Nicola

Nicola (December 14, 1882- February 1, 1945) was born William Mozart Nicol in Burlington, Iowa. Performed on vaudeville for a number of years and did several world tours with his illusion show as the Great Nicola (and Nicoli).

He made his first stage engagement in Paris, France during the Exposition in 1900.

The first of Nicola's major United States tours was made in 1926. During his last world tour in 1939, on outbreak of World War Two, the ship he was on hit a mine and sunk with all his equipment off Singapore. After his return home he built a new smaller show, suitable for auditoriums and hospitals, and offered his services free of charge to the USO.

Among the illusions Nicola was said to have created were the "Elastic Lady," "Aerial Fishing," "Chinese Water Jar," and "Dream of the Chinese Chop Suey Restaurant Keeper".

His brother Charles (Von Arx) also performed.