19th century Magic
tinerant
performers moved from town to town performing, selling and informing the
people of the current events. Magic and puppetry were not intended for
young children. They were
for adults and many of the puppet plays were as bawdy as some of the troubadour
songs. Magic often combined the philosophy and science of the day. It
is true that much of what we call science today was called magic in the
past. The itinerant magician carried many hats; much like the barber,
who also performed surgery (which is why the barber pole has the twining
stripes - a carry over from the entwined snakes of the caduceus of the
doctors).
hey
would perform magic, read the bumps on your head, tell your fortune, cut
your silhouette, and sell you some snake oil to cure anything that ails
you. They were often renaissance men combining psychology, science, math
and memory techniques into their magical effects.
rofessor Trattner has
amazed, amused, and astounded audiences throughout the colonies. Recently
he has performed for the Maryland Historical Society, the Ellicott City
Founders Day celebration, the Battle of North Point Reenactment, Montpelier
Colonial Day celebration, the Blair Mansion in Bowie, and Fort McHenry.
Professor Trattner's presentations are filled with historical facts, anecdotes,
and plenty of audience participation