Happy Birthday Joseph Dunninger!!!

 

Good Ole, Joe Dunninger was born this day, April 28th, way back in 1892. He died March 9, 1975, so he just made his 83rd birthday and then passed away a little over a week later. Largely forgotten today by the magic community and certainly almost completely forgotten by the general public. Yet he was an incredibly fascinating character and his life deserves a far more extensive look than has been done in the past. 

On my podcast, episode 99, I covered the Young Joe Dunninger, and sometime later I'll go over other aspects of his career, like his foray into Mentalism, his work with celebrities, his marriages, his radio and TV appearances and more.

For now, here is an item you might find interesting. This is from my collection, a billet used by Dunninger while he performed at The Blackstone Hotel in Chicago. It is approximately the size of a post it note.

Houdini Playing Cards For Sale

 

I had just discovered an Indiegogo page for these playing cards and was going to post something. But it appears they are already printed and selling! So that makes it even better.

They are produced on US Playing Card Stock, in fact, I'm just going to copy their post.

Bicycle Harry Houdini Playing Cards by Collectible Playing Cards


Introducing the Bicycle Harry Houdini Playing Cards by Collectible Playing Cards. This deck is a must-have for both magic enthusiasts and playing card collectors. Printed by USPCC on Classic Stock Traditional Cut with an Air-Cushion Finish, ensuring a smooth and durable playing experience. The original hand-drawn art adds a touch of elegance and mystery to this deck.

But what sets this deck apart are the 6 Gaff Cards and 2 Reveals included. These gaff cards allow you to perform amazing illusions and tricks. The King of Cards Gaff Card can be uséd to magically change the front of the tuck case and reveal card. The Back Card - Opening Lock Gaff Card allows you to perform the illusion of locks opening or closing. And with the Joker Gaff Cards, you can even perform Houdini's famous escape from chains.

Don't miss out on adding this unique and stylish deck to your collection. Get your Bicycle Harry Houdini Playing Cards today!

Get them here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/326066935471?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=dlPrdSGSRKu&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=VQmgLegcRl-&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

The Next Podcast Will Be on Dr. Sesrad Meyers. Who???

Take a good look at the photo above. That is Dr. Sesrad Meyers, the clairvoyant, spook hunter, and carney. I will be profiling him in the next episode of my podcast. Why on earth would I devote episode #100 to such an unknown person? Well, you've got to admit, that there are quite a few episodes devoted to very unknown artists and some who were once well known but are now forgotten.

The man in that photo is largely responsible for the continued fame of another more well known magician. If history shows us anything, it demonstrates how easy it is to be forgotten once you pass away. Rare is the person who remains known, and even more rare the person who goes on to achieve legendary or mythical status. 

I didn't want to rush the episode, so it's going to be a few days yet before it's done. I have to get a work related project finished first, that takes priority. Then I can divulge the identity of this mystery artist. Do you know who he is?

Also, the next podcast is #100, which means I'm giving away PRIZES!!!!