Spokane Magic Club popped into city in 1909
Those who love magic and want to follow in the footsteps of Harry Houdini or David Copperfield should check out the Spokane Magic Club.
Members socialize and share tricks monthly at The Academy, 1120 N. Superior St. The club keeps the magic magical by requiring each new member to make a pledge of secrecy.
The club, which has 21 members, has been in existence for nearly a century. Founded in 1909 as The Robert Houdin Club of Spokane, it was named after a famous French magician. Harry Weiss, aka Harry Houdini, later took Houdin’s name.
Membership is open to anyone 16 and older. Although the younger members aren’t eligible to vote until age 18, they are welcome to participate.
“We have lawyers, doctors, teachers, advertising professionals, many different occupations belong to the club,” said Dick Frost, territorial vice president for the state of Washington. “Everyone is welcome.”
Frost has belonged to the club for 29 years and has performed magic for more than 54 years.
“If someone is interested in joining, I would encourage them to first attend a meeting. They can attend two meetings free, after which we ask them to join.”
The Spokane Club is part of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM). Each new member must join the IBM prior to joining the local club. Each local chapter associated with IBM is called a “ring.” Washington state has four rings: Tacoma, Lynnwood, Seattle and Spokane.
The IBM sends members a monthly magazine, “The Linking Ring,” which has information on how to perform different magic tricks as well as other resources.
During the monthly meeting, the program director sometimes chooses a style of magic for the club to focus on. A new trick is taught dealing with that style and members can participate. Also, members are encouraged to perform at the meeting prior to the business portion of the agenda. Occasional guest lecturers are brought in.
Each December, the club volunteers to help underprivileged children by performing at the airport while the kids board a plane to the North Pole.
“Our members are great. They’ll help anyone in need. All I have to do is ask,” Frost said.