Hey Everyone! Before we get to the next post, I wanted to share a correction that was sent to me regarding how Doug obtained the items featured in “Houdini: His Legend and His Magic.”

The real facts, such as these, can get muddled though various sources, accounts, and years. So, I’ll leave it to expert Greg Edmonds to clear things up! If anyone has any more info to share please feel free via email, our comments section, or at “The Doug Henning Project” Facebook page. 

“It sounds like some proverbial wires have been crossed here. Ruth never lived in either Pinehurst, to the best of my knowledge. Marie Blood (Houdini’s niece), on the other hand, did live in Pinehurst, NC. But, never met Doug Henning as far as I know.

As to whether Ruth gave anything of value to Doug, I’m afraid I don’t know (John Hinson, son of Ruth’s and Marie’s brother, Vinnie, said she “sold” items to him). If she did, it wasn’t “everything,” to be sure. Jon Oliver (of Michigan) owns much of the furniture and personal items from Bess Houdini, and acquired these from Ruth. Doug did date Ruth’s daughter, Lisa, for a short time, too. So, he might have picked up a few things through that relationship with the family as well…

Finally, Ruth only visited Marie in Pinehurst, NC, a few times, and then only for a few days at a time. So, Henning and Charles Reynolds (whom I knew pretty well) would not have interviewed her there… Ruth and Doug were friends, to be sure.”

Thanks Greg!