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Charles Neil Smith
Charles Neil Smith | |
Cover of Sphinx (March 1915) | |
Born | Charles Neil Smith January 7, 1887 San Diego, California |
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Died | February 1972 (age 85) Seattle, Washington |
Charles "Charlie" Neil Smith began authoring the "Uncle Feelix Correspondence Column" starting with Sphinx issue of July, 1911. It ran until 1920 and he continued it again in the Pacific Coast Magic News in 1935. As "Uncle Feelix," he has brought readers of the Sphinx his witty, original and humorous quips, queries and replies.
He became interested in magic after receiving a copy of Professor Hoffmann's Modern Magic in 1897. He moved to Detroit, and took up active club entertaining after Nate Leipzig left for vaudeville. Smith was one of the pioneers in "rapid-fire" talking magic, with clean comedy patter. His program also included ventriloquism, readings and mimicry.[1]
He later moved to Seattle where he served as Historian for the P. C. A. M. from 1939 into the 1950s and as President in 1941. He was very active in the Seattle Magic Ring, which during the 1940's and 50's was one of the largest local magic clubs in the U.S. with a membership of over 200. Smith often sponsored meetings of the group at his opulent English Tudor-style home overlooking Lake Washington. Smith became known as the "elder statesman" of magic in the Seattle area at the time, living to the age of 85.
His daughter, Pauline Smith, performed at the 28th Annual Ladies Night of the Seattle Magic Ring in 1958.[2]
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