This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/21/2022
[BLACKSTONE] Scrapbook kept by Blackstone Assistant Merle Norton. Spanning 1947-48, and being a folio-size album of approximately 72 leaves. Includes dozens of candid photographs from stops on the tour, Christmas cards, Blackstone programs, personal letters, news clippings, postcards, letters, baggage tags, hotel receipts, and telegrams, as well as dozens of other pieces of ephemera. Among the magic memorabilia included are a TLS from Blackstone to Norton asking her to join the show in Buffalo, New York in 1947 for its opening (on Blackstone letterhead, signed “Harry”), a postcard making the same request signed “HB” in pencil for another season, postcards of Blackstone Island, business cards from the Blackstone show, theatrical headshots of Norton, candid photos of Walter Gibson and Pete Bouton along with other Blackstone Co. cast members, and assorted related memorabilia. Accompanied by a secondary photo album from a trip to Atlantic City, and a later album of memorabilia from Norton’s life long after parting ways with the show. Condition of the scrapbook fair to good, with many pages torn and chipped and worn, and many items loose, though contents in good to very good condition. A fascinating archive related to one of the great touring American magic shows.