Frank Buhla Collection
Scope and Content
The Frank Buhla (FB) collection contains papers related to FB's profession as a magician and photographs collected by FB. The collection is organized into two series: I. Magic, and II. Photographs. Series I. Magic contains photographs, correspondence, daily appointment books, instruction books, journals on magic, and newspaper clippings. Series II. Photographs contains photographs FB collected as he traveled for performances. There are photographs of towns, people, coal mines, covered bridges, athletic teams, and copies of photos from the Civil War.
Dates
- Creation: 1908-1973
Language of Materials
The records are in English.
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the Ohio University Libraries.
Conditions Governing Use
Ohio University retains all property rights to the collection.
Ohio University retains all copyrights unless retained by the donor, other correspondents, or other artists.
Biography of Frank Buhla
Frank Buhla (FB) was born May 24, 1907 in Athens County, Ohio to John and Ethel Hayou Buhla. He grew up in Athens County and lived in Glouster. FB began experimenting with magic when a salesperson gimmick, in the form of a disappearing cigarette, interested him. He bought other magic gimmicks to amuse his friends. In 1947, FB began to perform magic professionally. He was also an entertainer, an escape artist, and a lecturer on radio, stage, and television.
FB mainly performed at schools in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. He told a reporter that, "Kid participation is the most fun. You get a kid on the stage and take sausages, bananas, and stuff out of his pockets. They love it" (The Columbus Citizen: Feb. 9, 1958). He also entertained for lodges, service clubs, and various other organizations. A few of FB's famous acts include the French guillotine and sawing a woman in half. He also escaped from torture stocks, which was a replica of famous Houdini Pillory.
FB was named Magician of the Year at the 33rd Annual Magi-Fest in Chicago in 1964 for his outstanding contribution to the art of magic. He was also involved in the National Brotherhood of Magicians, the American Legion, and the Disabled American Veterans. FB passed away on August 31, 1973. He is buried at the Maplewood Cemetery in Glouster, Ohio.
Extent
6 cubic feet (in 16 manuscript boxes and 1 flat box)
Abstract
The Frank Buhla (FB) Collection contains papers related to FB's profession as a magician and photographs collected by FB. The collection is organized into two series: I. Magic, and II. Photographs.
Statement of Arrangement
These records are organized into the following series:
- Series I: Magic
- Series II: Photographs
Other Finding Aid
A paper copy of the folder list is available.
Acquisition Information
Unknown
Existence and Location of Copies
Ohio University will entertain requests to photocopy reasonable amounts of material from the collection for the convenience of individual researchers.
Description Note
Original, legacy collection inventories may contain inaccuracies or be incomplete. Collection descriptions may change or be updated as they are verified. Please contact Mahn Center staff if you note any errors or discrepancies.
Subject
- Buhla, Frank (1907-1973) (Person)
- International Brotherhood of Magicians (Organization)
- Title
- Finding aid for the Frank Buhla Collection
- Author
- Finding aid prepared by Katie McGraw
- Date
- 2020
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English
- Sponsor
- The finding aid was converted into EAD with funding support from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.
Revision Statements
- 5 January 2024: Subjects and other notes added from ALICE MARC records and Mahn Center Microsoft Office finding aids by Ohio University Libraries Metadata Services Department Python scripts.
Repository Details
Part of the Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections Repository
