SCHUYLER LAKE – The Annual Magic Convention of the Hall of Fame of
Famous Unknown Magicians and Clowns was held Saturday, June 3, at the
Herkimer Farm in Schuyler Lake. Attending were about 30 magicians and
clowns from upstate New York, Buffalo, Maine, Washington, D.C. and
Florida.
A special lecture on close-up magic was presented by Karl Norman,
from Buffalo. He was also on the big show held at 5 p.m. on the stage
in the old hop barn, which at one time housed hop pickers in upstate
New York prior to prohibition. Hops were used to make beer and prior to
prohibition there were many hop-growing farms upstate. Hendrick
Herkimer, brother of the Revolutionary hero General Nicholas Herkimer,
originally owned the Herkimer home in Schuyler Lake.
The historic home and barn, designated by the state of New York, has
housed a magic museum, Hall of Fame and theatre since 1988, when
Charles Zuis obtained the property.
This year’s convention highlighted the work and contributions of
Norman, who has been a performer for over 70 years. Norman was featured
at a prominent restaurant in Buffalo called the Folks Hotel and has
been prominent in magic circles all over the country. His forte is
close-up magic.
Close-up magic is performed right in front of your face in a
restaurant or bar or close-up room. A special lecture was held for the
magicians present and Norman was featured in the evening show.
The Hall of Fame recognized Zuis for founding the museum and Hall of
Fame by presenting him with the National International Brotherhood of
Magicians Silver Memorial Ring and a portable close-up table in the
form of a miniature garbage can, based on the fact that his comedy
magic is presented from a real garbage can.
Zuis is a well-known magician throughout the area and all over the
United States. He is a member of the prestigious Magic Castle of
Hollywood California, past president of magic clubs in Washington, D.C.
and in Wilkes Barre, Pa., member of the world renowned 4Fs in Rochester
and a prominent performer at local venues such as Rotary clubs,
McDonald’s Restaurant, Ilion Days and Rome Canal Days.
Zuis will be appearing at the Schuyler Lake Methodist Church for a
benefit during the evening, July 17, and at Canal Days in Rome,
Aug. 5.
The attendees enjoyed tours of the museum and hands on examination
of the many books and magical props. Many members presented their magic
and clowning at the parlour shows.
Some of the performers were: Matt Episcopo, Morrisville; Dan Murphy,
Barneveld; Leon Etienne, Utica; Ray Cerio, Syracuse; Jimmy Ichihana,
Herkimer; Alan Drew, Mt. Desert, Maine, and Charles Zuis, who served as
the master of ceremonies during the evening show.
The Hall of Fame is open on special occasions or by appointment.
Birthday parties are held in the theatre by special arrangement.
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