John Gaughan's Original Chamber of Secrets

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Dustin Stinett
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John Gaughan's Original Chamber of Secrets

Postby Dustin Stinett » January 18th, 2018, 8:02 pm

Huell Howser was an institution in California television, with several programs on PBS stations visiting every manor of interesting sites, businesses, landmarks, and more. One of those was John Gaughan's shop. This is the first one I visited, along with Richard Kaufman, before John moved to another spot. This facility was originally Mark Wilson's—John worked for Mark decades ago—and John took over the lease. Upon his passing, Howser gave virtually everything in his estate to Chapman College. They have archived this material (much of which still plays on local PBS stations—as I said, Howser was an institution, and a popular one at that).

This episode of Visiting starts with some of John's automata (where, for a bit, John exercises the showman's prerogative in regard to the Turk), moves over to a collection of illusions, and goes into the original museum, what we call The Chamber of Secrets. Finally they go over to the workshop proper. Pay close attention and you'll see an Origami illusion as well as a Pole Levitation in the shop. Be sure to stay until the end to see Max the macaw's trick. It's a wonderful way to spend 27 minutes. Enjoy ...

https://blogs.chapman.edu/huell-howser- ... ting-1031/

Jim Martin
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Re: John Gaughan's Original Chamber of Secrets

Postby Jim Martin » January 19th, 2018, 10:26 am

Thanks for this post, Dustin - very cool.
Jim Martin
St. Louis MO

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Tom Frame
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Re: John Gaughan's Original Chamber of Secrets

Postby Tom Frame » January 19th, 2018, 10:27 am

That was terrific! John's collection is exquisite, as is his craftsmanship.

JFox
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Re: John Gaughan's Original Chamber of Secrets

Postby JFox » January 19th, 2018, 4:21 pm

If you're wondering why John quickly moved on past the "Houdini Trunk", and never even mentioned the name "Houdini" while Huell was asking questions about the famous "Water Torture Cell"...is because John knew that if he were to elaborate on the "Houdini" name, Huell probably would have devoted the remaining episode to just talking about Houdini....thus, missing all of the hundreds of amazing props & other sights to see.

A very wise move on John's part.


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