![]() ![]() ![]() But none of it was to be and within a year Carter was looking for a buyer. He even had plans to open a large theatre next to Martinkas to feature acts on the weekends and showcase illusions during the week. According to the Carter the Great book by Mike Caveney, Carter planned to open Martinka Magic Shops all across the country. Purchasing the magic shop would be the ideal thing for him.Ĭharles Carter had grand plans for Martinkas. Charles Carter had been touring for ten years and was feeling the need to settle down. Practically his entire touring illusion show was built in the back rooms of the Martinka shop. Known professionally as Carter the Great, he had become a great customer to the Martinkas. They chose to sell the shop and it was purchased by a young up and coming magician by the name of Charles Carter. They had been running this shop and a previous one in Germany for more than 50 years. The Society of American Magicians was born in the back room of Martinkas Magic Shop.īy 1917, the Martinka brothers decided retirement was in order. Saram Ellison proposed establishing an official organization for magicians. By 1902 it became the hang out for regular NY magicians and that's when Dr. The top names of the day, Robert Heller, Alexander Herrmann, William Robinson, Carter the Great, Harry Houdini and Harry Kellar purchased items from Martinkas. Their shop was frequented by amateurs and professionals alike. They possessed a skill that is rarely seen today. Everything from small props of wood, glass and metal to large stage illusions were crafted in their shop. They not only sold magic, they built magic. was different from many modern magic shops though. Their original shop had 5000 square feet of room with a showroom in the front and a small theatre and workshop in the back. Located at 493 Sixth Avenue NYC, NY, it was started by two brothers, Francis and Antonio Martinka. The Oldest Magic Shop in the United States* opened it's doors in 1873. ![]()
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