House of Deception - Golden Age of Magic, Pro Wrestling, and Carnival Sideshows

The Golden Age of Magic

c.1875-1948

c.1875: Alexander Herrmann's preeminence in America

*1948: Television begins to proliferate

The Golden Age of
Carnival Sideshows

1893-c.1970

**1893: World's Columbian Exposition "Midway", Chicago

c.1970: Advent of disability rights & political correctness

The Golden Age of Pro
Wrestling

1911-c.1979

1911: 2nd Hackenschmidt vs Gotch, Comiskey Park

1979: Vince McMahon Sr. renames his company WWF,
three years later sells to McMahon Jr.

The Golden Age of Roller
Derby

1935-1973

1935: Leo Seltzer promotes Transcontinental Roller Derby.

1973: son Jerry Seltzer folds up the business after some
years of great success.

*For a comprehensive overview of television history, see
Television History - The First 75 Years.

**The Wikipedia article is a useful primer on the World's
Columbian Exposition of 1893.