Michigan's Magic Capitol of the World Gets a Boost

Tucked quietly in southwest Michigan, behind farm fields and dirt roads, lies home to an accolade many Michiganians don’t know our mitten holds.

A sign greets you proudly as you drive into Colon, Mich., announcing its status as “Magic Capitol of the World.” This small town, not far from Coldwater or Three Rivers, holds a treasure-trove of Michigan history. Though few may know of Colon's history, an organization is working to highlight the town and our state's strong magic presence.

Within an hour’s drive from Colon sits historic Marshall. Amidst its antique shops and landmarks lies the American Museum of Magic (AMM), the largest magic museum in the U.S. open to the public.

On a recent visit, AMM Director Jeff Taylor guided me through everything on display at the museum and through books and boxes of the collection still left unsorted in the old Marshall Public Library building.

Founded by Bob and Elaine Lund in 1978, the AMM includes an extensive collection of magic memorabilia, ranging from posters and playbills to cereal boxes and stage props. However, Bob’s dislike of museums left his collection private; to be seen by appointment only. It wasn’t until after his death in 1995 that Elaine allowed the museum to become public.

Front and center in the museum are props from Houdini, including an escape trunk. The milk cans from his famous “Milk Can Escape” are also part of the collection, but currently on tour.

Magic was a key form of entertainment in the early 1900s. A part of theater, magic performances would generate an audience reaction much different than a play.

“What separated magic from everything else was that magic creates that sense of wonder,” Taylor said. “It surprises you, baffles you, confuses you. …You go to a theater and see somebody do things that you know are just not physically possible. …We can’t vanish a person; we can’t saw someone in half. But yet here’s a person doing it on stage.”

Thanks to a major grant award from the Michigan Humanities Council, the AMM will be able to revisit Michigan’s magic history. The proejct, Michigan Magic Web Resource, will include a virtual exhibit and oral interviews with magicians and enthusiasts.

With help from its Board of Directors, the AMM hopes to interview such people as the daughter of Bill Baird, a ball manipulator; a close friend of female magician Suzy Wandas; and Gabe Blackstone, wife of Harry Blackstone, Jr.

Scholars will not only explore the stories of magic in Michigan, but also its economic impact, why magic was drawn to Colon, and the impact of magicians’ visits on small towns.

The virtual exhibit will provide an opportunity for the AMM to include historical content on their website. Although it will focus on Michigan when launched, AMM members hope to eventually expand to include information beyond our state.

“For people interested in (magician Harry) Blackstone, you’ll be able to read some real good information on him,” Taylor said. “There’s also a piece that state history teachers can use as well. We bring (students) from Marshall here every year, and so (teachers) can do advance work and give background on who they’re going to visit here.”

The virtual exhibit is expected to launch in November, and performance events will be planned to celebrate the exhibit’s launch.

“Overall, this is really exciting for all of us to be able to have this,” Taylor said. “This is … something that we need to do, because there is so much information here and it’s just not out there. Magic is a small fraternity and they tend to be fairly close-knit.”

The museum will be closed through the winter and reopen in April. If you would like more information on the American Museum of Magic, visit www.americanmuseumofmagic.org.

For more information on major grant opportunities from the Michigan Humanities Council, visit www.michiganhumanities.org or call our office at (517) 372-7770. The next major grant application deadline is March 15.

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