How did you get started in Magic?

My Aunt Peggy, in Michigan was kind enough to photocopy this photo for me. It is my grandfather, Richard James “Jim” Stevens in Chicago, Illinois in 1930 or 1931 already quite the magic enthusiast. Peggy believes he would have been around 16 years old in this photo.

Jim Stevens pulls a rabbit out of a hat circa 1931

I saw grandpa Jim do many magic tricks whenever he visited us, which was never often enough, as we didn’t live anywhere near where he and grandma lived. These memories are from when I was 7, 8, 9 and 10 years old. I recall the card tricks, particularly where a chosen card ends up in his pocket. Repeatedly. Also he made a billiard ball turn into 2, then into three and more. I was absolutely amazed. But the one that completely baffled me was where he predicted what word my mom would choose out of a huge book on the shelf. I believe it was a Thomson Chain Bible.

So when I am asked “How did you get started in magic?” I can truthfully say that my grandpa was an inspiration.