I never knew
Harry Alpigini, but like so many of the magicians I write about in columns and
posts, I wish I had. My particular interest is multifaceted. First, he was an
early member and supporter of magic in Philadelphia and then later had
significant influence on the Baltimore magic scene. He was colorful, highly
talented, a real insider, and finally…perhaps best of all…he was a collector!
Alpigini, his
actual family name for a change, was born in Philadelphia May 22, 1879. His
parents came from Italy, as did his older sister. He first became interested in
magic at age 5 and gave his first performance at 7 years of age. While he was
well-known in magic circles, and even more so as he grew older, his primary profession
was as an engraver, and apparently he was quite skilled.
According to The Sphinx, Alpigini applied for
membership in the S.A.M. in Dec. 1922 and was endorsed by the entire
Philadelphia assembly. Then S.A.M. President Harry Houdini accepted his
application.
In his very early performing years, Alpigini created and performed an act he called "Artographs," in which he dressed up in typical artist costume and created beautiful works of art from scraps of rags. It was the well-known and then, very popular, rag picture act. In my collection is a small three-fold brochure he used to promote himself. Shown below are the front and inside of the brochure.
