Just curious if anyone remember's Zagoni's magic shop in Chicago. I think that was the spelling. It was a small place that also had many gags and masks. It was certainly no Magic, Inc. nor like the wonderful Treasure Chest, downtown, (which I visited during it's decline in the late 60's - 70's - when they started selling commercial pseudo-Hippie merchandise - it was still a big treat for me)

None the less, Zagonis - on the North side of Chi - was run by a whimsical fellow whose last name was that of his shop. Wonder what happened to him and his business. I have fading but fond memories of his prankster-like enthusiasm and am curious, as the years unspool, if the place was a mere figment of my feverish imagination.

Charles,

I had completely forgotten about this shop, which was in the Lincoln/Belmont area. No figment of your imagination. I have exactly the same recollection of the place!

I remember the shop from one visit. Rather small and the owner was a kind, gentle man with a really wry sense of humor.

As to Treasure Chest, I used to run the magic counter there in the mid 70's for a period of about 2 years (before I worked at Marshall Brodien's shop at Old Chicago and before I moved to Ann Arbor, MI and back).

I think I bought a set of Vernet finger goodies there...

Lee Darrow, C.Ht.

I remember that store from very early 70's.Used to stop there every saturday morning after I dropped off my Booster Paper route money.Store was on Melrose,just south of belmont and west of Lincoln ave.
I have seen Mr.Zogoni at Wolffs flea market (the outdoor rosemont one) last year.He says he is a regular vendor there,also was in the middle of purchasing a new build to manufacture halloween masks.
Still had the fake dog crap and mutilated finger tricks... good stuff... good memories

Boy. Treasure Chest. I was always there when I was a kid. It was 1 bus ride & a transfer for the subway. I've also been to Zagoni's. Bishop's in North Riverside was also a great place.