Ernest Schieldge

Ernest K. Schieldge (aka Don Rogers) was born February 20, 1900 in Hartford, Connecticut. At an early age of twelve, young Ernest saw the performance of William J. Hilliar who was under contact with the Barnum & Bailey Circus in Hartford. Young Ernest watched Hilliar as he performed amazing card and coin effects. Hilliar had noticed there was one familiar face in each of his performances throughout the day. After either the fifth or sixth show, Hilliar approached his young fan, introduced himself. Hilliar took young Ernest under his wing and taught him the building blocks of the art of magic. Once the master performer explained a few basic tricks of magic to the lad; Ernest was hooked.

Ernest took the name stage name Don Rogers. He continued his newfound interest in magic and performed at churches, lodges, and service clubs in the surrounding areas of Hartford. Living in Hartford had a number of prime advantages and the best one was the Parson's Theatre on Prospect Street. Don was able to enjoy performances of numerous magicians who happen to visit. Houdini, Blackstone, The Great Leon, and even Adelaide Herrmann came to to Hartford to entertain and Ernest made sure he was in the audience. Using his knowledge of what he had learn from the books and tricks he purchased from his well-worn Roterberg catalog, Don continued to perform as many shows as he could.

In 1922, three young performers got together and took their idea of a “correspondence society” to be able to exchange ideas on magic and created what is known today as International Brotherhood of Magicians. The name was the idea of Len Vintus of Winnipeg, Canada. Included in this triangle of tricksters was Gordon Eugene Avery who went by the name Gene Gordon. Gordon created the name of the club’s first mimeographed issue of The Linking Ring. The last member of the team was Don. He was the co-editor, secretary, and also designed the official emblem of the I.B.M. that is still being used today. Don remained affiliated with the magazine for two years while he continued to book his magic and ventriloquism shows.

The back of this card is a red Bee design.

In 1930, he met a concert singer from Cleveland by the name of Bertha L. Spery. Only months after their first meeting, the couple was married in Hartford and moved to Philadelphia. Don continued his schedule of working the local clubs, as well as the Antrim Lyceum Circuit. During the Second World War, Don traveled from Rhode Island and throughout the upper eastern states and performed for the troops in the U.S.O. shows. His show included illusions like Shooting through a Woman, the Guillotine, and a number of smaller effects. Bertha would assist Don and create wonderful images with her rag picture demonstration.

 In 1948, Don and Bertha moved to Southern California. He continued to perform both his magic and ventriloquism acts for the Elks, the Chamber of Commerce, and his own Masonic club. He was a past I.B.M. International Vice President and always kept his love for the art alive throughout his life. Don was booked for an appearance at the social hall of the First Christian Church in North Hollywood on June 4^th, 1971. The performance never took place. Don’s health was failing and on July 5, 1971 he passed away.