Jack Gwynne's Grave

Jack Gwynne was an American Magician and movie actor. He was one of the few magicians who made a successful transition out of Vaudeville into other markets. As Vaudeville died, Gwynne created a show that could be performed at nightclubs and on dance floors. That meant that his illusions had to set up quickly and could be performed surrounded.

He is credited for adapting the classic Doll's House Illusion and creating a brand new effect called The Temple of Benares or Temple of An-Gee. During World War II, Gwynne and his family traveled overseas to perform for the troupes. He was a popular attraction and if memory serves was given the honorary rank of Lieutenant.

Jack Gwynne was also a movie star. He had an uncredited roll in Citizen Kane, and he starred in The Dark Streets of Cairo and Model Wife. After his movie star days were over and the nightclub venues began to dry up, Jack once again transitioned into another market, this time the school show market. Jack Gwynne was born April 12, 1895 and died on December 7, 1969. He is buried in Lakeside Cemetery in Colon Michigan next to his wife Anne, and along with many of magic's notables.

A photo of the grave can be seen here. There is also a map/diagram of where the various magic graves in the Lakeside Cemetery are, click here.

(If you have a photo of the grave you would be willing to share, and that you own, please send it over to carnegiemagic@aol.com)

Alexander Herrmann Grave

photo courtesy of Richie Magic & Barbara Nista

Here lies Herrmann The Great! Alexander Herrmann, youngest brother to Compars Herrmann, son to Samuel Herrmann and wife to Adelaide Herrmann. He began his career assisting his brother Compars. Some say that he had been kidnapped by his older brother, but I'm not so sure. In any case, they worked together until Alexander was proficient enough to go out on his own. One of their more prestigious shows was for President and Mrs. Lincoln at the White House in Washington D.C..

Both Alexander and Compars were excellent magicians, but Alexander also added comedy into his routines. In addition, Alexander also played the part of magician off stage as well as on. When out at a restaurant or while shopping he would cause some magical event to happen that would surprise everyone around him. On a few occasions this impromptu magic show backfired and Herrmann had to scramble to 'fix' the situation. One example was when he produced a diamond ring while at dinner. He showed it to a waitress who said it belonged to her and took it. Herrmann had to plead with the restaurant manager to get the ring back.

Alexander Herrmann died on his own private train car on December 17th, 1896 while in route to a show in Pennsylvania. After he died, his wife Adelaide took over the show and brought in nephew Leon Herrmann to fill the spot left behind by Alexander.

Alexander Herrmann is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx NY in the Oak Hill section. Adelaide's grave is right next to his.