Central Harlem in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Houdini
1874 - 1926
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, October 4, 2016
1. Houdini Marker
The magician lived here from 1904 to 1926, collecting illusions, theatrical memorabilia, and books on psychic phenomena and magic.
Famous for daring escapes, no restraints-ropes, chains, straitjackets, bank vaults, or jail cells-could hold him.
Erected by Historic Landmarks Preservation Center.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the New York, New York City Historic Landmarks Preservation Center Cultural Medallions series list.
Location. 40° 48.131′ N, 73° 57.374′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Central Harlem. It is on West 113th Street near Frederick Douglass Boulevard, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 278 West 113th Street, New York NY 10026, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in New York City. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lafayette-Washington (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pauli Murray (about 800 feet away); Frederick Douglass (about 800 feet away); Morningside Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); Seligman Fountain (approx. 0.2
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. A. Philip Randolph Square (was approx. Ό mile away but has been permanently removed).
More about this marker. The marker is at the top of the landing of a gated brownstone, and so is only visible from a distance.
Also see . . . The Great Harry Houdini. Houdini- His Life and Art entry:
Harry Houdini was born on March 24, 1874 in Budpest, Hungary, with the name of Ehrich Weisz. He was one of six children and the son of Rabbi Mayer Weisz and his second wife, Cecilia Steiner. In 1876, Mayer Weisz immigrated to the United States with the dream of a better life. He found work as a rabbi and changed his last name to Weiss. In 1876, the remainder of the family joined him in the United States.... (Submitted on October 6, 2016.)
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, October 4, 2016
2. Houdini Marker - Wide View
The marker is visible here at the top of the landing.
Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress, 1907
3. Harry Houdini with his wife Beatrice and mother Cecilia Steiner Weiss, half-length portrait
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 6, 2016, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 798 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 6, 2016, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
