I remember, decades ago, sitting at The Main Bar of The Castle, early on in my membership, chatting with a long-time club member. While I don’t recall specifically who it was, I do remember that his membership number came up during the conversation, and I was stunned to find that it was only two digits long! I remember jealously marveling at the fact that this gentleman was privy to The Castle’s early days and imagined what stories he must have accumulated and the performers he must have witnessed in its formative years.
With The Magic Castle now entering its new era, it occurred to me that, oddly, I have become the “old-timer,” as it were. Having been a member now for over 40 years, I have definitely collected my share of stories and recollections of past performers that I can pass along. And, yes, I am not joking; I have had a conversation with a newer member at the bar in which he voiced astonishment at my four-digit membership number!