"I
enjoy the history of magic, so I was eager to view this DVD. Bill Rauscher
and I have been friends for many years and I have always enjoyed his
performances and lectures. This package is no exception. This is a very
classy production. The packaging is beautiful, and includes a
thirty-two-page booklet, which is a biography excerpted from Thurston’s
1928 manuscript. The DVD itself is beautifully produced, and runs for over
two and a half hours. This was truly a labor of love for Feldman, who has
amassed the largest Thurston collection in the world. The music throughout
is provided by the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra and is authentic to the
period. It is a wonderful addition to the production. The DVD is
advertised as a part of the William V. Rauscher Lecture Series, but this
is far more than just a lecture. Bill serves more as a host for this DVD,
and his lecture was totally rewritten for this project. His presentation
is perfect for the purpose. He often reads from letters or articles about
Thurston written by a number of magicians. The text is also superimposed
on the screen for further clarity during Rauscher’s commentary, as well as
during historical audio clips, which may be a bit muddled due to age.
There are audio and video interviews, and commentary by John Booth, John
Calvert, George Goebel, Walter Gibson, Dorny, Maureen Christopher, Tom
Ewing, Ray Goulet, Rev. Robert E. Olson, Charles Reynolds, James
Wobensmith, and many others. There are over ten video clips of Thurston
himself as well as additional audio clips of him. There are hundreds of
images of Thurston throughout the disc. The final piece is a wonderful
recording by Jane Thurston Sheppard, who toured with her father’s show for
many years. This is not so much a history of Howard Thurston as it is an
homage. There is not a lot of new information given from an historical
perspective, but it becomes very apparent that Thurston was most
influential on aspiring magicians of the time. Everyone involved refers to
him as The World’s Greatest Magician, and idolized him. Performers such as
Blackstone, Birch, Milbourne Christopher, and John Calvert state that they
felt Thurston was the best they ever saw, and all felt he deserved the
title far more than Houdini. I came away from viewing this DVD wishing I
had had
the opportunity to see Thurston perform in person. I guess this is the
closest I will ever come to that. The one thing that seems to be missing
is Rory Feldman’s story. Although he does speak on screen about Thurston,
I would have liked to hear him talk about how his interest in Thurston
began and some of his own history. He began to collect the materials at a
very young age, and has an amazingly extensive archive of this fantastic
performer. He has expended a lot of time, effort, and money pursuing his
interest and sharing it with the magic world, which is something to be
commended. This is an absolutely sumptuous product. If you love the
history of magic and learning about the past masters, you will enjoy this
immensely. I feel that every magician should watch this DVD. We should all
learn for our past masters. My only hesitation in highly recommending this
product is the price. At $100 for a single disc, it is no bargain. I am
certain Mr. Feldman had to look at the considerable costs involved in
producing this marvelous project and analyzed how many people would likely
purchase such a niche product. There are no tricks taught, and this is
priced higher than the typical multiple-disc sets currently on the market.
I personally feel, given these factors, that the price is justified. It is
a joy to watch and to be inspired by. Given all of that, I do recommend
this product, especially for those with a love for magic’s history."
- Marc DeSouza
Reviewed in the March 2011 M-U-M Magazine
To read more quotes and reviews about the DVD
CLICK HERE!
The March 2011
Genii Magazine arrives and in the Genii Speaks section, there is a box
that says "The Rory Feldman Collection." Anyone that subscribes to
Genii Magazine can log onto their iGenii account and watch the video tour
of The Rory Feldman Collection on display at the Magi-Fest last month.
February 22, 2011
In the February 22, 2011 post on
The Dead Conjurers blog Dean
Carnegie references Rory Feldman and this site!
Today, Richard Kaufman announced on the Genii Forum that the March 2011
Genii Magazine was posted at iGenii.
In the Genii Speaks section you will notice that there is a video link
which will pop up an approximately 20 minute video tour of my Thurston
Exhibit at the Magi-Fest.
Richard Kaufman interviewed me for the video and tour...
(Above) The videos available in the March 2011 Genii Magazine
available through iGenii!
(Above) Genii speaks!
(Above) Rory talks about the 8 Sheet 1914 Strobridge Portrait shown
behind him, in the new video on iGenii.
Order a copy or a subscription to Genii Magazine by clicking here...
Castle Perk: Talk and Book signing with Jim Steinmeyer
Tuesday, Feb 08, 2011 - 8:00PM to
9:00PM
“The
Last Greatest Magician in the World,” published by Tarcher /
Penguin, is Jim Steinmeyer’s new biography of Howard Thurston,
subtitled, “Howard Thurston versus Houdini and the Battles of the
American Wizards.” During his life, from 1869 to 1936, Thurston
successfully navigated the most dramatic changes in entertainment—from
street performances to sideshows to wagon tours through America’s
still-Wild West, from sleight-of-hand in vaudeville, to music halls,
world tours, and his own prestigious American magic show: over 40 tons
of apparatus and a full cast of dancers and assistants. What’s less
known is Thurston’s early life as a confidence man and pickpocket, a
story that he concealed from his fans, associates and fellow magicians.
If you thought you knew about Howard Thurston, you may be surprised! His
story is one of the most remarkable and astonishing tales in American
show business history.
"Houdini was an escape artist, and a good one, but he wasn't the greatest
magician of his day. That honor goes to the subject of Jim Steinmeyer's
bio, Howard Thurston, a petty thief who transformed himself into a grand
illusionist and performed for Kings and Presidents."
Don Hinz was a great friend of mine and I truly enjoyed the countless
hours I spent on the phone with him through the years. Don is the
reason that the Gerald Heaney's collection of Howard Thurston memorabilia
was put into circulation. He gave numerous collectors the
opportunity to acquire Thurston memorabilia. You will be missed...
February 8, 1939 - February 3, 2011
Donald Raymond Hinz, 71, of Sheboygan, passed away Thursday, February 3,
2011, at Aurora Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center after fighting a 5
month bacterial infection.
Don was born February 8, 1939 in Sheboygan to the late Eri and Hilda (Zastrow)
Hinz.
He attended Washington Grade School, and graduated from Central High
School in 1957, the heart of the Rock & Roll Era. He was quite a dancer
as a young man, helping to overcome the "Dance Rules" and open up the
allowance of Rock & Roll style dancing at Manitowoc dances.
On February 6, 1965, he married Margaret Docter.
He was employed by Knauf Cigar and Tobacco, and for 17 years at the
Kohler Co. in the Pottery Division.
Don was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Sheboygan.
He was a very special person. He knew many people in Sheboygan, and
from his travels to flea markets, garage sales, and local re-sale shops,
many people knew him. He was always talking and listening to people, and
loved having so many friends. If family or friends had an object to be
found, he considered it a personal quest to complete the search.
Don enjoyed day trips to Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Door County, along
with traveling throughout the U.S. on many summer vacations. He was at
one time a scuba-diver. He also collected hand-cuffs and loved magic and
Houdini.
In addition to his wife Margaret, Donald is survived by his son, Eric
(Jori) Hinz, and his precious grandchildren, Marlee and Mason. He would
cancel anything to be with them. He is also survived by his sister,
Joyce Konz, two brothers-in-law, Ed Docter and Bill (Lisa) Docter, and
nieces and nephews, Debora (Don) DenDekker, Brian Keniston, Richard
Keniston, Michael Konz, and Michelle Konz. The family would like to
thank Alex Wiggins and Roger "Signo" Hoffman for their unwavering
friendship to Don.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Evelyn Gottsacker; a brother,
Orlet Hinz, and a nephew, Reverend Alan Hartfield.
A Memorial Service for Donald will take place Tuesday, February 8,
2011, at 5:30 P.M., at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Sheboygan. The
Reverend Joe Cottam, Pastor, will officiate. Friends may call on
Tuesday, at the church from 3:30 P.M. until the time of service.
As I mentioned above Don gave me numerous opportunities to acquire
Thurston material. And when he would mail the items to me he would
send these great notes...
"From: Howard Thurston -- To: Gerald Heaney -- To: Don R. Hinz -- To: *
Rory Feldman -- PERIOD.!"
"Rory -
Take long - good care of enclosed!
YOU ARE ONE OF THE BEST!
TO BE - THE BEST!
Thank You!
Don!"
February 3, 2011
Today I visited Roger Dreyer at Fantasma Magic in NYC.
He presented me with a great 8x10!
"Rory, You are the Prince of collecting now & soon King! You deserve
it! Roger Dreyer"
In the February 2011 The
Linking Ring (the magazine of the International Brotherhood of Magicians),
there was an article about the 2010 Yankee Gathering.
One of the photos in the article by Jason Goldberg shows Rory Feldman
selling the
When Thurston Came To Town DVD in the dealers room.
The article features numerous photos from the Rory Feldman Collection.
Thanks to Jim Steinmeyer for the very nice mention in the article.
"Rory Feldman, the accomplished Thurston collector, offered me an
unusual and charismatic portrait of the magician. At first, I didn't
understand why it seemed so appealing. "It's one of the few
professional photos in which he's smiling," Rory explained."
Order a copy or a subscription to Genii Magazine by clicking here...
Thanks for the great comments posted on
www.TheMagicCafe.com about the Thurston Exhibit at the 80th Annual
Magi-Fest!
January 30, 2011
Here is a flyer promoting the Green Lawn Abbey Preservation Association's
"Breakfast with Thurston" event on Sunday, January 30, 2011 and the
Columbus Historical Society Magic Exhibit.
January 27 -
30, 2011
The Green Lawn Abbey Preservation Association had a booth at the Magi-Fest
as well. They were promoting the "Breakfast with Thurston" event on
Sunday, January 30, 2011.
The flyer shown below features two images of the Rory Feldman Collection.
To donate to the Green Lawn Abbey Preservation Association please
visit...
Although we did an interview with Scott Wells for The Magic Newswire,
when we had the Magi-Fest display back in January of 2011, it never ran on
the site.
We are happy to report that it is now up on Scott's site The Magic
Word.
Thanks for posting this Scott. Click the link to listen to the
almost 20 minute interview and tour. Enjoy!
Thanks to Rick Fisher at
FAB Magic in Colon, Michigan for his kind words about the Thurston DVD on
his blog.
"My good friend Bill Rauscher has just published a DVD on the life of
Howard Thurston called, "When Thurston Came To Town" - See it
HERE - Comes complete with book and DVD. This is a must have if you
are a magic history enthusiast."
Today, the magic episode
of ABC's Castle airs. Rory Feldman was asked questions about Howard
Thurston posters in relation to this show, while the episode was in
production.
\
Poof! You’re Dead
When the owner of historic Drake’s
Magic Shop in New York is found drowned in Houdini’s famous water
torture tank, Castle and Beckett must delve into the world of magic,
magicians and their secrets to find his killer. As part of their
investigation, Castle & Beckett meet master magician Tobias Strange.
Meanwhile, the magicians aren’t the only ones keeping secrets, as a new
romantic relationship is revealed for Esposito and Lanie.
An article—“An Apartment With a Magical Cast“—about Rory Feldman and his
massive collection of Howard Thurston memorabilia is featured in the New
York Times
Bill Self was a great friend of mine and knowing him made me a better
person. Bill was my #1 supporter for everything I did; whether it
was magic related, museum related, Thurston related -- he was always
there. He will be dearly missed.
In this month's Magic Magazine there was a brief write up on Bill.
We received a very nice mention in the January 2011
"The Spellbinder".
"Your Editor has been watching Bill Rauscher & Rory
Feldman's DVD "When Thurston Came To Town" and and recommends it to
all those interested in Thurston or magic history. Included is
film from Thurston's 1932 show"
In the December 2010 "The
Linking Ring" magazine, the "When Thurston Came To Town" DVD
got an absolutely amazing full-page review!
"This amazing DVD is a rich panorama of Howard Thurston's fabulous
career and a celebration of the Golden Age of Magic. Never
before have so many rare and one-of-a-kind photographs, movies, and
voice recordings of a great figure in magic made available. For
two and a half hours, hundreds of rare images of Howard Thurston
appear on the screen, one after another, as the host of the program,
noted magic historian Bill Rauscher, leads the viewer through the
exciting days "When Thurston Came To Town." More than three
years in preparation, this elaborately produced video combines the
recollections of those who knew Thurston or saw him perform with a
virtual tour of Rory Feldman's incredible collection of Howard
Thurston memorabilia. (For more information on Rory Feldman and
his astounding collection of over 25,000 pieces of Thurston
memorabilia, see Bill Rauscher's article in the February 2010 issue of
The Linking Ring.) Over twenty five audio and video
commentaries, mostly by Thurston's contemporaries, provide personal
insight into the great magician. As John Calvert, Walter B.
Gibson, Dorny, Bill Self, John Booth, and many others talk about their
experiences with Thurston, his power to impress and influence others
becomes apparent. Ten video segments of Thurston and five
recordings of his voice also provide insight into his warmth, dignity,
and charm. Thurston's stage presence, evident in films of his
shows, confirms that he was the foremost magician of his day, leading
the field with "The Wonder Show of the Universe." -- certainly worth a
hundred dollars -- high production values -- The DVD is package with a
beautifully designed folder and slipcase. It includes a booklet
of thirty-two pages, containing a 1928 biography of Thurston from an
original manuscript in the Feldman collection, illustrated with rare
photos of Thurston. For those of us who have only read about
Thurston and have tried to imagine what the star of "The Wonder Show
of the Universe" was really like, this DVD is a time machine back to
the hey-day of magic when Thurston came to town. Now we
understand why, for example, John Calvert still raves about Thurston
in 2010 -- and he saw the show in 1919! Highly recommended."
- Samuel Patrick Smith
Editor of The Linking Ring
Reviewed in the December 2010 The Liking Ring
To read more quotes and reviews about the DVD
CLICK HERE!
December 2010
The Linking Ring comes out
with Howard Thurston and Jane Thurston on the cover! The cover story
was done by Jim Steinmeyer.
The article features photos from the Rory Feldman Collection.
November 30, 2010
Today we were listed on
the Magic Roadshow. Check it out...
November 15, 2010
In
Loving Memory of William E. Self
June 21, 1921 - November 15, 2010
Bill Self was a great friend of mine and knowing him made me a better
person. Bill was my #1 supporter for everything I did; whether it
was magic related, museum related, Thurston related -- he was always
there. He will be dearly missed.
"To Rory, my young friend who reminds me of me many years ago. Bill
Self 3/18/09"
The Yankee Gathering XIII, the biennial convention hosted by the
New England Magic Collectors Association (NEMCA), was held November
11-13, 2010 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Westborough,
Massachusetts, USA. The Yankee Gathering is is one of the premier
magic collector conventions in the U.S. and the world. The three-day
schedule of events included Lectures, Performers, Auction, Dealers,
Exhibits, a Banquet, a Flea Market. Also presented were
historical magic performances by Scott & Britni Morley beautifully
re-creating the act and personas of Harry & Bess Houdini,
William V. Rauscher with an entertaining and informative presentation
of magic effects from the past (ably assisted by Lisa Patire, Joe Patire,
and Alan Wassilak), Leland Faulkner expertly presenting the
nearly-lost vaudeville art of chapeaugraphy, and David Ben
(assisted by Julie Eng) with a full stage show of conjuring wonders.
The Guest of Honor at this Yankee Gathering was Ken
Klosterman of Loveland, Ohio, USA. One of the leading magic
collectors in the world, his collection includes more than 8000 magic
books and 4000 historical pieces of magic apparatus, including the
Light & Heavy Chest used by Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin in 1856 to help
quell the revolt of the Marabouts against the French in Algeria.
Klosterman's collection is beautifully displayed in his famous Salon de
Magie, located in an old mine shaft on his 250-acre horse farm. He
has performed magic professionally both with a dove act and as
"Ken & Judy" with his wife, Judy, as his assistant, in feature shows
and TV spots locally and at conventions throughout the USA. He was
president of the International Brotherhood of Magicians in 1995-1996.
He is a Life Member of the Society of American Magicians.
He has been a contributing author to
The Yankee Magic Collector, he wrote the book Rising to Any
Occasion (a magic forcing book), and he has written articles for the
magic periodicals Magic-Gram, The Linking Ring, and
Apocalypse. A distinguished member of the magic community for more
than 50 years and a leading magic collector and historian, we were
delighted to salute Ken Klosterman as our Guest of Honor at this Yankee
Gathering.
At the Gathering, we were privileged to once again have a number of
engaging and educational lectures from world-class experts in magic
history and collecting.
The guest of honor Ken Klosterman
Ken Klosterman gives a nice speech
Phil Wilmarth and Rory Feldman
at the "When Thurston Came To Town" booth
Stanley Palm, Maurine Christopher, and Rory Feldman
Mark and Debbie Jarvis with Rory Feldman
Ken Klosterman, Dr. Albo, and Rory Feldman
Ken Klosterman and Rory Feldman
Kevin Connolly promoting the
new Thurston DVD and Rory Feldman holding up a Houdini photo
Donna Patterson and William V. Rauscher signing books
Diego Domingo, Adele Friel Rhindress, and Rory Feldman
Adele Friel Rhindress and Rory Feldman
George Goebel and Rory Feldman
George Goebel signing posters
for his new book
David Kaye and Rory Feldman
William V. Rauscher talks about George Goebel
William V. Rauscher interviews McCarl Roberts, George Goebel, and Mark
Walker
William V. Rauscher interviews McCarl Roberts, George Goebel, and Mark
Walker
Charles was a great friend of mine and I truly enjoyed the time we
spent together. He was so kind, supportive, always shared
information, and helped out with magic projects whenever I asked. He
will truly be missed...
Today we found this really
funny blog post on "The Daily Flailure" site. This was in
reference to the upcoming Howard Thurston display at the 2011 -- 80th
Annual Magi-Fest in Columbus Ohio.
Today, "The History Of
Magic" site posted an excerpt of William V. Rauscher's article on me.
The posted it under the title Rory Feldman: The Ultimate Thurston
Collection.
Today, the book on Josef
von Sternberg who happened to work as an assistant on Twisted Souls.
Twisted Souls was the movie that Howard Thurston made in 1920.
Rory Feldman was credited in this book for helping with the information
on Howard Thurston and the Twisted Souls movie.
"Belligerent and evasive, Josef von Sternberg chose to ignore his
illegitimate birth in Austria, deprived New York childhood, abusive
father, and lack of education. The director who strutted onto the set in a
turban, riding breeches, or a silk robe embraced his new persona as a
world traveler, collected modern art, drove a Rolls Royce, and earned
three times as much as the president. Von Sternberg traces the choices
that carried the unique director from poverty in Vienna to power in
Hollywood, including his eventual ostracism in Japan. Historian John
Baxter reveals an artist few people knew: the aesthete who transformed
Marlene Dietrich into an international star whose ambivalent sexuality and
contradictory allure on-screen reflected an off-screen romance with the
director.
In his classic films The Blue Angel (1930), Morocco (1930), and Blonde
Venus (1932), von Sternberg showcased his trademark visual style and
revolutionary representations of sexuality. Drawing on firsthand
conversations with von Sternberg and his son, Von Sternberg breaks past
the classic Hollywood caricature to demystify and humanize this legendary
director."
It's like something out of a Vincent Price movie: An evening of magic and
illusion held in a mausoleum.
The Green Lawn Abbey Preservation Association will pay tribute to Howard
Thurston, a Columbus native and early-20th century magician, at an event
Oct. 2 in the mausoleum, 700 Greenlawn Ave.
The event, to begin at 7 p.m., will feature local magicians David McCreary
and Timothy Moore, as well as Rory Feldman, a
New York City-based magician and one of the nation's foremost authorities
on Thurston. Other amateur magicians will be in attendance,
wandering through the crowd and performing traditional tricks.
Thurston, who had the largest traveling magic show of his era, was a
contemporary of Harry Houdini and friends with Arthur Conan Doyle, creator
of the Sherlock Holmes series.
Thurston died in 1936. He is buried in the Green Lawn Abbey, which is
visited by magic enthusiasts and historians each year.
(The ad features a poster from the Rory Feldman Collection)
In the August 2010 Magic Magazine, the "When Thurston Came To Town" DVD
got a full-page review.
"Over the past decade, Feldman has continued to add to his collection,
amassing what is undoubtedly the world's foremost archive of material --
covering the life of Thurston. Three years ago, Feldman approached
Rauscher about creating a video version of When Thurston Came To Town.
The result is this nearly three-hour DVD set that places Thurston squarely
back on his pedestal as the greatest American magician of his time."
"Still, for the die-hard Thurston fan, or one who wants to know just
about everything about him, this DVD set contains many rare treats --
among them Thurston's voice, not once, but several times. And then there's
marvelous footage of Thurston in action, showing the scope of his mammoth
show. Particularly fascinating is film of an outdoor appearance at
Bellevue Hospital in the 1920s, when Thurston brought practically his
whole illusion show to the patients."
Seeing his handling of the Dove Catching net is a lesson in how the
trick is supposed to be done, and it shows that Thurston was indeed as
good a performer as we've been told."
"The closing moments of the DVD, when Jane Thurston (in her eighties)
sings the original song "My Daddy Is A Hocus Pocus Man," are a fitting
finale that humanize the whole story."
"The production values of the DVD are very good. The tri-fold
slipcase includes a 32-page color booklet with a previously unreleased
press biography of Thurston. In all, it's a beautiful package."
"...those who buy it will find new appreciation for Howard Thurston and
his place in American magic."
- David Charvet
Reviewed in the August 2010 Magic Magazine
To read more quotes and reviews about the DVD CLICK HERE!
July 2010
In the July 2010 Genii Magazine, the "When Thurston Came To Town" DVD
got a full-page review.
"The
material is really quite wonderful. An unabashed homage to a
one-of-a-kind entertainer, a man who was an enormous star in his
prime, which lasted several decades. Standing out among all this
captivating material are the film clips of Thurston. The entire
package - a six panel sleeve with a slipcase and 32-page biography of
Thurston - is beautifully produced.”
To read more quotes and reviews about the DVD
CLICK HERE!
June 29, 2010
Just received the new Magicol, The Journal of the Magic Collectors
Association, No. 175 - May 2010; with Walter Blaney on the cover.
They included a photograph of Eddie Dawes talking, with me sitting right
beside him.
Thanks!
June 28, 2010
Today my NY Times article was
picked up and featured on...
You can visit the website by clicking on the link below:
Today my NY Times article was
picked up and featured by the major magic websites.
June 27, 2010
In today's NY Times Real Estate section, featured on the front page is
an article about me and my Thurston collection titled "The Decor? I Pulled
It Out of a Hat".
In one particular photo you will notice that items from the Jack Jones
Collection were prominently featured in the article!
To view the article online please click this link:
In today's NY Times Real Estate section, featured on the front page is
an article about me and my Thurston collection titled "The Decor? I Pulled
It Out of a Hat".
To view the article online please click this link:
Today, The New York Times website launched the upcoming article on me
and my collection which will be released in the Sunday, June 27, 2010 New
York Times Real Estate section. It will be featured on the front
page of the section!
The article online is called "An Apartment With a Magical Cast."
To view the article online please click this link:
The article was featured on the homepage of NYTimes.com, the homepage
of the NYTimes.com Real Estate Section, and the homepage of the
NYTimes.com Style section under the heading Home & Garden...
...as well as now being listed in the Magic and Magicians section...
Today we appeared on the
website Ephemera Magica. Thanks for mentioning our website!
May 21, 2010
Today we received a great
photo of William V. Rauscher with all of the new "When Thurston Came To
Town" products! Thanks to Douglas A. Hill for sending us this photo.
Photo by Douglas A. Hill
May 17, 2010
Today Janice Loebakka, James
Hamilton, and I spent the day at the Green Lawn Abbey mausoleum.
Inside the Abbey
Inside the Abbey
Inside the Abbey
Rory standing by Harry E. Thurston -- Howard Thurston's brother
Inside the Abbey
Howard Thurston - Magician
Howard Thurston - Magician
Howard Thurston - Magician
Howard Thurston - Magician
Rory standing next to the final resting place of Howard Thurston
Rory standing next to the final resting place of Howard Thurston
Rory, next to the final resting place of Howard Thurston
"The new DVD
"When Thurston Came to Town" has now been released by noted Thurston
collector Rory Feldman. This DVD is a broadened and visually enhanced
version of William V. Rauscher's magic lecture of the same name, which
he presented during a Magic Collectors' Association weekend back in
the 1990s. Feldman has certainly put his heart and soul into
this project. What you get is Bill's wonderful lecture supported by
never-before-seen photos of Thurston and his memorabilia, every known
archival film footage of Thurston including some never-before-seen,
interviews with leading collectors and magicians who either saw
Thurston or were influenced by him, recordings of Thurston's voice,
his daughter Jane singing, "My Daddy is a Hocus Pocus Man," and much,
much more. With Jim Steinmeyer's forthcoming book on Thurston, the
timing on this DVD couldn't be better. It is not available through
magic dealers but through Rory Feldman. Rory's website is:
www.thurstonmastermagician.com. Bill and Rory are to be
congratulated for this effort to elevate Thurston back on to the
pedestal as America's favorite magician, a position he so justly
deserves."
The above
message from Tom Ewing was taken from "Alan Watson's Magic New Zealand
- Issue Number: #756"
The "When Thurston Came To
Town" DVD's have been released and have started shipping!
The DVD (back and front)
April 25, 2010
The "When Thurston Came To
Town" posters have been released and have started shipping!
April 19-21, 2010
Over the last three days I spent time with my dear friend Bill Self.
Was also able to share the new Jack Jones collection with Jim
Steinmeyer, while in LA.
Bill and I took a trip over to the Skirball Cultural Center where
Jocelyn Tetel was our amazing host. Jocelyn Tetel gave Bill and I a
tour of the entire Center.
The Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles will host the Houdini
exhibit next year.
Jocelyn Tetel, Rory Feldman,
and Bill Self on April 20, 2010
You can visit the Skirball Cultural Center online by clicking here...
Over the last four days I spent time with the family of Howard
Thurston's long time manager Jack Jones. Jack Jones was not only
Thurston's manager but worked on the Thurston Show as well (which is where
Jack Jones met his wife -- she was one of Thurston's assistants).
Cathy and Betty were such great hosts and I had the most incredible
time with them. I learned a lot about Jack Jones and heard stories
Jack shared with Cathy and Betty.
I was honored to be chosen to acquire the amazing Jack Jones
Collection.
Stay tuned for a feature article on Jack Jones!
Cathy, Rory, and Betty on April
19, 2010
April 16, 2010
Today, the PBS TV show pilot
on magic and the Fantasma Magic Shop airs! Got to talk about Howard Thurston, the Museum of
Magic, and the great Fantasma Magic shop! Thanks to Roger Dreyer! @
Fantasma Magic -- New York, New York
Today, the website for the
International Brotherhood of Magicians added the February 2010 issue of
the Linking Ring with Rory Feldman's cover story to their homepage.
Today, the February 2010 issue of The Linking Ring was released
with Rory Feldman as the cover story. The article discusses the upcoming release of When Thurston Came To Town.
The I.B.M. is the world's largest organization for magicians and
for people interested in the magical arts. Our Brotherhood is made up
of nearly 12,000 members worldwide with over 300 local groups called
Rings in more than 73 countries. The I.B.M. is considered to be the
most respected organization for magic collectors, amateur and
professional magicians in the world!
He was an amazing author,
magician, historian, and we are very thankful to have him on the upcoming
"When Thurston Came To Town" DVD.
November 1 - 3, 2009
BREAKING NEWS! THE GREEN LAWN ABBEY
BROKEN INTO!
UPDATES!
The Green Lawn Abbey Preservation
Association has been working to preserve this historic piece of
architecture that houses many notable residents including Howard Thurston.
They also work to educate the public about
the history of the Abbey and the individuals entombed there. By donating
any amount to this great association you can help them move forward with
ensuring the preservation of the Green Lawn Abbey and in part, hopefully
keep things like this from happening again.
Today I visited the home of Maurine Christopher and interviewed her for
my newest project.
It was amazing to look through the Milbourne
Christopher collection!
Stanley Palm, Maurine Christopher, and Rory Feldman
October 15, 2009
Today I had some of my great magic friends visit my collection. Stanley
Palm, Richard Cohen, Regina Reynolds, and Charlie Reynolds. A great time
had by all!
Charlie Reynolds and Rory Feldman
Rory Feldman and Regina Reynolds
Richard Cohen and Rory Feldman
October 15, 2009
BREAKING NEWS! THE GREEN LAWN ABBEY
BROKEN INTO!
The Green Lawn Abbey Preservation
Association has been working to preserve this historic piece of
architecture that houses many notable residents including Howard Thurston.
They also work to educate the public about
the history of the Abbey and the individuals entombed there. By donating
any amount to this great association you can help them move forward with
ensuring the preservation of the Green Lawn Abbey and in part, hopefully
keep things like this from happening again.
Today, Tru-Magic.com mentions the upcoming performance at Green Lawn
Abbey.
"On Saturday, October 31st (Halloween night) we are giving a tribute to
the great Howard Thurston and fund-raising for repairs on the Abbey. Dr.
Timothy Moore has been gracious enough to donate his services as a
magician. He will do a short stage performance, then he and Rory Feldman
will be doing up close magic for our guests. We will offer fine finger
foods, wine and other beverages. We think it should be a great time.
And if you've ever seen the Abbey, you have to know it's a great location
for a party on Halloween night!"
Today I was interviewed for a PBS TV show pilot on magic and the
Fantasma Magic Shop! Got to talk about Howard Thurston, the Museum of
Magic, and the great Fantasma Magic shop! Thanks to Roger Dreyer! @
Fantasma Magic -- New York, New York
Joe Franklin and Rory Feldman hanging out @ Fantasma Magic -- New York,
New York
An early photo of Larry Weeks @ the Fantasma Magic "90th Birthday Party
Celebration" for Larry Weeks -- New York, New York
Larry Weeks and Rory Feldman @ the Fantasma Magic "90th Birthday Party
Celebration" for Larry Weeks -- New York, New York
September 10, 2009
Charlie Reynolds and Tony Spina being interviewed @ the Fantasma Magic
party for John Harrison's Doug Henning book -- New York, New York
With my great friend Stanley Palm @ the Fantasma Magic party for John
Harrison's Doug Henning book -- New York, New York
With my friends Doug Edwards and Roger Dreyer @ the Fantasma Magic party
for John Harrison's Doug Henning book -- New York, New York
Tony Spina and me! ((When I was about 10-11 years old Tony took me and my
mom into his office at Tannens and gave me lots of magic books, including
Thurston's "My Life Of Magic". Tony also signed me up as one of my
sponsors for SAM & IBM. ))@ the Fantasma Magic party for John Harrison's
Doug Henning book -- New York, New York
Harry Lorayne and me!! ((Just minutes before Harry said to me "I can't
even imagine what 15,000 Thurston pieces look like! I gotta see your
collection!")) @ the Fantasma Magic party for John Harrison's Doug Henning
book -- New York, New York
Simon Lovell, Charlie and Regina
Reynolds, Roger Dreyer, and Rory (me), @ the Fantasma Magic party for John
Harrison's Doug Henning book -- New York, New York
August 30, 2009
Rory visiting the world
famous magician Charles Carter's Mansion -- first called "Carter Manor" --
San Francisco, California
Glendale Cemetery -- where Maurice Raymond (The Great Raymond) is
buried. -- Akron, Ohio
Goodyear Theater where Howard Thurston once performed -- Akron, Ohio --
August 19, 2009
August 15, 2009
Traveling around Beechurst, Long Island New York.
Visited Carl
Rosini's house and searching for Howard Thurston's house.
July 8, 2009
On today's episode of
Bravo's Top Chef Master's the chefs must create culinary magic to
awe their high-profile guests which include Neil Patrick Harris, Ed
Alonzo, and Max Maven. This all takes place at the famed Magic
Castle in LA!
The chef's compete in the "Dante Room" which features numerous Dante
posters, including some "Thurston Presents Dante" posters! Once
again it is the "Devil" panel poster! Take a look...
June 28, 2009
On today's episode of
HBO's True Blood they showed the Howard Thurston "Devil" Panel
printed by the Otis Lithograph Company in "Fangtasia", the hip vampire
bar.
(Also, note the Karmi poster in the images below. There seems to
be some other magic images as well, but very small and hard to make out).
Take a look...
This is not the 1st time a Howard Thurston poster appeared on the show!
The "Devil" poster appeared on the show before along with the Thurston
Strobridge "Do The Spirits Come Back?"...
June 2 & 3, 2009
Jim Steinmeyer, designer and inventor of illusions and
theatrical special effects, for magicians and Broadway shows visits the
Rory Feldman Collection.
Jim is responsible for popular illusions featured by
professional magicians around the world, and special effects in theatrical
shows from Broadway to Las Vegas. Through his designs and his writing on
historical magic, he's been credited with creating the "defining illusions
in contemporary magic:" deceptions featured by Doug Henning, David
Copperfield, Siegfried and Roy, Harry Blackstone, Orson Welles, The
Pendragons, Lance Burton, Mark Kalin and Jinger and many others.
Jim visited Rory to do research for his upcoming book on
magician Howard Thurston.
The Shadow by Maxwell Grant, featuring an article about Howard Thurston. In this article you will
find a photo from the Rory Feldman Collection.
May 2009
Genii Magazine
Featuring an article about Harry Thurston, Howard Thurston's brother.
In this article you will find items from the Rory Feldman Collection.
May 6, 2009
Visited Charles & Regina Reynolds House
Today we had a video shoot for the upcoming DVD, "When Thurston Came To
Town". We taped Charles Reynolds and popular magic-collector and
magic-historian Stanley Palm.
For more information on the upcoming DVD "When Thurston Came To Town",
please visit...
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