Harry Houdini was a master promoter and often performed escapes outside newspaper offices as a way to guarantee publicity. In January 1924, his marketing effort paid off in a major way when he drew 15,000 people to Downtown Madison, where he escaped from a straitjacket while suspended 50 feet in the air outside the offices of the Wisconsin State Journal, then located on South Carroll Street. In this photo, Houdini is being secured on a platform and is surrounded by a group of men, at left. The steeple of Grace Episcopal Church can be seen in the distance.
WISCONSIN HISTORICAL SOCIETYAs America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we're recognizing Wisconsinites who have made unique contributions to the nation.
Escape artist Harry Houdini had ties to Appleton and Milwaukee.
HARVARD THEATRE COLLECTION
A signed photograph of Harry Houdini is part of "Inescapable: The Life and Legacy of Harry Houdini," at the Jewish Museum Milwaukee. Houdini was born Ehrich Weiss in Hungary and took on his stage name in his late teens. He died in 1926 at age 52.
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Harry Houdini was a master promoter and often performed escapes outside newspaper offices as a way to guarantee publicity. In January 1924, his marketing effort paid off in a major way when he drew 15,000 people to Downtown Madison, where he escaped from a straitjacket while suspended 50 feet in the air outside the offices of the Wisconsin State Journal, then located on South Carroll Street. In this photo, Houdini is being secured on a platform and is surrounded by a group of men, at left. The steeple of Grace Episcopal Church can be seen in the distance.
A signed photograph of Harry Houdini is part of "Inescapable: The Life and Legacy of Harry Houdini," at the Jewish Museum Milwaukee. Houdini was born Ehrich Weiss in Hungary and took on his stage name in his late teens. He died in 1926 at age 52.
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