$3,000
Most likely written en route to California via train on November 15, 1917. On two sheets of “Twentieth Century Limited” stationery, Kellar writes in great detail, and effusively, regarding the fête given him by Houdini and his final stage appearance at the New York Hippodrome just four days earlier. In glowing terms, Kellar writes, in part, “Your hospitality, your generous and unselfish efforts to make my farewell appearance in New York the grand success it was, and your touching tribute when you presented me to that great audience at the New York Hippodrome will always remain a happy memory with me. …when the vast audience of seven thousand people stood up and sang “Auld Lang Syne” [was] one of the happiest events of my life.” “… no one but the master-mind of our greatest Showman – Harry Houdini, could have carried it to so successful an issue. Words failed me when I tried to thank and to tell you how truly I appreciated all you did…”. The letter is boldly signed, “Harry Kellar.” Sold together with the printed program for the performance, which features large images of Houdini and Kellar, and smaller portraits of Zancig, Rouclere, and a host of other magicians.
Auctioneer:
Potter & Potter
Date:
2017-02-04
