The New York Times article on the upcoming magic poster auction this
Sunday in NYC, mentioned and quoted me; mentioned the Museum of Magic, and
spoke about Thurston! Very exciting!
Today the actual newspaper came out!
December 6, 2012
The New York Times article on the upcoming magic poster auction this
Sunday in NYC, mentioned and quoted me; mentioned the Museum of Magic, and
spoke about Thurston! Very exciting!
The paper version comes out tomorrow, but it is online right now! Check it
out...
Today on the fantastic (member only) magic site Thayer Magic -- Phil
Schwartz posted the 91 photos of the Thurston exhibit.
November 14, 2012
We just posted photos of the Thurston exhibit at the Yankee Gathering
on Facebook.com and have been getting some really nice comments...
Andrew Pinard...
Andrew Pinard...
Leland Faulkner...
Johnny Fox...
James Hamilton...
Jim Steinmeyer...
Please LIKE us on facebook, by clicking here...
November 8-10, 2012
Had a great time at the Yankee Gathering this weekend in Westborough,
Massachusetts.
At the convention this year we put on an elaborate Howard Thurston
exhibit.
We had an overwhelming response
to the exhibit with most attendees saying it was the
"greatest exhibit they have
even seen!"
You can view 91 photos from the exhibit by clicking on the link below.
It is a facebook link, but you do not have to be a member of facebook to
view the images.
Our fan page updated the banner today! Check it out...
Please LIKE us on facebook, by clicking here...
October 22, 2012
In the
November 2012 M-U-M Magazine -- the magazine produced by the Society of
American Magicians,
we have a brand new ad for the
When Thurston Came To Town DVD.
This ad appeared on the back inside cover and the back cover of the
November 2012 M-U-M Magazine
Extremely honored to be the cover story for the November 2012 M-U-M
Magazine -- the magazine produced by the Society of American Magicians.
The title of the article is "Rory Feldman, The Magician And The Museum of
Magic."
Thanks to David Goodsell for the fantastic article!
The magazine is for November 2012, but started arriving in mailboxes
today!
Tune in to Lost Magic Decoded on the History Channel tonight @ 9PM ET.
They are using some items from my collection for the TV special. Should be
a great show!
Here's a preview:
Happy to be in great company...
"The Rory Feldman Collection" shown in the credits...
October 11, 2012
Had fun spending the day with some great friends... Diego Domingo, George
Schindler, Stanley Palm and Joe Devlin.
It was great having Joe Devlin visit. Here is a photo from when we first
met, February 13, 1998...
August 26, 2012
Had fun spending the day with the historian and friend Angela Sanchez...
June 29, 2012
Spent the last few days with David Goodsell. David has been
interviewing me for an upcoming M-U-M article.
This has been a very exciting project to work on with David.
June 28, 2012
Today, I went to visit my Hudson River Museum exhibit with the President
of the Society of American Magicians, Vinny Grosso, Dean George Schindler,
and Past National President of the Society of American Magicians David
Goodsell. We had a great day!
June 28, 2012
Honored
to receive a Presidential Citation from Vinny Grosso on behalf of The
Society of American Magicians.
This took place at the Hudson River Museum.
(Also present: Dean George Schindler)
May 30, 2012
Today, on the Hudson River Museum's facebook page, they wrote: "As part
of our "magical" partnership with Yonkers Public Schools, Senior Museum
Educator, Deborah Yasinsky, has been going into classrooms and teaching
students about the art of magic before they visit the Hudson River Museum
and our new Gilded Age Magic exhibition. Today, News 12 Westchester
visited the Cedar Place School, just when Deborah was in the midst of a
lesson! Be sure to watch News 12 at 4:30pm today to catch a glimpse of
what happens in the classroom."
Today, the Houdini website "Wild About Houdini" posted some information
about the "Gilded Age Magic" exhibit at the Hudson River Museum.
Thanks to John Cox!
Thanks for the nice comments John! It was a pleasure meeting you too!
And thanks for putting the information on your facebook page!
May 25, 2012
Today, the website "artdaily.org" posted an article about the "Gilded
Age Magic" exhibit at the Hudson River Museum.
YONKERS, NY.- “Annihilation of Space,” “Projection of the Astral
Body,”and “Maid of the Moon” are the stuff of scary space phenomena but
1890s newspaper ads declared these feats the “Ne plus ultra of the Magic
Art.” At the turn of the 20th century, magicians added their own luster to
the booming culture of the American Gilded Age. Performing 10-minute
vaudeville line-ups and one-man stage shows, they traveled from city to
city laden with the equipment and entourage of a circus, their arrivals
heralded with colorful posters and dramatic claims ─ “Thurston the great
magician, the wonder show of the universe!” Paying audiences were hooked
and magicians elevated from street entertainers to international
celebrities.
Gilded Age Magic, organized by the Hudson River Museum, Yonkers, features
rare theatrical posters of Harry Kellar (1849-1922), the “Greatest of
Wonder Workers,” his “successor” Howard Thurston (1869-1936), and Chung
Ling Soo, the American William Ellsworth Robinson (1861–1918) best
remembered for his tragic death when his “bullet catch” trick
malfunctioned. The exhibition also includes programs; magicians’ costumes
as well as the spangled outfits of their assistants; rare promotional
photographs of Thurston’s performances; and how-to books for amateurs.
Gilded Age Magic explores the evolution of the modern magic performance
and its promotion through 20th century-advances in printmaking and
advertising. The spirit cabinet (“Cabinet of Mysteries,”) seen in the
exhibition, is an apparatus with a routine that Kellar devised from
European magic. The antique cabinet, reproduced by Howard Thurston when
Kellar’s first cabinet wore out, at times was shown empty to the audience
but, when shut, occurrences inside began ─ knocking sounds or the playing
of tambourines, often combined with floating "ghosts," who moved in and
out of the cabinet. Often Kellar or Howard Thurston opened the cabinet
door to reveal a floating silver orb that emerged under their control,
then to disappear into the cabinet shown empty again. Background sound
design by artist John Morton includes vintage clips of magic shows,
comedic performances, strange sounds effects, and popular songs, created
to enhance the visitor’s sensory experience of the show.
What makes a show spectacular? What makes a trick never to be forgotten?
We look to the master of showmanship, Harry Kellar, who performed grandly
titled illusions, such as “The Levitation of Princess Karnak,” around the
country, but he called Yonkers home. He founded a “royal dynasty” of
American magicians that included his most famous friend Harry Houdini
(1874-1926). These showmen built their acts on an ever-widening
disassociation from magic’s age-old traditions of sorcery and witchcraft
and the slights of hand and escape tricks practiced by trickster
criminals. Seeking a new route to their audiences, they moved from magic’s
occult and supernatural origins to magic as entertainment pure, simple,
and hopefully credible.
The objects in Gilded Age Magic are drawn from The Rory Feldman Collection
and The Bjorn Hanson Collection. The exhibition is organized by the Hudson
River Museum and inspired by the research of Benjamin Levy on Harry
Kellar’s connection to Yonkers.
Amazing to spend the afternoon and share my collection with someone who
has been an inspiration since my early days in magic.
Brooklyn, New York - May 17, 2012
...
Dr. Edwin A. Dawes is a prominent member of The Magic Circle and without a
doubt the most prolific writer on the history of magic alive today. His
column, "A Rich Cabinet of Magical Curiosities" has appeared in more than
200 issues of The Magic Circular, he has authored nine books (including
The Great Illusionists, Charles Bertram: The Court Conjurer, and Stodare:
The Enigma Variations), he has contributed to every issue of NEMCA's The
Yankee Magic Collector since 1988, and his articles and reviews have
appeared in many other magical periodicals. Eddie was inducted into the
Hall of Fame of the Society of American Magicians in 1984, and was awarded
The Magic Circle's John Nevil Maskelyne prize in 1988. One of the most
knowledgeable and respected magic historians and collectors, Eddie
lectured at this Yankee Gathering and was also a lecturer at past
Gatherings. Amy Dawes is a magician, both in a double-act with Eddie and
as a solo practitioner, she authored the biographical material on British
female magicians in Frances Marshall's Those Beautiful Dames, and she has
been a great supporter and contributor to magic and magic history for more
than 50 years.
104 years ago today Harry Kellar passed the mantle of magic to Howard
Thurston...
May 13, 2012
IN MEMORY
OF
EDWARD S. PATTERSON
Edward S. Patterson, 92, of
Shrewsbury, New Jersey and Bristol, Rhode Island, died May 13, 2012.
Edd was known professionally as Edd
Patterson, The Magic Artist. He had an illustrious career as a children’s
entertainer, presenting stage programs in schools for many decades. His
programs were endorsed by thousands of school administrators and parent
groups throughout the eastern United States.
Edd’s live school shows for young people
numbered more than 18,000 programs, and in sheer numbers equaled or
surpassed most other performers of his time on the American platform. He
was considered an entertainer with an educator’s point of view by
teachers, administrators, moms and dads; his presentations won the
unqualified approval of young audiences from Connecticut to Florida.
Edd was noted for his fine publicity
material, personally designed for each new season. His numerous new
programs each year, along with his props, employed the finest artistic
quality.
Edd’s career began as a young boy when he
worked as an assistant to Don Rose, and continued with his own large stage
show until he eventually dedicated his life to children’s entertainment.
His shows always included chalk drawings, puppetry, magic, music, and
(often) sand paintings. In 2008 he was the subject of the book Edd
Patterson: A Lifetime of Magic and Art, by William V. Rauscher.
During World War II Ed served in the Army Air
Corp. as historian and entertainer. Stationed in Kearney, Nebraska he
hosted a popular variety show radio program called “Party Time on the Army
Air Base.”
During his retirement, painting scenes and
still life in water color, and caring for his dog Sandy and his cat Rosie,
became an important part of his life.
Edd especially enjoyed attending the Yankee
Gatherings and the IBM Conventions, two important magic events. In the IBM
he held the position of Order of Merlin – Excalibur.
Edd will be sadly missed by his family and
friends in the magic community. He is survived by his wife Virginia,
daughters Donna and Susan, Susan’s partner Taki, and grandchildren Amanda,
Brendan and Connor. A memorial service will be held in September. In lieu
of flowers donations may be sent in his name to the Bristol Animal
Shelter, 10 Minturn Farm Road, Bristol, RI 02809. Those wishing to share
thoughts may do so by email:
stochardlabs@aol.com or
donna@stochard.com.
(Rory Feldman, Donna Patterson, and Edd Patterson at the 2008 Yankee
Gathering)
In November of 2008, William V. Rauscher wrote a book on Edd Patterson
and I
worked on this project, creating the cover and back cover of the book and
the entire DVD that comes along with the book. It was such a
pleasure to work with Edd. He will be deeply missed.
May 4, 2012
Today, a New
York Times reporter named Eve M. Kahn visited my home and collection for an article about
the upcoming Hudson River Museum exhibit. The article will appear in the
Antiques section the week of May 14.
May 3, 2012
Exciting day! Just got contacted by the New York Times. Tomorrow
a reporter is going to visit the collection and interview me about the
upcoming Hudson River Museum magic exhibit.
April 17, 2012
Over 100 Thurston items were picked up -- including one of his Spirit
Cabinets -- for an upcoming magic exhibit at the Hudson River Museum in
Yonkers, New York.
Today is the 76th anniversary of Howard Thurston's death.
April 2012
In the April 2012 M-U-M Magazine, Vinny Grosso, the
president of the Society of American Magicians talks about favors and
writes a nice piece about Rory Feldman.
Thanks Vinny!
March 24, 2012
Listen to Neil Patrick Harris talk about magic on the new Nerdist
podcast.
He also mentions Howard Thurston twice!
Listen @ 32:04 and 33:15 to hear the Thurston references.
92, of Indianapolis, passed away on March 21, 2012. He was born
November 7, 1919 in Buffalo, NY to Charles Arthur Dailey and Christine
Elizabeth Ticknor Dailey, who preceded him in death. Frank was raised in
Dunkirk, NY.
Frank served his country in the U.S. Navy, where he served during WWII
on the USS Wickes, APC 7 and USS Felicia (PYC 35). He received his
doctorate of Juris Prudence from Duke University and was an attorney for
the American Mutual Insurance, American States Insurance and the Indiana
Lumberman's Insurance.
Frank's true love was all things magic. He became interested in magic
as a child of 6 and performed professionally throughout the world. Frank
served as president of the National Society of American Magicians (SAM)
from 1983-84 and later became the historian for the SAM for many years. He
was a member of the Houdini Club of Wisconsin, the International
Brotherhood of Magicians, the Magic Circle and the Magic Castle. Frank was
also a life member of the Zionsville American Legion.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 21 years, Sara Marie Williamson
of Fredonia, NY. Sara passed away in 1964. Also preceding him in death was
his second wife, Margaret Giddons Hoover of Indianapolis, IN, who passed
away in 2003. and his brother, Robert Dailey of Forestville, NY.
Frank is survived by his daughters, Susan Orr of Naples, FL and Sharon
Cole of Pittsboro, IN; step-daughters, Sue Lawson of Riverside, CA,
Theresa Laswell of Houston, TX and Mary Margaret Wizner of Indianapolis,
IN; sister, Ruth Mitchell of Lakeland, FL; 3 grandchildren and 3
great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Sunday, March 25 from 5 to 8 p.m. in Stevens
Mortuary & Family Center , 5520 W. 10th St., Indpls. Funeral services will
be held in Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 963 N Girl School Road,
Indpls on Monday, March 26 at Noon.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to SYM Fund c/o Brad
Jacobs 234 Towyn Court, Ambler, PA 19002 to continue Frank's mentorship of
future magicians.
(Frank Dailey and Rory Feldman at the 2011 S.A.M. Convention in
Pittsburgh)
March 2012
In the March 2012 Genii Magazine, Jonathan Levit is on the cover as
Thurston... again!!! Congratulations to Jonathan!
And thanks to Jim Steinmeyer for the nice mention in the article!
February 14, 2012
Today on the website The Daily Deception, magician Mark Jarvis has
an article posted titled "Do We Look To Deceive Or Entertain Our
Audience?" Thanks for the mention!
The Magic Of Magic is different! They offer only the very best select
magic. Watch their video reviews. If the magic doesn't meet their
standards, they don't sell it.
In the January 2012 Genii
Magazine, Jonathan Levit is on the cover as Thurston with the Sawing A
Lady In Half!
Congrats Jonathan!
December 2011
Was recently asked to be on the new American
Pickers show with a fellow magic picker/collector. Not sure if we
will do it...
November 22, 2011
Although we did an interview with Scott Wells for The Magic Newswire,
when we had the Magi-Fest display back in January of 2011, it never ran on
the site.
We are happy to report that it is now up on Scott's site The Magic
Word.
Thanks for posting this Scott. Click the link to listen to the
almost 20 minute interview and tour. Enjoy!
Back In December 2010 The Linking Ring came out
with Howard Thurston and Jane Thurston on the cover! The cover story
was done by Jim Steinmeyer.
The article featured photos from the Rory Feldman Collection, but the
cover photo of Howard and Jane Thurston giving presents to orphans came
from The Linking Ring archives. It was previously used in a Gerald
Heaney article back in the day.
We never really knew where the original photo was until now.
After purchasing an extensive Thurston photo collection... here it is!
What a great find!
(Note: the Howard Thurston signature that was on the photo by the
steps on The Linking Ring image was placed there by the Editor of The
Linking Ring Sammy Smith)
October 15, 2011
Another magical event called Spirits & Spells at the Green Lawn Abbey
on October 15, 2011.
The photo in the ad is from the Rory Feldman Collection.
October 3, 2011
Had fun spending the day with the fantastic magician and friend Ben
Robinson...
July 2011
In the July 2011 M-U-M Magazine, Vinny Grosso, the
president of the Society of American Magicians is on the cover with a
small image of Howard Thurston on the bottom right. Check it out!
July 2011
In the July 2011, "The Spellbinder", there was a mention of George
Schindler, Mark Weidhass, and Vinny Grosso visiting the Rory Feldman
Collection.
June 2011
In the June 2011 Magic Magazine, there is an article about the recent
Christopher Auction in NYC with a photo of Rory Feldman sitting at the
auction.
June 2011
In the June 2011 M-U-M Magazine, Mark Weidhaas, the
president of the Society of American Magicians talks about visiting the Rory Feldman
collection.
May 22, 2011
Found a review of the new Thurston book on the
Gainesville Times website...
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