Promoting the Art of Magic

From its humble beginnings as the Caloosa Conjurors, the Southwest Florida Magicians Association has exemplified the values of fellowship, entertainment, and integrity.

The first Board of Directors consisted of Jane Carroll, President, Gordon Paltza, Vice President, Mike Yakubek, Secretary/Treasurer, and Joe Chiaramonte International Deputy.

At a meeting on July 8, 1977, the name “Caloosa Conjurors” was accepted and plans were made for a public magic show to commemorate International Magic Week.

The Southwest Florida Magicians Association began in 1977 as a gleam in the eye of S.A.M. International President Charles Brigham. Brigham quickly gained the enthusiastic support of S.A.M. Regional Vice-President Joe Chiaramonte and Pure Magic shop owner Jane Carroll. On July 2, 1977, the Assembly Charter was signed, and Assembly #150 of the International Society of American Magicians was born in sunny Fort Myers, Florida.

That same week Jene and Jan Carroll appeared on TV Channel 26, and discussed our local assembly, the S.A.M. in general, and the history and purpose of International Magic Week. A week later Frank & Donna Levy, Gordon Paltza, and Jene & Jan Carroll appeared on Channel 26 in a magical performance.

National Magic Week was proclaimed by Florida Governor Reubin Askew to be October 23-29, and an official copy was given to the Assembly.

A permanent meeting place was secured for the Christmas meeting of Assembly #150 – the First Federal Savings Bank at College Parkway and US 41. The regular meeting date was set for the third Wednesday of every month at 8:00pm.

Original member of Assembly #150 were: Pat Agnew, Willam Cerney, Joe Chiaramonte, Wallace Feather, Alvin Giffin, Frank Levy, Pat McGowan, Arthur W. Johnson Jr, Paul Germaine, Karl McKenna, “Bud” Tracy, Jene Carroll, Michael Yakubek, Guy Cowie, Robert Engle, Gordon Paltza, Charles & Rose Mary Brigham, Stanton Wrisley, Dick Reisinger, William Chaffee, Howard Helleberg, and Joseph Gomez.