History of the Vancouver Magic Circle

In the Spring of 1942, accomplished Magicians and good friends Charles Howard and William Shelly brought together about a dozen Magic enthusiasts from around Vancouver to form The Vancouver Magic Circle. Monthly Meetings of the fledgling club were held at the Devonshire Hotel (corner of Georgia & Hornby) in downtown Vancouver.

Charles Howard, a retired Army Captain, Served as the clubs First President, holding two terms of office (1942 & 1943). He was a respected authority on magic and the original visionary for our club. During his tenure he founded and nurtured the Vancouver Magic Circle Library, which was an integral part of club meetings in the 1940's & 50's. (Over time his Legacy has grown to become one of the largest Club Owned Magic Libraries in North America, with the collection today at well over 1500 volumes.)

William Shelly, a former Minister of Finance and a successful businessman who owned the  4X bakery chain, was elected the clubs second president, and also served two terms in office (1944 & 1945). Under his direction, the club's Newsletter was established. He appointed Thornton Poole the clubs first "Magic Scribe" and in March of 1944 the inaugural issue of the Magical Minutes rolled off the presses. (it has been in continuous publication ever since).  - con't -