A
memory to Don Bell, from Harry Houdini....
Dear Don,
If it was not for you, the real story behind my death would not be known. You have spent a great deal of your lifetime doing research on my death, and more particularly, how it happened.. Truth is, I received many punches, and I had a broken ankle from my show in Albany, as well as feeling very low from lack of rest.
So, my general condition before arriving in Montreal, was not good, and if it was not for my will to get everything perfect, I would have abandoned all shows before going to Montreal. And In Montreal, I received many punches outside my show.
So, Don, I appreciate what you have done, as it tells the real story behind my stay in Montreal, as much as can be said.
Harry.
==================
The above is what I thought Harry Houdini would tell my friend Don Bell. He was a great researcher, raconteur, bon vivant and human being.
Gilles Larin, October 30, 2004.
============================
Photo Album
Don Bell, and Gilles Larin 1990
Joscelyn Gordon Whitehead (from the book "The man who killed Houdini" by Don Bell (Vehicle Press...click on photo below for link)
Where Joscelyn Gordon Whitehead is buried: Hawthorne Dale Cemetery, 15005 Sherbrooke St. East, Montreal - Lot 188, plot 75 - Died May 7th 1954
Don Bell's children Valerie and Daniel, with Gilles and Rosemary Larin at book launch, October 30th 2004.
Don Bell's children and sister Doreen at book launch, October 30th 2004.
A good speech......
Francis Larin,
owner of the Prince of Wales Hotel (below) from 1919 to 1930
Prince of Wales Hotel & Pig 'N Whistle Tavern, 17-19 McGill College Ave.
Prince of Wales owner & general manager Francis Larin's business card
Francis Larin,
owner of the Prince of Wales Hotel (below) from 1919 to 1930 and later the Potton Springs Hotel), where Harry Houdini always stayed while in Montreal, while maintaining, for security reasons, a "dummy" presence at the Mount Royal Hotel. He played at the Princess Theatre, in Mtl
Princess Theatre
This website is a tribute to my friend DON BELL, and his unique achievement.
October 30, 2004
Gilles Larin