September 9: Larsen's Magigals

The new Portland, Oregon assembly of Magigals held its first meeting in 1951. The first women’s magic club was organized in 1939 in Los Angeles, inspired by Geraldine (Geri) Conrad Larsen’s column in Genii, “Paging the Ladies.” Intended as a social group—a chance for magicians’ wives to meet—the column and the club included personal news and even recipes. But very soon, the group featured women performers, the focus of Magigals. Assemblies formed across the country, and Geri Larsen was the first president. She later starred in the 1949 children’s television series, The Magic Lady, appearing on KTLA in Los Angeles. Geri Larsen was married to Genii founder William Larsen, and mother of Bill Jr. and Milt, founders of The Magic Castle.