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New evidence challenges Houdini’s death date to Oct. 30

By Drooid · Oct 31, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

Strand magazine publishes Houdini’s unseen essay “An Interesting Scrapbook” in the United States on his centennial.
Larrian Gillespie argues Houdini died on October 30, 1926, from a bowel obstruction after chop suey.
Gillespie cites a doctor’s affidavit listing October 30, contradicting the official October 31 death certificate.
Great-nephew George Hardeen backs the October 30 claim.

Summary

Eric Colleary’s “Houdini’s Library” exhibition opened at the Harry Ransom Center, running through January 2027.
The show features Houdini’s 53-page typed catalogue and rare “super-illustrated” books he annotated.
Dorothy Dietrich’s Scranton Houdini Museum charges $39.95 adults, $29.95 children, and $10 VIP upgrades for Halloween seances.
New owners of Houdini’s Harlem brownstone sold historic bricks for $100 each, raising $25,000 for winter repairs.

History

After Houdini’s 1926 death, his brother Hardeen inherited the props, which Sidney Hollis Radner bought in the 1940s and later auctioned. In 1958 the bulk of Houdini’s theatrical papers entered the Hoblitzelle Theatre Library, now the Harry Ransom Center, re-catalogued in 2016 and reopened in 2018. David Copperfield’s 1991 purchase added roughly 80,000 items, and the Scranton Houdini Museum (opened 1991) keeps the legacy public.

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After Houdini’s 1926 death, his brother Hardeen inherited the props, which Sidney Hollis Radner bought in the 1940s and later auctioned. In 1958 the bulk of Houdini’s theatrical papers entered the Hoblitzelle Theatre Library, now the Harry Ransom Center, re-catalogued in 2016 and reopened in 2018. David Copperfield’s 1991 purchase added roughly 80,000 items, and the Scranton Houdini Museum (opened 1991) keeps the legacy public.

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