A brief history of Morrissey Magic

Back in August, I posted about Morrissey Magic closing after 54 years in magic.  When the store closed, their website went dark and with it their history.  I'm pleased to republish "A Brief History of Morrissey Magic."


Reprinted from MorrisseyMagic.com (archived on Dec 3, 2011), with permission from Dan and Phoebe:

A Brief History of Morrissey Magic

MORRISSEY MAGIC 1959 - 2011 OVER 50 YEARS OF MAGIC.

In 1959 Herb Morrissey started a very small magic business. So small in fact that we only had one product. MORRISSEY CUPS manufactured in Canada, available in aluminum and copper. The magic world quickly recognized that MORRISSEY CUPS were good quality cups and reasonably priced - VALUE FOR YOUR DOLLAR.

And today, 50 years later this is still our policy - VALUE FOR YOUR DOLLAR. Soon other products were introduced, Dove, Chick and Duck Pans, Zombie, Lota Bowls, Chop Cups and the list goes on and on. Over the years not only have we been introducing the most widely used magician's equipment, but also we have been innovative. We have brought to the magic market many items, which were never available before. One of the most famous of these is the MORRISSEY CHOP CUPS & BALLS COMBINATION.

By the early 60's MORRISSEY PRODUCTS were available in magic shops all over the world.

In 1964 we opened a retail magic shop in Montreal. Additional products were added from other manufacturers and we soon had a well-stocked magic shop. Lots of you reading this will remember the magic shop on Bluery Street.

In 1978 we opened a second magic shop in Toronto. Herb Morrissey moved to Toronto and Richard Olsen, a partner in the business managed the shop in Montreal as well as the manufacturing and mail order business. The Toronto store was a retail only magic shop.

In 1986 Herb's son, Dan Morrissey joined the business in Toronto and remains here to this day. We closed the operation in Montreal and everything moved to Toronto. So, it looks like Morrissey Magic will be around for another 50 years.

NOW OVER 50 YEARS LATER, CANADA'S LARGEST MAGIC DEALER IS LOCATED AT 2477 DUFFERIN STREET, TORONTO.

Our modern magic studio has 3000 square feet of retail space to service magicians from all over the world. And we are still supplying magicians and magic dealers with metal spun products. Today MORRISSEY MAGIC is truly an international magic company.

Known and respected throughout the magic world.