{
  "id": 13583880,
  "title": "Piece of magic history disappears",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/piece-of-magic-history-disappears",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-10T23:49:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2026/10/10/piece-of-magic-history-disappears"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A cherished piece of Winnipeg’s magic history has vanished, sparking concern among internationally renowned escape artist Dean Gunnarson and the local magic community. The plaque marking the birthplace of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM), the world’s largest organization of professional and amateur magicians, was stolen from its location at the Union Bank Building.\n\nDean Gunnarson, recognized for his escape acts around the globe, announced a $500 reward for anyone who can help recover the missing plaque. The organization, founded in Winnipeg over a century ago, boasts more than 10,000 members in 88 countries as of 2022. The plaque’s disappearance marks a significant loss not only for Winnipeg but for magic enthusiasts worldwide.\n\nBruce Thompson, a fellow magician and local magic historian, discovered the plaque's absence while heading to work. Upon inspecting the site, Thompson noticed signs of forced removal, including what appeared to be a bolt still in the wall and disturbed flower beds. Attempts were made to determine if the theft was intentional, but no one could explain its disappearance.\n\nGunnarson expressed his heartbreak over the theft, emphasizing that the plaque represents more than just magic history or Canadian history. He highlighted the impact on the global magic community, noting that the organization has been home to legendary magicians like David Copperfield, Siegfried and Roy, and Lance Burton. The disappearance of the plaque represents a significant blow to the preservation of magic history for future generations.\n\nThe plaque, unveiled in 1986, has deep personal significance for Gunnarson, who is a close friend and mentee of Melvin McMullen, the late founder of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. McMullen, whose real name was Melvin McMullen, entrusted Gunnarson with preserving his legacy. Among the stolen items, Gunnarson discovered a Christmas card sent to McMullen by the legendary escape artist Harry Houdini in 1923. Houdini, who famously escaped from a straitjacket while suspended upside down from the former Winnipeg Free Press building, declined an invitation to join the fledgling organization due to his commitments at the time.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "$500 reward offered for recovered plaque marking IBM’s birthplace",
    "Plaque stolen from Union Bank Building, signs of forced removal found",
    "Plaque’s disappearance impacts global magic community"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The theft of the plaque marking the birthplace of the International Brotherhood of Magicians deals a significant blow to the preservation of magic history and the legacy of its founder Melvin McMullen.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}