Select Secrets: Rare & Important Magicana

Vernon, Dai (David Frederick Wingfield Verner). Three Souvenirs of the Night Dai Vernon Fooled Houdini. Chicago, 1922. The first a panoramic banquet photograph captioned, “Banquet in Honor of Houdini given by Chicago Assembly Society of American Magicians Ass’n. Great Northern Hotel Feb 6. 1922.” Pictured at large banquet tables in the hotel ballroom are Houdini, Russel Walsh, Harlan Tarbell, Dr. A.M. Wilson, Eddie McLaughlin, a young Laurie Ireland, Sam Margules, and Dai Vernon. Considerably chipped, torn, and with small losses, but professionally repaired and laid down to archival board. 10 ¾ x 17 ¾”. The second object a ticket on pale green card stock printed in black ink, with the number 419 overprinted in red ink, giving the bearer entry to the event; and the third item a one-page form letter signed by the secretary of the Chicago S.A.M. assembly inviting the recipient to the Houdini Night banquet. The former rubbed, and the latter with old folds, but both in good condition overall. These ephemeral items chronicle a night that looms large in the history of conjuring, and one that helped set the seal on Vernon’s status as one of the world’s leading exponents of sleight-of-hand. It was at this banquet that Vernon earned the moniker that would serve him in great stead: “The Man Who Fooled Houdini.” The photograph was Vernon's own prized possession, having been obtained by the consignor from Vernon's family.