Magician Joseph Crowell
1876-1961

COURTESY OF THE CHAS. J. TIPTON COLLECTION

Helena native Joseph W. Crowell (1876-1961) was primarily known a professional magician, although he also worked with his brothers in the bill-posting and grocery businesses. In 1924, Crowell and members of his family toured Montana with a magic and mentalist show, playing in numerous small towns. They produced a number of good-looking newspaper ads for the act. Although printed reviews of the show are sparse, those found were favorable. One highlight, or low-light, of the 1924 tour was the cancellation of an October show in Townsend. The troupe had to travel to Townsend from White Sulphur Springs, in the rain, over 40 miles of muddy mountain roads. Upon arrival, they found the auditorium hall in a shambles, with no heat, no seating set up, and the stage in disarray. Crowell cancelled the show, but paid all local costs they had incurred. The Townsend Star newspaper lamented the cancellation, and called for better facilities for such entertainments. Another pared-down Montana tour was undertaken in 1927, but after that it appears that Crowell mostly played as a solo act to audiences within a day's drive of Helena. He died in January of 1961, aged 84, of cancer at St. Peter's Hospital (then at Logan and 11th). He is buried at Forestvale.

COLORIZED FAMILY PHOTO FROM ANCESTRY.COM

 

14"x22" POSTER • KENNON BAIRD COLLECTION

 

 

 

 

 

Performed Locally in Later Years

BUSINESS CARD, 1940s