Passing the Mantle of Magic
The Linking Ring, July 1994
International Brotherhood of Magicians

click for larger image.
Photo of 36" x 24" plaque presented to Lance Burton and Lee Grabel by the Magic Fraternity.
See plaque in "History".

"On May 12, 1994, at 2:00 pm in the Granada Room of the Hacienda Hotel in Las Vegas, an event took place which brought back echoes of the past as well as a challenge for the future. Continuing a tradition and dynasty which started in 1886 when Alexander Hermann died, elevating Harry Kellar to the premier American magician, Lee Grabel passed on the mantle to Vegas headliner Lance Burton...His choice of Lance Burton was praised by Jane Thurston...Moi-Yo Miller...Arturo Montes...Irene Larson, President of the Academy of Magical Arts...Jay Marshall...John Gaughn (and all in attendance)."
by Phil Willmarth, Editor

"The Magic Fraternity congratulates Lance Burton on his selection and elevation to the exclusive Royal Dynasty of Magicians."

"On May 12, at the Hacienda Hotel in Las Vegas, Jann and I witnessed the passing of the ceremonial cape from Illusionist Lee Grabel to Lance Burton,continuing a tradition that began with Harry Kellar and Howard Thurston...It is Lee Grabel's opinion that Lance Burton is the ideal choice to follow in the footsteps of Kellar, Thurston, Dante, and himself..."
by David R. Goodsell, Editor

"...and what a 'who's who in magic' group it was...The ceremony was most impressive, black tie for men, gowns for the ladies...The editors/publishers of the major magic magazines were all there...Ed Morris, past president of I.B.M. and his wife Betty, flew in specially...congratulations frame Jane Thurston, Mark Wilson, and John Zweers..."
'Passing the Wand' by Peter Reveen