New Hampshire Town Burns All Records in ‘Goody’ Cole Case

HAMPTON, N.H., Aug. 25 (AP)–In a unique ceremony attended by Mrs. Harry Houdini, white-haired widow of the famous magician, this town today cleared Eunice “Goody” Cole of Colonial-Era charges that she was a witch.

Three thousand townspeople and visitors looked on as three selectmen burned copies of all records pertaining to her arrest, conviction and imprisonment in 1656.

Arnold D. Philbrick of Haverhill, Mass., descendant of one of “Goody’s” original accusers, gave approval to the vindication ceremony, final event on the town’s tercentenary program. Her “citizenship” was restored at a town meeting in March.

Mrs. Houdini, addressing the gathering, said:

“Blasting of witchcraft is so important that I have traveled 3,000 miles (from Los Angeles) to be present. I believe that Harry Houdini would thank everybody responsible for this historic event.”

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