Newtown Historical Society

Makes A Magical Journey In Time

Whether it be fascination with Houdini or the wizardry of Harry Potter, magic has always had a solid hold on people’s imaginations. On Tuesday, October 14, at 7:30 pm, at The Meeting House, Main Street at the Flag Pole, the Newtown Historical Society will watch the reincarnation of another Potter, the 19th Century American stage magician Richard Potter, the first truly successful magician in America.

Richard Potter was born in 1783, and began working as an assistant to magician Rannie The Scott in 1802. Mr Potter began performing on his own beginning in 1810, and for the next quarter-century he entertained audiences across the growing nation, from his native New England to the far west of St Louis, the deep south of Mobile, and even into Canada.

The show consisted of magic cards and coins, ribbons and boxes, and a variety of other tricks. He added comic monologs and songs, ventriloquism, and a shadow puppet play.

Richard Potter was extremely popular, and remained on tour until his death in 1835.

The reenactment will be presented by Robert Olson, who has been studying Mr Potter’s life and legerdemain for more than 30 years. He has read widely not only in the 18th and 19th Century magician’s manuals, but also has discovered many letters and diaries of people who actually witnessed a Potter performance. Mr Olson, from Old Sturbridge Village, recreates the magic and fun of the original Potter show, using original and recreated props, authentic costume of white pantaloons and a blue tailcoat, and the language of the old manuals. The show is especially suited to children.

“I was surprised myself,” Mr Olson said, “how much the children and adults enjoy the show. The history of magic, the hidden science used by the magicians, the elegance of Mr Potter with his language, all work together so well. I think Mr Potter would be proud if he could come back and see how people today were still enjoying his magic.”

This will be Mr Olson’s second trip to Newtown, and those who missed one of the historical society’s most talked about programs should be well-pleased by the reprise.

All Newtown Historical Society programs are free and open to the public; refreshments will be served at the program’s conclusion. Note the change in day and location to accommodate the Columbus Day holiday. For further information call the society at 426-5937.