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By Doug, July 15, 2009 04:41

Houdini's Milk Can Escape

The American Museum of Magic in Marshall, Michigan is a collection of entertainment magic props, books, posters and so forth. Housed in two buildings, the collection includes more than 15,000 books and 20,000 photographs in its library.

One of the more popular pieces in the collection is the actual “milk can” made famous by Harry Houdini. Houdini would fill the can with water and then he’d have himself handcuffed and lowered into the can. The audience was invited to hold their breath just like Houdini was doing inside the can while it was sealed shut and Houdini performed his escape. The popular act was only done for four years but it’s one of the stunts most associated with the famous magician.

Related reading:

• The Secret Life of Houdini: The Making of America’s First Superhero
• Escape!: The Story of The Great Houdini
• The Magic of Houdini
• Houdini: World’s Greatest Mystery Man and Escape King