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S.W. Reilly

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S.W. Reilly
BornSylvester W. Reilly
circa 1891
DiedFebruary 24, 1959 (age 67)
Columbus, Ohio
Resting placeSt. Joseph's Cemetery

S.W. Reilly (c.1891-d.1959) was a Columbus Ohio magic dealer and inventor of FA-KO.

Biography

"Syl" Reilly started out manufactureing educational toys. He put out the Fa-Ko deck in 1927 and with that success started a line of novelties, puzzles and magic tricks.[1]

His interest in magic started when he was about 12 years old and at 16 he was putting on shows. As a member of the Players Club, he was responsible for bringing many magicians to Columbus for their programs. He produced shows for Knights of Columbus and for several years directed a show each year for the Columbus and Southern Ohio Electric Co.

He served as the director of the Annual Magi-Fest held in Columbus from it's initiation until his death.

With Robert Nelson, his one time business partner, he co-founded the IBM Ring #9 in Columbus. The two had a falling out and Reilly opened his own magic shop on Bryden Road.

A year before his death he sold his entire magic business, including manufacturing and publishing rights, to Haines House of Cards.[2][3]

References

  1. Linking Ring, July 1929
  2. Obit, Linking Ring,Apr 1959
  3. Genii 1959 April