APPLETON — Downtown Appleton will honor the legacy of world-renowned illusionist and escape artist Harry Houdini with a new historical marker on Houdini Plaza.
The marker will be unveiled Oct. 31 on the 100th anniversary of Houdini’s death.
The Wisconsin Historical Society in February granted pre-application approval for the proposal, and in March, the Appleton Historic Preservation Commission unanimously approved the project.
10:30 – 11:00 a.m. – Historical Marker Dedication: the formal dedicate of the official Wisconsin State Historical Marker celebrating Houdini’s lasting connection to Appleton and his mark on history.
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Free Family Event: Directly following the dedication ceremony, head over to Fox Commons (10 E College Ave Appleton) for an afternoon of live entertainment featuring Music, Magic & Variety Acts by Prof. Pinkerton Xyloma and Dead Man’s Carnival.
This is the inscription on the marker:
Born Erik Weiss in Budapest, Hungary, Harry Houdini became a world-famous magician and escape artist. His family immigrated to the United States when he was 4 years old, settling in Appleton in 1878. His father, Mayer Samuel Weiss, served as the first rabbi for Appleton’s Zion Reform Jewish Congregation. Throughout his career, Houdini proclaimed Appleton as his hometown. In 1897 he performed with his wife, Bess, at the Appleton Opera House and challenged the local police by escaping from their handcuffs and a jail cell. Houdini’s career soared after traveling to Europe in 1900 where he did numerous escapes and stunts. Houdini was not only highly regarded as a performer but was an author, pioneer aviator, silent film star, inventor and a collector. Appleton proudly remembers its connection to the legendary “Handcuff King” as a testament to his enduring legacy and prestigious career.
