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!