Is this where the dead rise? Machpelah Cemetery seems to ask, its ancient tombstones leaning like crooked teeth. Don’t let the eerie quiet fool you, this place is alive with history. Founded in 1855, it’s a cornerstone of the Jewish community in Queens. Machpelah Cemetery might not have the grandeur of some Manhattan cemeteries, but it holds tales just as captivating. Here lies the world’s greatest magician, Harry Houdini, alongside his family. Houdini’s grave, a pilgrimage site for magicians and fans, is a testament to his enduring legacy. The bust adorning it has been a target for theft and vandalism, a strange echo of his daring escapes. The story goes that his widow, Bess, wished to be buried by his side. However, her Catholic family refused, denying her final wish to rest with her beloved. Even in death, Houdini remains an enigma. Machpelah Cemetery is a place where stories whispered through time mingle with the rustling leaves, a poignant reminder of the lives lived and secrets buried.
Gould Family Mausoleum
Ever heard of a “Robber Baron?” Here at Woodlawn Cemetery stands the Gould Family Mausoleum. It is a testament to