In the heart of Downtown Phoenix back in 1947, a beacon of delight emerged for the city’s youth, much to the chagrin of their parents. Bert Easley’s Fun Shop, nestled in the City Bus Terminal on 225 West Washington Street, cast a spell with its array of novelties and gags that captivated the young minds of Phoenix.

One reminiscing local, Bill Baker, recalls a mischievous purchase he made at the Fun Shop at the age of 14 – exploding cigarette sticks that, when lit, produced a startling bang. Despite not causing harm, the explosive surprise led to an unexpected turn of events when Baker’s mother inadvertently ignited one of these booby-trapped cigarettes, resulting in a memorable, albeit harmless, explosion.

Beyond selling pranks, the shop’s owner, Herbert “Bert” Easley, found his true calling in teaching magic tricks to teenagers. Baker, a former member of the Hocus Pocus Magic Club sponsored by Easley at Phoenix Union High School, reminisces about their performances at local schools. Easley’s passion for magic extended to co-authoring a book, “Doing Magic for Youngsters,” in 1948, showcasing his dedication to nurturing young magicians.

Easley’s journey into the world of magic began during his high school days in Mesa in the early 1920s, where his acrobatic cheerleading skills set him apart. Subsequently, he honed his craft at the University of Arizona before venturing into the realm of dance in Los Angeles. However, it was his transition to magic that defined his legacy, with his iconic illusion of the “Leaning Shoes” – an act that garnered national attention, including a feature in Life magazine in 1952.

Relocating his shop to 216 North First Street in 1949, Easley expanded his magical empire, attracting talents like Ed Chilleen, who fondly recalls the store’s intimate setting that required moving merchandise in and out daily. The Fun Shop’s final move to 509 W. McDowell Rd. in 1955 marked a new chapter, offering a diverse range of magic and novelty items that drew former showbiz professionals to its counters.

Despite Easley’s passing in 1987, his family carried on the tradition for 72 years until the shop closed its doors in 2018. Easley’s legacy lives on through his remarkable repertoire of over 2,000 tricks, with one standout tale recounting his magical prowess in securing a room at a sold-out Chicago hotel during World War II, showcasing the practicality of pocket tricks in unexpected situations.

As the curtain falls on Bert Easley’s Fun Shop, its enchanting history remains etched in the memories of those who experienced the magic within its walls. Bert Easley’s legacy as a magician, mentor, and purveyor of joy continues to inspire generations of illusionists, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of Phoenix’s magical heritage.