Just think- you can own a piece of magical history-
something that was handled by the great Harry Houdini in his daily life!
This is a one-of-a-kind collectible, perfect for framing.
What a great gift!
About this envelope:
This is one of the envelopes found in Harry Houdini's personal desk.
The postmark is Jun 25, 1925.
The return address is: Newland Service, Hotel Newland, Cincinnati OHIO
On June 3, 1925, the Hotel Newland was the site of the National Vaudeville Artists Ninth Annual Benefit, the main fundraiser for the organization.
The NVA was a benevolent society similar to those representing actors in motion pictures and television.
The society assisted disabled vaudeville actors financially and also operated its own retirement home where those in need could be cared for.
The NVA had strong support from the vaudeville community, with performers eager to donate their performances to the important annual fundraising show program.
Houdini was a featured a performer at most of the benefits.
In 1917, he broke a record for the fastest straitjacket escape at the first NVA Benefit Show.
He was also a performer at the 1925 benefit at the Hotel Newland.
See a larger version of the front of the envelope here.
The story behind the Houdini Envelopes:
In the late 1980's, magician Peter Monticup (owner of MagicTricks.com), purchased Harry Houdini's ornate personal desk.
The desk had been in storage in Houdini's former NYC home from 1926 until it was sold in 1980.
Peter purchased the desk from this buyer, along with some other personal items from the Houdini home.
The desk had a number of secret compartments and hidden drawers.
Inside one of the drawers was a stack of envelopes from correspondence Houdini had received.
The envelopes were from all different sources- his lawyers, his fans, fellow magicians, etc.
He even wrote notes on some of the envelopes, either noting the importance of the contents, or just scribbling on them as scrap paper.
In researching each of the envelopes, we've found an important connection to an event or person in Houdini's life.
Of all the thousands upon thousands of letters he received each year, he saved each of these envelopes for a reason.
Houdini was a notorious "saver".
These envelopes were used as his personal Rolodex (address directory).
