From the envelope: Harry Blackstone (1885-1965) born Henry Bouton in Chicago, Illinois, wowed audiences with such classic illusuins as the Buzz Saw, Dancing Handkerchief and the floating Light Bulb. His full evening show of "1001 Wonders" was classical. His career started in the days of Vaudeville, lasting through to the age of Television. Blackstone featured fast moving magic with sense of humor, glamour and excitement that established him as America's top stage magician. He used many beautiful posters to promote his show. Released on November 5, 1994 at Yankee Gathering V.

From the envelope: Harry Blackstone, Jr. gives hundreds of performances around the world each year. His 1980 Broadway Show "Blackstone!" was the largest, longest-running show in the history of New York theatre. He brings to the stage a legacy of American theatrical tradition that dates back for nearly a century. Harry Blackstone, Jr. is the gifted son of and professional heir of The Great Blackstone. He is the recipient of numerous awards from the Academy of Magical Arts. The Society of American Magicians and his fans all over the world. (Poster courtesy of Harry Blackstone, Jr.). Released on November 5, 1994 at Yankee Gathering V. (Note: some of these envelopes contain a larger image of Blackstone but are missing his name).

From the envelope: Harry Houdini (1874-1926) Harry Houdini is the most famous name in the history of magic. Born Ehrich Weiss in Budapest, Hungary, he became a genius in the art of escape. A fantastic showman, he traveled throughout Europe with a challenge escape act that featured extreme physical prowess. Returning to America he became so famous that even today he is known as one of the world's greatest magicians. He died on Halloween, which has since become National Magic Day. (Poster courtesy of Ray Goulet). Released on November 7, 1992 at Yankee Gathering IV.

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From the envelope: Harry Houdini (1874-1926) Born Erich Weiss, probably in Budapest took his name from the celebrated French conjuror Robert-Houdin. When he was seventeen he quit his job as a tie cutter and added an "I" to his hero's name and became Houdini. With his younger brother Theo, who later became as Hardeen, he began performing in dime museums. This early poster proclaims his skill in manipulating cards. The "King of Cards" was later to become the "king of Handcuffs." (Poster courtesy of Doug Kelm). Released on November 7, 1992 at Yankee Gathering IV.

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From the envelope: Harry Keller (1849-1922). Born un Erie, Pennsylvania, Kellar traveled America and made two World Tours with a full evening Magic Show. He was famous or his presentation of Maskelyne's Levitation, the Spirit Cabinet and several automations, including "Psycho." His posters featured little red devils which were copied by other performers. Kellar used many beautiful lithographs advertising his large show. When he retired in 1908 he handed his wand over to Howard Thurston who then became America's foremost magician. (Poster courtesy of Ray Goulet). Released on November 7, 1992 at Yankee Gathering IV.

From the envelope: Jean Henri Servais Le Roy (1865-1953) was a great entertainer and inventor of magic. Magicians still perform his Asrah illusion in which a lady is levitated and then vanished in mid-air. Le Roy was born in Belgium and with his wife "Talma" and a comic addition called "Bosco" they headed a full evening show and toured the world. Le Roy died in Keansburg, New Jersey where he had stored his show and lived his last days in the memory of his past accomplishments. He was a classic magician and could always be recognized b his long pointed mustache. He was a graceful man and performer. He was equally at home with large illusions or multiplying playing cards between his fingers. His wife Talma did a remarkable coin act and they were billed as the "Monarchs of Magic." (Poster courtesy of William V. Rauscher). Released on November 5, 1994 at Yankee Gathering V.

From the envelope: Jay Marshall - Dean Of The Society Of American Magicians. Awarded in 1992 as a lifetime honor for a lifetime of achievements. Jay's bedrock is in his knowledge of the history and culture of Magic. He is an author, editor, collector, historian and performer "par excellence." Jay and "Lefty" always receive a standing ovation for their performance. His audiences know that some of that affection is in appreciation of his many contributions to Magic. (Poster awarded to Jay Marshall by Manfred Thumm at the Magic Hands Kongress in Germany). Released on November 5, 1994 at Yankee Gathering IV.

From the envelope: Howard Thurston toured with the Wonder Show of the Universe for 28 years. The show had 18 large scale illusions and 40 assistants. Thurston played throughout the United States, and in Europe, Australia, Philippines, China, Japan, Java, Burma, and India. He was the first to bring his show to Broadway. He featured the Levitation of the Princess Karnak. The Rising Cards and the floating ball until his retirement in 1931. (Poster courtesy of Ray Goulet). Released on November 5, 1994 at Yankee Gathering V.

From the envelope: Howard Thurston (1869-1936). The premiere illusionist is the United States for more than 30 years. Performing countless illusions in his "Wonder Show of the Universe" including his most famous levitation of a beautiful girl who would rise and float across  the stage while Thurston would intone… "There she lies asleep in space, suspended by nothing but the power of thought. There she can remain in peace for two hours, two weeks, two years. The slightest sound, the slightest whisper can disturb her sleep." Released on November 7, 1992 at Yankee Gathering IV.

From the envelope: Von Arx (Charles H. Nicol, 1872-1958) Von Arx was the older brother of Nicola. He once performed with Blackstone (nee Bouton) in an act called, "Bouton & Kelso" with Blackstone playing the part of Dr. Kelso. Von Arx  toured Asia, Africa, India, The Malay States, Java, Sumatra, Hong Kong, Manila, Shanghai and Japan. During WWI and WWII he performed at camp shows for the American troops. He toured the Nicola show across America and presented one of the first Spook & Magic shows. He retired to Monmouth, Illinois and died at the age of 86. (Poster courtesy of Jay Marshall). Released on November 7, 1992 at Yankee Gathering IV.