Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Halloween Zombie Poster From My Grandpa's Show

 
My grandpa, Elmer Pelkin, was a professional magician in the 1920s, 30s and 40s, and here is a poster from one of his shows. I think it is a fun poster for this Halloween holiday.
Invisible zombies!
Right in tune with all the fervor over zombies on tv now, including The Walking Dead. I am a fan of this tv show though I close my eyes upon occasion when the zombie gore is too much for me.
My grandfather was Elmer Pelkin and he toured the USA east of the Mississippi, with his wife (my grandma Leah) and four of their five children as the troupe of performers.

20 comments:

Nellie said...

That must have been very interesting to be touring in those years. Transportation was more difficult to manage then. It would be much simpler in today's times.

Inger said...

I wonder what he would have thought of the popularity of zombies today. And how interesting to have had a grandfather magician.

It's Just Dottie said...

Oh!That is so cool!
Smiles, Dottie

happyone said...

That's pretty cool. : )

Shelly said...

What a treasure, and what a fascinating family! Have you ever posted any stories about them?

Anonymous said...

I had no idea zombies were the rage back in the day--cool poster!

Nancy/BLissed-Out Grandma said...

What an interesting (and probably difficult) way to make a living! I love the zombie poster.

Terra said...

Yes, it was difficult traveling in those days. Imagine the roads, nothing like our highways. The family traveled in a large rv like vehicle which my grandfather designed and built.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

That is so cool!

Librarian said...

Did you meet your grandfather before he died, and did he teach you any of his "magic" tricks?

BECKY said...

How interesting! I'm so happy that you have his posters to enjoy, too!

Morgan Nicole Ilg said...

wow that is so cool! That's such a wonderful treasure to have!
you are so blessed!
i've been exploring your blog.
it's wonderful!
would definitely love to check out your scrapbooking book! I love those kinds of things!
you have a wonderful night and a great halloween!

Much love,
Ladyilg

p.s. if you'd like, feel free to check out my blog! ;)

short sleeved pants

Gattina said...

That's nice to have such a grandpa !
In Belgium Halloween is not very much celebrated and this year there is really nothing in our town.

a joyful noise said...

What a lovely tribute to Grandpa and his exciting showm (and troupe)

Tete said...

That is so cool! Your grandpa must have been a character! I hope he showed you all of his secrets...

Art and Sand said...

How fun that you have the poster from your Grandpa's shows. What a legacy!

Ginny Hartzler said...

How awesome to have a magician in your family! I bet he entertained the family with tricks and magic.

Diane said...

What an interesting piece of your family history. You don't hear of very many people whose grandfather was a magician! Cool. Diane

Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy said...

Oh my gosh, Terra, this is fascinating! Imagine traveling as a family from town to town performing. The poster is really cool. I am not too into Zombies, but I remember seeing the "Night of the Living Dead" in the 1970's and I enjoyed it.

Thanks so much for stopping by to visit me; sorry it has taken a while to return the favor.

Have a wonderful week!

Kathy M.

HolleyGarden said...

How very interesting! I bet his act was fabulous. I can only imagine touring as a family - it must have been difficult at times, but so educational, too. Wonderful that you still have some of his memorabilia.