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Louis St. Pierre, Sr.
| Louis St. Pierre, Sr. | |
| Cover of Genii (1965) | |
| Born | Louis A. St. Pierre December 10, 1889 St. Paul, Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Died | November 18, 1971 (age 81) Hollywood California |
| Resting place | Hollywood Memorial Cemetery |
Louis St. Pierre, Sr. (1889-1971) was owner of the Hollywood Magic Shop, which he purchased after Bert Wheeler's death.[1]
Biography
His older brother Alfred, took up magic first and Louis was soon performing, too. After Alfred gave Louis all of his own equipment, he played in vaudeville.
His talent as a scenic designer, however, took over as his profession. Soon he was in New York where he designed and painted at the Hippodrome for R.H. Burnside, and for the Shuberts. During the scenic lay-off season he toured New England's local vaudeville with magic.
He became General Manager of Circuit of Theaters in Illinois and Wisconsin. He also became District Manager of Paramount Theaters in Indiana. He was known to all the vaudeville performers for keeping Vaudeville alive 15 years after it was dead by employing acts.
In 1934 Louis bought the Chicago Grand Opera Company and took it on tour throughout the Midwest.[2]
In 1947 Louis retired, and moved to Pasadena, California, where a brother was living. When Bert Wheeler, owner of a magic shop on Hollywood Blvd was killed in an airplane crash, the store was for sale. A friend of Louis named Conrad Krebs knew about the store and suggested he purchase the store to put his 2 sons to work, Louis Jr. and George. He bought the store which he ran with his son Louis St. Pierre, Jr. George went into manufacturing novelties. The store was located at 6268 Hollywood Boulevard. Dave steward was the manager. He and Louis Jr opened a second store at 6660 Hollywood Boulevard. The store near Vine Street closed in 1950. The store at 6660 was sold to an employee in 1979. In 1970, the St. Pierre's were planning to open another store next to Fredericks at 6614 Hollywood Boulevard. The store opened in 1972, but Louis Sr. never saw it, he died in 1971 before the store opened.
He also served as the Treasurer of the Magic Castle after George Boston died. [3] [4]
References
- ↑ Genii Magazine, Vol. 29, No. 8, April 1965, Our Cover Louis St. Pierre, Sr., page 418
- ↑ M-U-M, Vol. 59, No. 5, October 1969, MEET LOUIS ST. PIERRE, SR., page 22
- ↑ Genii Magazine, Vol. 36, No. 1, September 1971, Genii Speaks, page 19
- ↑ M-U-M, Vol. 61, No. 10, March 1972, Broken Wand, page 19