jonesville, Virginia, when the Sybert family claimed that the bed of their 9-year-old daughter, Bertha, would bounce uncontrollably whenever she was in it. Bertha also showed signs of possession. The press would dub her "Bouncing Bertha" and a bouncing bed would later appear in The Exorcist. You can read more about "The Legend of Bouncing Bertha" HERE.
In December a reporter asked Bess Houdini about the Virginia phenomena and, as you'll read below, she dismissed it as "bunk" (others would eventually come to the same conclusion). But what I really like about this article is Bess's description of bouncing beds and other trickery inside her former home of 278.
The Skyland Post, Dec. 29, 1938.
Houdini's bed survives today in the collection of Jon Oliver. No reports of bouncing.
The upcoming Halloween weekend just gets better and better! Today comes news that The Magic Collectors' Corner will return this Sunday, Oct. 30, in a Halloween Special with an exciting Houdini twist. I'll let David and Lance tell you themselves.
This Special Halloween Show Will Be Absolutely Full Of Tricks And Treats!
It's the Halloween season! It's Magic Week! It's Houdini Time! And this show promises to be one of our most memorable ones EVER!
We're in New York City... and we'll be broadcasting LIVE from one of the most unique magical places in the entire world! Have any ideas of where we'll be yet? Here's a hint... I could give you at least 278 reasons why you shouldn't miss this show. That's a pretty strong clue. Any guesses yet?
On the eve of the 96th anniversary of the untimely death of Harry Houdini, we're going to join you LIVE from the actual home of one of the biggest names in magic! YES, IT'S ABSOLUTELY TRUE! For this show only, we've relocated our little Magic Collectors Corner studio from St. Joseph, Missouri to 278 West 113th Street in New York City! You read that correctly... we'll be doing our Halloween special show from the actual home of Harry & Bess Houdini!!! We owe a special thanks to the current owners and residents of Houdini's home, Vincent & Niro Toms, who will give us a tour of this historical property!
And to make a great thing even better, Houdini expert and historian John Cox will be joining us for the fun and sharing some unbelievable stories and facts!
PLUS... we will talk to the incomparable Leo Behnke about one of the finest manufacturers and inventors of magic, Merv Taylor! Leo is an incredible wealth of information and stories... and we'll sit down with him in the unbelievable library at David Copperfield's International Museum and Library of the Conjuring Arts!
But wait... there's more! If time allows, we'll head over to Egyptian Hall and the home of Mike Caveney in Pasadena and drool over some gorgeous posters very few people have ever seen! Seriously, you won't believe your eyes!
It's this Sunday, October 30, 2022! Trust me... it's going to be jam-packed and phenomenal!
As usual, the show will be held on the ZOOM platform. The start time is 5:00pm Pacific, 6:00pm Mountain, 7:00pm Central, and 8:00pm Eastern.
Topic: Magic Collectors' Corner Live Event - October 2022 Halloween Special
IMPORTANT NOTE: Our ZOOM event is limited to the first 100 participants. Because we almost always typically fill to capacity, a LIVE simulcast can be viewed on our Facebook Group Page (Magic Collectors Corner). Join it now so you'll be assured you can watch the program: https://www.facebook.com/groups/magiccollectorscorner/
Looking forward to seeing you all on Sunday, October 30, 2022!
UPDATE: Here's a shot of David and Lance doing the show from Houdini's library. They look a little spooked!
Today sees the release of the U.S. paperback edition of Houdini and Me by award-winning children's author Dan Gutman. The hardcover was relased last year. This is actually Gutman's second time using Houdini in one of his works. Houdini appears in his 2012 book Ray & Mewhich featured a similar time-travel premise.
Harry has always admired the famous escape artist Houdini. And when Houdini asks for help in coming back to life, it seems like an amazing chance...or could it be Houdini's greatest trick of all?
Purchase Houdini and Me by Dan Gutman at Amazon.com.
I'm working hard on the next installment about my visit to the Harry Ransom Center and planning to share it next week. In the meantime, here's a taste of things to come. I included this as part of my special part 2 preview for patrons, but it drew enough interest that I decided to break it out into its own post.
Among the papers in the Ransom Center are documents related to Houdini's finances. Here is Houdini's––or rather, Ehrich Weiss'––balance sheet for 1911. This shows his total income for that year was $117,851.27. According to the CPI Inflation Calculator, this is equivalent to $3,675,421.35 in 2022. And this is before there was such a thing as income tax. Not too shabby, Ehrich!
Click to enlarge.
I'm curious what kind of "House Maintenance" cost $7,912.13 ($246,667.73 today). I know at some point Houdini added a new heating system to 278. Maybe this is that?
If you're curious about the names at the bottom of the expense column: W.G. Weiss is Houdini's brother, Bill; Mrs. Cecelia Weiss is his mother; Miss Carrie Weiss is his sister; and Mrs. Rahner is Bess's mother.
If you've always wanted to go inside Houdini's famous New York brownstone, you finally have your chance! The 278 Houdini House official website has updated with some exciting news:
Long time no see! We had been thinking about offering tours of 278 for some time, but due to the pandemic this idea had to be put on hold while everything ground to a standstill. Things seems to be on the mend and so we wanted to announce we are going to start offering tours of 278. These tours will be limited to small groups and by appointment only! if you show up unannounced we will probably not be able to accommodate you. In addition there will be a fee associated with the tour which we will use to continue working on the renovations of the house. If you are interested in learning more please email tours@278.nyc and we will work out a time and details.
Two fantastic photos of Houdini demonstrating magic inside his New York home (278) sold on eBay yesterday for $965 and $930. These photos where taken as part of series of shots for an article in the January 1926 Popular Science Monthly, "Lessons in Magic" by Houdini.
What I really love about these images is they give a great look at the trophy cases that lined the west wall of the 278 parlor. You can also see the large built-in mirror that is still there. I'm also pretty sure I can spot the recently rediscovered breakfront, now housed at the Harry Ransom Center, in the background inside the passage to the library. It interesting that Houdini's famous bronze bust, which can be seen in the corner in other photos, appears to have been moved to another location by the time of this shoot.
Below you can see how one of these photos appeared in the Popular Science article. The workshop photo seen here also recently sold on eBay for $1,225.
Original archive photos such as these from Brown Brothers continue to surface and sell on eBay. The high prices are keeping me at bay, but at least we get to mine the valuable Houdini history they contain.
