On April 5th, I learned from the Assistant Magic Castle Librarian, Joe Fox, that Houdini’s Secret Leather Ankle Braces were on display in the Magic Castle’s newly remodeled Museum (formerly known as the Cellar).
The plan was to check them out on April 10th at Friday Lunch, but due to a Magic Castle fire on April 7th, the Castle was closed for lunch. Thankfully, the Castle did re-open that Friday evening.
According to owner Randy Pitchford, the fire was largely contained to the attic and top-floor office space, leaving the building’s museum, artwork and the William Larsen Sr. Library of Magical Arts unharmed. Truly a miracle.
On Friday, June 5th, I made it to the Castle for lunch. I was joined by Mark Willoughby, a longtime friend and Houdini Nut that I hadn’t seen for a long time. As it turned out, this was the first Friday lunch, where the Castle was trying out a new menu.
Everyone was raving about the new menu. Mark and I had the MC burger, which was tasty, and required a napkin after every juicy bite.
After some great conversation, Mark and I went to the 1:00 close-up show, where Michal Kulik from Poland blew our minds away with his unique card magic. He was also gracious enough to sign our lunch gazette.
Speaking of the lunch gazette, the back of it has a nice Happy Friday letter from Randy Pitchford where he chronicles the upgraded food plan, which includes this inaugural lunch.
Next, Mark and I went down to the William Larsen Sr. Library of Magical Arts, where we were greeted by the Magic Castle Librarian, Bill Goodwin.
We asked Bill about the new Houdini Chamber Experience, which he described as intense.
Mark and I then meandered our way to the Museum Theatre, as we commented on how nice the Castle was looking.
The newly remodeled museum, had the Houdini secret Leather leg braces that I came to see. Click link below for more info on this item now owned by Randy Pitchford.
- Houdini’s secret leg braces? [WildAboutHoudini.com]
After, exploring a little bit more of the Castle, we made our way to the gift shop, where Mark gifted me one of the Magic Castle’s new Séance Magnets. Thank you Mark!
Before heading out, we took a photo to commemorate our enjoyable Friday Lunch at the Magic Castle.
