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When I was in my teens, some 45 years ago or so, I used to frequent the Hornman & Martinka Magic Shop in Manhattan on Saturdays. At that time it was owned by the late, great Coney Island Fakir... Al Flosso!
One Saturday morning, after riding in to Manhattan on the LIRR, (Long Island Rail Road, for those of you who have never been to "the island") I climbed the stairs to the 2nd floor landing and opened the door to that musty, dusty world of wonders ... Hornman & Martinka. As I entered Al quickly caught my attention with his heavy Brooklyn, Jewish accent...
"Here kid, watch what I'm gonna' do!"
I turned to see him behind the display case holding up a walking cane. He held the ends of the cane and in a flash it was gone and a bouquet of brightly colored feather flowers appeared where the cane had been! I was completely taken by the effect! (Bought the cane on the spot. Couldn't afford the flowers!)
Al diverted his eyes, and looked past me, to a man sitting in the big easy chair in the corner. I had not noticed him there when I entered the shop.
Al asked the man "Well, what do you think Joe?"
Joe answered something to the effect of "Pretty nice."
Then Al Flosso had the good graces to introduce me to one of the worlds most famous magicians & mentalists...Joseph Dunninger!
Mr. Dunninger was in New York for an appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show.
Needless to say, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet Mr. Dunninger. After spending a few hours "talking shop" with Al & Joe, I left for home that afternoon with an autographed copy of one of Dunningers books on magic.
Yes, it really happened!
Magically,
Roger "Cigam" Reid
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