April 18: Joseph Dunninger
“For those who believe, no explanation is necessary. For those who do not, none will suffice.”
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Historic milestones, notable events, and magical anniversaries from this day.
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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?
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April 1: Miko
Are you sure this isn't just an April Fool's thing? Can such a card possibly exist?
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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.
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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.
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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).
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March 9: "This is Your Life!"
On March 9 1960, Ralph Edwards surprised Harry Blackstone Sr. with the words, “This is Your Life!”
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March 7: City Lights
City Lights, Charlie Chaplin’s masterful film comedy, premiered across America on this date in 1931. Which magician was cast to co-star?
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February 25: Henry Irving
On this date in 1865, 27-year-old actor Henry Irving achieved his first theatrical hit with a parody of the Davenport Brothers’ spirit séance, in Manchester, England.
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February 22: David Devant
This year we celebreate David Devant’s 157th birthday. He was one of Great Britain’s most influential magicians— an exemplum of skilled conjuring, creativity, and good taste.
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February 21: Human-sized Cannon
In 1906, Horace Goldin filed two patents that diagrammed apparatus for “Producing Stage Illusions.” One patent was for human-sized cannon.
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February 11: Bill Larsen Jr.
We mourn the loss of Bill Larsen, Jr., who died on this day 32 years ago, in 199