Thomas Nelson Downs was born in Marshalltown, Iowa, the youngest of six children. Downs never had any formal training in magic, but by the age of 12, he had become an expert in card and coin manipulation. In September 1895, Downs quit his job as a railway telegrapher and launched a career in magic.
At the peak of his career, Downs traveled frequently, and performed at royal courts. While performing his tricks, he could palm up to 60 coins at a time. One of his most famous tricks was "The Miser's Dream", in which he seemed to pull countless coins out of the thin air. In 1912 Downs moved back to Marshalltown where he opened a vaudeville house and sold magic equipment. Downs wrote several books on magic before and after his retirement. His first book, Modern Coin Manipulation, was published in 1900 and is still issued in reprints today. His other books include The Art of Magic and Tricks with Coins.
There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested.
Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them.
T. Nelson Downs papers, Ms. 2010.013, Brown University Library.
This collection contains correspondence, particularly with fellow magician Edward "Tex" McGuire, notes on how to create effects, patents, advertisements, clippings from papers and magazines, letterheads, manuscripts of chapters from his books, cards, photographs, and programs from selected performances.
The materials are divided into the following series:
Transferred from the Smith Magic Collection. Acquisition information unavailable.
This collection is related to the Smith Magic Collection