The History of Little Rock Magic Ring 29

The Early Days: 1944 - The Necromancers

Once upon a time, a small group of Little Rock magic enthusiasts began gathering to swap tricks, entertain one another, and perfect their craft. As their regular sessions grew, so did their ambition. Guided by key organizer Otis Dougan—and with a little help from Adolph Boldt of St. Louis Ring 1—the group set their sights on joining the larger magic community.

They officially dubbed themselves “The Necromancers” and held their very first meeting on January 11, 1944. By May of that year, their charter was officially sent to the International Brotherhood of Magicians (I.B.M.). Led by their first President, Otis Dougan, and Secretary, Lawrence Burrow, the founding roster included ten other dedicated charter members ready to bring magic to Arkansas. According to I.B.M. records, the other charter members included Lawrence C. Auten, Frank Beale, Perry J. Bott, J. W. Closser, James Nolting, Charles H. Orth, John W. Paquette, Charles C. Price, W. G. Shrugar and Bill Pitts.

The Necromancers quickly became local icons, drawing rave reviews in numerous newspaper articles for their community shows, while actively representing Arkansas at magic conventions across the country.

Growth, Fame, and a New Name

Soon after the club's founding, a professional magician named Logan Pritchett joined the ranks. Pritchett became a powerhouse for the Ring, traveling extensively, performing up to 200 shows a year, and gaining widespread recognition in national magic circles. His crowning achievement for the local community was bringing the national, annual I.B.M. Convention right here to Little Rock in 1975. To honor his massive impact, the club officially changed its name to “The Logan Pritchett Ring 29.”

A History on the Move

As the club evolved, so did its meeting spaces. The Ring's original home base through the 1940s, 50s, and 60s was the historic Albert Pike Hotel. What followed was a decades-long journey through various local venues. The club spent time at Grace Lutheran Church, Doctor’s Hospital, and Metropolitan Bank, before finding a great performance space at Winfield Methodist Church in 1977.

The Ring later found long-term stability at the Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute (CARTI), utilizing their conference facilities for 16 years. From the late 90s through the 2010s, meetings shifted between the Baptist Medical Center and various centers at UAMS.

Ring 29 Today

Now officially known as the "Little Rock Magic Ring 29," the club proudly continues its over 80-year tradition of camaraderie and magical entertainment. We have evolved into a diverse, vibrant community of illusionists, sleight-of-hand artists, and mystery makers. By day, our members represent a wide array of professions—including doctors, students, accountants, truck drivers, and IT professionals—but together, we share a unified passion for the historical craft of magic and a deep dedication to our local community.

From dazzling local crowds at popular community events like Boo at the Zoo and Oaklawn, to raising crucial funds for noble, impactful causes such as Feed The Vets, the dedicated performers of Ring 29 can be found bringing the art of magic to life all over Arkansas and beyond. As a proud local affiliate of our parent organization, the International Brotherhood of Magicians (I.B.M.), we remain committed to welcoming the next generation of mystery creators. Whether fostering the development of young aspiring magicians or collaborating with seasoned local pros, Ring 29 continues to ensure that the spirit of wonder remains alive and well in the Natural State.