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It
was the fall of 1911 when America's first magic "union," The Society of
Baltimore Magicians had disbanded. Arthur D. Gans, Thomas C.
Worthington III and a few others however decided to form a stronger
union among magicians. The Demons Club was inaugurated on December 7,
1911 at Gan's home in Roland Park.
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Arthur D. Gans
 Learn more about him right here... http://themagicofbaltimore.blogspot.com/2013/08/thomas-worthington-iii-baltimores.html Frank P. Knight and Charles Ziegler were elected President and Vice President. It was Zeigler who in fact came up with the name, The Demons Club. Early meetings were held at Lafayette Hall and at members home until the finances of the club were stronger.  |
| THE DEMON'S ORIGINAL CLUBHOUSE 700 Lafayette Avenue (downtown Baltimore) The Demons Club was the first magic club in the world to have its own club house and moved in here on September 17, 1917! The Demons met bi-monthly and would occasionally had an open house, welcoming all to come visit and be amazed. Those early years were of many opportunities and the club progressed rapidly in membership and activities. On March 26th, 1914 the first Demon’s banquet to Howard Thurston, America’s foremost magician, was held. The officers for that memorable year were: Arch Demon Supreme Harry Kellar  Honorary Arch Demon Supreme Howard Thurston  Arch Demon Thomas C. Worthington Jr  Vice Arch Demon Charles Fulton Oursler  and Demon Scribe and Treasury Imp Louis Smith (see below) |
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| THE DEMONS CLUB Wearing their red and horned Imp caps (left to right) Woben Smith, George Most, Ed Yeyl, Louis "Imp" Smith, Harry Watkins, Seymour Ziegler and Joe Bruno. |
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| Magicians that have appeared on the stage of The Demons Club ALEXANDER JOHN CALVERT THEO BAMBERG HOWARD THURSTON HARRY BLACKSTONE SR. HENRY RIDGELY EVANS HARRY HOUDINI DANTE In those days, if you asked a magician anywhere in the world if he knew of the Demons Club, the answer would most likely have been “YES!” |
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December 13, 1923
Arthur
Gans performing his renowned billiard ball routine for a banquet at
Mount Royal Station organized by Gans and the B&O railroad in the
“Martha Washington” diner and club car!
How cool is that?
The tickets said “KELTHURMA”
(the name derived from Kellar/Thurston/magic)
 DEMONS CLUB MEMBERS OF THE PAST (UNDER DEVELOPMENT)
Bruno, Joe
Dane, Jack
Hambuger, Dr. Louis (noted doctor at John Hopkins)
Kellar, Harry
Oursler, Fulton C.
Price, Harry Smith, Louis "Imp"
Smith, Woben
Test, Robert W. (Director of Baltimore's better business bureau)
Thurston, Howard
Watkins, Harry
Worthington, Thomas C. Yeyl, Edward Zerr, William
Ziegler, Seymour
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