Magician Harry Kellar Played Erie in 1904

-ad in Erie Evening Herald, Oct. 13, 1904.

Harry Kellar, known throughout the world as a brilliant magician, was born in Erie, Pennsylvania in 1849. Kellar appeared at the Majestic Theatre on West 10th Street in Erie, PA for two shows,  October 17 and October 18, 1904.

"The popularity of Harry Kellar, or 'Our Harry,' as he is familiarly called in Erie, (his old home), was attested last evening...Kellar uses very little apparatus, and performs many of his most wonderful tricks simply with the aid of his bare hands and in the glare of the brilliantly lighted stage." -review in the Erie Evening Herald, Oct. 18, 1904.

Kellar performed one of his most famous acts at the Majestic, the Levitation of the Princess Karnac. "The illusion is only another of the mighty Kellar's marvelous accomplishments, showing the ease and grace with which he defies the laws of nature and makes even the unbending rules of science sway to his will and skill."

Here is a picture of the Majestic Theatre. Magician Harry Blackstone, Sr. also performed in Erie.

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Majestic Theater and Scott Block Erie PA

Majestic Theater and Scott Block on West 10th St. Photo courtesy of Erie Police historian Ken Sidun.

The Majestic Theater was built in 1904 at 18-24 West 10th Street in Erie, PA. It was just west of the Scott Block and was located on the north side of Tenth St. between Peach and State. The Majestic was also known as the Perry Theater and most recently was Shea's Theater.

None of the buildings shown in this photo exist today. The Majestic was demolished in 1967.

The Lawrence Hotel, on the corner of 10th and Peach Street, is the first building on the left. The Lawrence was built in 1913 and was demolished in 1968.

The Scott Block, shown on the right in this photo, was built in 1875 and was demolished in 1969. It was owned by W. L. Scott. The Hilton Hotel occupied the site of all three buildings in the 1980s, stretching from State to Peach on West 10th St.

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