Comprises signed black and white photograph of Ada Zancig, 1929; Dell O'Dell "sensational television star" business card, c1951; Betty Jane Uplift Society card, 1930, signed by Betty Jane Kolar, "World's Youngest Magician"; Front Street Theatre: Extraordinary Sensations and Novelties broadside (c1880) advertising acts including The Bros. Mocholla presenting The Indian Box, "The Greatest and Most Incomprehensible Mystery of the Age," as well as Mll'e Lauretta, "The Beautiful and Daring Female Aerialist" and Sam Devere; programme for Playhouse, Ridgewood (undated) presenting "Mildred and Rouclere" for A Night of Mystification; Meet the Ladies programme, first annual dinner and magic presented by wives of the members of the Saint Louis Ring, 1940 October 19th; programme for Reade's Hippodrome, 1927 October; the Great State-Lake Theatre, Chicago programme including Hope Eden, "the youngest mind-reader in the world", circa 1920; Leona Anderson Aerial Suspension Playbill, 1874 January, at Gowan's Opera House, Ottawa.
North American Women Magicians' Ephemera Collection
This material is held atSenate House Library Archives, University of London
- Reference
- GB 96 MS1245
- Dates of Creation
- 1874-c1951
- Name of Creator
- Language of Material
- English
- Physical Description
- 1 file
Scope and Content
Administrative / Biographical History
Ada Zancig was a schoolteacher before she married the magician Julius Zancig, whose previous wife Agnes had died. By 1917 her dislike of performance was so intense that she was replaced by Paul Vucci.
Dell O'Dell was the stage name of Odella Newton. She was a pioneer of the performance of magic on television. Her show began on a local TV station in Los Angeles in 1951. She was also a prolific writer about magic. Dell O'Dell was one of the most popular magicians on the night club circuit from the 1930s to the 1950s.
Leona Anderson was the stage name of Angeline Anderson (nee Trumeller), who was the second wife of John Henry Anderson Jr. She began her career as one of John Henry Anderson's stage assistants.
Betty Jane Kolar was the daughter of Joseph Kolar, who also had a career as a professional performer. She appeared on stage with Howard Thurston at the Erlanger Theatre in Chicago and became an honorary member of prominent magic societies.
Access Information
Open for research although at least 24 hours notice should be given.
Archivist's Note
Catalogue entry AM Williamson, 2022/01/04