I was last in Appleton Wisconsin in 1998; And am looking forward to returning to Houdini’s childhood home, for a once in a century gathering to celebrate his life, artistry, and enduring impact on the art of magic,100 years after his passing.

Beyond the shows on July 1, 3, and 4, here’s what I’m most excited about:

• Getting to meet in person for the first time, my UK friend Narinder Chadda (who helped in my Mirror Handcuff research) [Jun 30]
• Houdini Séance History Discussion and Methods with our friends Dorothy Dietrich and Bruce Kalver [Jun 30]
• Debut of Houdini: The Man Who Died Twice by our friend Larrian Gillespie [Jul 1]
  • “A unique book and take on Houdini’s death from a doctor’s point of view. ” – Joe M. Notaro
• Dealers Room [Jul 1, 3, 4]
• Visiting the Houdini Collection at the History Museum at the Castle [Jul 1-3]
• Houdini Family Interview with our friends Jeff and Debbie Blood, George  Hardeen, and Deborah Hardeen Bloom [Jul 2]
• Houdini Walking Tour [Jul 2]
• Screening of The Grim Game with music accompaniment byJohn Sturk [Jul 2]
• Houdini History Interview and Presentation by our friends John Cox and Mike Caveney with John Cox revealing the cover of his new book, Handcuff King: The Conquests of Harry Houdini, 1900-1909 [Jul 2]
  • “This isn’t just the ultimate chronology; it’s an ultimate biography that provides the most accurate and up-to-date timeline of Houdini’s years as the Handcuff King. A true masterpiece.” – Joe M. Notaro

Full Report July 12^th.

Tales of Magic and Mystery was a short-lived but highly regarded pulp magazine that released five issues between December 1927 and April 1928. Edited by Walter B. Gibson—who later achieved fame as the creator of The Shadow—the magazine blended non-fiction articles on stage magic and escape artists (including Harry Houdini) with weird and supernatural fiction. It is famously known for publishing H.P. Lovecraft’s short story “Cool Air”. It was priced at 25 cents, and each issue was 64 pages long.

The magazine is now extremely rare, and has become a collector’s item because of the connection to [Houdini and] H. P. Lovecraft. Most of Lovecraft’s short fiction appeared in Weird Tales, and it is possible that he submitted to Tales of Magic and Mystery because of his interest in Harry Houdini—he had ghost-written a story for Houdini a couple of years earlier, and Gibson was a friend of Houdini’s. [Wikipedia]

In 2004, Wildside Press released a facsimile edition of the February 1928 issue,

And in 2013, Adventure House released a facsimile of the March 1928 issue,

And in 2025, Fiction House Press released a facsimile edition of the December 1927 issue.

Maybe someday, a facsimile edition of the January 1928 issue and April 1928 issue will be released.

I am fortunate enough to have originals and in future posts plan to share the Houdini series that spans all 5 editions.

On April 5th, I learned from the Assistant Magic Castle Librarian, Joe Fox, that Houdini’s Secret Leather Ankle Braces were on display in the Magic Castle’s newly remodeled Museum (formerly known as the Cellar).

The plan was to check them out on April 10^th at Friday Lunch, but due to a Magic Castle fire on April 7^th, the Castle was closed for lunch. Thankfully, the Castle did re-open that Friday evening.

According to owner Randy Pitchford, the fire was largely contained to the attic and top-floor office space, leaving the building’s museum, artwork and the William Larsen Sr. Library of Magical Arts unharmed. Truly a miracle.

On Friday, June 5^th, I made it to the Castle for lunch. I was joined by Mark Willoughby, a longtime friend and Houdini Nut that I hadn’t seen for a long time. As it turned out, this was the first Friday lunch, where the Castle was trying out a new menu.

Everyone was raving about the new menu. Mark and I had the MC burger, which was tasty, and required a napkin after every juicy bite.

After some great conversation, Mark and I went to the 1:00 close-up show, where Michal Kulik from Poland blew our minds away with his unique card magic. He was also gracious enough to sign our lunch gazette.

Speaking of the lunch gazette, the back of it has a nice Happy Friday letter from Randy Pitchford where he chronicles the upgraded food plan, which includes this inaugural lunch.

Next, Mark and I went down to the William Larsen Sr. Library of Magical Arts, where we were greeted by the Magic Castle Librarian, Bill Goodwin.

We asked Bill about the new Houdini Chamber Experience, which he described as intense.

Mark and I then meandered our way to the Museum Theatre, as we commented on how nice the Castle was looking.

The newly remodeled museum, had the Houdini secret Leather leg braces that I came to see. Click link below for more info on this item now owned by Randy Pitchford.

• Houdini’s secret leg braces? [WildAboutHoudini.com]

After, exploring a little bit more of the Castle, we made our way to the gift shop, where Mark gifted me one of the Magic Castle’s new Séance Magnets. Thank you Mark!

Before heading out, we took a photo to commemorate our enjoyable Friday Lunch at the Magic Castle.