Oakland Magic Circle: 101 Years of Magic

The Oakland Magic Circle has continuously brought magicians together since 1925, making it the oldest independent magic club west of the Mississippi. Join us for an illustrated overview of the history of the club and key magical moments in Oakland. OMC Board member Gary Meyer and special guests will offer a history with anecdotes and visuals of important performers, writers, and magic inventors with connections to Oakland. Members will offer magical entertainment. Oakland has long been a draw for big name illusionists. In November 1915 Harry Houdini and his brother Hardeen both opened shows in Oakland, playing in directo competition at theaters only a few blocks apart. In 1923 Houdini dangled upside down from the Oakland Tribune Tower while strapped into a straitjacket, executing his signature escape for a large crowd. In 1967 Steve Baker recreated Houdini's suspended straitjacket escape from the Tribune Tower boasting that he "beat" Houdini by doing the escape one floor higher. David Copperfield performed at the Paramount and the Oakland Coliseum. Magic conventions, often sponsored by the Oakland Magic Circle, have drawn the world’s greatest prestidigitators to showcase their talents to other magicians and in public shows. How do Children's Fairyland, the Oakland Oaks, and Morcom's House of Novelties fit into the story of magic in Oakland? What about the head pharmacist at Providence Hospital, the editor of "Aunt Elsie's Page" in the Oakland Tribune, and the team physician for the Golden State Warriors and the Oakland Raiders? Find out at this entertaining and informational program, celebrating a donation of Oakland Magic Circle memorabilia to the Oakland History Center.