Rebecca: What Houdini historian, John Cox discovered in an interview with the Houdini’s niece, Marie Blood, was tragic! Per John Cox: Marie continually emphasized just how small and “underdeveloped” Bess was. Victoria: It has long been speculated why Bess and Harry Houdini didn’t have children. So I imagine they had a lot of fun, especially on their many travels, looking to add to their collections. Harry amassed a huge rare book collection. Both she and Harry were collectors–together, they collected pets. Victoria: I actually didn’t come across much detail, other than the fact that she collected them. How many years did she collect? Which were favorites? Rebecca: I’m intrigued with Bess Houdini’s doll collection. She was one of the only people who knew the secrets behind the illusions, and I am sure she must have helped him create some of his acts.
But even when he began performing without her, she was always intricately involved in his life and his act. I can’t imagine that Harry decided to perform on his own without discussing it first with Bess they must have realized together that he had a greater chance of success if he billed himself alone. Victoria: I think there must have been some of both feelings. Rebecca: Do you think Bess was disappointed or proud when Harry left behind their magic act and became Houdini, the great escape artist?
I imagine she was a very brave and independent woman. Then, she married Harry Houdini after only knowing him for a few days–and in addition to that, she was a Catholic woman marrying a Jewish man, which was very rare in those days.
She left home at 18 to join a singing trio in Coney Island, which must have taken some courage, and also the ability to be confident in front of strangers. Victoria: It’s ironic that Bess Houdini kind of melted into the background of Houdini’s legacy because from what I learned she was quite a dynamic personality. Rebecca: In your research about Bess Houdini, what did you did you discover about her personality traits? London as they have a conversation about Bess Houdini. Houdini, and Rebecca Rosenberg, The Secret Life of Mrs.
Today we are joined by Victoria Kelly, author of Mrs.
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