Beatrice Houdini, widow of the famous magician Harry Houdini, tries her luck with the slot machines while attending a party at Ray Gamble's "Elephant House" during a visit to Tacoma in July, 1941. The man in the sports coat and light colored slacks who is playing the slot machine is Edward Saint. Edward Saint was described as Mrs. Houdini's personal secretary, a former outstanding magician and the author of "The Life of Houdini." Mr. Gamble was a very successful business entrepreneur with a keen interest in magic. He had just been elected president of the Pacific Coast Association of Magicians as the group met in Seattle. It is very possible that many of these guests were participants in the conference. (TNT 7-27-41, p. 2-A) ALBUM 7.

Magicians; Houdini, Harry--Family; Houdini, Beatrice; Business people--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gamble, Ray, 1886-1972--Homes & haunts; Slot machines--Tacoma;

Interior of Ray Gamble's home. Gamble stands behind the roulette wheel in his basement party room in this photograph from May of 1941. An unidentified guest gestures at the large quantity of liquor bottles in front of him. (Also dated 05-22-1941]

Gambling--Tacoma--1940-1950; Alcoholic beverages; Gamble, Ray, 1886-1972; Gamble, Ray, 1886-1972--Homes & haunts;

ca. 1926. Gates at the rear of the Robert and Emily Walker residence, 3411 N. 30th St. The home was built in 1921 for the owner of Walker Cut Stone Company, with John Chalmers serving as the contractor. The house was later the residence of Ray Gamble, the " Elephant House." Robert Walker, a native of Somersetshire England, emigrated to the United States in 1882. In 1907, he moved from Minnesota to Tacoma. His first partnership was called Wilcox and Walker, but in 1908 he bought out his partner and incorporated the Walker Stone Co. He and his wife raised five children: Edna, Kitty, William, Robert G. and Leona. For Western Iron and Wire Company. (filed with Argentum)

Walker, Robert--Homes & haunts; Gates--Tacoma; Houses--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Beatrice Houdini, white-haired widow of the famous magician Harry Houdini, center rear raising glass, and other party guests at Ray Gamble's "Elephant House" during a visit to Tacoma, July, 1941. Mr. Gamble is at left rear by door. An avid amateur magician, he was foremost in establishing the Pacific Coast Association of Magicians and was elected president during their recently concluded ninth annual convention in Seattle. (TNT 7-27-41, p. 2-A) ALBUM 7.

Magicians; Houdini, Harry--Family; Houdini, Beatrice; Business people--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gamble, Ray, 1886-1972; Gamble, Ray, 1886-1972--Homes & haunts;

Beatrice Houdini, center, widow of the famous magician Harry Houdini admires Ray Gamble's elephant sundial during a party honoring her visit to Tacoma in July, 1941. Ray Gamble is to her left, Addie Gamble to her right. The sundial may have been made out of sandstone; it has the name "Joan" enscribed on the base. Mr. Gamble was known for his large collection of elephants; by the mid-1960's, his collection was viewed as the world's largest at over 3000 pieces. ALBUM 7.

Magicians; Houdini, Harry--Family; Houdini, Beatrice; Business people--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gamble, Ray, 1886-1972; Gamble, Ray--Family; Gamble, Ray, 1886-1972--Homes & haunts;

Beatrice Houdini, widow of the famous magician Harry Houdini, center behind sundial, and other guests at Ray Gamble's "Elephant House" during a visit to Tacoma in July, 1941. Mr. Gamble is at far right. He would be elected president of the Pacific Coast Association of Magicians on July 25, 1941, at the group's ninth annual convention held in Seattle. Mr. Gamble and his fellow magicians would put on a show for 5000 soldiers at Fort Lewis on Saturday, July 26, 1941. ALBUM 7.

Magicians; Houdini, Harry--Family; Houdini, Beatrice; Business people--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gamble, Ray, 1886-1972; Gamble, Ray, 1886-1972--Homes & haunts;

Guests try their luck with the roulette wheel while attending a party at Ray Gamble's "Elephant House" honoring Beatrice Houdini in July, 1941. The Gamble's basement featured celestial painted walls, a stage, and gambling machines hidden in paneled walls. Their view home on No. 30th St. featured a large collection of elephants, including sandstone elephants at the entrance to their rumpus room. ALBUM 7.

Magicians; Houdini, Harry--Family; Houdini, Beatrice; Business people--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gamble, Ray, 1886-1972; Gamble, Ray, 1886-1972--Homes & haunts; Gambling--Tacoma--1940-1950;

In May of 1941, the guests at a party given by Ray Gamble (right), Tacoma business entrepreneur and amateur magician, enjoyed themselves in the unique gaming room that he had built in the basement of his house at 3411 North 30th Street. At a time when illegal slot machines were being confiscated and destroyed, the room featured both slot machines hidden in crevices in the walls and a roulette wheel. Mr. Gamble's guests frequently included Hollywood notables, fellow magicians and Tacoma socialites. With a fat cigar clutched firmly in his mouth, Gamble appears to be counting out his winnings. Aside from being a jovial host, Gamble was also a world traveler and a collector. [Also dated 05-22-1941] (T.Times 5-29-41, p. 1-article on slot machine seizures)

Slot machines--Tacoma; Gamble, Ray, 1886-1972--Homes & haunts;