A Brief History of The Larry West Assembly 23

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE LARRY WEST ASSEMBLY 23,

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN MAGICIANS

In 1930 the magicians in the Washington, D.C. area formed what was to be Assembly 23, of the Society of American Magicians.

Its first official meeting took place at the National Press Club in December of that year. The SPHINX, An Independent Magazine For Magicians, (then the official organ of the Society) records in its issue of January 1939 that the 6th Annual National Press Club Show for the NPC members and family was a great success. In the early days the Assembly met regularly in what was know as the Silver Room where it entertained the notable magicians of the times as they either performed in Washington or were passing through. This included other well know show biz personalities who dabbled in the art.

The Assembly from time to time has also been home base for many of the well known national and local magicians, too numerable to mention. The SPHINX reports that Arthur Godfrey, Arch McDonald, a well known sports-caster, Joe Kuhel, then manager of the Washington Senators baseball club, applied for and were granted membership in the mid 30's while in later times many of our present day magic notables have enjoyed membership with the Washington Assembly.

The Assembly's association with the National Press Club has remained steady through the years. On December 11, 1980 in the old Ballroom we jointly celebrated our 50th year of association at a show given by the Assembly for the members of the N.P.C. and S.A.M. Joining the celebration was President of the National Press Club Drew von Bergen and President of the Assembly, Dr. William A. Wells. The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Mr. John Harter, local T.V. news anchor. The close-up performers were: Al Cohen, Larry Davidson, Leon Picon, Barry Taylor, Hugh Turley, Dr. Wells, Larry West, Joe Sobel and Charles Zuis. On stage were: Christian the Magician, The KEE & Co. (Ray & Lee Eyler), Dr. Chang and the Gustafsons.

Members of the Assembly have provided the talent for the annual N.P.C. Christmas (now Holiday party), they have taken part in many activities of the N.P.C. and were a part of the the Wrecker's Ball at the "close of the old Press Club" and at the "Grand Opening" of the New Press Club facilities.

After the untimely death of Larry West, a well know magical personality and well known among National Press Club members, in April 1993 the Assembly was officially renamed the Larry West Assembly in his honor. Representing the national Society for the renaming ceremony was Fr. Cyprian, then President of the Society of American Magicians. Charles Zuis, the Assembly President opened the ceremonies and then turned over the podium to Ray Eyler as master of ceremonies for the evening. In addition to the renaming of the Assembly the past presidents were recognized and Dave Lederman was installed as our Dean of Magic. Today Ray Eyler serves in this capacity.

Past presidents of the Assembly No. 23, of the Society of American Magicians as they gathered for the re-naming of the Assembly to the Larry West Assembly (1993). Left to Right top row left to right: Alan Drew, Kenneth Trombley, Ray Eyler, Ron Bacon, Charlie Zuis (then Assembly President). Middle row: Ken Norris, Chuck Nuneville, Don Williams, Dr. Dick Wunderlich, Scott Bueller. Front row: Lee Eyler, Fr. Cyprian, Dr. William Wells, Harold (Doc) Dougherty.

Others who have service as President of the Assembly: (In the 1930's) C. F .R. Ogilby; Charles H. Small; R. E. Otterback; Theo T. Golden; Harry H. Baker; F. H. Untiedt; Charles Nyquist; (In the 1940's) Ralph Mittendorff; Carl D. Shoemaker; Trenis L. Jones; C. B. Petree; Hon. Fritz G. Lanhan; George C. Hench; Franklin V. Taylor: Fred M. Johansen; George Walter: (In the 1950's) Carl E. Brockway; Robert Shaw; Willard S. Swayer; Raymond M. Hicks; Orville Meyer; Mario DePrato; Fred M. Johanson; Willam Adamson; Hans Raab; (In the 1960's) Edward Campagna; Edward Tindal; Allan W. Houghton; Dr. I. Rutkoski; Henning Nelms; Wenton Carroll; (In the 1970's) Jim Temple; Larry West; Matthew Permick, Ron Bacon (In the 1980's - 90's & 2000's) Eric Wolf; Scotty Scafidi; Dwight Redman; James Munton; Hugh Turley; Scott Miller, Lee Eyler, Eric Feinberg; John Flanagan, Walter (Bud) Smith; Noland Montgomery. Today Larry Lipman serves as our Assembly President

There were others that served during the period of the 1960's to the present which are not listed. If anyone has additional information please send it to ceyler1026@aol.com.