Close-Up Magic Materials/Michael J. Amico Papers Inventory
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Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play Close-Up Magic/Amico Papers Inventory Close-Up Magic Materials/Michael J. Amico Papers Processed by: Cheri Crist (2007); inventory revised by Doris C. Sturzenberger Custodial History: The Library of The Strong acquired this group of papers related to the practice of close-up magic from Lars Sandel in July 1992. Sandel provided a comprehensive list of items included in the collection; however, there was no indication or record of the manner by which he came to acquire the items, nor is there any specific mention of the papers of Michael Amico. The original lot included books, booklets, and serials, which were added to the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play. The lot also included three-dimensional items, which were transferred to the Museum of Play collections. The papers had been divided into two boxes: one that contained personal papers of Michael J. Amico, a local, semi-professional, close-up magician; the other, a large number of magic trick instructions, along with a few items that seemed to relate directly or indirectly to Michael Amico. Some of the Amico-related items in the second box were from the Society of American Magicians (both the local and national groups), of which Amico was a member, while others had the word Amico written on them. One item mentions Bob Follmer, who was a friend of Amico. It is unknown how the two boxes are related. Because the same Object ID (93.7077) had been assigned to both sets of papers, the processor made the decision to integrate the two collections into one combined collection. In this way, researchers will be able to locate similar material relating to the practice of amateur magic in one collection, which also provides valuable insight into a local magician’s activities. Conditions Governing Access and Use: This collection is open to research use by staff of The Strong and by users of its library. The seller has unconditionally given the papers, together with all intellectual property right or interest (including, but not limited to any copyright, trademark, and associated rights therein), to The Strong. Size: 1 linear foot Dates: 1921–1981 Collection Scope and Content Note: This collection of papers relates to the practice of close-up magic. It includes items relating to the practice of magic in the Rochester, NY, area; magic trick instructions; publications and promotional materials; magic event materials; and national and local magic organization material. Also included are personal papers of Michael J. Amico, a semi-professional close-up magician. Items of particular interest to researchers include a Society of American Magicians (S.A.M.) membership application with the history, scope, and purpose of the organization; election and nomination ballots for the International Brotherhood of Magicians (I.B.M.); and a document used for the purpose of contracting the services of a magician named Sherms. July 2010 Page 1 Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play Close-Up Magic/Amico Papers Inventory The collection has been arranged in the following series and sub-series: • Series 1 Michael J. Amico • Sub-series 1.1 Personal Papers • Sub-series 1.2 Professional Organization Materials • Series 2 Publications and Promotional Materials • Series 3 Magic Trick Instructions • Sub-series 3.1 Magic Trick Instructions in Original Envelopes • Sub-series 3.2 Loose Magic Trick Instructions • Series 4 Miscellaneous Biographical Sketch: Michael J. Amico was a semi-professional magician from the Rochester area and was active in this pursuit from the late 1960s until his death in 2009. Amico performed at annual Magic Alliance of Western New York gatherings and the Second Annual Mohawk Valley Magic Day; served as emcee for various magic shows; appeared as a guest lecturer at the Close Encounters of the Magic Kind magic show; and appeared on Dante’s Magic Show. In 2004, he performed at the invitation-only convention for close-up magic, Fechter's Finger Flicking Frolic in Batavia, NY. Amico was an officer in the International Brotherhood of Magicians, was president of The Society of American Magicians Rochester Assembly #47 from 1972–1973, and was instrumental in the local Society of Junior Magicians, teaching young, aspiring magicians the art of close-up magic. Biographical Sources: • Dawes, Robin. “The 2004 -- 4F Convention. Fechter’s Finger Flicking Frolic.” http://www.ffffmagic.com/stories/2004review.html (accessed June 20, 2007). • Keith Walker’s Close Encounters of the Magic Kind. “History.” http://www.closeencountersmagic.com/page1.php (accessed July 2, 2007). • “Michael J. Amico.” Obituary. Wayne County Star, March 17, 2009. http://wcs.wayuga.com/en/250/obits/9747/?tpl=236 (accessed July 20, 2010). Subject Headings: • Card tricks • International Brotherhood of Magicians • Magic shows • Magic tricks • Magic tricks--Technique • Society of American Magicians • Society of Junior Magicians Series Descriptions: Series Number: 1 Series Title: Michael J. Amico Sub-Series: July 2010 Page 2 Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play Close-Up Magic/Amico Papers Inventory 1.1 Personal Papers 1.2 Professional Organization Materials Sub-Series 1.1: Personal Papers Sub-Series Dates: 1968–1981 Sub-Series Quantity: 1 folder Sub-Series Arrangement: By subject Sub-Series Scope and Content Note: This sub-series contains items related to magic activities in which Michael J. Amico was involved and includes handwritten trick instructions and trick lists for magic shows; various personal magic society membership materials; programs from magic shows at which Amico performed; graded tricks—presumably Amico’s comments on efforts made by members of the Society of Junior Magicians; and personal correspondence from friend and fellow magician Ron Zollweg. Also included are an award ribbon from an unknown competition, and a nametag. Sub-Series Container/Folder List: Box 1: Personal Miscellaneous: • Letter to Mike Amico from Emil Loew Magicians Lecturing Service regarding Phoa Yan Tiong, Creator of Oriental Magic. March 19, 1969. 2 pages. • First place ribbon, Mike Amico, July 19, 1970, Spot Land M.A.R.S. Area. • Envelope addressed to Mike Amico. May 9, 1974. Stamped Ken Brooke’s Magic Place, 145 Wardour Street, London, W.1. • Letter to Mike Amico regarding informal magicians’ get-together. May 22, 1976. • Mike Amico’s nametag for 10th Annual Magic Fest in Rochester. 1980. • Handwritten napkin trick instructions. May 19, 1981. Signed M. Amico. 3 pages. • Letter to Mike Amico from Ron about visit. March 13. n.y. On Ron Fredrick letterhead. • Index cards (3) from Karl Fulves to Mike Amico regarding status of an order. n.d. • Professional photo, B&W 8x10. n.d. Hand-signed: To Mike, Best wishes from Ron, Martie, & Charlie. (Ron Zollweg/Fredrick) • Typewritten note, hand-signed Ron. n.d. Society Materials: • S.A.M. #47 meeting reminder postcard. Jan 2, 1968. Addressed to Mike Amico. • Receipt for S.A.M. Rochester Assembly #47 membership dues for Mike Amico. October 15, 1974. • Envelope addressed to Michael J. Amico from I.B.M. March 4, 1975. • Dues reminder letter; S.A.M. #47 1976-1977 Schedule; Member list. August 9, 1976. Envelope addressed to Mike Amico. • It’s Magic! Presented by S.A.M. Rochester Assembly #47. October 2, 1976. Program and ticket. Mike Amico listed as M.C. Performers: Norm Rose, Don Adams & Dottie, Bob Follmer, Curt Higgins, Harold Bollotin, Jack & Shirley Alden. July 2010 Page 3 Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play Close-Up Magic/Amico Papers Inventory • Mike Amico’s International Brotherhood of Magicians membership certificate. n.d. • Second Annual Mohawk Valley Magic Day program. n.d. Mike Amico listed as close-up performer. Sub-Series 1.2: Professional Organization Materials Sub-Series Dates: 1968–1975 Sub-Series Quantity: 1 folder Sub-Series Arrangement: By society, and then chronologically Sub-Series Scope and Content Note: This sub-series includes documents such as meeting announcements, conference registration forms, member lists, and organizational bylaws pertaining to magic organizations with which Michael J. Amico was involved. Of particular interest are: a membership application for The Society of American Magicians; the by-laws of the Rochester chapter of S.A.M.; and ballots for the annual election of officers for the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Sub-Series Container/Folder List: Box 1: The Society of American Magicians: • Magic Lecture #1 Junior Magicians. March 22, 1969. W. B. Parker. Handout with trick descriptions. 4 pages. • Ad rates for 1969 Convention Souvenir Program on S.A.M. letterhead. • 41st Annual Conference Convention Registration Form.1969. • Form letter from S.A.M. VP Bill Dunbaugh concerning membership drive. June 6, 1973. • Proposition for Membership Application. n.d. Includes history, scope, and purpose of S.A.M. The Society of American Magicians Rochester Assembly #47: • Bylaws. [1962?] 3 pages. • 1967 Christmas party announcement for January 6, 1968. • Handwritten Meeting Minutes. 5 pages. (one set dated December 6, 1968). • Address List. July 27, 1968. 2 pages. • Address List. October 1, 1972. President: Michael J. Amico. Society of Junior Magicians: • Meeting announcement, April 11. n.y. The Bunny Box trick explanation and how-to figures from The Conjuror’s Magazine attached. 2 pages. • Meeting announcement, May 24. n.y. Junior magic performers. Tricky Road Sign trick instructions attached (presumably for the young magicians to practice before the meeting). • Meeting announcement, June 14th. n.y. Fuling U’s Postcards by Bob Gill attached. 2 pages. • Meeting announcement, September 13. n.y. • Schedule for Junior Magicians Training Sessions. December 3, n.y. List of effects demonstrated. • Sample meeting agenda. n.d. Includes descriptions of and teaching methods for several coin tricks, rising card tricks, silk tricks, and rope tricks. 5 pages. July 2010 Page 4 Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play Close-Up Magic/Amico Papers Inventory The International Brotherhood of Magicians: • Election Ballot, 1975.