Evening star., 1937-05-30
MAC|C|ANS TO AID
SCHOOL CHILDREN
Week of Performances to Be
Presented Under PIT.
A. Auspices.

Brothers in the bond of magic-men
whose hobbies follow the paths Of
legerdemain, sleight of hand and OBJ
will literally hold the center of the
stage at the National Theater dur
ing the week OF June IA.
The leader will be Charles w.
ToWnsley, whose interest and per-
5ormances in the magic art date back
to his teens" and his fellow disciples
In the Society of American Magi-
clans, who will present series of
shows under Parent-Teacher Associa-
ton sponsorship for the benefit of
Washington's underprivileged school
children.
The society's membership consists of
professionals, professionals and
Just plain amateurs who deep down in
their heart would rather pull rabbits
out OF the hat and make the lady in
the box completely disappear than
spend their time at other diversions.
Townsley to Run Show.
Townsley, vice president of the
Washington branch of the society, will
act as master Of ceremonies and chief
performer, assisted by other men,
bers.
Two of those who will perform with
him are Robert Mainfort Of Alexan-
dria. Va. George Washington Una
versity student whose card tricks have
brought him wide reputation as
sleight-of-hand artist, and retired
naval officer Comdr Charles c.
Slayton, who now lives at Annapolis.
Led by the late Harry Keller, whose
tricks once. thrilled audiences in
America and Europe, group of IA
nous magicians banded themselves to-
eether in New York 80 years ago and
formed the Society of American Ma
eicians.
The masters OF legerdemain and
bleight-of-hand met each week in
the old magic shop at Martinka g. Co.
There they would perform, for their
own benefit, often for that OF their
colleagues who were in need and for
their families. After each meeting
their wives would serve refreshments.
The original society has now be-
come Nationwide organization, with
ono Of its branches in Washington
Men in all walks OF life are numbered
among its members.
d. C. Branch Has Two Shows.
The Washington branch has pre-
bented two shows each year, one at
the Press Club, just before Christmas,
Tor newspaper men and their FAM
lilies; the other each Spring in the
theater OF the Wardman Park Ho-
tel. always before packed houses Meet
hgs OF the local magicians are held
monthly, except during the Summer
throughout the year they entertain
Sheir professional brethren who ap-
near at the Earle and Fox Theaters.
Among their guests in the last few
eeasons have been Blackstone, Car
DIM, Ade Duval and LIE Paul.
The Washington magic artists own
their own stage effects, much OF them
purchased from professionals.
Many Of the stage illusions to be
used at the National performances are
now being acquired in many parts Of
The country. Townsley said the shows
will be fully up to the professional
standard.
Sale OF tickets and other arrange
nents for the performances will be
conducted by Mrs. Walter B. Fry, now
serving her second term as presl-
dent OF the District Parent-Teacher
Association; Mrs. E. j. Dowling, chair
man Of the PIT. A. Student Air
Committee for the last IL years, and
Mrs. William A. Meyer, PIT. A. Ways
and Means Committee chairman, in
charge Of financial matters for the
organization.
The performances will be staged on
successive nights OF the week begin
ming June II, with q matinee for
school children on Saturday, June 10,