One of the most famed celebrities from Columbus during his time, Howard Thurston was a magician who earned the status of one of the world’s greatest. His act, “The Wonder Show of the Universe,” became an institution in America for close to thirty years. If you went to see his show, you not only saw many amazements and wonders, but also enjoyed his charming personality and grand on-stage persona.
Howard grew up in Columbus on East Livingston Avenue, the middle child in a family of three brothers and a sister. When their father’s business collapsed, Howard and his older brother Charles took to the streets to sell some of their father’s inventions. That brought them a little money. Howard also found work as a bellboy at the American House and then went on to selling newspapers on trains. It was on one of the trains that Howard had one of his earliest memories of magic when he saw the Ink to Water Trick.
Later on, Howard connected with the great magician Harry Kellar who later sold his show to Howard and treated it as a succession between greats. Howard’s original fame was due to his mastery of card illusions. He continued to gain reputation from his large stage illusions in performances all over the world. Today, he resides at the Green Lawn Abbey.
“I enjoy the peacefulness the Green Lawn Abbey offers,” he said. “After the crazy hustle and bustle of my life’s work on stage, it was nice to find this space, tucked away atop a hill on the south end of the city.”
The Green Lawn Abbey was built in 1927. Unlike any other architecture in Columbus, the Abbey was built to inspire awe. It is two floors of granite and marble built in a neo-classical style.
“I particularly enjoy the beautiful stained glass windows throughout the Abbey,” said Howard. “When the sunlight shines through the halls it fills them with color.”
He’s also found pleasure relaxing in the heavy carved oak furniture that can be found throughout the Abbey. “My friends and I like to spend our evenings next to the grand fireplaces,” he said. “Sometimes I get out my favorite deck of cards and go through a few tricks. It’s a nice space to entertain.”
April Fools’!
In all seriousness, the Green Lawn Abbey still needs help. If you would like to donate time or money to its restoration, please visit their website. Their annual Memorial Day Open House is coming up on May 28, 2012. They will have a Spring Cleanup day on May 19, 2012.