I just seem to not be able to get away from escape artists. First it was Brindamour and now it is Minerva, The Queen of Handcuffs. I am finishing up my research and am looking for copies of photos or memorabilia of Minerva or her first husband Vano (William Van Dorn). I have been able to find a few Minerva items (including a couple of great posters), but only one rather poor newspaper photo of Vano. If anyone has anything or any information on Minerva or Vano, please drop me a note.
Minerva was an amazing character. She did a complete escape act (handcuffs, ropes, water barrel, straightjacket, paper bag, etc) and would publicize the show by doing bridge jumps and jail escapes. Remember she did this all in a dress. The thing most writers mention about her is that she was very petite. Not the type one would usually associate with escape artists. And by the way she had at least 5 husbands! You can find an article about one of her adventures at a new website I am working on: www.magicfootnotes.com . This site is a work in progress so please excuse the mess.
If anyone is going to be at the LA Conference on Magic History do say hi and I will buy the beer.