Melton L. Francis
236 Village Lake Drive
Derby, KS 67037|
316-788-7798
mfrancis@alum.wofford.org
or

No. 43044
IBM 1988

Melton Francis has been involved in magic since 1970. That is the year he met John Murray of Up-the-Stairs Magic Shop in Greenville, South Carolina. John took Mel under his wing when he saw that he was serious about the art of magic. He gave Mel a piece of advice which he took to heart, a visit to his home and his magic den will bear this out, "Books! Books are your best buy in magic!"

Melton is a member of The Society of American Magicians, the oldest magic society in the United States founded by Houdini and The International Brotherhood of Magicians. He has held national office in both organizations. He is a life member of The International Magician's Society and Charter Member #35 of The Houdini Historical Center. Melton is an Associate of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal. In 1992, Roger S. Baum, the great-grandson of L. Frank Baum, the creator of the Oz stories, named Melton the SECOND GREATEST WIZARD OF OZ.

Melton has provided entertainment for all types of groups from close-up at birthday parties to large illusion shows in civic centers. His show has been seen throughout the Southeastern and Mid-western states of the United States and overseas. While in Japan with the U. S. Air Force, Melton became one of the first Americans to become a member of the All Japanese Magic Society. He started with Okinawan magician, Toshri Harakaza, in "World Magic Show" at the Naha Civic Center and was a regular feature for Halloween and Christmas shows at the BOB HOPE USO.

Melton served as director of David Copperfield's "Project Magic" for the State of Florida and has directed and starred in several stage shows with a magic theme some of which are CARNIVAL, VAUDEVILLE BY THE SEA, and TRICKY BUSINESS. He has written and published several short works: Magic for the Complete Idiot, Okinawa Magic, The Magic of Vibo, The Incomplete but Illustrated History of Magic, DeForrest: The Rope King of Magic, Hocus Pocus Notes and High Class Stuff. Melton's first published work, "A Proposal for Rope Appreciation Week", appeared in Steve Beam's first book, They Don't Make Trapdoors Like They Use To, or You Too Can Walk On Water. Steve is the author and publisher of the magazine, The Trapdoor. In addition, Melton is a regular contributor to The Greater Magic Network (GeMiNi) of Stevens Magic Emporium. (Internet: sme@southwind.net).

In 1986, Melton was named Magician of the Year by the Satellite Beach Magic Assembly, Melbourne, Florida. In 1989, Melton won first place in the Society of American Magicians, David Ginn's Hot-Dog Contest.

Melton's real job is as a professional Clinical Social Worker. He has a Masters Degree from The University of South Carolina, is nationally certified by the Academy of Certified Social Workers, completed post-graduate work at the University of Kansas and Wichita State, and in 1993 was listed in Who's Who in the Health Care Professions. In 1997, Melton was named to Who's Who in Executives and Professionals. After twenty years in the United States Air Force, Melton retired in Wichita, Kansas, so he could remain an active member of the "greatest magic club in the world." Melton was President (1995-1996) of the Wizards of Wichita and is employed with USD 260 Derby as a Social Worker during the school year.