Weiss Family moved to Milwaukee Wisconsin. Ehrich’s father did not luck finding work. The only way to earn money was by giving Hebrew lessons. Weiss family often had trouble paying the rent and putting food. Ehrich eight years old, he worked after school selling newspapers and shining shoes for help supports the family.
When he was nine, friend in the neighborhood organized a children’s circus. They charged five cent. Ehrich’s mother made him a costume and he performed on the trapeze. He called himself “Eric, Prince of the Air” and his best trick was to pick up pins with his teeth. He also performed as a contortionist.
Ehrich wanted to earn more to help his family, so he decided to go to Texas. But his parents would not allow him to leave, he ran away. This was not a very well-planned escape and he also got on the wrong train, so that he ended up in Kansas City. He sent his parents a postcard. He told them not to worry. He was going to Texas to make some money and he would be back in a year. But he did not get to Texas.