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Billy Russell
Billy Russell ( January 21, 1880 - December 6th, 1966) born William Austin Russell in Batavia, New York was a magician and magic inventor.
In 1898, Russell toured for several years with his "A Night in Wonderland" act. He moved on to school shows when vaudeville died.
Later he prepared acts for the top magicians and escape artists of his day. Russell created Houdini's paper bag escape, first performed by Harry in his vaudeville act at Syracuse, New York. He also built his Milk Can Escape from Houdini's original drawings. Russell also approved many of Howard Thurston's illusions before they were built.
In 1934, the International Brotherhood of Magicians in his honor held its world convention in Batavia.
Books
- Tricks of the Magic Trade (1910)
References
- Cover Edwards Monthly April 1910
- Billy Russell by Gene Gordon, Linking Ring, May 1947.
- Obit Genii 1967 January
- Magicol No. 75 (May 1985) Cover