$1,300
Cincinnati, Ohio: The Henderson-Achert-Krebs Litho. Co., ca 1900. Color lithograph poster advertises the mind reading feats and lightning calculations of Harry and Mildred Rouclere early in their career, under the auspices of Whallen & Martell. Whallen, the patriarch of a family of acrobats, partnered with Martell to develop their own full evening minstrel and variety shows which toured America beginning in 1890. The Roucleres were a feature act on their program. 30 x 20". Minor folds and repairs; A-. Rouclere (1866 - 1942) was one of the few magicians of the golden age to save the fortune he built as an entertainer. Beginning his career in show business as a juggler in a circus at the age of nine, he eventually developed a sensational two-person mind reading act with his wife, Mildred, and dubbed it "Mildredism." After retiring from the stage, Rouclere took over the ownership and operation of his father's hotel in Ridgewood, New Jersey. The hotel became a popular meeting place for magicians. An early aviator and airplane owner, Rouclere was also known as "The Flying Boniface," and distributed gifts to the children of Ridgewood at Christmastime from his plane - while dressed as Santa Claus. The presents floated down to the children when thrown from the plane, each one attached to a tiny parachute.
Auctioneer:
Potter & Potter
Date:
2017-02-04
