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St. Louis

St. Louis, the gateway to the west, is the largest city in the state of Missouri and 16th-largest in the United States.

Magicians

Several notable St. Louis magicians that are either from or have lived in the area include: Brother John Hamman, Forrest Hendricks, Louis Vizard, Don Lawton, Robert Parrish, Paul Le Paul, David Livingston Price, Jr., James Barton, Jim Buffaloe, Bud Dietrich, Frank Everhart, Devo, John Randall Brown, Jack Lippincott, Andrew Buel, Charlton F. Chute, Bev Taylor, Harry Monti, John Mendoza, Jonathan Levitt, Chris Kenner, Justin Willman, Chris Rayman, Ernie Heldman, Joe Scott, Roger Linden, Harold D. Russell, and Don Rataj.

Dealers

Magic shops in st. Louis area include: The Devoe's Magic Den run by Gene Devoe which was located downtown and then was later relocated to Maplewood area and operated by John Mendoza. Don Lawton had a little magic shop in the back of his St. Louis home at one time but also worked at 4 different magic shops (including Will Lindhorst magic den), Bev Taylor operated the Towne House Magic, Will Lindhorst operated Lindhorst magic den in downtown. Mike O'Dowd was the mfg. of magic and John Fabjance magic was located across the river from St. Louis. Magic n Things was a shop operated by Rev. Fred Kruse, who aquired part of the Thurston collection from Heaney.

Organizations

The first International Brotherhood of Magicians local chapter, IBM Ring 1 was started in St. Louis after the members wanted a change in the club. Society of American Magicians' assembly 8 is also located in St. Louis and is shared by many of the St. Louis magicians.

TheMidwest Magic Jubilee, convention is held annually in St. Louis, and was one of Dai Vernon's favorite magic conventions.

Events

• The Sphinx magazine, started in Chicago by William Hilliar, moved to St. Louis in 1904 when Kansas City physician, Dr. A. M. Wilson, took over as editor (Vol. 3 No. 8).
• Harry Houdini introduced his Milk Can Escape trick in 1908 in St. Louis and is believed to have invented the trunk change trick while in St. Louis while breaking up a box for fire wood.
• Paul Rosini performed at the Park Plaza Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri. (See Genii 1937 November, Chicago Notes by George Troseth)
• Harry Blackstone publicly named Bill Chaudet as his successor while in St. Louis in 1946.

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