Harry Thurston

While Harry Thurston (November 3, 1873 – May 7, 1941) was gazing into the lens of camera for his throw out card image, he had more than magic on his mind. Yes, his brother, Howard Thurston was known throughout the world as the magician extraordinaire while Harry, kept far away from the spotlight and fame. When Howard needed money, Harry was always there with the financial assistance (although neither of the brothers were able to keep money in their pockets for too long), Harry seemed to have any amount available for his brother…for a price. As additional consideration for security for the loan, Harry ended up having a storage area filled with several of Howard’s large magic illusions.

Harry figured the props weren’t making money for him packed away gathering dust, so he came up with the idea of creating a touring illusion show under a tent (much to Howard’s consternation). Harry called this new show "Thurston’s Mysteries of India." With the assistance of his wife Rae (as Princess Ranee), he attempted to make his mark in the world of magic. Harry had very little idea how the majority of the illusions worked, so he enlisted the help of two visiting Australian magicians first, Les Levante and eventually, Percy Abbott, and others. The other performers found in a very short time, Harry’s method of performing wasn’t up to performance levels to brother Howard’s. It didn’t take long before both of the performers left the show. Then George Boston was hired to assist the ill-fated show. Boston left the tour too after being put through the ringer. In a short time, the show was packed away in storage until 1938. That’s when a young professional magician approached Harry (with George Boston's assistance) and purchased the entire show. His name was Will Rock (William George Rakauskas). Once the show was gone and the payment was made Harry and Rae were able to continue with their lives without the burden of that large possession. In February of 1941, Harry and his wife Rae drove down to Florida were they stayed in the town of Punta Gorda on Florida's west coast. While they were visiting the Miami area, Harry was admitted to Jackson Memorial Hospital on May 5th. Two days later Harry passed away on May 7, 1941 due to his condition of heart disease and diabetes.