"Ghostbuster" Harry Houdini Died 85 Years Ago Today

In a bit of interesting news, Harry Houdini died on Halloween of 1926 after suffering from a ruptured appendix. Something not commonly known (at least today) about Houdini is that he was a mysterious "Ghostbuster" of sorts.

In the later years of his life, Houdini used to travel the world in disguise to séances. He would often reveal the illusions of famous spiritualists who had stumped scientists and doctors of the time, and offered a cash prize to any psychic who could reveal his powers to him.

No one ever was able to accomplish his challenge including one of the most famous psychics of the time Mina Crandon aka "Margery".

Before his death Houdini encouraged his wife that upon his departure, to hold séances to see if his spirit would be brought back to Earth as possible evidence towards the existence of spiritualism. Houdini, if brought back to the world of the living, was to whisper into his wife's ear "Rosabelle believe", which was a line from a play his wife performed in when they first met. This, Houdini believed, would be the ultimate trick, proving once and for all the legitimacy towards spiritualism.

For ten years Bess Houdini held unsuccessful séances in New York before finally giving up announcing that "ten years was long enough to wait for her husband.". While she lost hope, The Society of American Magicians continue on in her stead, hoping to hear from the great illusionist.

So while he was no Dr. Venkman, Houdini was in fact an olde tyme Ghostbuster! If you're at all curious about the séance you can get the full audio from the final séance and some of his greater illusions below, and let me know of your efforts should you try to summon him tonight!

Email Me: MickJoest@Geektyrant.com Twitter: @MickJoest