So, we here at Propelled Pasteboards built this blog using remarkable 21st century technology to research and share information about 19th and 20th century pieces of cardstock. Collectors from an earlier generation used more limited technology to record bits of information about the history of magic. And we're grateful.
Take, for example, this fine specimen for "Gordon Wesley & Co.", a magic troupe with a "Booker" named Edith Wesley. Some collector used a pencil - yes, that old technology - to record the name "Waite" on the face of the card, which helped significantly in figuring out this item's significance.
Billboard reported in 1938 that "MR. AND MRS. JOHN W. WAITE and sons, Cortland and Richard, of Gloversville, N.Y., have built and routined an hour’s show which they are presenting in New York State churches, schools and clubs under the billing of Gordon Wesley and Company." Seems like we're onto something.
In January 1938, Linking Ring also reported this information, adding that the show, ran an hour and, as reflected on the card, was called "Modern Miracle." "Mr. Waite and son Cortland are the performers, Richard Waite stage assistant, and Mrs. Waite pianist," Linking Ring reported. "The show has plenty of flash, and is being booked constantly." Later that year, Linking Ring announced that
"the Waite family was going to Los Angeles, California to make their home" and they'd be billing under the Gordon Wesley moniker.
Hugard's Magic Monthly reported in 1956 on 19th New England Magic Convention where "Dick Waite" was deemed the Best of the Acts presented. Intermittent reports in the late 1950s through early 60s about Dick Waite, often referred to as Boston's "bundle of atomic energy," performed in various nightclubs and magic venues, did a turn in the army, offered children's matinee performances at theaters running Bugs Bunny cartoons and worked at Holden's Magic Shop.
In 1974, MUM contained an Assembly Report indicating:
Dick Waite, Jr., and eventually his son Leonard, continued the family tradition of magic thereafter.
Take, for example, this fine specimen for "Gordon Wesley & Co.", a magic troupe with a "Booker" named Edith Wesley. Some collector used a pencil - yes, that old technology - to record the name "Waite" on the face of the card, which helped significantly in figuring out this item's significance.
Billboard reported in 1938 that "MR. AND MRS. JOHN W. WAITE and sons, Cortland and Richard, of Gloversville, N.Y., have built and routined an hour’s show which they are presenting in New York State churches, schools and clubs under the billing of Gordon Wesley and Company." Seems like we're onto something.In January 1938, Linking Ring also reported this information, adding that the show, ran an hour and, as reflected on the card, was called "Modern Miracle." "Mr. Waite and son Cortland are the performers, Richard Waite stage assistant, and Mrs. Waite pianist," Linking Ring reported. "The show has plenty of flash, and is being booked constantly." Later that year, Linking Ring announced that
"the Waite family was going to Los Angeles, California to make their home" and they'd be billing under the Gordon Wesley moniker.
Hugard's Magic Monthly reported in 1956 on 19th New England Magic Convention where "Dick Waite" was deemed the Best of the Acts presented. Intermittent reports in the late 1950s through early 60s about Dick Waite, often referred to as Boston's "bundle of atomic energy," performed in various nightclubs and magic venues, did a turn in the army, offered children's matinee performances at theaters running Bugs Bunny cartoons and worked at Holden's Magic Shop.
In 1974, MUM contained an Assembly Report indicating:
At a recent Assembly meeting in Boston, for the after-business meeting entertainment, there they were on stage all lined up, the equipment seemed very familiar, could it be??? Yes, it was Dick Waite’s old props but with the son of Dick Waite on stage center waving his wand and making the milk vanish, the silks change, and of course the same two Hippety-Hop Rabbits just as they were back some 20 years ago. . . . Dick Waite, Jr. you did fine in your premiere performance before the Assembly. Keep up the good work. . . .
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