The Great HoudiniThe artist known throughout the world as Harry Houdini was born on March 24, 1874 in Budapest. Although Houdini often claimed to have been born in Appleton, Wisconsin, Houdini actually came to the United States when he was four years old. Even today, many associated with the small town of Appleton still maintain that Houdini was born there solely to attract tourists. Houdini's father was Mayer Samuel Weiss. Houdini's father was a rabbi. His mother's name was Cecilia Steiner Weiss. His parents spoke little English and the family was quite poor, so most of the children began working at an early age. From the age of eight the young Ehrich Weiss sold newspapers and worked as a shoe shiner. At the age of 12, young Ehrich left home to make his own way in the world in an effort to help support his family. Young Ehrich traveled the country for about a year, always sending money home when he could. He eventually joined his father in New York City. The family moved to New York in hopes of finding a better life there. In New York, Houdini worked as a delivery boy and as a cutter in a sweatshop, to help support his family. Houdini began practicing magic as a teenager, initially calling himself Eric the Great. Ehrich acquired the name Houdini from a book he read, "The Memoirs of Robert-Houdin," the autobiography of one of the greatest magicians of the era. Influenced by what he read and learned about the internationally renowned magician Robert Houdin, the young Ehrich changed his name to Houdini, hoping to be in some way like his new mentor. Houdini's first magic shows consisted of card tricks and other simple magic. Houdini soon began experimenting with handcuffs and using them in his acts. Houdini performed with another young man who worked with him in the New York factory. They were called the Houdini brothers. Soon Houdini's younger brother Theo took over as the factory boy. Together with his brother Theo, they tried to succeed like the Houdini brothers. Their early performances included shows at amusement parks, beer halls, "dime museums", and at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893. In 1894, Houdini met Wilhelmina Beatrice Rahner, who sang and danced as part of the Floral Sisters..