Pages from m u m vol 9 24558

Vol. 9

TWO DOLLARS PER ANNUM

NEW YORK, JUNE, 1919

SINGLE COPIES 20 CENTS

Whole No. 75

OUR FIFTEENTH ANNUAL DINNER On the evening of June 6th, 1919, there passed into history the greatest social event in the annals of Magic.

Magic has had many notable events, those of later years being largely to the credit of the Society of American Magicians, and to its present President, Harry Houdini, but the Annual Banquet is a purely social function, and it has grown to be a most remarkable affair even in this burgh of unusual gatherings.

The Grand Ball Room of the McAlpin on this, our Fifteenth Annual, presented a scene that will ever remain in the memories of those who witnessed it. To the writer it was simply a riot of color and a sea of happy faces.

Seated at the head table were Vice President George W. Heller, officiating in place of our Most Illustrious President, who is in sunny California, injecting magic into the movies; Toastmaster William J. Hilliar; the guests of honor, Mme. Adelaide Herrmann, Mr. and Mrs. VV. 11.

Donaldson, Dr. A. M. Wilson, Mr. Harry Hershtield and Alf T. Wilton; Past Presidents Wm. A. Ransom and Oscar S. Teale; Compeers Frederick E. Powell, Hy Meyer, Mystic Clayton and Monte A. Dernham; and B. F. Holzman of the Evening Mail.

And at the various tables were visitors from a round dozen States: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Washington and California. One, Compeer Blake, came all the way from troublous Mexico. He has done it before and vows he wi-1 do it again, if the Lord spares his life.

Vice President Heller started the festivities with what che newspapers would call "a few well chosen words of welcome," and then introduced Wm. J. Hilliar as Toastmaster, the first duty of the latter being to call the guests to order for the customary ceremony in memory of those of our Compeers who have bowed to the mandate of the Mighty Magician. The plates were turned and the symbolic flowers bestowed by Miss Ju ie Barnard, as the names were read by Secretary Teale.

The Toastmaster then read the following cablegrams and telegrams: "Hollywood, Calif., June 6th, 1919. Society of American Magicians, Hotel McA'pin, N. Y. As President Wilson is away from our shore, so is the President of the S. A. M. away'from the banquet, but President Wilson does not regret being away as I do. Though far away my thought waves will send intermittent messages all through the evening. Harry Houdini."

Translated from code cablegram. "Wellington, N. Z., June 6th, 1919. Society of American Magicians, Hotel McAlpin, N. Y. Noting difference in time will have a special dinner party here exact hour of S. A. M. annual. With you in spirit if not in body. Robert Kudarz."

From code cablegram. "Somewhere in France, June 6th, 1919. Society of American Magicians, Hotel McAlpin, N. Y. Regret sea divides us tonight. Louis D. Beaumont."

"Los Ange'es, Calif., June 6th, 1919. Society of American Magicians, Hotel McAlpin, N. Y. Illustrious brethren: It goes without saying that your annual June banquet will be a success. I deeply regret that illness prevents my joining you on this eventful occasion, but my heart's best wishes are with you and I extend a fraternal greeting and a God bless you to each and every one of you. Harry Kellar."

"Holywood, Calif. Society of American Magicians, Hotel McAlpin, N. Y. The very best wishes of my heart are yours tonight. Mrs. Harry Houdini." All of which received hearty applause.

Regrets were received from Governor and Mrs. Smith, Mayor and Mrs. Hylan, Commissioner and Mrs. Enright and Major and Mrs. Gagg.

The company then proceeded to the discussion of the material repast, which was served in the McAlpin's best style, after which another feast awaited them.

Post prandial oratory has usually been conspicuous by its absence at these affairs, but our president introduced this feature at the dinner last year with such marked success that the Committee decided to "get the habit." So, when the coffee was served, the Toastmaster trotted out some particularly fine spe'lbinders, the first being Harry Hershfield, of "Abie the Agent" fame, who came across with some new and ticklesome stories that put his hearers in the best of humor. His "7 times 7 is 42" will long be remembered.

Oscar S. Teale, in more serious vein, spoke of the purposes of the Society. His remarks received well-merited applause.

Fred Van Amburgh, Editor of The Silent Partner, followed, and notwithstanding the fact that he was so "very, very tired," he got no sympathy from the company. They simply laughed at his tragic adventure with the Grandfather C ock.

Dr. A. M. Wilson, owner and editor of that wonderfully successful magic journal, The Sphinx, was next introduced, and told us the nice things he knows about the art he loves so well and serves so zealously through the columns of his paper.

Clayton the Mystic proved a ready and entertaining speaker, and he also had some good things to say about magic, as wel as some amtising happenings in his own career in the show world. During his remarks three rousing cheers were given for M. 111. Harry Houdini, Dean Harry Kellar and Editor Donaldson of The Billboard.

Hilliar then introduced as one of the world's greatest magicians, Servais Leroy, who had but few words to say, but said them extremely well, conveying the thought that the labor, as we 1 as the delight of his life is to entertain, not to make speeches.

The Great Leon, in response to a call from the chair, dodged the responsibility by remarking that his being a Dumb Act he had nothing to say.

That Chesterfieldian magician, Frederick E. Powell, stepped into the spot-light next. His remarks, though brief, were strictly to the point and were well received.

Hy Meyer, our own family cartoonist, came next, and it goes without saying that his stuff was funny. He closed with an impersonation which was worth traveling miles on a wet night to witness.At the close of the speaking, Mr. Van Amburgh, in marked contrast to his previous offering, stepped to the side of the tab"e laid in commemoration of our departed Compeers, and, gazing thoughtfully upon the turned plates and memorial blossoms, reverently offered this petition: "When Life leaves my body, let there be no good-byes, no sigh. Let some trembling hand be placed o'er my still heart—let this someone say, "Good night until the morning."

THE SOCIETY OF AMERICAN MAGICIA1SS MONTHLY The company was then invited to adjourn to the hall at the other side of the building where dancing was enjoyed while the tables were being removed and the diningroom converted into an auditorium, in which the following program was presented under the management of Hilliar and Hornmann : First—Cuba Crutchfield gave a series of roping stunts that were in the champion class, interspersed with a quaint monologue that gave the act just the proper setting.

Second—Takki (Carlton) in his Japanese Surprise. A clever act finishing with an artistic presentation of the bamboo sticks and cords.

Third—Charles De Camo and his dog Cora, the latter seeming able to do anything she was told without any cues aside from her "master's voice."

Fourth—Miss Mildred Andre in a violin selection rendered in a masterly manner.

Fifth—The Great Poole in card work, introducing the Spirit Bell in a somewhat different style. Closing with a Wine and Water combination in which several beverages were produced, including beer, grape juice and milk.

Sixth—Prof. Lentz in his own form of the Thumb Tie. His method is unlike most performers and was very convincing.

Seventh—Mohala, introduced by Prof. Floyd, in one of the most rapid and artistic mind-reading acts we have ever seen. Each unusual article was instantly and minutely described, and the blackboard work that followed was equally instantaneous and correct. Mohala was beautifully costumed and—well—she wasn't a bit hard to look at.

Eighth—The closing number was an old-time act by an old-time magacian, Prof. Taylor, who remembers the good old days of magic, and rejoices in being alive to see the are coming back into its own. He worked the Rings and Tapes cleverly and followed with a version of the Chinese Rings from which many of our modern performers might learn something to their advantage.

The hands of the clock were now approaching the highest point, in their revolution, but the younger portion of the company wanted to dance, so Prof. Rudolph Jacobs' orchestra, which had been discoursing sweet music all through the evening, was prevailed upon to continue, and the merry whirl went on till the small hours.

And so the Fifteeth Annual rounded out the measure of its greatness. ft made a record, but other years are coming which will bring still greater things, of which this night's achievements are only a promise.

FOREIGN NOTES From the London Era There is little more irritating than a man who, just as you have settled down comfortably for the evening, says, "Would you like to see some of my tricks?" produces a pack of cards and proceeds to do strange things with them, As a rule he does the tricks badly, putting a severe strain on your intelligence by demanding your astonishment when you do not feel any. You can see the supposedly concealed card all the time he is asking where it has gone to.

But when you set out with the definite intention of seeing a conjuror, and when that conjuror really and truly baffles you with his clever manipulations and lightning passes, it is a very different matter. And when the conjuror happens to be Carlton at the Islington Empire, you forget that you ever bore a grudge against the man who brought conjuring tricks into a world which has quite enough baffling problems of its own. Carlton is a real genius. Moreover, he is versatile—which all geniuses are not. He amuses us with his sleight-of-hand; with his oddly shaped head, and, above all, with his clever patter.

"Perfectly mar-velous," he exclaims at his own tricks, saving us the trouble. "I wonder how he does it?" And, again, "Well, he's extraordinary—wonder what he does in the daytime?"

Word comes from London that Compeer David Devant will shortly appear in the movies in an exposure of fake mediums. The enormous number of mourning households in England at this time is giving an unfortunate hoost to the business of these charlatans, hence it would seem that such a picture will be particularly timely from an educational standpoint. « Cecil Lyle, inventor of the Panishing Gramophone, is playing the London, "Halls" with an act in which Magic and Millinery are said to be cleverly combined.

WILLIAM DAVIS LEROY Compeer William Davis LeRoy died at his residence, No. 10 Hancock street, Boston, on Tuesday, June 10th, 1919, after a protracted illness, and was buried at Oak Grove Cemetery, Gloucester, Mass.

With the passing of Compeer LeRoy, the S. A. M. loses an old and faithful member, his membership dating from June 7th, 19C2. He was thirty-third person to join the Society.

With the single exception of Dr. Wilson, no one outside of the immediate vicinity of New York City did so much ovvard building up our membership as did our departed brothex. Over one-sixth of the applications received from the beginning of the organization to the present time bears his name. Two years ago he passed the hundred mark in iimber of applications submitted, and the Society at that time presented him with a handsome silver loving-cup as •\ tcken of the esteem in which his faithful service was held.

Compeer LeRoy was born at La Salle, 111., August Sth, :862. His first public appearence was at the age of sixteen years as a violinist at Virginia City, Nev. Later he settled in San Francisco, where he played and taught the violin.

During this period he became interested in magic and finally adopted it as a profession, making his debut at the Fountain Theatre in San Francisco, in July 1885.

T h e n followed several engagements with road companies, the longest being two seasons with Schaffer's Swiss Bell Ringers. In 1887 he settled in Boston, where he played local dates both in magic and music. Owing to the constantly increasing business of C. Milton Chase, who was then the only regular dealer in magical apparatus in that city, LeRoy saw an opportunity to make a few extra dollars in that line.

His first stock was contained in a single show case in his room at a boarding house in the West End, where he continued till 1893, when William D. LeRoy he opened his shop and From the Houdini Collection School of Magic at 103 Court street, in which location he remained till the day of his death. In 1895 LeRoy organized the first magic society ever started in this country under the name of the Magic Mystic Fraternity, and it was incorporated under the laws of Massachusetts on January 14th. 1896, with LeRoy as Grand Magus, "Henry C. Nero" (said to be the son of a United States senator) as Secretary, and four or five others. This was proposed as the Grand Body, and it was intended to have subordinates throughout the country, but they were not successful in securing followers and the membership never grew beyond the original incorporators.

Six years later the S. A. M. was organized and LeRoy transferred his allegiance to us, serving as Eastern Representative for many years.

LeRoy was Past Regent in the Royal Arcanum,, and was the organizer and first president of the Conjurers' Club, of Boston. He was a good magician, and successful as a teacher, some of the best amateurs i}] Bqgtpn and a number of professionals having 'been jijg'.m|njls. He always strove to keep his product up to the |)psjf' gfandards. was honest and conscientious in his dealings, ' and while, like all leaders, he made enemies, he also made strong friends by whom he will be greatly missed.

JOHN W. SARGENT.

THE SOCIETY OF AMERICAN MAGICIANS MONTHLY Twamley and Fred C. Scultz, who were then instructed in the secret work by Laurens, after which they received the Published Monthly by The Society of American Magicians for its members— congratulations of these present. to Perpetuate Biography of Magicians past and present. Edited by the President Dr. Hartley, Chairman of the Dinner Committee, reHARRY HOUDINI. Address communications to OSCAR S. TEALE, Secretary, 68 Franklin St., Bloomfield, N. J. ported that the affair had been in all respects the most For advertising space with special discount to members, apply to John successful in our history. Two hundred and thirty-four Mulhollaud, 4241 Broadway, New York. persons were present, a number far in excess of any preattendance, and when all bills were paid a handsome The Society of American Magicians vious balance remained.

Organized May 10,1902 Incorporated April 3,1908 The next order of business was the report of officers for the year now closing. The Secretary reported an OFFICERS 1918-1919 enrolled membership of 609. There were three deaths HARRY HOUDINI. President (Palace Theatre) during the year and there was an increase of membership GEORGE W. HELLER, First Vice-President of fifty-five. The Treasurer reported a balance of $185 G. G. LAURENS, Second Ylce-President in the current expense account. The Trustees report LEO RULLMANN, Treasurer, 1421 University Ave.. N. Y. City savings bank account and Liberty Bonds to the amount of OSCAR S. TEALE, Secretary, 68 Franklin St,. Bloomfield, N. J. $4,101.22 now in their hands. The report of the Auditing WM. M. LINNETT, Jr.. Assistant Secretary Committee is delayed, as all the records were not availC O U N C I L — H a r r y H c . u d i n i , O s c a r S. T e a l e , L e o R u l l m a n . n , C . able at the time of audit.

F r e d C r o s b y , R i c h a r d V a n D i e n , J o h n W . S a r g e n t , G. G. Compeer Merton raised the question: From what fund Laurens, Lionel Hartley, Wm. J. HiHiar. does the Society pay the sick benefits and what insures TRUSTEES—Harold R. Fitch, H arry Rouclere, Francis J. Werthe future of that fund? Sargent explained that the fund ner. was the result of a benefit performance at the Hippodrome COMMITTEE ON ADMISSION—Irving Watson, Otto Hornfor which our President, Houdini, was responsible, and it mann, Richard Van Dien.

SERGEANTS-AT-ARMS—Gustave A. Domitz, Wm. Meyenberg. was intended that future affairs of the kind should keep the MEETINGS—First Saturday Evening each month at Magical fund intact.

Palace, 493 Sixth Ave., N. Y. C. Werner, as a Committee to secure a Past President's AFFILIATING ASSEMBLIES—Chartered and Franchised: jewel for presentation to our Most Illustrious, reported Golden Gate Assembly No. 2, San Francisco, Cal. the same finished with the exception of the inscription, MEETINGS—First Thursday Evening each month in the Russ Building. and he was instructed to have the work completed in time REPRESENTATIVES for presentation at the next meeting.

A. M. WILSON, M.D., 708 Waldheim Bldg., Kansas City, Mo. The annual election now being in order, Past President W. D. LeROY, 103 Court Street, Boston, Mass.

F. W. BILGER, 5000 Broadway, Oakland, Cal. Sargent was asked to take the chair and conduct that WM. A. RUSSELL, 237 West Main Street, Batavia, N. Y. portion of the business. Compeers Wilson, Fitch and GEO. W. HELLER, (at large), 873 Broadway, N. Y. City.

Crosby were appointed as tellers, Hardeen taking the place L. C. ZELLENO, Esterville, Iowa. of Fitch when the latter was a candidate. The result of DAVID E. STIFT, (at large), 200 Washington Ave., Minneapolis, Minn. the balloting showed but little change in the list of officers Official organ in America: THE SPHINX from that of last year. Most Illustrious Harry Houdini Official organ in Great Britain: THE MAZAZINE OF MAGIC was unanimously re-elected President, with the following staff: First Vice-President, George W. Heller.

ELECTED TO MEMBERSHIP Second Vice-President, G. G. Laurens.

Treasurer, Leo Rullmann.

610—Harry P. Engel, M.D. Secretary, Oscar S. Teale.

611—David Joseph Lustig.

Sergeants-at-Arms, Gustav Domitz and Wm. Meyenberg.

612—James M. Knight.

Trustee for three years, Francis J. Werner.

613—Charles Coley Le Bey. Members of Council, Crosby, Hilliar, Laurens and Hart614—Frederic Serrano Keating. ley.

Nearly all the officers were elected by the Secretary casting one ballot under instructions.

PARENT ASSEMBLY The tellers were then thanked and dismissed.

THE SOCIETY OF AMERICAN MAGICIANS A motion prevailed that the Secretary extend the SoThe eighteenth annual, being the 187th regular meeting ciety's thanks to Mrs. Harry Houdini for the beautiful of The Society of American Magicians, was held at the souvenirs sent by her for presentation to the ladies at the Magical Palace, 493 Sixth Avenue, New York City, on banquet, they having an added value from the fact that Saturday, June 7, 1919. First Vice-President George W. they were the work of her own hands. A silk knit powder Heller opened the meeting in ceremonial form at 8:55 puff cover with puff enclosed, together with a card bearing P. M. Other officers present were: Second Vice-President her compliments and the following verse: Laurens, Treasurer, Rullmann, Secretary, P. M. 111. Teale, Our men are back from war's grim hell, Asst. Secretary Linnett; the Past Presidents Sargent, Disgusted with the game, Werner, Hartley and Van Dien, and Past First Vice. But most of them still like "the smell Presidents Frederick E. Powell and A. M. Wilson, and Of powder" just the same. the following members: Hardeen, Hilliar, Harrington, One of our candidates, Elmer Gail Eckam, a soldier in Blake, Nagel, Meyenberg, Irving, Domitz, Crosby, Fitch, full uniform, being reported in the anti-room, the rules Holly, Merton, Taylor, Mulholland, Linaberry, H. C. were suspended and he was invited to sit with us and Weber, Dr. E. F. Harpel, Floyd, Twamley and Martinka. listen to an interesting talk on Magic by Dr. Wilson, Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. which was well received and loudly applauded.

After the approval of the regular bills the meeting closed Applications for membership were received from the following: Elmer Gail Eckam of Rochester, endorsed by in ceremonial form.

H. Blake and O. S. Teale; Charles R. Brush of Canton, O., FRANCIS J. WERNER, endorsed by Drs. A. M(. Wilson and T. S. Blakesley; Lyle Official Correspondent.

Douglas of Dallas, Texas, endorsed by Drs. A. M. Wilson and T. S. Bla'kesley; Ralph Alanson Ennes of Detroit, Mich., endorsed by O. S. Teale and W. J. Hilliar; Albert GOLDEN GATE ASSEMBLY Peter Smith of Cedar Rapids, la., endorsed by O. S. SOCIETY OF AMERICAN MAGICIANS Teale and Wm. M. Linnett, Jr.; Walter P. Zeph of Washington, D. C, endorsed by W. B. Hoofnagel, D.D.S., and The twenty-fourth meeting of the Golden Gate Assembly L. Rullmann; Paul B. Carlton of Brooklyn, N. Y., endorsed of the Society of American Magicians was held in the

by O. S. Teale and J. W. Sargent.

Russ Building, San Francisco, June 5, 1919, and was called The Committee on Admissions having reported favor- to order by Vice President Mueller in absence of Presiably on the following names, a ballot was taken and they dent Bilger. The meeting was opened in ceremonial form. were declared duly elected: Harry P. Engle, David Joseph The minutes of the previous meeting were read and Lustig, James M. Knight, Charles Coley Le Bey and there being no objection, were approved as read.

Frederic Serrano Keating.

Petition for membership was received from Harold F. The Mysteries were then conferred in short form upon Kaufmann of San Francisco and was referred to the inFrederic S. Keating, Dr. E. F. Harpel, H. L. Weber, Isaac vestigating committee for action.

THE SOCIETY OF AMERICAN MAGICIANS MONTHLY In absence of Compeer Dernham, who was on the committee to locate suitable club rooms for the Society, Vice President Mueller stated from the chair that nothing would be done until Compeer Dernham, who was out of town, returned.

Secretary Dusenbery read a communication from our Representative Sargent, officially notifying us that the design submitted for a seal had been accepted by both the council and parent body. The chair instructed our artist, Compeer Sousa, to make a finished drawing of the same for reproduction purposes.

Compeer Jacobs was appointed to take charge of all printing, and the Secretary was instructed to take up the matter of letter-heads and cuts, etc., with him.

Under new business the following members were duly suspended in accordance with the requirements of the constitution, all being over a year in arrears with their dues: Fred Brant, Henry D. Rubio and Clarence Locan.

The secretary was instructed to notify the members concerned and explain to them how they could be reinstated.

Compeer Carl Zamloch, recently returned from Los Angeles, told us of the motion picture work of Most Illustrious Houdini, stating that it would probably be some time yet before the picture would permit him to leave Los Angeles.

Compeer Harold Jacobs, recently returned from New York City, gave us an interesting account of the meeting of the Parent Body which he attended while there. It is hoped that we can return the compliment by entertaining some of the members of the parent body when they visit San Francisco.

It was moved and seconded that the Society hold a Magic Smoker on June 12, 1919, and that the San Francisco Ball Club of the Pacific Coast League be invited as guests of the evening. Motion was carried. Compeer Zamloch was instructed to make the necessary arrangements with the ball team. The Treasurer was authorized to pay bills incurred by the Smoker.

The matter of the annual report to the Parent Body was taken up and the Secretary instructed to have the report ready for approval at the July meeting, showing the standing of the Assembly on June 30, 1919.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned and was followed by an impromptu entertainment.

H. SYRIL DUSENBERY, Secretary.

CURRENT EVENTS President Houdini is spending many delightful hours in the company of Dean Harry Kellax, at Los Angeles, California. Our Dean, God bless him, is on the high road to recovery and looks as bright and vigorous as of old. He is in a state of constant happiness at the profusion of letters and wires that have poured in upon him, and wishes to thank, through the medium of M. U. M., the host of friends who have so kindly remembered him,* as it is quite impossible to answer all personally.

Larry Seaman, the well known and one-time cartoonist of the Evening Telegram, and now the somewhat different comedian who performs the stunts and thrills for the Vitagraph Company, is a son of the Giftshowman Zera, who has long since passed to the great beyond.

Kit Clar'ke exploited Zera many years ago, and in the Story of the Giftshow in the M. U. M. of January, 1918, Clarke states that his right name was Semon.

Seaman bids fair to be one of the great comics, for he imitates no one and creates original mysteries in the pictures.

Robert Kudarz is preparing an exhaustive article on magic and magicians as seen from the far away viewpoint of New Zealand, which article will be run serially in M. U. M. From the instalments already in hand it is evident that this will not only prove exceedingly interesting as narrative, but will be of extreme historical value.

The cover design for the menu card at the banquet was generously donated by Grant Wright. It was both clever and timely and he has our hearty thanks for his kindness.

Jottings and Joshings JOHN WILLIAM SARGENT, Wasn't that a splendid notice in the "Billboard"? Right on the front page, too, where no amount of money could buy a single line. And we got it all!

Looking backward to that night seventeen years ago when the S. A. M. ventured its first feeble footsteps, an<3 contrasting it with the day when the editor of a greav publication with 50,000 subscribers and 200,000 readers, deems us of sufficient importance to merit such a distinction as this, I think the surviving members of that doughty thirteen should be excused for puffing out their chests a trifle. Now, then, boys, one, two, three, P U F F !

Let's drain a toast All joys on him May he never lack Nor ever need a

to Donaldson, descend. the "iron men," friend.

Rents must be as scarce in London as they are here.

Raymond has offered £1,000 for a haunted house.

It is rumored that Jack Norworth will tempt fortune with a revue this fall. Any magic in it, Compeer?

Von Hoven is keeping his mouth shut regarding the personnel of the show that he will put out next season.

Von Hoven with his mouth shut offers material for a New School of Thought.

Several persons at the banquet mistook Editor Donaldson for Dr. Hooker. They do resemble each other when seated, but standing—not a-tall.

It was a joy to see some of the old-timers wheezily blowing up toy balloons, a use for hot air that was quite generally approved.

Billy Hilliar has a new dress "waistcoat" worth a king's ransom—or one of Ransom's kings, I forgot which—anyway, somebody at the last Council meeting spoke of it as a vest and Hilliar is threatening to prefer charges.

A representative S. A. M. committee met Dr. Wilson at the Grand Central Station on his arrival and guided him safely through the waiting throng of confidence men and bunco steerers who had got wind of his coming.

Before he was half-an-hour older his engagement calendar showed no open time up to the moment he was to leave for Boston. He sure is one popular Esculapian.

The big affair is over, and, although it seemed sublime, To those who pulled the wires 'twas a very harrying time.

Poor Hartley was so harried that he wished that he were deaf; The diners harried the waiters, the waiters harried the chef.

And so from start to finish there was harrying galore, Yet everyone expressed a wish for just two "Harrys" more.

Compeer Taylor says: "Among the lavish display of floral tributes at the funeral of our late Compeer, W. D. Leroy, of Boston, the largest and most elaborate was a standing wreath bearing the name of The Society of American Magicians.

Keansburg, N. J., has one of the finest bathing beaches in the country, and the sail down the bay is very enjoyable. But most attractive of all is the welcome that awaits all members of the S. A. M. at the Martinka Cottage, on the Boardwalk. Look for the Totem Pole, and there you are.

Next Business Meeting of the Parent Assembly July Fifth, at Magical Palace 493 Sixth Avenue, New York Last Meeting Until October

THE SOCIETY OF AMERICAN MAGICIANS MONTHLY

MRS. FRANCIS J. MART1NKA Mme. Pauline Martinka is the one important artificer in the upbuilding of the Martinka name who has never received her full mead of praise. Her husband, Francis J., and his brother, Antonio, have become famous, but very little has been said about this modest lady, and only the old-timers know what a power for good she has been.

In times of stress, when the enterprise trembled on the brink of failure, her steady hand at the laboring oar, anri her words of wise council, heartened the struggling brothers to renewed efforts, till they finally found themselves plowing the high seas of success.

Always cheery, always industrious, always uncomplaining, no matter how difficult the duty or how scanty the reward, Mme. M a r tinka's life finds few parallels outside t h e pages of "The Lives of the Saints."

Mme. Pauline E. Martinka From the Houdini Collection

She was ever the Mother Confessor of the magical fraternity, enjoying the confidence of t h e world-famous magicians, their wives a n d their assistants.

Locked in her sympathetic bosom are the life secrets of hundreds of those whose names are words to conjure with, and were she to "spill the beans"—Good ni ht g > Nurse!!!

Her brief

hours of

publicity came on her frequent business trips to Europe, when she entertained the passengers with impromptu apparatus or such as she made in her spare hours on shipboard.

Mme. Martinka is no supposed to be enjoyng a wellearned rest; spending her winters at her home in New York City and her summers at the cozy villa at Keansburg, where her good husband displays a magic power in the "Growth of Flowers" and the "Production of Vegetables" in their wonderful little garden plot. 1 say "supposed" advisedly, for our dear old friend can never really rest; she merely turns from one branch of usefulness to another. Her hospitable doors are always open, and when guests are within, her skillful hands are never idle until the last real or imaginary comfort of her visitors has been supplied.

Secretary's Privilege llililliiill!llliillllillll]!l!ll!lii!liillllil!i!llliilll!J OSCAR S. TFALE Dues N o w Due

Dues for 1920 a r e now in order. T h e Secret a r y will appreciate prompt remittance. " T h e r e is a reason." T h e S. A. M. is m a k i n g strides forward", b u t must, as a business expedient, meet c u r r e n t expenses by c u r r e n t receipts a n d w i t h o u t depletion of the surplus exchequer.

T h e delay in delivery of Cards of M e m b e r s h i p for 1920 is unavoidable. T h e y will be forwarded p r o m p t l y w h e n signed by t h s President, H a r r y Houdini, on his r e t u r n from California.

Gold One-half inch in diameter, produced from Emblem Pins, newly made dies, can be had from the Secretary at $3.75 each.

It does not seem to be generally understood that no special subscription price is required of members in GOOD STANDING for the M-U-M. To Our It has been extremely gratifjnng to the SecreVisitors tary to meet so many of our Compeers from distant parts during our annual festivities. May the number be increased with each succeeding year! And doubtless it will.

No Address "Removed; left no address," comes too Left frequently to the Secretary. With result: Stopping the mailing of M. U. M. and subsequent complaint from the negligent Compeer that M. U. M. has failed to reach him for several months.

PLEASE X E E P THE SECRETARY INFORMED AS TO A PLACE WHERE YOUR MAIL WILL REACH YOU. True An exceedingly fraternal spirit was evinced Fraternal by Compeer Eugene Laurant in forwarding the price of a ticket for Banquet that he might Spirit be represented by attendant.

Also by our Dean, Harry Kellar, who forwarded his check to cover several tickets to be distributed among worthy Compeers—a most magnanimous deed by our Dean and an exceedingly agreeable duty entrusted to the Secretary.

Compeer Powell ca.me almost as far as did Dr. Wilson to be with us at the banquet. It was his first visit to one of these affairs, as he has been out of the country most of the time for the last fifteen years, and he regrets the many good times he has missed. Powell was the guest of Past President and Mrs. Sargent during the "Mystic Week End." The Sargents are occupying the Houdini residence during the absence our president's family, and on Sunday quite a number of magicians and their wives dropped in to pay their respects to Brother Powell; An informal "tea" was served and an impromptu program given. MulhoUand presented a clever series of thimble moves, finishing with his original "vanish.'"' Fitch surprised us all with some excellent musical numbers, (Entertainment committees remember this) and the Floyds gave some,- mental magic that is not in their regular program.

GOT ANYTHING NEW? YES!!

THE THIMBLE VANISH As performed by JOHN MULLHOLLAND Once in a while an old trick is improved upon to the point of making it something really new MulhoUand was never satisfied with just producing eight thimbles from one and quitting. He believed that the seven ghostly replicas of the original thimbles should at the finish, return to nothingness. So he invented a vanish that is a wonder for naturalness, you just stack the thimbles one on the other, place the thumb below and the first finger above and squeeze the whole lot down to one or nothing, as you prefer. We are prepared to supply all that

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