IT’S MAGIC

As a charter member of the Magic Castle, I enjoyed Diane Haithman’s article on it and the efforts of the Larsens to make it a success (“These Walls Really Can Talk,” July 2).

One point needing emphasis is the Castle’s durability. Also back in 1963, another establishment opened for business: the Millionaire’s Club on La Cienega Boulevard. Before long, it went broke.

What accounts for the difference? The Larsens have always put any profit back into the Magic Castle, along with considerable amounts of sweat and nails. One of the joys of this truly magical place is that is has always been evolving in some mysterious way. The mystery is apparently solved if you understand that Milt Larsen has made the Castle a lifelong labor of love. The magic is in how he’s continued to do it.

ABRAHAM HOFFMAN

Reseda

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Thank you for the article on my home away from home (along with many thousands of others).

One tiny correction: The wonderful Dai Vernon, who had more to do with making close-up magic the art it is today, was “The Professor” (not “The Doctor”). He, along with Bill Larsen, will be sorely missed.

DAVID NEUBAUER

Sherman Oaks