Werner Dornfield

Werner F. Dornfield (October 7, 1892 - September 5, 1982), billed as "Dorny", a National President and then Dean of the Society of American Magicians, performed on vaudeville stages and attended many magic conventions.

As a soldier in World War I, he became a member of the variety show. 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 close friend of Houdini and Thurston. Howard Thurston had 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.

The Chicago SAM Assembly #3, 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 regularly he penned a column for Abbott's Tops magazine.

Honors and Awards

• Master Fellowship from the Academy of Magical Arts (1978)
• Guest of Honor at 1982 IBM convention in New Orleans.
• Dean of the Society of American Magicians

Books

• Trix and Chatter (l921)
• Dorny on Trix (1954)
• Dorny's Comedy Blackouts (1962)

References

• Cover Genii 1978 April
• Obit Genii 1982 October
• Cover Magicol No. 134 (February 2000)