Death and the Magician

Theodore Bamberg was born into magic in 1875. He adopted the name Okito, but he didn't just put on an Asian theme for parody. He approached it with respect and the caring soul of an artist. The magic he created was some of the most beautiful and refined of its time. He retired to Chicago in the mid-1950s. Retirement though a misnomer. When Okito stopped performing on stage he continued to demonstrate magic at Chicago's famed State street novelty store, the Treasure Chest. A master craftsman, he also produced many tricks now highly coveted by collectors of magic. Life passed from him in 1963.

Theodore Bamberg is buried at Westlawn Cemetary, 7801 W Montrose Ave, Chicago

Elm Section, row 13

Grave Art two

"At first cock-crow the ghosts must go

Back to their quiet graves below."

-Theodosia Garrison

Grave Art

"Cursed be he that moves my bones."

-William Shakespeare (Epitaph on his gravestone)

A while ago I went exploring some older cemeteries around the St. Charles area. Many of the stones go back to before the civil war. I wanted to use up the last of my B&W film. I sure do miss real film. Maybe I am a bit old fashioned, digital just doesn't "work" the same for me. I like the tactile feel of real film, the fun of seeing if you got the shot, and the surprise of getting something unexpected. And having to use photoshop to adjust and fix things feels like cheating. Hopefully, as they continue to improve the digital cameras I can find my way. Until then, enjoy these photos.