May 13: Mysterious Edna
On this day in 1889, magician and ventriloquist Will B. Wood filed a patent for an ingenious levitation harness.
Almanac
Historic milestones, notable events, and magical anniversaries from this day.
Almanac
May 10: Chandlee's Lumen-X
Chandlee discovered a new principle in optical effects; he elaborately christened it Lumen-X, and claimed to have almost sold it to Houdini and Thurston.
Almanac
May 4: LeRoy
Jean Henri Servais LeRoy born in 1865. The Belgian wizard is remembered today for his many important inventions and brilliant magic.
Almanac
April 24: The Zig Zag Lady
In 1966, Robert Harbin performed his new illusion, The Zig Zag Lady, on the live variety show Sunday Night at the London Palladium.
Almanac
April 23: Paul Valadon
Paul Valadon died on this day, 1913, in Phoenix, Arizona. He was supposed to be Kellar’s successor, but in 1907 Howard Thurston raced back to America and secured the contract instead.
Almanac
April 18: Joseph Dunninger
“For those who believe, no explanation is necessary. For those who do not, none will suffice.”
Almanac
April 6: Houdini's Not-Birthday
This day in 1874 was not Harry Houdini’s birthday. But he celebrated his birthday on this day all his life. Wanna know why?
Almanac
April 1: Miko
Are you sure this isn't just an April Fool's thing? Can such a card possibly exist?
Almanac
March 25: Frances Ireland Marshall
Frances Ahrens, later Frances Ireland Marshall, managed a magic shop and knew everything about the profession and might tell you about it with wilting honesty.
Almanac
March 24: Chung Ling Soo
On this date in 1918, at the Wood Green Empire in North London, Music Hall illusionist Chung Ling Soo was shot onstage during the Bullet Catching Trick.
Almanac
March 12: Lafayette
On March 12, 1904, Lafayette completed the week with his new show at the Avenue Theater in Detroit. He featured a spectacle called The Bride of Thibet (later The Lion’s Bride).
Almanac
March 9: "This is Your Life!"
On March 9 1960, Ralph Edwards surprised Harry Blackstone Sr. with the words, “This is Your Life!”