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Francis J. Martinka
| Francis J. Martinka | |
 | |
| Born | Francis J. Martinka March 07, 1842 Bohemia |
|---|---|
| Died | November 04, 1924 (age 82) Staten Island, New York |
| Resting place | Woodlawn Cemetery |
| Nationality | Bohemian |
Francis J. Martinka (March 7, 1842 - November 4, 1924) was founder, with his brother Anthony, of "The Magical Palace" in New York City in 1885. It would become the America's oldest magic company as Martinka & Company.
Biography
Martinka traveled the world and mastered nine languages. He came to America in 1872 and established himself in the Magic Supply business. "The Magical Palace" in New York City was the first home and for a number of years the meeting place of the Society of American Magicians.
He supplied much of the elaborate stage effects for many of the greats including Herrmann the Great, Kellar, Houdini, Servais Le Roy and Imro Fox.[1]
References
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=36649650
