The Poignant Tale of F.O. Harrell

This item, though not a throwing card, is close enough for the story I'd like to share.  Printed on cardstock with rounded corners and a poorly-superimposed image of the performer wielding the famed billiard balls and a contemporary magician's table, it is a promotional children's show ticket, presumably given out for free (but the parents would certainly have to pay to get in).   Thanks to my friend and fellow historian Michael Claxton, I know that the featured performer, Frank Owens Harrell was born in Georgia in April 1867, and settled in Waltham and Newtonville, MA.

In 1906, The Sphinx noted:

F. O. Harrell, the Musical Magician, of Waltham, Mass.,has worked his magic wand to good advantage, as he has just completed four handsome houses of two flats each in Waltham. Mr. Harrell issues a very attractive announcement of his entertainment

Additionally, I found several a few Chautauqua-type references to Harrell.  But those halcyon days would come to a halt when the nation fell into the depths of the Great Depression.  The other piece I acquired was the following letter typed on cheap onionskin. The accompanying photo appears to have been clipped from a two-color brochure. Yet, it is the most poignant piece in my collection, and its threadbare appearance is part of its story:

The letter speaks volumes about the times.   In the letter, Harrell offers to sell an effect "on account of dull business"-- for the sum of $1.75 -- that he describes as a closely-guarded masterpiece that had been part of his program for 35 years.

Harrell died on Halloween 1945 - three years after typing that letter.

Even for those capable of working wonders, the world can be a tough place.