The Modern Mystic League
JULY 2026
Blackburn & District Society of Magicians
As this year sees the centenary of Houdini’s death in 1926, Chairman’s Day was devoted to the theme of that Great Escaper.
Chairman Roger opened the proceedings with a brief overview, referencing Houdiini’s four visits to Blackburn in the early years of the twentieth century with particular emphasis upon the Hodgson challenge of 1902. Houdini was to remark in his diary: ‘Back to this wretched town. Of all the hoodlum towns I ever visited, its gallery is certainly the worst!’
Roger went on to describe his recent trip to Budapest and his visit to the House of Houdini museum, accompanied by many slides. Among other things, we saw Joan encased, Houdini-like, in a safe, an antique clock and an eternal fountain. A larger-than-life figure of Houdini allowed entrance to the rest of the museum upon the answering of a simple question: “How many cards are there in a standard deck?”
A knowledgeable guide had taken visitors on a tour of the building and demonstrated several effects, including an impressive ‘knife through arm’, dating back to Scot’s Discoverie of Witchcraft and beyond. One particularly fascinating exhibit was a large family bible signed by Houdini under his real name of Ehrich Weiss. There were, of course, cases of handcuffs and books, and a replica of the ‘Margery box’ used in Houdini’s investigations of that spirit medium.
At the end of the tour, the other members of the party dematerialised to catch a bus, leaving Roger and Joan to enjoy an exclusive stage and close-up show.
After the interval, during which the refreshments duly vanished, Roger presented a small-scale escape from thumb-cuffs before Paul Guy took to the stage with a series of Houdini-inspired effects. Impossible Escape (which did look impossible) was followed by an amusing Siberian Chain Escape with Frankie as the volunteer, the clever Tenyo Jail Break and Paul’s trademark Spelling B. Paul is adept at adopting items to suit the moment, and this time he proved that once more Houdini had E-S-C-A-P-E-D.
Chairman Roger opened the proceedings with a brief overview, referencing Houdiini’s four visits to Blackburn in the early years of the twentieth century with particular emphasis upon the Hodgson challenge of 1902. Houdini was to remark in his diary: ‘Back to this wretched town. Of all the hoodlum towns I ever visited, its gallery is certainly the worst!’
Roger went on to describe his recent trip to Budapest and his visit to the House of Houdini museum, accompanied by many slides. Among other things, we saw Joan encased, Houdini-like, in a safe, an antique clock and an eternal fountain. A larger-than-life figure of Houdini allowed entrance to the rest of the museum upon the answering of a simple question: “How many cards are there in a standard deck?”
A knowledgeable guide had taken visitors on a tour of the building and demonstrated several effects, including an impressive ‘knife through arm’, dating back to Scot’s Discoverie of Witchcraft and beyond. One particularly fascinating exhibit was a large family bible signed by Houdini under his real name of Ehrich Weiss. There were, of course, cases of handcuffs and books, and a replica of the ‘Margery box’ used in Houdini’s investigations of that spirit medium.
At the end of the tour, the other members of the party dematerialised to catch a bus, leaving Roger and Joan to enjoy an exclusive stage and close-up show.
After the interval, during which the refreshments duly vanished, Roger presented a small-scale escape from thumb-cuffs before Paul Guy took to the stage with a series of Houdini-inspired effects. Impossible Escape (which did look impossible) was followed by an amusing Siberian Chain Escape with Frankie as the volunteer, the clever Tenyo Jail Break and Paul’s trademark Spelling B. Paul is adept at adopting items to suit the moment, and this time he proved that once more Houdini had E-S-C-A-P-E-D.
CHAIRMAN'S DAY
Houdini Secrets
with
Peter Haddad and Roger Woods
Houdini Secrets
with
Peter Haddad and Roger Woods
A highlight of the afternoon was a lecture by our country member Peter Haddad, who flawlessly presented a comprehensive overview of Houdini’s life and times, drawing upon the many books which are available. All of the milestones were covered, complemented by appropriate images: Relocating from Hungary to Appleton, USA, at the age of four . . . transforming from the Prince of the Air in fairs and dime museums to the King of Cards in vaudeville . . . adopting the name Houdini, derived from Robert-Houdin . . . going to Europe and escaping upside-down from straitjackets . . . developing the milk can escape and almost dying in it in Leeds when it was filled with beer . . . being the first to fly without crashing (an important qualification) in Australia . . . creating the iconic Water Torture Cell . . . vanishing an elephant . . . walking through a brick wall . . . exposing fake mediums . . . making a series of films . . . getting his name in the dictionary . . . and finally having a suspicious death which led to the first Broken Wand ceremony and being interred within a fabulous monument designed by himself.
Peter did not simply recall the facts, but introduced his own observations and evaluations of a showman who had an almost pathological obsession with work and action, regardless of the body’s natural limitations. It was a masterful survey, delivered without notes and displaying a real passion for the subject.
President Brian brought the day to close by thanking all involved, and especially Roger for bringing the whole event together.
Brian Lead
Peter did not simply recall the facts, but introduced his own observations and evaluations of a showman who had an almost pathological obsession with work and action, regardless of the body’s natural limitations. It was a masterful survey, delivered without notes and displaying a real passion for the subject.
President Brian brought the day to close by thanking all involved, and especially Roger for bringing the whole event together.
Brian Lead
