Bob Kline

Bob Kline (March 17, 1912 - June 27, 2004) was born Robert Kline in Indiana, Pennsylvania, to a former mayor of that town, Warren P. Kline.

He received a master's degree from Columbia University and became a High School arts and crafts teacher. Kline was popular with his students and known for his colorful bow ties. Throughout his teaching career, Kline and his wife Billie (also a teacher), performed magical acts, most of which he had invented and built himself. Bob retired in 1974 after 40 years of teaching

He marketed his creations as Kline Kraft Magic & Products. He was the architect, builder and designer of the Fairyland Forest theme park at Conneaut Lake Park in Pennsylvania. He also did his own magic shows in the park's outdoor theater.

For several years, he assisted Gene Gordon with the annual "PIFF PAFF POOF" convention held at the lake Conneaut Hotel.

In the early 80's, they moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to be near their grandchildren.

He was active member of the Magic Empire Magicians Ring and the Order of Merlin Excalibur. Nationally, he became a respected member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians.

Kline developed The Vanishing Radio (which won him the I.B.M. Fleming award in the 1950s), Copenetro and mastered the colorful art of sand painting. Other Kline Krafts products were "SWIRL IT", "ZOO LOO", "AT THE CIRCUS", "COIN LADDER", "FOO FOO THE COO COO BIRD" and "DICE TO DOVES".

He was on the cover of the February 1990 linking ring.

IBM Ring No 65 in Tulsa Oklahoma is now known as The Bob Kline Ring.

Books

• Copenetro Tips and Routines
• "The Artistic and Magical Life of Bob Kline" by William King