BODIE, Walford (1869 – 1939). Archive of Bodie Research, Correspondence and Manuscripts. Compiled and written by Elliot Williams — a British entertainer who performed as “the last of the barnstormers" and as a “one man theatre" — circa 1965, the archive is comprised of manuscript notes, typed stories, original research material, and all manner of information regarding the career of Bodie, the “bloodless surgeon" and self-proclaimed doctor who used electricity and other sham treatments in his stage productions to apparently cure the sick and cause other marvelous occurrences. Bodie also performed more traditional magic tricks and was frequently accompanied on stage by his son and other family members.
Subjects treated include “last memories" of Bodie, the building of his manor house in Scotland, the Bodie Riot, masonic matters, Bodie's “discoveries" who became stars, and other topics. Approximately 150 pages of manuscript material and several notebooks, all apparently unpublished, much of it written and gathered in preparation for a book on Bodie by Williams. Also included are photos of Williams, later images of Bodie, press releases, radio scripts (“Contribution to ‘Voice of the North'" regarding Bodie), ALSs and TLSs to Williams with memories of Bodie and his stage shows, drawings of Bodie, photographs of his gravesite, copies of original documents, periodicals, a fascinating trove of ALSs from John Hutcheson to Williams regarding Bodie, and more.
All housed in two black three-ring binders. A fascinating and possibly untapped trove of material related to this curious music hall entertainer and magician.