HOUDINI FOUND FARMER WAS HARDEST TO FOOL
New York, Dec. 27 – Harry Houdini found farmers "harder
to fool than city people,” and several times the magician's tricks
nearly failed when he performed them face to face with rural audiences.
"In country parts, where men themselves perform the
magic of making the soil bear harvest. I've found them less gullible.” He wrote in an
article published yesterday by Farm & Fireside. “They know it’s just a
trick.”
Houdini’s first training in legerdemain was in the small
towns, with travelling shows and later as a magician at county fairs. As an
example Houdini told of an experience in an Iowa town, where he undertook to escape
from a thief-proof barn within an hour.
"Finger the locks as I would I could make no impression
on them.” he said. "I exhausted myself and leaned against a door section
to rest for a final spurt. To my amazement the door opened and the witnesses applauded me. I bowed with
grace and-went back to the farm house to dress. The farmer came into the bedroom and explained that out of pity, he had left
that section of the barndoor unlocked, unbolted!