The newly released book, Richard Potter, America’s First Black Celebrity, will certainly spark new interest in the first American-born magician and ventriloquist. Details about Potter’s life and performance are scarce but tantalizing. NEMCA member and Yankee Magic Editor Editor, Andrew Pinard, has assembled details on Potter’s life and career, as well as pictures of the Potter’s final resting place.
Read more on Absolutely Magic.
For many years, Ray Goulet provided a complimentary DVD about his New England Mini-Museum of Magic. Ray and Ann have now shared this video tour with visitors to the NEMCA site. Ray shows rare items from his collection, demonstrates the Card Spider, and discusses how he started collecting.
Enjoy visiting with Ray Goulet at the New England Mini-Museum of Magic.
Gary Hunt recently started a fascinating site dedicated to Handcuff Queens: woman escape artists who operated during the Houdini era. Who knew?
Learn about the Pauline and Lewis, early pioneers of the escape act, and Marie Shannon’s original publicity stunts performed as “Lady Raffles”. As Gary says, “Hopefully this blog will provide these performers with some of the recognition they deserve.”
Visit Handcuff Queens
The Board of Governors proudly announces the New England Magic Collectors Association’s 2017 Founders Award has been presented to the American Museum of Magic of Marshall, Michigan.
by Ann Goulet
Around 1974 Ray Goulet made a decision that it was time to sell the illusions and magic accumulated over a thirty year period that he was no longer using. He would keep only the magic for his club date act and maybe a few pieces to which he had become attached.