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CrossMagic New user 34 Posts |
So I'm traveling America, and I'm currently in Chicago for a couple of days. Decided to Google some Magic Shops and headed to one called Magic Inc
Now this is the first time I have ever set foot inside a Magic Shop in my 15 year career as a Magician, I've always just purchased online. I swear I was like a kid at Christmas! Traveled across Chicago Town to this gem of a place which is one of the world's oldest Magic Shops! Great staff with an incredible stock. They were even kind enough to let me sign their guest book. I ended up purchasing a gimmicked deck, and three Murphy's Magic 'At The Table LIVE' Lecture Dvd's. I also spent a good two to three hours there chatting to staff and customers. I'd recommend the place to anyone. Cross |
Mike Powers Inner circle Midwest 2983 Posts |
Magic Inc. is legendary especially when it was on Lincoln Ave. Jay and Francis Marshall might be behind the counter! Ed Marlo would walk in. What a time!!
And half a block away was the New York Lounge with Heba Haba Al. You also would see Bill Malone there as well as Terry Vecky and others. Mike
Mike Powers
http://www.mallofmagic.com |
Julie Inner circle 3936 Posts |
Those were the days!
Julie (formerly from Chicago) |
ejohn Special user Atlanta 720 Posts |
I traveled America for 30 years. Not having thought about magic since about the age of 12 when my best friend got a Gilbert Mysto Magic set that I - not he - loved, in my late 20s I stumbled on the late Roy Kissell's FOX FUN AND MAGIC in Detroit. I bought a Cheek to Cheek packet trick, but he really fooled me with a $2.95 trick he called Mental Choice that used three colored dot cards and a pen. I thought about it for a week, and went back and bought it on my next trip. That was the rekindling of my fascination with magic, now a hobby of more than 40 years. Subsequently, the first thing I would do in a new town was check the Yellow Pages under "magician supplies". During my initial visit to Tannens in New York, Harry Lorayne was doing, and generously teaching, card tricks behind a counter. An hour later Frank Garcia walked in the store. I ended up buying his Million Dollar Card Magic that day, and most of Harry's books later. Also in New York, years later, I actually saw Phil Goldstein masterfully do the very same $2.95 mental trick at a magic venue then called the Magic Townhouse. Too bad there are so few brick and mortar shops left!
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Poof-Daddy Inner circle Considering Stopping At Exactly 5313 Posts |
During my over the road truck driving career, I would often stop and open up the yellow pages to find a local shop. (Pre internet days) And there were many great shops out there through the years. I would drop my trailer at the truck stop and bobtail to the magic shops. Those were great times when you could actually see the routine demonstrated without camera work and even check it out yourself often before buying. It was way better that reading a description in a paper catalog, sending a check/money order and crossing your fingers because "refunds" did not exist back then. You bought the "secret" too bad for you if the props were junk.
Cancer Sux - It is time to find a Cure
Don't spend so much time trying not to die that you forget how to live - H's wife to H on CSI Miami (paraphrased). |
peculiarone Veteran user Fence almost done. I've already put in 324 Posts |
Originally from Chicago, I got my start in magic there. I walked in and Bruce Bernstein was behind the counter. I told him I was just starting in magic and what book would he recommend. His answer, The Royal Road To Card Magic by Hugard and Braue. It was a great place to start. Now 31 years later still going strong and ever learning.
Magic Inc. was THE place in Chicago. Tony |
Stanyon Inner circle Landrum, S.C. by way of Chicago 3433 Posts |
Quote:
On Sep 27, 2016, peculiarone wrote: It still is THE place in Chicago...just moved up the road a piece. JMHO ('Cause I spent many formative hours there!)
Stanyon
aka Steve Taylor "Every move a move!" "If you've enjoyed my performance half as much as I've enjoyed performing for you, then you've enjoyed it twice as much as me!" |
Vlad_77 Inner circle The Netherlands 5829 Posts |
Magic, Inc. is simply legendary and truly a treasure. I went there to browse a bit back in 2003 and got a great deal on the bound Pallbearer's Review; I ad the opportunity to browse the books in the back. The shop at the time was still in its original location on N. Lincoln I mentioned that I was also looking for J.K. Hartman's CardCraft. One of the guys sold me his copy for the publication price. In 2003, Card Craft as already sneaking into the 125 dollar range.
Great service, superb demonstrators, and a must visit for all magicians visiting Chicago. |
Rainboguy Inner circle 1915 Posts |
Vlad_77:
Wow. I have J.K.Hartman's Cardcraft.......I got it way back when....I wonder how much it is worth today..... |
Vlad_77 Inner circle The Netherlands 5829 Posts |
Quote:
On Sep 27, 2016, Rainboguy wrote: On the after market I couldn't hazard a guess but that book is priceless to me as are all J.K. Hartman's books. I think he is the best kept secret in magic. By the way and off topic, if you have Card Dodgery, have a look at I Think ICAAN. It's an ACAAN variant but with a really magical twist. |
Kjellstrom Inner circle Sweden, Scandinavia, Europe 5203 Posts |
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CrossMagic New user 34 Posts |
Love hearing everyones experiences with the place. It's so nice that it has inspired and helped so many Magicians.
Cross |
pepka Inner circle Uh, I'm the one on the right. 5041 Posts |
I stopped at the new location in May while I was in town visiting family. Sandy, Pedro and the staff are so knowledgeable and fun to hang out with. Any card guys will need to stop by when the young Nathan Colwell is behind the counter. The young man is SCARY good...not just for his age...for ANY age! Oh, and next door to Magic Inc is the coolest grocery store I've ever seen...they have a wine bar and live piano player. Great spot to stop for lunch.
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