The incomparable Harry Houdini died Halloween afternoon in 1926 at 1:26 p.m. in Room 401 at Detroit's Grace Hospital, aged 52. He had promised in event of his death to return on its anniversary.
He died after sustaining an injury which some believed was a surprise punch to the stomach, other feels his death was more than an accident, it was a premeditated murder.
The suspects were the spiritualists that Houdini exposed their fake acts that used of sleight of hand, special effects and trickery. This battle was detailed in “The Secret Life of Houdini” by Kalush and Sloman, that even lead to a a feud with his one time friend Sir Arthur Conan Doyle better known as the creator of Sherlock Holmes.
Since his death every Halloween legions of fans have hoped Houdini would once again do the impossible and communicate from the great beyond.
His wife, Bess was so committed to make contact she continued for the next ten years. Their secret code: "Rosabelle- answer- tell-pray, answer- look- tell- answer, answer- tell" which spelled out “BELIEVE” in their private stage language.
These séances help preserve Houdini’s name and legend.
Rituals was attended by celebrities and authors, but Houdini never whispered in Bess’s ear as promised.
Besides the yearly attempt, it is thought that Bess also sat everyday for one hour next to his photo and she waited.
During her last attempt The Knickerbocker hotel in Los Angeles. A heavy thunder storm broke out seen as a glimpse of hope, but the handcuffs meant for Harry to unlock remained forever fastened.
This Halloween see if you can reach out to Harry.
