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EVOLUTION OF NATIONAL MAGIC DAY/WEEK

by Edward Saint

I have the honor of recording the first publicised HOUDINI DAY which was celebrated in the Summer of 1928 in New York City. Special posters and handbills heralding HOUDINI DAY were widely distributed days in advance of the affair and because of Houdini's known aquatic feats, a Houdini Trophy (loving cup) was personally presented by Mrs. Harry Houdini to the underwater contest winner at the Miramar Pool, 207th Street, New York.

Although several Houdini Days have been celebrated, at various dates, including one held in midocean on a Transatlantic liner, the first concentrated effort of a magical society, to my knowledge, was the request of the S. A. M., Chicago, through Mr. Les Sholty for official sanction to hold a Houdini Day in connection with their local celebration in November 1938, in Chicago.

In a personal interview with Mr. Les Sholty, Jr., I not only gave Mrs. Houdini's full sanction but suggested that if the Society would move the date forward to October 31st, (Hallowe'en) I would personally attempt to make it a National affair and to establish this date as a permanent commemoration each year throughout the United States and Canada.

I further worked out the plan for free performances by magic societies and individuals to be given to shut-in kiddies, and that the day should be known as NATIONAL MAGIC DAY commemorating Houdini. Young Mr. Sholty agreed to submit the National idea and the changed date to Chicago.

While still awaiting verification of acceptance from Chicago I founded National Magic Day July 20th, 1938 and it was officially adopted by the P. C. A. M., at convention headquarters at San Jose, California. Mr. Caro Miller, Press Relations Manager for the Pacific Coast convention, released the official action to the newspapers. The Associated Press, United Press and the International News Service carried the story on that date.

The same night, July 20., over Radio Station KQW., I broadcast the entire outline of National Magic Day. Mr. Caryl S. Fleming, President of P. C. A. M. and Mrs. Harry Houdini were on the same program.

First editorial, commenting on the adoption of a special day honoring Houdini appeared in the San Jose News July 22nd.

First paid ad appeared in the August issue of the "Sphinx", in colors, thru the efforts of Mr. Ray Gamble of Tacoma, Washington.

Following the convention on the West Coast in July, I immediately made a transcontinental trip to the East and appearing before the Parent Assembly of the S. A. M., in New York, my outline for National Magic Day was unanimously adopted. Photographs of the occasion were taken and the story, released by the executive committee thru New York columnists, was carried into every state in the Union, including Alaska.

I jumped to Philadelphia and contacting Mr. Harry Otto and appearing before the Houdini Club of Phila., I established co-operation between the several Clubs for the observance of National Magic Day.

During- my trip North I broke stories in the press re N.M.D., in Manchester, N.H., Bridgeport, Conn., and Boston, Mass. (Daily Record, Aug. 26., A. P.)

Jumping all the way to Key West, Florida, I again broke mention of National Magic Day in Key West, Melbourne, Miami and Tampa. Various Magical Societies including S. A. M. Chicago, got out special National Magic Day letter-heads and printed programs and formed committees to handle the sponsored day.

Radio programs were put on in various parts of the U. S. and the S. A. M. Chicago, cooperating thru Mr. Ransom Sherman of the National Broadcasting Co., enacted an excellent magic program honoring Houdini that was heard Coast to Coast.

The Wisconsin Houdini Club covered the entire State with their press releases. The Pacific Coast broke many stories carrying numerous 2, 3, and 4 column 'human interest' photos.

Through the efforts of Mr. Wm. Larsen, editor of Genii, the chairman of the board of directors of Pasadena, Calif., Mr. Edward Nay officially proclaimed Magic Day, urging citizens to cooperate throughout Pasadena. (Pasadena Post, Oct. 26).

National Magic Day was celebrated in different sections of the United States, in some cases over a period of several days around Hallowe'en in order to reach the many Orphanages and Hospitals in their vicinity, regardless of Race or Religion.

Magic publications gave plenty space recording the activities before and after the National Event. Newspapers of America were more than generous.

Mr. Caryl S. Fleming, Près. P. C. A. M., sent out special form letters to the four corners of the earth contacting various foreign magical societies outlining National Magic Day, urging its adoption by the members of the newly formed International Alliance of Magicians.

In some cities, especially by S. A. M. Chicago and the Houdini Club of Wis., the day was observed as National Houdini Day.

And Les Sholty—thanks a million for your cooperation, your untiring activity and your many valued connections that helped to make the National Event a grand success.

In the succeeding years, Magicians and Lovers of Magic will remember that Hallowe'en is All Wizzards, All Witches day and is and of a right ought to be National Magic Day. Only through the united action of Magicland can you make the world magic conscious. All honor to magicians!

Edward Saint.

963 North Mariposa Ave., Hollywood, Calif.
Conductor World Wide Final Houdini Seance, 1936
Originator and Founder National Magic Day, 1938.

This would eventually evolve into National Magic Week which is the last 7 days of each October. Each year magicians are reminded about National Magic Week, the charity work, and the legacy to Houdini. Below is an example from Abbott's in 1961 about National Magic Week/Day.