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Anna Eva Fay
Anna Eva Fay Pingree (1851-1927), born Ann Eliza Heathman in Southington, Ohio, was a Spiritualist popular in vaudeville during the late 1800s, where she billed herself as "The Indescribable Phenomenon".
| Anna Eva Fay | |
| Born | Ann Eliza Heathman 1851 Southington, Ohio, USA |
|---|---|
| Died | May 20, 1927 |
| Resting place | Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose, Massachusetts |
Between 1870 and 1874 the eminent scientist William Crookes conducted a series of controversial experiments with some of the most remarkable mediums of the age, including Fay whom baffled him.[1]
Washington Irving Bishop, who had worked with her as an assistant and manager, exposed her methods to a newspaper. She was also investigated by Harry Houdini, to whom she eventually admitted many of her tricks, after her retirement. [2] Fay and Houdini would become good friends and he even visited her at her home in Melrose, Massachusetts.[3]
The Magic Circle made her an honorary member, designating her an Honorary Lady Associate, since women at that time were not eligible to be a members.
Her magic tokens are very sought after and listed in Kuethe.
Her son, John Truesdale Fay (1877-?) also had an act with his wife billing themselves as "The Fays."[4]
References
- ↑ http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-58545669.html
- ↑ http://www.randi.org/encyclopedia/Fay,%20Anna%20Eva.html
- ↑ http://deadconjurers.blogspot.com/2011/02/grave-of-anna-eva-fay.html
- ↑ The Indescribable Phenomenon: The Life and Mysteries of Anna Eva Fay by Barry H. Wiley. Hermetic Press, Inc. (2005)
- Cover Genii 2005 April
