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Difference between revisions of "McDonald Birch"
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+ | | image = | ||
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+ | | birth_name = George McDonald Birch | ||
+ | | birth_day = | ||
+ | | birth_year = 1902 | ||
+ | | birth_place = | ||
+ | | death_day = April 28, | ||
+ | | death_year = 1992 | ||
+ | | death_place = | ||
+ | | resting_place = | ||
+ | | resting_place_coordinates = | ||
+ | | nationality = | ||
+ | | known_for = | ||
+ | | notable works = | ||
+ | | flourished = | ||
+ | | awards = | ||
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+ | }} | ||
+ | '''MacDonald "Mac" Birch''' (1902-April 28, 1992) was born George McDonald Birch and grew up in McConnelsville, Ohio. Known as Mac to his friends, he began performing on the [[Lyceum]] and [[Chautauqua]] circuits. He quickly gained a reputation for his work offering a full unassisted two-hour show. | ||
Later, his wife Mabel Sperry, a xylophonist and also played the marimba , provided the musical interlude in his shows, as well as working as his chief assistant. Two of his featured acts were the Vanishing Pony and the Silk Mirage. | Later, his wife Mabel Sperry, a xylophonist and also played the marimba , provided the musical interlude in his shows, as well as working as his chief assistant. Two of his featured acts were the Vanishing Pony and the Silk Mirage. | ||
− | In 1924, Howard Thurston made plans to make Birch the successor to the Kellar-Thurston "magic mantle". Thurston, however, never got around to retiring. | + | MacDonald Birch was a contemporary of other master illusionists like [[Blackstone]], [[Thurston]] and the great [[Harry Houdini]]. In 1924, Howard Thurston made plans to make Birch the successor to the Kellar-Thurston "magic mantle". Thurston, however, never got around to retiring. |
After over 50 years as a headliner, Birch retired from performing in the 1960s. | After over 50 years as a headliner, Birch retired from performing in the 1960s. | ||
+ | The auditorium of the Opera House Theater in Morgan County, Ohio was dedicated "Birch Hall" as tribute. | ||
== Awards== | == Awards== | ||
− | * Received the "Master Fellowship" award from the [[Academy of Magical Arts]] | + | * Received the "Master Fellowship" award from the [[Academy of Magical Arts]] (1980) |
* Given a Presidential Citation by [[IBM]] in 1990. | * Given a Presidential Citation by [[IBM]] in 1990. | ||
* Cincinnati Academy of Magic and Allied Sciences (C.A.M.A.S.) bestowed him the "Honored Wizard" in 1990. | * Cincinnati Academy of Magic and Allied Sciences (C.A.M.A.S.) bestowed him the "Honored Wizard" in 1990. | ||
== External References == | == External References == | ||
+ | * Cover [[Genii 1940 January]], Vol. 4, no. 5, page 145. | ||
+ | * Cover [[Genii 1945 September]] | ||
+ | {{Wikipedia}} | ||
* http://sdrcdata.lib.uiowa.edu/libsdrc/details.jsp?id=/birchm/2&ui=1 | * http://sdrcdata.lib.uiowa.edu/libsdrc/details.jsp?id=/birchm/2&ui=1 | ||
*http://www.operahouseinc.com/newmagic.htm | *http://www.operahouseinc.com/newmagic.htm | ||
− | [[Category:Biographies | + | [[Category:Biographies]] |
− | + | [[Category:American magicians]] | |
− | [[Category:American magicians | + | {{DEFAULTSORT:Birch}} |
Revision as of 02:05, 10 February 2012
McDonald Birch | |
Born | George McDonald Birch 1902 |
---|---|
Died | April 28, 1992 |
MacDonald "Mac" Birch (1902-April 28, 1992) was born George McDonald Birch and grew up in McConnelsville, Ohio. Known as Mac to his friends, he began performing on the Lyceum and Chautauqua circuits. He quickly gained a reputation for his work offering a full unassisted two-hour show.
Later, his wife Mabel Sperry, a xylophonist and also played the marimba , provided the musical interlude in his shows, as well as working as his chief assistant. Two of his featured acts were the Vanishing Pony and the Silk Mirage.
MacDonald Birch was a contemporary of other master illusionists like Blackstone, Thurston and the great Harry Houdini. In 1924, Howard Thurston made plans to make Birch the successor to the Kellar-Thurston "magic mantle". Thurston, however, never got around to retiring.
After over 50 years as a headliner, Birch retired from performing in the 1960s.
The auditorium of the Opera House Theater in Morgan County, Ohio was dedicated "Birch Hall" as tribute.
Awards
- Received the "Master Fellowship" award from the Academy of Magical Arts (1980)
- Given a Presidential Citation by IBM in 1990.
- Cincinnati Academy of Magic and Allied Sciences (C.A.M.A.S.) bestowed him the "Honored Wizard" in 1990.
External References
- Cover Genii 1940 January, Vol. 4, no. 5, page 145.
- Cover Genii 1945 September
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