Image courtesy of the NYPL.Īfter building his reputation in America, Harry spent five years touring Europe before returning to the States where he continued to reinvent himself. Three weeks later, they married, and Bess joined the act. In the summer of 1894, while Harry and his younger brother (who eventually replaced Jacob at his side) were performing in Coney Island, Harry met 18-year-old Wilhelmina Beatrice Rahner – or“Bess”. Before long, Erich Weisz was being welcomed to the stage as Harry Houdini.ĭubbed “The Brothers Houdini,” Harry and Jacob performed in dime museums and small theaters in New York and throughout the Midwest, making a stop at the 1893 World’s Columbia Exposition in Chicago. A fan of the ground-breaking French magician Jean Eugene Robert Houdin, Erich took on a professional name that both played upon his nickname Ehrie, and paid tribute to his idol. While working in a necktie factory, Erich partnered with a friend, Jacob Hyman, to create a magic act, and soon after they hit the road. They continued to struggle, and Erich and his father eventually moved to New York City in 1887. In search of work, the family settled in Appleton, Wisconsin. He was one of seven children born to Rabbi Mayer Samuel Weisz and his wife Cecilia.

We’ve all heard of him… Born on Main Budapest, Hungary. But while most immigrants in New York City entered the traditional workforce, some paved their own, more unique paths to the American Dream. The country welcomed people looking for jobs, religious freedom, and a better future. America has long been known as the land of opportunity.

Wilhelmina beatrice rahner