The Great Houdini :: Free Essays Online

The Great Houdini   The performer known world roomy as Harry Houdini was born on March 24, 1874 in Budapest. Although Houdini frequently claimed to be born in Appleton, Wisconsin, Houdini actually came to the United States when he was quadruplet years old. To this day many connected with the small town of Appleton restrained claim the untruth that Houdini was born there strictly to attract tourists. Houdinis suffer was Mayer Samuel Weiss. Houdinis father was a Rabbi. His mothers name was Cecilia Steiner Weiss. His parents spoke little English, and the family was quite unworthy so most of the children began to work at an early age. From the age of ogdoad young Ehrich Weiss sold newspapers and worked as a shoe shine boy. At the age of 12, young Ehrich left stem to make his way in the world in an attempt to help support his family. Young Ehrich traveled the country for about a year, always sending money home when he could. Finally he joined up with his father in New York City. The family moved to New York in the hope of finding a better life there. In New York, Houdini worked as a courier and as a cutter in a garment nerve center sweat shop, to help support his family. Houdini began performing magic as a teenager send-off calling himself Eric the Great. Ehrich acquired the name Houdini from a book he read, "The Memoirs of Robert-Houdin," the autobiography of one of the greatest magicians of the day. Influenced by what he read and learned about the internationally known magician Robert Houdin, young Ehrich changed his name to Houdini, hoping to be in some way like his new found mentor. Houdinis first magic shows consisted of card tricks and other simple magic. Soon Houdini began experimenting with hand cuffs and utilize them in his acts. Houdini performed with another young man who worked with him in the factory in New York. They called themselves the Houdini Brothers. Soon Houdinis younger brother Theo took the place of the boy from the factory. together with his brother Theo, they tried to succeed as the Houdini Brothers. Their first performances included shows at amusement parks, beer halls, "dime museums," and at the Chicago Worlds Fair in 1893. In 1894, Houdini met Wilhelmina Beatrice Rahner, who was singing and dancing as part of the Floral Sisters.