In the heart of Downtown Phoenix, a magical legacy was born with the establishment of Bert Easley’s Fun Shop in 1947. This whimsical store, situated at the City Bus Terminal, quickly became a haven for youngsters seeking novelty items and gags that often left their parents less than amused. Bert Easley, the creative mind behind the shop, curated a treasure trove of captivating novelties that ranged from exploding cigarette sticks to a plethora of enchanting magic tricks.

One such patron, Bill Baker, reminisces about his experience purchasing exploding cigarette sticks from the shop. Despite the harmless nature of the gags, mishaps occasionally occurred, as in Baker’s case when his unwitting mother fell victim to an explosive surprise. Alongside these comical novelties, Bert Easley was a masterful magician who not only sold tricks but also imparted his knowledge to aspiring young magicians through the Hocus Pocus Magic Club at Phoenix Union High School.

Easley’s journey into the world of entertainment began in his youth, where his acrobatic cheerleading skills at Mesa High School foreshadowed his future in magic. After a brief stint as a dancer in Los Angeles, Easley transitioned to magic and embarked on a nationwide tour. His most famous illusion, the “Leaning Shoes,” captivated audiences and even earned him a feature in Life magazine in 1952.

The success of Bert Easley’s Fun Shop led to a relocation to a larger space on McDowell Road in 1955, accommodating a diverse range of magic and novelty items. Former employee Ed Chilleen fondly recalls the bustling atmosphere of the store, where ex-showbiz personalities added flair to the customer experience. Despite Easley’s passing in 1987, his family continued the business until its closure in 2018, marking a remarkable 72-year run of enchanting generations with the magic of Bert Easley.

Among the myriad tricks Easley performed, a standout moment during World War II showcased his quick thinking and magical prowess when faced with a sold-out hotel in Chicago. His impromptu magic act secured him a room, demonstrating the practicality of pocket tricks in unexpected situations.

The legacy of Bert Easley’s Fun Shop endures as a testament to the joy and wonder it brought to Downtown Phoenix for over seven decades. Through his dedication to magic and entertainment, Bert Easley left an indelible mark on the city’s cultural landscape, enchanting audiences and aspiring magicians alike with his fun-filled tricks and captivating performances.