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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
