The next Parlor convention is set for
Saturday, June 5th 2010
The Honored Guest performer
And lecturer will be :
Mike Miller
2009-10 President of the Society of American
Magicians
Saturday will include a lecture, at 11:00, Parlour Magic at 2:00 PM, the Big Show at 5:00 PM plus fun, food etc. & beverage all day and night for $35.00.
$30.00
for those who send in their checks before April 1st, 2009.
Wow!
Email contacts:
Charlie Zuis: CTZGIG@aol.com
Alan Drew: magicwithalan@prexar.com
Mailing Address:
Hall of Fame of Famous Unknowns
C/O Chazoo
P.O. Box 72
Schuyler lake, NY 13457
Lodging
Email at: lakehouse1843@netscape.net Phone: 315-858-2058
The
Village Motel
168 East Main Street
Richfield Springs, NY 13439
The Village Motel is only minutes away from the Hall of Famous Unknowns Convention and is located next to a nice little diner.
Budget
Inn Motel
715 MOHAWK STREET(RT-28N)
Herkimer, NY 13350
Located next to I-90 Thruway. Click the link above for a description.
Americas
Best Inns Herkimer
227 N. Washington St.
Herkimer, NY 13350
Also located close to I-90 Thruway. Click the link for a description.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
Cooperstown
4758 State Highway 28
Cooperstown, NY 13326
Located in Cooperstown with several other hotels. According to Mapquest.com is about 24 minutes to the Hall of Famous Unknowns Convention.
The Purpose and
History of the Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame and Museum is all about preserving the heritage of Magicians
and Clowns who have contributed to the art and to the community yet have not had
the recognition they deserve. The museum contains artifacts, pictures and
displays signifying the life and times of those members who have given so much
to the art.
The Hall of Fame of Famous Unknowns
began in 1988, when Charles Zuis purchased the old Hendrick Herkimer Farmhouse
and Barn at Schuyler Lake, NY. Hendrick Herkimer was the brother of General
Herkimer of Herkimer NY, a revolutionary war hero in the battle of Oriskany,
NY.. The Schuyler Lake farmhouse and Barn is known as the second Herkimer Farm
and was originally built in 1776. The Barn, now a theatre was a bunkhouse and
kitchen/cook house for the Hop-pickers prior to Prohibition in the 19th and
early 20th Centuries. Zuis with the help of Willie (the Clown) Purdell from
Herkimer NY, who passed away in May 2002, and Alan Drew from Mt. Desert Maine,
set about creating the "Museum and Hall of Fame of Famous Unknown Magicians and
Clowns." As the years went by an annual Parlor Convention has been held with
Magicians and Clowns coming from all over the country.
The Parlor magic convention is held annually on the first Saturday in June.
Here's what happened this year 2009
2009 Guest Speakers and Performers were: A Triad of Magicians
Bruce Kalver: 2009 S.A.M. National President
Vinny Grosso: 2009 S.A.M. Vice President
Andy Dallas: 2007 S.A.M. National President
Bruce Kalver President of the Society of American Magicians and other SAM
Dignitaries were honored guests and the main attraction at the 20th annual Magic
Hall of Fame of Famous Unknown Magicians and Clowns Magic Parlour Foray held on
June 6th 2009 in Schuyler Lake NY. Kalver with Andy Dallas 2007 President and
Vinnie Grosso, Vice President and many other magicians coming from as far away
as Buffalo, Washington D.C. and Maine presented and all day program of Lectures,
parlour, Close-up and Stage magic.
The Hall of Fame of Famous Unknowns, named after Chazoo and his boyhood pal
Willie “The Clown” Purdell, was created to promote and preserve the heritage of
the many magicians and clowns who performed shows in their communities for their
friends and neighbors at non-profit clubs and community organizations for modest
fees or for the fun of it. They did it for the love and fun of Magic and
mystery, which they brought into the hearts of audiences. Many of them have long
been forgotten but Zuis emphasizes that today’s magicians should do what they
can to remember their mentors and compeers of the past.
Assisting Zuis were Alan Drew & Phil Messina who helped repair, paint and
otherwise prepare the buildings for the Foray. A new close-up magic room was
created under the direction of Alan Drew and was named the Karl Norman room in
recognition of his outstanding participation in the annual event and for his 91
years of magical entertainment. (We determined that he came out of the womb
with a deck of cards in his hand). Drew also hosted the main show.
Phil Messina better known as “P.T”, Mc’d the afternoon parlour show and
helped to prepare the museum and the theatre for the weekend. Ray, Lee and Max
Eyler from Annapolis Maryland (Father, son and Grandson) helped with reception,
stage and other details. Others who also performed in the afternoon and evening
shows were as follows: Clem Kinnicutt, Albany, Wes Booth, Maine; Glen Brooks,
Syracuse, NY; Ray Cerio & Jordan Cerio, Syracuse, NY; Carroll Chapman, Maine;
Matt Episcopo, Morrisville, NY; Ray Eyler, Annapolis MD; Mike Hilburger,
Williamsville, NY; Shane Hillman, Binghamton, NY; Bruce Purdy, Syracuse, NY;
Karl Norman, Buffalo, NY; Andy Wallace, Utica, NY; Ryan Wallace, Utica, NY; John
Wolfson, Utica, NY; Dan Murphy, Bagpipe presentation; Cooks: Joe Schreck,
Frankfort and Gregg Llewellyn, Herkimer.
Many contributions have been made by members of the hall of fame as follows: Wes
Booth who painted and donated two murals depicting old time magicians performing
parlour magic; Alan Drew donated a large number of clowns, Award plaques,
posters, illusions and other magic items & created the Karl Norman Close up
room; Ray and Lee Eyler gave Larry West artifacts, magical illusions and the
stage light and sound systems; Willie “The Clown” Purdell Magic estate and other
magical items; Andy Dallas, signed Magic posters, signed gold ball from his
famous Zombie illusion; Bill Smith, magic posters; Ray Cerio a number of
magical gifts raffled off for the benefit of the Hall of Famous Unknowns and
assorted magical artifacts; Phil Messina, artifacts of the Binghamton Magic
Club plus electrical and other repair work to ceilings walls and magical
artifacts; George Becker items from his TV shows; Obie O’brien, 4 F’s posters;
Ron Zinserling, a Zig Zag illusion; Ron Zollweg, Sound System; Bill Gilman,
Circus items; Les Levines, Magic top-hat; Ms. Helen Shaw sister of Walter
Cummings, desk, close-up table, pictures and magical artifacts; Clem Kinnicutt,
illusion, Ted Raub, bottle production etc; Mark Alford, box illusion; Jim /Don
Attle & Jeff Sterling-magic table; Mike Hilburger for his Hot Dogs and special
mustard and finally last but not least hats off to: Carroll Chapman for setting
up the Web Page. http://www.unknownmagiciansandclowns.com
Chazoo and Alan Drew presented outstanding wood and bronze plaques to the
Honored guests, which read in part “For Contributions to the “Hall of Fame”
Museum of Famous Unknown Magicians and Clowns”. Special and “super-duper”
certificates were presented to members present who donated an item to the Foray
or to the Hall of Fame. They are: Karl Norman, Carroll Chapman, Wes Booth, Phil
Messina and Bill Smith.
(Please send me any corrections or additions. My magic mind is going fast!)
For information Call Charles Zuis at 315.858.2576 or Alan Drew 207.244.0538,
Ray Eyler 410.798.1677 or Phil Messina 607.427.7241.
Here's what happened in 2008!
Mr. Bev
Bergeron was honored at the annual Hall of Fame of Famous Unknown Magicians
and Clowns Parlour Foray Held on Saturday, June 7, 2008
Upstate NY and New England Magicians and friends enjoyed the magic and clowning
of Mr. Bev Bergeron renowned magician, clown, writer and world traveler
from Orlando Florida at the annual Parlour Magic Foray on Saturday June 7th,
held in Schuyler Lake, NY.
The affair was billed as “A day with Bev Bergeron”, and began with a lecture on
magic, theatre and entertainment. Later he presented segments from his close up
Parlour repertoire and was the main attraction at the evening magic show
featuring his long admired cigarette act, the world famous “Egg Bag” Routine and
the six card repeat, along with many other magical illusions. He provided tips
and insights into the performance of magic and how to entertain the folks. His
“down to earth” approach to magic as it appeals to the public is his secret to a
long career of performing throughout the world in all sorts of venues such as
theatres, clubs, trade shows and intimate parlour magic. His wife and partner
of many years Alouise assisted him throughout the day. Bergeron was later
presented with a special plaque and membership in the Hall of Fame.
Mr. Bergeron was a television star in The Magic of Alakazam, headliner for
Diamond Horseshoe in Disneyworld and in Sea World, Past President of the
International Brotherhood of Magicians, and member of the renowned Magic Castle
where he was awarded their life achievement award. Bergeron has published a
number of books including the life story of Willard the Wizard and writes a
monthly article for the Linking Ring, a publication of the International
Brotherhood of Magicians.
Other honorees and special guests at previous forays were: Andy Dallas
past president of SAM, Phil Willmarth President of the IBM, Karl
Norman, Larry West, Ray Eyler, Alan Drew and Charlie
Zuis.
Special recognition was given to Mike Hilburger, Buffalo and Wes Booth,
Maine for their outstanding contributions to the Hall of Fame of Famous
Unknowns. Wes hand painted a beautiful mural of an old time parlour magician
performing and presented it to the Hall of Fame. The Mural is 4 feet wide by 10
feet long. Mike has been the catalyst for bringing in folks from the Buffalo
area including two great unknowns Karl Norman and Jim Maloney and
he has also been responsible for bringing the fantastic Buffalo NY hot dogs.
The Award in part reads, “The recipient has performed in a special super-duper,
outstanding, prominent and distinguished manner in all matters relating to Magic
Etc.”
The setting for the magical get-together was the Historic Herkimer Home on Route
28 in Schuyler Lake, near Cooperstown, NY. The front part of the house was
originally built in the 1770’s around the time of the Revolutionary war. The
Barn was used as a bunk and cook house for Hop Pickers in the 19th and early
20th Century. Hops are used for the making of Beer. The farm built by Hendrick
Herkimer, brother of General Nicholas Herkimer is sometimes referred to as the
second Herkimer Home. The General’s house is located in Little Falls.
Magicians from Utica, Rome, Syracuse, Buffalo and Maine performed for the
magicians and guests during the day. Some of the magicians who performed were:
Mark Alford, John Bart, Wes Booth, Glenn Brooks,
Ray and Jordon Cerio, Carroll Chapman, Gene Doane, Dave
Gubbins, Mike Hilburger, Karl Norman, Jim Maloney,
Andy Wallace, John Wolfson, Masters of Ceremonies for the day were,
Charles Zuis, Alan Drew and Phil Messina. A Friday evening
program of close-up and restaurant magic was also held at a nearby restaurant.
Also, a swap and sell meet was available during the day on Saturday along with
plenty of food and beverage.
The Hall of Fame of Famous Unknowns is dedicated to preserving the heritage of
the many magicians and clowns who never made it “big-time” but who performed
shows for their friends and neighbors and non-profit clubs and organizations for
modest fees or in many cases for free or for the fun of it. They did it for the
love of the business and the fun and mystery they brought into the hearts and
faces of their audiences. They did it for the love of the art of Magic and
entertaining.
The owner and magician curator is Charles Zuis, also known as Chazoo
and performs for institutions, families, clubs and organizations in the local
and regional area. Originally from Herkimer and Rome, and after traveling all
over the country, he settled on Schuyler Lake and purchased the Old Herkimer
Home in 1988 and converted the old Hop barn into a magic Theatre and Hall of
Fame of famous Unknown Magicians and Clowns. In recent years he has expanded
into the old house and with his old friend Willie the Clown created a museum for
magical and clowning artifacts of old time magicians and clowns from all over
the country. Other members have contributed more artifacts as the Hall of Fame
grew. Membership is available to Magicians and Clowns.
The Hall of Fame is open by appointment only. Next year’s “Parlour Foray” will
be held on June 6, 2009, the first weekend in June. Big show to be open to the
public. Food and beverage is provided all day Saturday. A night before session
is held for the early birds. Donation for the weekend is $25.00 if paid in
advance by May 1st, 2009, thereafter and at the door it will be $35.00. Hotel
rooms are available upon request. For more information on the event, membership
and tours call Zuis at 315.858.2576: Alan Drew at 207.244.0538: Phil Messina at
607.427.7241 or Ray Eyler at 410.798.1677.
If you're interested in next convention, contact the hall of Fame at:
Hall of Fame of Famous Unknowns
C/O Chazoo
P.O. Box 72
Schuyler lake, NY 13457
Email contacts:
Charlie Zuis: CTZGIG@aol.com
Alan Drew: magicwithalan@prexar.com
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Museum, see below.
Hall of Fame of Famous Unknown Magicians & Clowns Membership
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Museum, simply mail a bio of your past involvement as a Magician and/or clown (particularly your participation in community activities) with a donation of $50.00 to:
Charles Zuis (Chazoo)
P.O. Box 72
Schuyuler Lake, NY, 13457.
For more information call 315-858-2576.
Here what happened in 2007
The June 2, 2007 magic convention was the best, great
attendance and super shows.
Chazoo & Willie the Clown's Magic Museum and Hall of Fame of Famous Unknown
Magicians and Clowns held their annual Parlor Magic convention on Saturday, June
2nd, 2007 at the old Hendrick Herkimer Homestead on Route 28 in Schuyler Lake,
NY. Dozens of magicians, clowns and friends gathered and enjoyed the
entertainment of lectures and magic shows.
Highlighting the Day were the attendance of both the President of the Society of
American Magicians, Andy Dallas and his wife Barbara from Champaign,
Illinois and Phil Willmarth, incoming President of the International
Brotherhood of Magicians, from Durham, North Carolina. Each man presented a
special Magic Lecture and participated in the Big Magic Show on Saturday night.
Andy Dallas on behalf of the National Society of American Magicians
presented Presidential Citations for outstanding service to Magic to Charles
Zuis and Alan Drew as co-founders of the Museum and Hall of Fame of
Famous Unknowns
Charles Zuis, Founder and proprietor of the Magic Museum said "this is
one of the biggest national events held in our area, and it is the first time
that we have had Presidents of two national organizations attending our
convention." Special awards were presented to the two guests. Also outstanding
"Unknown" Awards recognizing special achievers in the field of Magic were given
to Ron Zollweg, Leon Etienne, Alan Drew, and Phil
Messina.
The Award reads as follows:
"Be it known to all past, present and future "Unknowns" and the world over that
the person named above has performed in a special super-duper, outstanding,
Prominent and distinguished manner in all matters relating to magic,
prestidigitation, legerdemain, entertainment and etc. and is hereby awarded this
certificate in recognition of his outstanding and proficient deeds."
.
New members were inducted into the Hall of Fame for their outstanding
contributions to Magic. They are: Carroll Chapman, Wes Booth,
Geoffrey Miller from Maine, Jim Maloney, Mike Hilburger and
Karl Norman, Buffalo, Bruce Purdy of Syracuse, Robert Hinman,
Binghamton, Gene Doane, Syracuse and Ross Deater, Utica.
Other members participating were, Alan Drew, Wes Booth,
Geoffrey Miller and Carroll Chapman from Maine; Shaun Robison,
Ross Deater, and Jeff Sterling from the Utica area; Raymond
Cerio and Bill Smith from the Syracuse area; Karl Norman,
Mike Hilburger, and Jim Maloney from the Buffalo area and Phil
Messina and Robert Hinman from the Binghamton area; Matt Episcopo
from Morrisville with Charlie Zuis and Phil Messina MC'ing the
lectures and performances.