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Werner Dornfield
Werner F. Dornfield (October 7, 1892- September 5, 1982), known as "Dorny", was a close friend of Houdini and Thurston.
As a soldier in World War I, he became a member of the variety show.
Howard Thurston asked him to head his No.2 show, but he chose to be a magical MC for a lot less money and a lot fewer headaches.
Dorny became involved with the I.B.M. and was given Number 4, though he claimed to be the first official member since the others were all officers.
He was a former National President and the Dean of the Society of American Magicians. The Chicago Assembly #3 of which he was a founder member was named in his honor. He was also a member of the Magic Circle, the Dean of the Mazda Mystic Ring and the Wizards' Club in Chicago.
Dorny received a Master Fellowship from the Academy of Magical Arts.
At the 1982 IBM convention in New Orleans Dorny was the Guest of Honor.
Books
- Trix and Chatter (l921)
- Dorny's Comedy Blackouts (1962)