History | sam194

The History of the Society of American Magicians'

Seth Cohen Assembly 194

Overview

The Society of American Magicians was founded in 1902 to advance, elevate and preserve magic as a performing art, to promote harmonious fellowship in the magic community, and to preserve and maintain ethical standards in the field of magic. Its mission is to promote an environment and forum for the magic community that fosters fellowship, preservation of the magical arts, ethical standards, education and personal growth.

Local "Assemblies" were established to carry out this mission and to foster friendship and camaraderie with all who share the same interest in magic.

The Beginning

The Charter of the Society of American Magicians' Seth Cohen Assembly 194 indicates that November 7, 1981 is the official date that this group was formally organized in Yonkers, New York, but its actual origins date back approximately 2 ½ years earlier when a group of local magicians would meet in “Brennan’s Basement.” This was the basement in the rectory of Our Lady of Victory Church in Mt. Vernon where Monsignor Dermot Brennan, who was also an accomplished magician, was the pastor and host.

In those early days, many magicians would gather at the Westchester Magic Shop in Yonkers on Saturdays where Joe Fields and Michael Piacente worked behind the counter. It was there that Joe, Michael, and Bill Daniels came up with the idea of starting a chartered local Assembly of the Society of American Magicians ("SAM").

Growth

As membership grew steadily, Assembly 194 was presented with the Thurston Award for membership growth at the SAM National Convention in 1984.

The first public magic show performed as a group by Assembly 194 members was held at Stepinac High School in 1983; there have been many more since then in various venues and formats, including fundraisers and benefits.

Assembly 194 has always prided itself on giving back to the community. Performances have included Halloween shows at Yonkers General Hospital, St. Marks Church and Gilda's Club, just to name a few.

Who was Seth Cohen?

At 19 years old, Seth was an excellent magician with a bright future and one of the original Charter Members of Assembly 194. Sadly, Seth passed away from cancer in 1982.

The Assembly's first public show in 1983 was dedicated to Seth and soon thereafter the Assembly members voted to name the Assembly after him, and established the Seth Cohen Award of Merit in his honor to be awarded to members in recognition of outstanding accomplishments or service in magic.

Leadership

Past Presidents of Assembly 194 include the following:

Michael Piacente (1981 - 1985)

Charles Jessamy (1985 - 1987)

Pino Gareri (1987 - 1989)

Al Chiaverini (1989 - 1993)

Ted Martas (1993 - 1997)

Ed Sabol (1997 - 1999)

Emilio Velez (1999 - 2001)

Michael Piacente (2001 - 2003)

Ted Lee (2003 - 2005)

Pino Gareri (2005 - 2006)

Jack Pelepako (2006 - 2011)

Jim Stranges (2011 - 2013)

Msgr. Dermot Brennan (2013 - 2015)

Roger Burchard (2015 - Present)

Tradition

Assembly 194 has met regularly since its inception in 1981, and continues to grow its membership and serve its members and the community.

Since 1985, the Assembly has hosted an annual Holiday Banquet in December with food, festivities and entertainment for its members, their families and friends.

Of the eleven original Charter Members in 1981, Joseph Fields, Jack Pelepako and Steve Colello are still members of Seth Cohen Assembly 194.