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I.B.M. Ring 47 |
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Wizards of Wichita |
History
50th Celebration 1996
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Ring 47 |
RING 47 SENIOR
MEMBERS (l to r): Maurice Lowe, Len Vintus, |
On June 8th 1996, one of the Ring's most exciting events of its fifty years' existence was held at the historic Twentieth Century Club in downtown Wichita. During the early days of the "forties" (even before the Ring was organized), the group used the club's beautiful auditorium for rehearsals and public shows known as "The Foolies."
New visitors marveled at the acoustics of the theater, layout and combination with adjoining parlor and banquet room. Old timers reminisced and recalled precious moments of bygone years and departed entertainers. Surely, there now will be more use of this facility in the future.
The full day of activities opened with Dick and Virginia Williams of Memphis, Tennessee, a Charter and Lifetime Member of Ring 47, with their popular lecture taken from their book, "Lights! Camera! Magic!" It was an enlightening demonstration of effects altered to suit television presentation which, in many cases, enhanced the effect. Williams' lecture also revealed originality, ingenuity or, maybe, some artistic license that provides an element of surprise for a climatic finish. After 23 years on Memphis television, it was good to see this lovely couple back home again and on the stage where Dick began his career in magic as a youngster.
Duane Laflin of Sterling, Colorado, gave us an education in the use of thumb tips, dye tube handling, productions and color changes. He demonstrated some baffling "mind reading" effects, routines for family magic, and added a few tips on working with school assemblies, anti-drug abuse lessons and showmanship. Duane knows his subjects well and practices what he preaches. His presentations were excellent.
With a full schedule and a location in an area of few restaurants, we opted to provide a sack lunch of sandwiches, chips, cookies and drinks on-site, included in the registration. This worked out well as it allowed visiting and photos during the luncheon hour. It also provided our special guest, Len Vintus, to meet most of our conventioneers.
Following lunch, the stage was set for a special "surprise guest." Eric DeCamps of New York was in town for a recording session with Steven's Emporium, which worked out perfectly so Eric could visit our party. His unique talent with Cups and Balls, coin manipulations, and unbelievable coin sleights were something to behold. But, he blew me away with the Rene Lavand Dough Balls in Cup. Proof that from the tiniest of items may sometimes come the most baffling mystery! Well done, Eric, do come back again.
The last activity of the matinee was our auction. Attendants were allowed three items or parcels each in order to speed up the sale. Nelson Schmitt was the auctioneer and Harold Silver the banker, assisted by clerk Ed Schmitt. Auctions are great in that it provides an opportunity for younger enthusiasts to pick up items at reasonable prices and increase their repertoires. Following the auction, a short break allowed some to rest a bit and others to continue their discussions before the banquet.
Again, expediency was the rule. The dinner was buffet style for economy and
time, but nothing was left out. The invocation was given by acting Chaplain Denys
Fredrickson, after which everyone picked up their food. The noon luncheon and banquet were
prepared and served by Frances Kendall and her talented and experienced crew from nearby
Hutchinson, where doing this is the norm. Well done and appreciated.
1996-1997 RING 47 OFFICERS (l to r):
Installer and Secretary TVP Rick Pugh,
President Robert Groszek, Treasurer
Harold Silver, Vice President Levon Kendall,
Sergeant-at-Arms Ron Tibbetts.
RING 47 AWARD WINNERS (l to r):
Melton Francis, Nelson
Schmitt,
Presenter Rick Pugh, and Forrest Kuhns.
Awards were presented to Forrest Kuhns, Melton Francis and Nelson Schmitt by TVP
Rick Pugh for their attendance record and special efforts in performance during the year.
The awards were table-size "Wizard" statuettes that Pugh had made. A
"wizard" was also given to Dick and Virginia Williams for their
"long-distance" loyalty to Ring 47 and cooperation in making our 50th a success.
Certificates were presented to the winning team members of our Annual Rice Bowls Contest
by Rick Pugh to: Ron Allee, Mike Mann, Melton Francis and Larry Sawyer. Eric DeCamps was
also given a "wizard" for his gracious generosity demonstrated during his visit.
Then, the last of the awards, but certainly not the least: President Francis introduced our special guest of honor, organizer of the I.B.M. in 1922, I.B.M. #1, First President and Editor of The Linking Ring, Len Vintus who, with his wife, Helen, flew into Wichita from Winnipeg, Canada to attend the grand celebration. Len was accepted into Ring 47 as an Honorary Member and given one or our special "wizard" awards. It was interesting to hear some of Len's experiences, of the changes witnessed between 1922 and 1996, and the ideas he offers for the future of Rings and the membership. We are proud to have such gracious neighbors in our midst and thank them for coming; their presence was very much appreciated!
The final item on the dinner agenda was the installation of new officers for 1996-7, the first year of the next fifty: President Robert Groszek, Vice President Levon Kendall, Secretary Rick Pugh, Treasurer Harold Silver and Sergeant-at-Arms Ron Tibbetts. TVP Rick Pugh officiated. The gavel was transferred to President Groszek who thanked everyone in attendance for their assistance in making the affair so happy and successful. He then adjourned the banquet so all could move to the theatre for the headliner show.
Duane and Mary Laflin demonstrated "live, in action" all the lessons explained in his earlier lecture. Although the majority in attendance saw and heard the lecture, with all the pomp and pageantry added in the show, no one remembered the tiny details as they were absorbed in the spectacle. The show was colorful, moved at a fast pace, commanded attention and exhibited the fruits of their experience. What better icing on the cake of our 50th Anniversary could we wish?
We must not overlook the dealers who came early, left late and worked diligently to serve the buyers and lookers all day long. Thanks to Duane and Mary Laflin, Mark Stevens, and Melton Francis for their indulgence.
A souvenir book is being compiled covering the full fifty-year period, but was delayed in order to include coverage and photos of the complete anniversary event. Thanks to Bob Lowe and Nelson Schmitt for the camera work. Other Rings or magicians interested in copies of this book should contact Secretary Rick Pugh.
Special Guest Eric DeCamps and Sue Schmitt.
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| Auctioneer: Nelson Schmitt. |
Lecturer: Performer Duane Laflin. |
Lecturers: Dick and Virginia Williams. |
Last revised: November 30, 2011
