October 31: Thumb Tip's Invention
Today marks the birthday of Professor Herwinn (William Humpage) in 1861; he apparently invented the Thumb Tip
Almanac
Historic milestones, notable events, and magical anniversaries from this day.
Almanac
October 28: Robert-Houdin in Algeria
Robert-Houdin’s famous magic performance before the Algerian chieftains occurred in an Algiers theater this night in 1856
Almanac
October 16: Peter Godfrey
Peter Godfrey was born on this day in 1899
Almanac
October 4: The Floating (Toilet) Ball
On this day in 1946, magic dealer Joe Karson filed a U.S. patent for an “Illusion Apparatus,” marketed under the name of Zombie, the floating ball.
Almanac
October 1: Clippo
In the October 1937 Linking Ring, William H. Wilson (Will de Seive) advertised his trick, Clippo.
Almanac
August 25: The Crucifixion of Chami Kkan
Exactly 70 years ago, in 1955, the annual Abbott’s Get Together was in full force. Chami Kkan, a mystic from Venezuela, was nailed to a cross with three long spikes.
Almanac
August 24: Thurston's Nostril Expander
In 1926, illusionist Howard Thurston was granted a United States Patent for a “Nostril Expander,” which was marketed as Thurston’s Perfect Breather.
Almanac
September 11: Bozo’s Circus
In 1961, Chicago magician De Yip Loo was the first guest act on the premiere of Bozo’s Circus, on WGN television
Almanac
September 14: William Lindsay Gresham
William Lindsay Gresham died by suicide in 1962
Almanac
September 25: Pepper’s Ghost
On this day in 1863, letters of patent were issued to Henry Dircks and John Henry Pepper for “an improvement on apparatus to be used in the exhibition of dramatic and other like performances"
Almanac
September 9: Larsen's Magigals
The new Portland, Oregon assembly of Magigals held its first meeting in 1951
Almanac
September 16: Copperfield
As Davino, he contributed an article called “Dancing Cane Tips” to the March 1972 Genii; he offered a valuable touch for correcting the balance during the routine