"The Shadow" author Walter B. Gibson was a somewhat well-known magician prior to his pulp work and operated under the name Merton. Gibson belonged to the Society of American Magicians and "The Magician's Guild Of America," Gibson's membership card being offered here. Card states dues paid until Jun. 1, 1961. Card is not signed by Gibson and shows light wear. Exc. Comes with 8.5x11" double-sided typed page documenting Gibson's first meeting with Harry Houdini. Letter reads in part "My First Meeting With Houdini Was On The Stage Of The Garden Pier Theatre In Atlantic City Late In July, 1915, When I Joined A Committee That Went Up On The Stage To Examine His Chinese Water Torture (sic) Cell From Which He Intended (sic) To Escape. Although I Was Well Versed In Magic, I Had Never Seen Houdini Perform His Escapes Because He Had Been Abroad (sic) Until The Year Before And This Was My First Opportunity To See Him." Page has many typing mistakes and shows aging with a few age spots and crease in lower right-hand corner. Reverse has hand-written notes in pencil concerning Houdini and magical books. Fine.