Colon, Michigan

Colon is a village in St. Joseph County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,227 at the 2000 census. The village is located within Colon Township. The village is named after the shape of Palmer Lake, and is not the only place in Michigan so named.

Colon refers to itself as "The Magic Capital of the World." Each August more than 1,000 magicians and lovers of magic gather there for the "Abbott's Magic Get-Together", a 4 day magic convention.

In 1925, Harry Blackstone moved to Colon. He and his brother Pete Bouton would refurbish their illusion show during the summer months in preparation for their annual fall and winter tour throughout the United States. Blackstone was also later buried in Colon.

In 1927, Australian Percy Abbott was invited to Colon by Blackstone. The two hit upon the idea of opening a magic manufacturing company - Blackstone Magic Company. However, it was short lived and the partnership lasted only 18 months. But later, he opened his own Abbott Magic & Novelty Co. in late 1933.

September, 1934 marked the introduction of Abbott's annual Get-Togethers, an end-of-summer gatherings composed of magic shows, lectures, demonstrations, and general camaraderie. The convention concludes each day with an evening show at Colon High School.

Magicians who lived in Colon, Michigan

• Monk Watson
• Jerry Conklin
• Neil Foster
• Winston Freer
• Tom Mullica

Magician buried in Colon, Michigan

• Jack Gwynne
• Harry Blackstone, Sr.
• Harry Blackstone, Jr.
• Don Alan
• Ricky Dunn
• Karrell Fox
• Duke Stern
• Bill Baird

Map

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