April
The Canadian Conservatory of Magic is proud to present its special section dedicated to the ephemeris of conjuring. This section explores the fascinating history of magic throughout the year, highlighting significant events, iconic artists, and innovations that have shaped this art. We invite enthusiasts and the curious to dive into the captivating world of illusion and magic and celebrate this extraordinary heritage.
Throughout History
02
April
1861: Birth of Chung Ling Soo
1922: The Man from Beyond premieres in the United States, starring, written, produced, and distributed by Harry Houdini.
04
April
1973: Birth of David Blaine
06
April
1938: Birth of Paul Daniels
1984: The Magic of David Copperfield VI: Floating Over the Grand Canyon airs on CBS
09
April
1991: The Magic of David Copperfield XIII: Mystery on the Orient Express airs on CBS
13
April
1936: Howard Thurston dies at 66
18
April
2000: José Garcimore dies at 59
23
April
1913: Death of Paul Valadon, who was to become Harry Kellar's successor.
27
April
1998: The World's Most Dangerous Magic airs on NBC
30
April
1995: A massive fire completely destroys the Houdini Magical Hall of Fame in Niagara Falls, Canada
2022: Shimada dies at 81
03
April
2001: Copperfield: Tornado of Fire airs on CBS
05
April
1962: Birth of Alain Choquette
08
April
1983: The Magic of David Copperfield V: The Statue of Liberty Disappears airs on CBS
11
April
1929: Birth of Mark Wilson
17
April
1913: Houdini officially opens the Magician's Club of London. The club was founded in 1911 by Harry Houdini, Will Goldston, and Servais Le Roy.
20
April
1931: Thurston presents his last major magic show.
24
April
1922: Houdini presents his show at the Palace Theatre in New York.
1966: Robert Harbin premieres his new illusion "The Zig Zag Lady" on the variety program Sunday Night at the London Palladium
28
April
1892: Birth of Joseph Dunninger
​1943: Birth of Gérard Majax
April 30, 1995
Priceless artifacts once used by famed magician Harry Houdini, including the notorious Chinese Water Torture Cell, were destroyed when fire swept through the Houdini Magical Hall of Fame.
The fire caused an estimated 100,000$ in damage to the museum building, but owner Henry Muller said up to $3-million worth of equipment and documents were also lost.
The Houdini Magical Hall of Fame first opened in June 1968 at 1019 Centre Street. Four years later it moved to 4983 Clifton Hill, where it remained until the April 1995 suspicious fire.
The collection has been a tourist attraction in Niagara Falls since it was put on display in 1968.