April 6th is Historical!
Houdini’s adoption of April 6th as his birthday will remain a mystery, although he explained in a letter [dated November 22, 1913] to his brother Theo that he would celebrate on April 6 because that was the day his mother acknowledged his birthday. It is interesting to note that by 1910 both Houdini and Bess knew with certainty that his actual birthday was on March 24. While in Australia that year, Bess gave Houdini an engraved watch as a birthday present.
FOR HARRY
Ever Houdini Remembering In Complete Happiness
BESS
3-24-10
Not only was his birth date correct, but Bess employed a code in the dedication as well. When you isolate the first letter of each word in the message, it spells out Harry’s real name E-H-R-I-C-H.
Sources:
- Kalush, The Secret Life of Houdini
- Letter- Walter B. Gibson, Original Houdini Scrapbook
- Watch – Magicol, Number 87, May 1988
I wonder where that watch is today? 🙂
Me too! Inquiring minds want to know.