I could not find anywhere where Marcus celebrated July 4 during the early 1940’s. World War II was declared and men were being drafted into service else volunteered to serve their country. Some boys left school and forgot about graduation in order to volunteer. So, did Marcus do anything in spite of the war beginning? In a separate article, I will tell about “live fish”. I don’t think people really knew what that term meant!
June 26, 1941—“Marcus To Hold Magic Show”. What was so special about a magic show coming to Marcus? This one was a Hocus Pocus Show and sponsored by the Legion. It was an Egyptian Black Magic show by Rajah Ryockey and given at the Marcus Playground. This show is sponsored by the American Legion of Marcus for an hour and 30 minutes on June 30 at 8 o’clock p.m.
The feature of Rajah Ryockey’s show is catching live fish from out of the air from over the heads of the audience. Commander Satterlee announced today that many local fishermen are clamoring for tickets since learning that the Rajah catches fish out of the air.
There will be many original tricks and illusions presented along with the usual tricks with water, coins, bills, silks, etc., plus that traditional white rabbit from out of the hat. Rajah Ryockey is reputed to be one of the nations outstanding exponents of Egyptian Black Magic.
Mr. Bjornstad and his Marcus High school band will give a 30 minute concert preceding the show. The concert will begin at 7:45 p.m. (How could the concert be for 30 minutes if it started at 7:45 and the Magic Show starts at 8 p.m.?)
The magic show starts promptly at 8 p.m., unless the Rajah moves the Playgrounds. You don’t have to be a magician to find the price of admission in your pocket—ask anyone of your local merchants for free coupon tickets to the show.
The American Legion is appreciative of the wholehearted support manifested in the purchase of tickets for free distribution by the business and professional men of the city.
The services of several Legionnaires will be required to collect admissions at the grounds. Those who can and will sit in this capacity, please report to Frank McClintock, Ernest Kauffman or Joe Ament by Saturday of this week.
In case of rain or inclement weather, the show will be held on Tuesday, July 1 at 8 p.m.
July 3, 1941—“Estimated Audience of 900 Attend Hocus Pocus Show”. Rajah Ryockey held the attention of an estimated audience of 1000 (was the number of people—900 or 1,000?!) people Monday night at the playgrounds when he gave a demonstration of magic that caused many to say, “Oh! I know how he did that.” But, the question is—did they really know?
Local people, including Peter Miller, Sr., Jimmie McGee, Lee Barnes, Lois Kuehn and others were called to the platform to assist with the fun.
The show was sponsored by the local American Legion, the local merchants cooperating by giving free coupon tickets to the public.
Commander Wylie Satterlee of F.I. Goodburn Post expresses his appreciation in behalf of the Legion for the interest shown.
The Legion also sponsored a “Donkey Soft Ball Game” on July 10, 1941. The public is promised “a million laughs a second’ when the Amherst Dude Wranglers meet the Marcus Lone
Rangers in a donkey soft ball game at the playground Thursday night, July 10 beginning at 8 p.m. The game will be sponsored by the local American Legion and is advertised to be the “laughiest” game you will ever see. The game will be broadcast over the public address system.
Forget your cares and laugh at our local boys play soft ball as they ride Omaha, Joe Louis, Adolph Hitler, Martha Raye, Mae West, Jiggs, Maggie, Strawberry Roan, Popeye, Sally Rand and Mickey Rooney.
Dr. Joynt and Tom Olson are committee members for this event. Admission is 10 and 20 cents.
People did come to these events. Remember in that time frame, there were no television or cell phones to play games on. Radio was their only entertainment. If these two aforementioned programs were offered today, would you put aside your “type” of entertainment and attend these—and enjoy them like the people of yesteryear did?