Galena, Kansas

Galena Weekly Republican 1898

Named for the lead ore, the town of Galena, KS was booming when the Houdini's along with the California Concert Company arrived in early 1898. Staying for an entire week and preforming at Sapp's Opera House, the "snake oil" business must have been good. I am not sure which hotel or boarding house Harry & Bess Houdini stayed at, but I believe it could be the Banks Hotel, Southern Hotel or the Hutchson House.  Any information or photos regarding Houdini's stays in Galena or of the opera house / hotels would be of great value to the book and research. Credit for any information or photos will be given in the book.

The local newspapers covered the California Concert Company and the Houdini's quite well while in Galena. Houdini was given a moniker while in Galean that would be used on future posters by the magician. The book will reveal that nickname and show the poster!