Repository

Heinz History Center

Title

Harry Albacker Papers and Photographs

Creator

Albacker, Harry

Collection Number

MSS 0627

Extent

0.25 linear feet (1 box)

Date

1949-1991

Abstract

Harry Albacker was a traveling magician based out of Pittsburgh who toured the United States from the 1930s through the 1990s. His show was one of the longest running traveling magician shows of the twentieth century. The Harry Albacker Papers and Photographs include appearance agreements, various advertisements, and performance photographs.

Language

The material in this collection is in English.

Author

The guide to this collection was written by Alex J. Toner.

Sponsor

This collection has been made accessible as part of an NHPRC-funded Basic Processing grant.

Publisher

Heinz History Center

Address

1212 Smallman St.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222
library@heinzhistorycenter.org
URL: https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org

History

Harry Albacker was born on April 25th, 1925, and lived in Aspinwall, Pa. He became a professional magician in 1937, and began touring the United States. His show, the Harry Albacker Funny Bunny Magic Show, incorporating rabbits, guinea pigs, and roosters, was one of the longest running traveling magic acts of the twentieth century. Harry Albacker served as the official magician of Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fl., and was once named Showman of the Year by Pennsylvania Governor Dick Thornburgh. He performed at various nightclubs and theatres including the Golden Gate Theater in San Francisco, the Nellie Bly Amusement Part in Brooklyn, N.Y., the American Theater in St. Louis, as well as in shopping malls, and a large number of county fairs. Harry Albacker performed 42 times at the White House during the Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Nixon and Carter administrations. After being drafted into the U.S. military in 1942, he entertained troops in the Philippines, Germany, and England. Harry Albacker died in Pittsburgh in 1994.

Scope and Content Notes

The Harry Albacker Papers and Photographs include appearance agreements, letters, and various newspaper clippings documenting his performances throughout the U.S. The papers also contain show bills and promotional materials, including county fair brochures and personalized advertisements. The photographs depict Harry Albacker's performances and appearances.

Conditions Governing Access

None

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift from Barry Mitnick in 2011.

Archives accession # 2011.0071

Preferred Citation

Harry Albacker Papers and Photographs, 1949-1991, MSS 0627 , Library and Archives Division, Senator John Heinz History Center

Processing Information

This collection was processed by Alex J. Toner on 10/28/11.

Conditions Governing Use

Property rights reside with the Senator John Heinz History Center. Literary rights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the Library and Archives of the Senator John Heinz History Center.

Separated Materials

The Museum Division maintains artifacts associated with this collection, including the magicans table, rabbit box, sword box, and sword. Museum Accession # 2010.69

Subjects

Geographic Names

• Pennsylvania

Other Subjects

• Magicians
• Entertainment

Container List