Thursday, January 4, 2024

Cave treasure

Here's a wild find that speaks for itself. This was shared on the Mammoth Cave National Park Facebook page over the holidays.


Our friend Thomas Ewing of Haversat & Ewing Galleries provides some insight into the cardholder:

The S.A.M. card found in the cave belonged to Robert D. Stayton of Casey Creek, KY who died August 23, 1985 at age 82. He carried I.B.M. No. 338 since 1950 having joined first in 1924. He had been a member of Ring 1 (St. Louis, MO). He was also the 1104th member to join the S.A.M. and did so in December 1923. He was a member of the Order of Merlin. At one time he was also a member of Chicago Assembly No. 3. Stayton was an engineer by profession and is credited with having designed the first coin operated vending machine. In his early days, he appeared with a magical act as "Professor Stayton."

Below are some more tales of amazing Houdini finds.
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3 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 5, 2024 at 3:33 AM

    How do I go about selling a pair of Houdini cuffs on a wooden Plex presented to Worthington, authenticated by Elizabeth Houdini

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John CoxJanuary 5, 2024 at 7:52 AM

      Sounds intriguing and I do know someone who might be interested. I'd love to see a pic if you'd care to email me HERE. Thank you!

      Delete
  2. Leo HeviaJanuary 6, 2024 at 3:25 AM

    I wonder if Mr. Stayton realized later on that he had dropped his SAM card in that cave.

    ReplyDelete