After being interviewed by David Sanderson in the Winnipeg Free Press, I was contacted by the Winnipeg Magicians group to do a lecture March 30th on the history of Escape Artists.
The talk lasted a little under an hour, and I was very happy with the response I received. Though I rambled on and on about what an S.O.B. Houdini was (well, he was), everyone took my comments in stride and most likely will continue to look at Houdini as an icon.
Houdini’s brother, hardeen, was overlooked by magic historians as some sort of also ran, and I have been trying to change that by concentrating on researching his career. My belief is that by reintroducing Hardeen I can get other researchers and collectors to consider him in a more enlightened context. It is slow going as magic, like any other interest, has a hidebound community.
Just acquired a copy of Hardeen’s pitchbook (A digest size booklet sold at shows trumpeting the performers life and career) and was pleased to find that the previous owner was Albert Lahaie, and Montreal area escape Artist from the 1930s.
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Albert Lahaie was my grandfather! I would love to get a copy of this book. i was 12 when he passed awsay and remember him being buried with his magic cards in hand
Oh my! I am so glad to hear from you. I have the Hardeen pitch book, and several instruction sheets with your grandfather’s stamp on them. I am in touch with other researchers who have more material.
I am guessing that at one point he ran a mail order magic business, as it seems he sold the instructions to someone.
Beyond that I know very little about him and would like to hear what you can share.
Bruce,
sorry I have not responded as I lost this page. I remember papa telling
us about the early days with Houdini. They used to sit in the graveyards
to summon the dead! I thought that very odd at a young age. After that
I remember his stories as a baker. I would sit for hours watching him
perform. amazing. My father is still living and will inquiring on some
details.