Reflections of a year gone by. . . .

Where has the time gone. Everyone is a year older and hopefully wiser. It has been a challenging year full of peaks and valleys but we have endured. To our sons in the military we stand by you and pray for you every day. Gods speed to you.

To all of the families who were in need this year we sincerely wish 2010 brings renewed enthusiasm and hope.

We have a lot to be thankful for. I have a beautiful family - kids, grandkids and parents who are healthy. What else could one wish for ? To all of our friends the world over we appreciate your business and above all else - your friendship and comraderie. Instead of looking back we look forward. Happy New Year to all of you from the Fisher's and FAB Magic.

Merry Christmas From The Entire Staff At FAB!

From the Entire Staff at FAB Magic - we want to take this opportunity to say 'thank you' for your continued support this past year. Even with challenging economic conditions we had a record sales year. We had to work twice as hard to get there but it was worth it.

There are changes for FAB in 2010 including a remodel in our showroom and moving and upscaling our production facility to another location here in Colon so that we may be able to offer more products to you - magic effects you will be proud to perform with. Stay tuned. . . .

In the meantime, reflect on the past year - enjoy your family. We are taking a few days off to do the same.

Merry Christmas and May God bless our troops (our two sons are in the military) - Looking forward to a prosperous 2010!

"These FAB Magic Spirit Slates Are Perfect!"

Our new Spirit Slates are taking off! Each set is hand made by our expert crafstman Al Littlejohn. We paint each set very carefully giving you the finest quality spirit slates on the market!

Heck....look at Jimmy Stewart and Bill Neff - They can't believe it either! Check out both sizes on our site http://www.fabmagic.com/

Welcome "Sleight of Hansen" Products!

FAB Magic is proud to announce the new line of hand turned exotic wood chop cups and magic wands by "Sleight Of Hansen" Magic. You can't believe the quality he puts into every single item! Each cup is hand turned and polished giving you the ultimate in close up magic. Some of these cups use five different styles of wood! The price? Well - beyond reasonable and a true work of art. Check out the entire line of wands and cups on our site - hint, hint, here is a great Christmas gift - show this to you significant other - hint, hint :)

Good magic and Great Friend....

In this month of giving 'thanks' I have saved the best for last. A dear friend who is always there to help out when I need a new set of instructions illustrated or need his artistic expertise. He was there when we wanted to open the shop, painting and whatever we asked of him. Mark Davis, a teacher in the Grand Rapids school system, has been a dear friend for nearly 50 years. We grew up together as our parent's were best friends. We started in magic about the same time coming to Colon in the mid 1960's. We both fell in love with magic.

Mark still puts on a good show and devotes most of his performance time to good causes. He does it because of his love of magic. Mark and his wife Rita, have two wonderful children Kayla and Alyssa. My hat is off to you good buddy! We couldn't have gotten this far without you!

Fun With the FAB Archives

As we put the finishing touches on our new book, Percy Abbott: Magical Years, we have found dozens of really neat photos that we just don't have room for in the book. Here is a picture of Dr. Harlan Tarbell performing a giant card effect on Blackstone Island in the 1950's.

We have also located some rare letters from Percy's daughter's (in Australia) describing early shows around 1910 or so...we will be sharing those with you on our new site percyabbott.com which will be operational within the next few weeks. Stay tuned here for more pics. Hope everyone is having a terrific holiday weekend!

Giving Thanks - Happy Thanksgiving!

We are so grateful this week for family and friends. This week the thoughts and prayers of the Fisher household are with our two boys, Lee & Cory, who are serving in the Army and Navy. They cannot be with us but we are with them in our hearts. God bless them. We love you.

We are also very thankful to our employees.

Indra Sanford, our chief seamstress and one of our art directors (Mark Davis is our illustrator and works in the R & D dept.) has just put the finishing touches on our new version of Arabian Tent we call "The Girl Next Door". The artwork is fabulous and, like everything else she puts out for us here at FAB, it is always top notch. Here is an illusion that is built for rugged wear and can be even custom painted for your specific show. Our standard version, see here, comes complete with carrying bag. All of it fits comfortably in the trunk of your car. Another reason why FAB Magic is quickly becoming the premiere magic manufacturer in the world....next week ...spotlight on our good friend and illustrator Mark Davis.

Our #1 Demonstrator - Richard Cory Fisher

A father becomes proudest when his son or daughter does something special. My oldest son Lee is headed to Afghanistan after serving one tour of Iraq and now my youngest.....Cory - that little blonde headed kid who used to be the smiling face behind our FAB counter and made dad proud by learning how to sell magic is now a Navy man.

My proudest moment for him came just days ago when, as a Navy submariner, received his silver dolphins pin. Here he is getting his recognition and it appears his commander is checking Cory's pockets for misplaced cards and sponge balls :) My hat is off to both my boys...I am damn proud of them !

A Study In Workmanship

Here at FAB Magic we take great pride in our products. Why? Because, in our opinion, we have the finest craftspeople in the business! Al Littlejohn, our wood shop foreman, who has been by my side for the past 7 years, takes great pride in building only the finest quality props and illusions. Take a look at an unfinished 'Frame Of Life & Death', one of five we are building. The attention to detail is unbelievable - just like everything he constructs for us in our wood shop. We are so very lucky to have Al as a part of our team that now consists of two woodworkers,electrician, seamstress, feather flower detailer and painter. We have many projects about to be released including livestock productions, mirror boxes, etc. Al is THE guy who makes it happen and he never wants accolades but I felt like it was high time our customers appreciate the care he gives each and every item FAB Magic puts out. So feel confident when you purchase anything from us - you receive the finest in the industry - bar none.

Read what Percy Abbott's daughter, Linda, wrote . . "

"Please tell Mr. Littlejohn this his work is not only gorgeous but that I can see Percy Abbott smiling. When he saw the work that his people put into effects, nothing made him smile more. I have watched him put an arm around a person who had just completed something this beautful and just hold them for a split second - tightly -as there were no words to express what he felt at that moment. What a true work of art Al!"

American Idol

Long before there was television's "American Idol" a true idol to many magicians the world over was this man - the incomparable Neil Foster. "Flawless Foster" as he was known, performed his act with confidence, ease and commanded the stage whether it was in Colon or peforming before the crowned heads of Europe. I just recently found these photographs and it reminded me of the day when I first became interested in magic and THE day I saw my first real magician - Neil Foster.

Neil is no longer with us but his legacy remains...Ah...I can close my eyes and still see that silver sphere come to life - the card, ball and cigarette manipulations. A magician's magician in every true sense of the word.

My Secret Wish Grandpa . . . .

My secret wish, grandma and grandpa, is that as we approach Thanksgiving this month we ALL give thanks for someone or something in our lives. Life is so precious and yet so fragile. We sometimes take it for granted.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween. I know I sure had fun at the Colon Lions Club Parade.

There were so many neat costumes. I can't wait til next year.

Luv,

Lily

Magical Escape In The Magic Capital!

Our 3rd Annual "Day Of Magic" was a huge success. Thank you to all who visited us on Saturday.

First a big thank you to Patrick Blair from Archbold, Ohio who staged our 1:00 show and helped us raised hundreds of cans/boxes of non-perishable food for the Colon food pantry. Christian Hill braved the cold weather along with his beautiful assistant Diana who performed illusions on the street.

Our big event featured Justin Holbrook, who got his start in magic here at FAB and was mentored by dear friend and sales mangager, the late Jack Barrows. We strapped Justin in a straight jacket and Professional Tree Climbers hoisted him up 50 feet in the air upside down and within 30 seconds Justin found a way to make his great escape. Hundreds of people showed up for the show and escape event. It truly was a great day in Colon, Michigan. We are already working on plans for 2010. I cannot forget to thank the Colon Fire & Police Department along with the Rescue squad who made sure everything went off without a hitch. Lots of media coverage helped put Colon on the map this Saturday! Thanks to them as well for being there and THANK YOU for believing in us! For the complete story go to http://sturgisjournal.com

Everything is Coming Up . . . Feathers!

Welcome our newest product to the FAB Magic family. These are our FAB SUPREME feather flower bouquets. Now available in Sleeve Bouquets in 5 and 6 blooms - solid and multi-color. We are also offering Garden of Flowers and Flower darts with more additions to come. Each flower is meticulously handcrafted here in our studio and designed with the professional in mind. Nope, these aren't your cheap, imported feather dusters from overseas. You will be proud to present these in your show - They are awe-inspiring and a real reputation maker. Listen to the oohs and ahs from your audience when they see these FAB SUPREME bouquets. Stay tuned to www.fabmagic.com for new and original feather products from the leader in handcrafted magic - The FAB Magic Company!

The BEST USED MAGIC is here!

Why is this man so happy? This is my partner Rick Fisher who is beaming with pride with the announcement of our new website bestusedmagic.com - Rick & I just returned from Fort Recovery, Ohio where we purchased the remaining collection of Hull Brothers Magic. You will find some very interesting and one of a kind pieces on bestusedmagic.com - all in near mint condition - Tenyo, Cornelius, Fedko, Abbott and so many more - vintage Thayer catalogs, VHS tapes - all at bargain prices! Don't delay as these items are selling fast! Okay, Rick needs me to go help pack and ship! Til next time....Riley Rabbit

I Dream Of Zombies . . . .

Our new 'Dream Zombie' has really taken off! We are shipping them out worldwide in all different colors! Drop it and it won't dent! They are gorgeous and weigh less than 3 oz! When these zombie balls float they really take on a life of their own. We are overwhelmed by the response and are tickled to death our customers like them so much. We might even have zombies floating all over the shop soon - and with Halloween on the way ..well, one never knows!

NEW Look at FAB Magic - Phase 1

Here is Phase 1 of our 'new look'. The floor plan is being updated and outside going to get new signage. It is a 'work in progress' and we think you will be pleased with the improvements. A separate performing stage has been introduced onto the main floor and an illusion section as well for the new illusions we will be making - seven of them - all at a reasonable price and built to last! Included: Aladdin's Flying Carpet, Frame of Life & Death,Guillotine, Bow Sawing, Chair Suspension, Palanquin and Sub trunk. These will be manufactured in - house with quality materials and workmanship. Stay tuned. The FAB Magic Company now has the largest store front in Colon and hundreds of new items are being added to the shelves - both used and new. Check out our new - used magic site - bestusedmagic.com for some real bargains!

Once In A Lifetime . . .

Once in awhile we get the opportunity to see 'real' magic - and this is about as close you will get. This is in our shop awaiting pick up from a customer. It is an original Blackstone Light Bulbs Through Girl built by De Yip Loo (one time assistant on the show). It's a real beauty and so ingenious and far ahead of it's time when Harry first added to his show in the 1940's. Who knows perhaps we will build one someday....stay tuned ;)

Talking 2010 - Lodges Already booked for next year!

My good friends Bev and Martha from Millers Landing Retreat here in Colon stopped by the shop today to tell me the cabins are already booked for magic week August 4-7th 2010 ! WOW! This is great news. I have received dozens of emails asking about magic week for next year and we still have 11 months to go! Unbelievable but great news nevertheless. The popularity of magic week is BACK and this is one sure sign things are turning around. FAB Magic already in the planning stages for several events including negotiations with some top magic personalities - so stay tuned - in the meantime if you want to book a cabin on beautiful Sturgeon Lake (just a few doors from the Blackstone house and minutes from downtown Colon) look them up at http://www.theretreatatmillerslanding.com/. Tell 'em Rick sent ya!

Facelift at FAB Magic!

This is the before photo. Kinda looks plain jane eh? Well that is about to change. We are about to undergo a facelift on the outside of our building. A new look with some surprises! When you come into Colon you will KNOW FAB Magic is the centerpiece of the downtown ! Plus we want to have finished before the first snowflake flies and the way this summer has gone that might not be too far away...brrrrr. ...shutter to think. All is well at FAB Magic and we have YOU our loyal customers to thank for it!

The Shelves ARE CRAMMED!

The shelves here at FAB Magic are crammed with magic - new arrivals weekly and now we boast over 1500 items in stock and on our shelves ready for your inspection. We are excited about our new chair suspension, Silks Off Rope, feather flower products, Bow Sawing, Roy Huston DVD and Christmas themed Magic Flying Carpet illusion. You are gonna love the new effects our research and development department are working on. Who is our R & D department? The staff includes:Mark Davis, Krag Ryal, James Kesler, Al Littlejohn. Every week we put our brains together and bounce ideas off each other and the end result is usually a top notch project. We have now introduced over 80 new items since our inception - 30 of those this in 2009 alone! If we think an item can be improved we work on it and dream how it CAN be more user friendly - i.e. Improved Acrobatic Silks & Dream Zombie (both sellouts at MagiCelebration). Do YOU have an idea? We are always open to new creations and adaptations to existing tricks. In the meantime watch our site for new products and DO check out our bestusedmagic.com site for the finest in USED magic,books and DVD's. See why FAB Magic is quickly becoming the premiere magic manufacturing company in the USA!

Open 'Mic' Nights at FAB A HUGE Success!

Our good friend Roger Bus from Kalamazoo gave us the idea of a late, late show for magic week. We tried it on Wednesday and Thursday...WOW what a response we received. SRO and everyone that wanted the opportunity to perform did their best stuff! Here is Phil Wilmarth working his handkerchief magic on the Wednesday night show. We'll do it again next year!

Our Staff is #1 - Numero Uno

This past week our sales staff anchored by Krag & Carole Ryal, Sam Durocher & James Kesler, set an all time record sales week. I owe them a lot and my simple 'thank you' isn't good enough. They are without a doubt very good friends and terrific sales people. They took the time to show a youngster how to correctly perform the simplest of effects and made sure they knew how to use it before they left our shop. Now that is CUSTOMER SERVICE! When you visit FAB Magic this is the kind of treatment you deserve and expect. The internet only stores take notice - magic shops still rule!

Here is Krag Ryal behind the counter at our new Dove-Lite silk display.

Remember this name. . . Chase Cottle

This young man, Chase Cottle, performed on our stage during our first annual 'open mike' night during magic week. It is quite refreshing to watch someone who has spent hours upon hours perfecting his art. He 'wowed' the SRO crowd here and with a little coaching this kid will go places - and he's only 13!

Magic Week - Oh What FUN!

Well...what can I say? Magic week was a huge success. Record numbers for FAB Magic! Here I am with Bob Sanders of DoveLite Silk Magic. FAB now carries his complete line of silks - over $50,000.00 inventory at our fingertips - we are proud to offer his wide array of products.

Box Jumping 101

Hey Grandpa! See I can be a box jumper too! I am ready for magic week - do you think I can work in one of FAB's new illusions? Well, I will keep practicing my newly acquired skill and in the meantime will look forward to seeing all of the magicians this week in Colon. Bye Gandpa :)

Magic Week - Our favorite time of the year

Magic Week is our favorite time of the year. We hope you can join us. If not we will be posting pics from time to time. Here is Percy, sons - Jules & Sid and daughter Linda watching and helping dad with the Temple of Benares. Jules passed away several years ago but Sid & Linda will be here to help us celebrate magic in their hometown this week. So, if you are in the area please stop in and say hello to them and the rest of our staff, Sam Durocher, James Kesler & Krag Ryal - let 'em know you enjoy Colon!

My favorite photo . . .

This is my favorite photo....The orginal hangs above my desk at the shop. It is pure Percy - looking intent and content at what he is doing. He loved this art of magic and the magicians that made it possible. As magic week quickly approaches, we feel a keen sense of responsibility to honor the man that made this all possible. Knowing that all of the remaining Abbotts will be here this year makes this even more special.

Percy & Suzy Wandas

Here is a wonderful photo of two legends - Suzy Wanda "The Lady With The Fairy Fingers' and Percy Abbott. Suzy was appearing here in Colon in the 50's. It was here she met and later married another magician, Dr. Zina Bennett. He had a fanning deck named after him...the Zinab card deck.

Suzy's act was poetry in motion and we have some archival footage of a performance that we are hoping to have restored and published in the future.

This picture was taken at the Abbott home in Colon.

This is neat photo brought to us by Joyce (Murphy). Joyce and brother Jerry shown here on carousel horse on Blackstone island - ca August 1939. Harry had it rigged so the kids could swing on it ..and they did everyday after school.The horse is long gone but Joyce isn't ;) and we thank her for this picture!

Bill Neff & Edgar Bergen

As we get closer to magic week I am searching the FAB Photo archives for the rarest of rare pics. Here is Bill Neff and Edgar Bergen in Colon working on a new accupuncture treatment. Bergen made a surprise appearance in Colon back in the 50's and most Colon resident didn't realize he spent several summers with Percy and the family. In fact, one year when Edgar arrived back in Hollywood folks were asking him where he had been staying. Nobody believed his story, so the following year Edgar had a film shoot made of him as if he was being run out of town - with Charlie McCarthy under one arm and Mortimer Snerd under the other, Colon residents were seen throwing rocks at Edgar as he jumped on the train and sped off. Of course it was all staged and done in good fun but Edgar was never again asked of his summer whereabouts. During the war, Percy's son, Jules Abbott and his army buddies spent a week at the Bergen 'ranch' - all caught on film for each of the boys. Someday we hope to publish that film. This town...Colon .. IS magic town...come see why!

Crucifixtion? Did it REALLY happen?

We have been asked so many times about the 'crucifixion' of Chami Khan at a magic gettogether in the 1950's. Did this really happen?Yes, it did! We have a complete collection of these photos but this one stood out...Chami's hands and feet were actually nailed to the cross and through concentration he was able to successfully control the flow of blood to these areas. It was quite a startling act - especially for this time period. Many spectators left in awe - some disgusted - some sick to their stomach...but leave it to the master showman, Percy Abbott, who pulled this off and made headlines across the country. More about this unique individual in our upcoming book, "Percy Abbott: Magical Years".

Everyone needs a hero.................

Ever since I was a kid my idol has always been and still to this day is Percy Abbott. Here is a rare photo of Perc and Mel Melson working behind the counter - doing what they do best...selling magic!

The Deceiver - New FAB Monthly Publication

In 1971 I started a publication called "The Deceiver". As a teen-age magician I edited and published this for three years. Contributors included Tom Zoss, Ed Mishell, Ralph Adams, Tony Torino and others. I have often thought about bringing it back and with some coaxing from several customers/friends I have decided to resurrect this magazine and make it the monthly FAB house "rag" beginning in October . We already have some exciting columnists lined up including the imaginative mind of Ian Garrison, Bob Sanders, James Kesler + surprise guests! Each and every month you will find tips, news and ideas from some of the most inventive minds in magic along with exclusive sales on great FAB Magic. The subscription price will be affordable and with all of the savings offered you will more than double your money back! Stay tuned for more information.

Most magicians don't realize that Percy Abbott was the first person to present P.T. Selbit's Sawing a Woman in Half in Australia as seen here on this poster at the turn of the century.

. . A Little More Nostalgia after the 4th!

Here are some neat old shots......

An upside down straight jacket escape during magic week in the 40's - some other pics of tent show and can you guess the names of individuals in the last pic? All photos copyrighted 2009 FAB Magic.

...just one more before the 4th holiday!

Okay,okay...maybe one last one for the night...On the left is Monk Watson - middle the king of korn Karrell Fox and to the right Dorny Dornfield. This was taken at an early tent show in the 1940's. I bet these three guys are putting on an encore show as we speak!

Unlocking the FAB Magic Archives - Oh What Fun!

Oh what fun! Thousands of photos to look at - here is a very rare photograph of Monk Watson on the left, Hellstrom with the blindfold on and to the extreme right Harry Blackstone Sr. The wooden indian figure doesn't seem to amused!

Sneak Peek - Percy Abbott: Part #2

Okay, here is another sneak peak photo from our archives. On the left is Percy Abbott. In the middle his good friend and legendary performer Nicola and to the right is Mel Melson. I will be posting photos from time to time to whet your appetite for our new and upcoming book, Percy Abbott: Magical Years. Enjoy the 4th of July weekend!

I have lost a dear friend today. Roy Huston passed away unexpectedly today at his home in Florida. A consumate showman, Roy traveled throughout the world with his big illusion show and most recently brought his show to Colon for our MagiCelebration He was one of a kind. A caring and thoughtful person with a big heart. Tentative plans are for broken wand ceremony during magic week as Roy's wishes were to be buried in Colon - among his friends. Cheryl and I extend our thoughts and prayers to his wife and partner, Yuka.

Sneak Peak Percy Abbott: Magical Years

As many of you know I am writing a book about the life and times of Percy Abbott. We have hundreds of photographs and documents that we are still pouring through. Of course, not all of them will be in the book but here is one that will - from the grand old days of Percy's tent shows this was taken in the early 1950's. Since we have so many pics and not enough pages we are publilshing a separate dvd that will not only give you insight into Percy Abbott the magician but also the man. Stay tuned..due out in just a few weeks! In the meantime see if you can recognize anyone in this photograph. (Sorry - copying of photo strictly prohibited!)

Taking a break.............

Well, we just set another record day sales wise and of course we wore out the hired help. Actually, this is our granddaughter Lilly who has made several appearances on this blog. She loves to help grandpa and grandma pack stuff up but she felt like it was time for a break and at 2 years of age who could blame her. Now, if I could only figure out how she reach the top of the display cabinets and demonstrate a few tricks!

Home Sweet Home . . .

After looking at several houses in the area we finally found what we were looking for! Located just a few minutes outside of Colon, it is a place where we can relax and take a few hours each day to enjoy life and nature. I was chatting with a customer the other day who is also self - employed and they mentioned they only work 1/2 days - 12 hours a day. That is pretty much how we at FAB operate and there are times when I just have to walk away and recharge my batteries. This is the perfect place to do it. Deer and wild turkey are abundant in the area and it's fun to watch them in the early morning over a hot cup of coffee - and - then - back to work - doing what I love to do.