Daily Archive for March 10th, 2008

Houdini Magical Hall of Fame

Published
by
Graham
on March 10, 2008
in Niagara Falls Attractions and Niagara Falls History
. 4 Comments

Someone with an AOL Journal has posted some information about Houdini. Included, is some information about the old Niagara Falls attraction:

1968 - The Houdini Magical Hall of Fame was opened on Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. At its opening, this museum contained the majority of Houdini’s personal collection of magic paraphernalia. One of Houdini’s death wishes was that his entire collection be given to his brother Theodore (also known as the magician Hardeen) and burned upon Theodore’s death. Against his wishes, forty years after Houdini’s death, the items were taken from storage and sold. Two entrepreneurs purchased the items and renovated a former meat-packing plant on Clifton Hill, Ontario, Canada, to house the museum. The Hall of Fame was moved in 1972 to its final location on the top of Clifton Hill. Séances were held every year at the museum on October 31, the anniversary of Houdini’s death.

Building a legacy

Published
by
Graham
on March 10, 2008
in Niagara Falls History, Niagara Falls Hotels and Niagara Falls News
. 0 Comments

From the Niagara Falls Review:

Perhaps the truest and best example of family can be found at the Ricci home in the city’s south end. Michael and Olga Ricci and their five children dreamed together, worked together, lived together and achieved together.

The late Michael, known as Mac, and his wife Olga were pioneers in the Fallsview tourist area. Buchanan Avenue was a dirt road when Mac saw the spot he wanted for his hotel. The site, overlooking the falls, was a field. For 51 years, the Riccis welcomed the world at their ever-growing hotel, the Oakes Inn.

“It all began with $500 and a dream” said Michael Jr. “Dad borrowed $500 from Grandma and talked the banks into the rest.”

Winter Festival of Lights named as top 100 festival

Published
by
Graham
on March 10, 2008
in Niagara Falls Events and Niagara Falls News
. 0 Comments

From Niagara This Week:

The Winter Festival of Lights has been recognized by Festivals and Events Ontario as a top event in Ontario for the third year in a row.

The annual illumination festival, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last season, was named to the Top 100 Ontario Festivals by Festivals and Events Ontario, a list recognizing excellence within the province’s festival and events industry.