Difference between revisions of "The Great Jarvis"

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The Great Jarvis (19076-1983) was a professional magician for over fifty years in the United States.

Biography

Jarvis got his start in magic by working in the Grand Theatre in West Virginia where he got to meet magicians such as Kellar, Le Roy, Talma and Bosco, Alexander Herrmann and Ed Reno. He was inspired to have his own ' 'road show" at the age of nine, traveling on his bike, with his cigar box full of "equipment," to perform at one room school houses.

By the age of fifteen, he was established the "Boy Wonder," billed as "The World's Youngest Magician," doing juggling, tap dancing, mind reading, hypnotism, and illusions.

After marrying his assitant, "Princess Louise" in 1928, they started a professional career which took them to every state in the union for over 50 years. He was known for his Water Barrel and other escapes.

Jarvis joined the special services, during World War II, and performed for thousands of soldiers.

Jarvis later became "Dr. Jarvis" with a Spook Show. He also at one time co-starred with Harry Blackstone in Lexington, Kentucky.^[1][2]

I.B.M. Ring 229 in Huntington, West Virginia honored him by renaming club the Great Jarvis Ring.^[3][4]

His publicity photo can be seen at the Conjuring Arts exhibit "The Many Faces of Magic"^[5]

References

1. ↑ Cover, Linking Ring, August 1976
2. ↑ http://www.newspapers.com/image/?spot=277606#spot=277606
3. ↑ Obit, Linking Ring, March 1984
4. ↑ http://www.death-record.com/d/n/Forrest-Jarvis/West-Virginia
5. ↑ http://conjuringarts.org/exhibitions/the-many-faces-of-magic/the-great-jarvis/

• http://magicpostcards.wordpress.com/2010/10/23/the-great-jarvis/