Back in 1947, a new store emerged in Downtown Phoenix, captivating the city’s youth with an array of novelties and gags. Bert Easley’s Fun Shop, nestled in the City Bus Terminal on West Washington Street, quickly became a hotspot for mischief and magic. Among the shop’s offerings were exploding cigarette sticks that left a lasting impression on the local kids.

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One such youngster, Bill Baker, vividly recalls his experience with the explosive gag, which inadvertently led to a comedic yet slightly alarming incident involving his unsuspecting mother. Despite the minor mishap, Bert Easley’s store continued to draw in young thrill-seekers eager to explore the world of pranks and illusions.

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Bert Easley himself, a former acrobatic cheerleader and newspaper reporter, found his true calling in the realm of magic. Alongside running his Fun Shop, Easley mentored aspiring magicians at Phoenix Union High School and even co-authored a book on magic tricks for youngsters. His passion for magic transcended the confines of his store, as he dazzled audiences with his signature illusion of the “Leaning Shoes.”

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Following a successful stint in Los Angeles as a movie dancer turned magician, Easley relocated his shop to various locations in Phoenix, expanding its reach and offerings. Ed Chilleen, a longtime employee, fondly reminisces about the bustling days at the Fun Shop, where former showbiz personalities added flair to the customer experience.

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Despite Easley’s passing in 1987, his legacy lived on through his family, who continued to uphold the store’s whimsical spirit for over seven decades. The Fun Shop’s final chapter closed in 2018, marking the end of an era that had brought joy and wonder to generations of Phoenicians.

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Amidst Easley’s vast repertoire of over 2,000 magic tricks, one incident during World War II stood out, showcasing his quick thinking and sleight of hand. When faced with a fully booked hotel in Chicago, Easley’s magical prowess secured him a room, proving that sometimes, a bit of magic can work wonders.

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As Downtown Phoenix bids farewell to Bert Easley’s Fun Shop, the memories of laughter, amazement, and mischief linger on, reminding us of the enchanting legacy left behind by a man who brought the art of magic to the heart of the city.