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donSatalic New user 1 Post 
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Hi,
I'm a writer working on a novel that involves magic and magicians in Chicago set in 1947. I was wondering if anyone here remembers visiting the Ireland Magic Shop at 109 North Dearborn, Chicago, IL. It was on the fourth floor of that building. Thanks for anything that will help. Don P.S. My last novel "Return of the Falcon" is at Amazon. |
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Julie Inner circle 3948 Posts
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Hello Don,
You might want to consult two vintage books by Frances Ireland (Marshall) entitled: With Frances In Magicland and You Don't Have To Be Crazy. Julie |
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Anatole Inner circle 1917 Posts
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There's a bit of history at:
http://www.magicinc.net/about-us.aspx If you use any of their email, phone, or snail mail info at http://www.magicinc.net/contact-us.aspx I would guess that they will be able to help you. The brief history at the "About Us" site says: "Begun as the Ireland Magic Company, founded by Laurie L. Ireland in 1926, Magic Inc., located in Chicago, was incorporated in 1963 by Jay Marshall and Frances Ireland Marshall." ----- Sonny
----- Sonny Narvaez
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Tom Jorgenson Inner circle LOOSE ANGLES, CALIFORNIA 4451 Posts
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I was there many times, I bought my copy of Greater Magic there, for $12, I was taking art classes at the Institute and would skip boring classes to visit Ireland's.
We dance an invisible dance to music they cannot hear.
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GS121002 Veteran user but he still can't help build a border wall with only 313 Posts
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I went to Amazon to check out your "Return of the Falcon" where I was going to buy a copy but was surprised to find it was a Kindle edition. I've never done Kindle books before but would love to read it. Maybe I'm just stuck in the 70's.
Gary Salisbury
San Diego, CA It's a fact! - Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. (This line censored by Dave Scribner because it is in Latin) - What you believe is real, is real! Who was that masked man and what is he all about? - https://www.pinterest.com/garydsalisbury/ |
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts
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Yes! I remember the 109 shop very well, although I only visited it once, in the mid '50s.
When you got off the elevator, you were "in" the shop! A long counter stretched from the left wall to the right wall. There was room for possibly a dozen "customers" or potential customers! Shelving behind the counter displayed props like die boxes, dove pans, and "Otto the Automaton Duck!" The counter "held" gimmicks, card decks, and, "envelope magic". Frances was behind the counter. Laurie was "at home", in Oak Park, making gimmicks! The next time that I was in Chicago, Ireland's was Magic Inc. (on Lincoln Ave.)
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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santlerconjurer Veteran user 370 Posts
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I spent as much time there as possible between the ages of 12 and 18.
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts
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Quote:
On Mar 3, 2014, Julie wrote: And, also, "My First Fifty Years" by Frances Marshall MAGIC INC. is still operating a "B&M" in Chicago at 1838 W. Lawrence Ave. Chicago IL 60640
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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Julie Inner circle 3948 Posts
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Thanks for remembering My First 50 Years, Dick. We were present at that celebration in Chicago!
Now I'm going to have a look in the "archives" to see if that booklet is here. If so, it will make a FUN re-read and just might jog a memory or two. 
Julie |
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Dick Oslund Inner circle 8357 Posts
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Yer most welcome!
I had to miss Fran's 50th. I was on the road. School show itineraries are set a year in advance!
SNEAKY, UNDERHANDED, DEVIOUS,& SURREPTITIOUS ITINERANT MOUNTEBANK
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Julie Inner circle 3948 Posts
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'Just located My First 50 Years! What a delight. I'd forgotten how warm and personal Frances' writing style is. It's like listening to a story shared by an old friend.
Highly recommended. Julie |
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Deckstacker Elite user Sunny SoCal 442 Posts
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Quote:
On Apr 16, 2023, Deckstacker wrote (in part, in a different Café thread): Perhaps a bit tacky to quote myself as above, but it seemed to fit into the nostalgic theme of this thread, so ... there you have it. One of my fondest memories from back then is of one time when the lady herself (Frances M.) graciously invited me to a private, by-invitation-only evening gathering--as I recall, in a loft on one of the upper floors of the Dearborn building--where local and visiting out-of-towners would come and demonstrate their latest effects to each other. I was especially impressed by a birdcage vanish, after which the performer then proceeded to reveal his self-made "secret" sleeve mechanism to the enthusiastic onlookers. It was in that moment, I believe, that I first felt myself to be part of the brotherhood of magicians--such a thrill for a young, green novice!
Never try to teach a pig how to sing. You will waste your time, and it annoys the pig.
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| The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » For the record » » Ireland Magic Company ?? (3 Likes) | |
Posted: Feb 27, 2014 09:14 pm 
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