Victoria: It’s ironic that Bess Houdini kind of melted into the background of Houdini’s legacy, because from what I learned she was quite a dynamic personality. She left home at 18 to join a singing trio in Coney Island, which must have taken some courage, and also the ability to be confident in front of strangers. Then, she married Harry Houdini after only knowing him for a few days–and in addition to that, she was a Catholic woman marrying a Jewish man, which was very rare in those days. Rebecca: Do you think Bess was disappointed or proud when Harry left behind their magic act and became Houdini, the great escape artist? I imagine she was a very brave and independent woman.

Victoria: I think there must have been some of both feelings. I can’t imagine that Harry decided to perform on his own without discussing it first with Bess they must have realized together that he had a greater chance of success if he billed himself alone. But even when he began performing without her, she was always intricately involved in his life and his act. She was one of the only people who knew the secrets behind the illusions, and I am sure she must have helped him create some of his acts. How many years did she collect? Which were favorites? Rebecca: I’m intrigued with Bess Houdini’s doll collection. Victoria: I actually didn’t come across much detail, other than the fact that she collected them. Both she and Harry were collectors–together, they collected pets.

Harry amassed a huge rare book collection. So I imagine they had a lot of fun, especially on their many travels, looking to add to their collections. Victoria: It has long been speculated why Bess and Harry Houdini didn’t have children. Rebecca: What Houdini historian, John Cox discovered in an interview with the Houdini’s niece, Marie Blood, was tragic! Per John Cox: Marie continually emphasized just how small and “underdeveloped” Bess was. This actually delighted Marie as a child because she could wear Aunt Bessie’s shoes, which were size one! Marie said bess was very frail and often sick, and she never weighed more than 98 pounds.

But part of this underdeveloped nature was that Aunt Bess never had her period, never menstruated. That’s why the Houdinis remained childless. Victoria: How did Bess’s friendship with Charmian London (wife of famous author, Jack London) begin? Bess Houdini suffered from Primary Amenorrhea, a problem with the endocrine system.

Mrs. Houdini by Victoria Kelly