KELLAR, Harry (1849 - 1922). Remarkable Kellar ALS to Harry Houdini. Dated September 1, 1916, Kellar writes to Houdini on two sheets of Hotel Astor letterhead in blue ink. The letter touches on many important subjects - Houdini's collection, his card manipulation, Kellar's famous Rope Tie, and more - making it one of the best Kellar to Houdini letters we have offered. 

"My dear Harry Houdini, The priveledge of visiting you in your beautiful house, looking over your wonderful collection of letters, photos, books, scrap-books and programmes of magicians, some of them of the dim past, was an event long to be remembered and cherished. There is no doubt whatever that you have, far and away, the finest collection of the kind in the world and if ever a real history of magic is to be written you certainly have the material for it from the earliest times to date. Your very clever and puzzling card manipulation was a revelation to me and I frankly admit you quite bewildered me. 

"Since you desired me to show you my rope tying methods and since you were such an apt pupil I shall be most happy if you will use the same in your future performances. Allow me to thank you, Mrs. Houdini and Mr. Hardeen for having given me one of the happiest days of my life. With regards and best wishes I am, as always, Your old friend, Harry Kellar." 

Kellar was viewed by Houdini as a mentor and father-like figure. In 1917, nearly one year after this letter was penned, members of the Society of American Magicians paid tribute to Kellar in a farewell appearance at the New York Hippodrome. The performances and festivities were organized by Houdini, who was then serving as president of the organization. At the conclusion of the show, Kellar was carried off of the stage in a sedan chair supported by the shoulders of his fellow magicians. 

One corner chip, browning to first sheet at right. Very good or better.