Magic History

The First I.B.M. Magic Convention

32995 — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 10:33:30 -0600

International Brotherhood of Magicians
Started Magic Conventions in Lima Ohio Area

Seeking fellowship among magicians and the promotion of the entertaining aspects of the art, the International Brotherhood of Magicians was formed. And in the mid 1920s, the group spent a lot of time in the Lima area.

I.B.M. - I Believe in Magic

32995 — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 14:24:34 -0500

A Short History of the
International Brotherhood of Magicians
Contributing Editor:
Jack White, San Diego

The International Brotherhood of Magicians had very humble beginnings. It started as a letter writing exchange between three young men who shared a common interest, a love for the art of magic. M.J.G. McMullen of Canada and Gordon Avery of Buffalo, New York began writing to each other about magic in 1922. A few months later a third young man joined in the correspondence campaign, his name was Ernest Schieldge.

If those names sound unfamiliar to you, they should. It is because they all changed their names and became known, respectively, as Len Vintus, Gene Gordon and Don Rogers.

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The Dean of Sacramento magic

63104 — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:33:11 -0500

Cherishing memories
of Arthur H. Gross
By Dale Lorzo

The Lota Bowl has run dry, and the magic wand is now broken. Arthur Gross, who performed as Victor St. Leon, has left this earthly stage to join the Supreme Master Magician of the Universe for a bigger show, starring all the greats in magic! And Art definitely deserves the role, as he was a great magician.

Lee Grabel said, “Art is one of the true unsung heroes of magic. Victor St. Leon was a great performer and teacher of magic.”

Life-long friend, Sid Fleischman summed it up by saying, “The word wasn’t in use yet, but I think Art had us all beat in stage charm and charisma.”
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An Amazing Resource for the Magical Arts

32995 — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 21:06:30 -0600

Extensive Online Database
Benefits Researchers and Others
By Dr. William E. Spooner

The Conjuring Arts Research Center was established in 2003 as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of magic and its allied arts. The Center, located at 11 West 30th Street in Manhattan, is the brainchild and creation of William Kalush who has amassed over 12,000 volumes of books and journals and rare documents. The rare book room contains an impressive collection of books dating back to the 15th century, including a number of variations of Reginald Scot’s Discovery of Witchcraft...

Charles Laughton's Brother

32995 — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 12:52:00 -0500

Charles Laughton’s Brother

From: "Michael Chandler"

Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2007