Before David Copperfield, before Lance Burton there was Howard Thurston and Harry Kellar.
From the late 1800s to the early 1900s, Harry Kellar traveled the globe with his large stage show.
Some of his most notable illusions were the "Levitation of a Girl", "The Nested Boxes", and the "Self-decapitation".
In 1908 Kellar performed his final show at the Ford Theatre in Baltimore Maryland.
At the conclusion of the show he passed the baton to Howard Thurston (known as the King Of Cards) who he chose to be his successor.
Thurston continued to tour.
His illusion show was so large it took 8 train cars to carry the props.
The Baltimore chapter of the Society Of American Magicians bears the name of these two masters of magic.
The Kellar/Thurston Assembly #6 is one of the oldest magic clubs in the U.
S.
The Society Of American Magicians was founded in 1902 to promote the art of magic.
It's most famous past president was the great Harry Houdini.
Today the organization has assemblies all over the world.
Chances are there is a club right in your own city.
If you have an interest in magic the S.
A.
M.
is a great organization to join.
The Baltimore club welcomes guests and meets once a month at their local magic shop, The Magic Warehouse.
Many of the senior members first became interested as children and have spent their lives enjoying this hobby.
Magic appeals to people of all ages.
If you have an interest in magic then joining a local club is a great way to learn from the masters.