mss0613.xml Finding aid for Warner Perry papers1900-1997(bulk dates 1940-1995) University of Delaware Library, Special Collections University of Delaware Library
Newark, Delaware 19717-5267 Phone: 302-831-2229 Fax: 302-831-6003 URL: http://www.lib.udel.edu/ud/spec/
Date encoded (2009 December 3) Finding aid encoded 2009 December 3 English Warner Perry papers1900-1997(bulk dates 1940-1995) Special Collections Department, University of Delaware Library
Newark, Delaware 19717-5267 Phone: 302-831-2229 Fax: 302-831-6003 URL: http://www.lib.udel.edu/ud/spec/
 Perry, Warner. Warner Perry papers1900-1997 1940-1995 MSS 613 3 linear feet (3 boxes) The Warner Perry papers include personal records related to Perry’s life and many hobbies. The major subjects of the collection are Perry’s magic documents, his personal papers, financial information, written works, invention designs, and family photographs. Materials entirely in English. University of Delaware Library - Special Collections Source

Gift of the estate of Warner Perry.

 Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

 Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

Use of materials from this collection beyond the exceptions provided for in the Fair Use and Educational Use clauses of the U.S. Copyright Law may violate federal law. Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. Please contact Special Collections Department, University of Delaware Library, http://www.lib.udel.edu/cgi-bin/askspec.cgi

 Citation

MSS 613, Warner Perry papers, Special Collections, University of Delaware Library, Newark, Delaware.

 Shelving Summary Boxes 1-3: Shelved in SPEC MSS record center cartons Processing

Processed by Matthew Small, November-December 2009. Encoded by Jaime Margalotti, December 2009.

 Biographical Note

Clarence Warner Perry, Jr. was born on December 29, 1921, in Wilmington, Delaware. He attended Pierre S. du Pont High School, graduating in 1940. Perry went on to attend the University of Delaware, where he received a B.S. in electrical engineering in 1943. Upon receiving his degree, Perry gained employment with E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., Inc. (DuPont) in Wilmington as a design engineer, where he continued to work until his retirement in 1985. Perry lived most of his life in Brookside Park outside Newark, Delaware. He died on August 6, 1997.

During his employment at DuPont, Perry had many hobbies and side endeavors. Perry became an amateur magician and magic enthusiast in his youth, a subject he remained interested in throughout his life. He designed magic tricks, assembled and sold magic catalogs at his magic store, and performed as a magician himself. In fact, Perry performed magic acts on the side to help pay for his college education. In addition to his interests in magic, Perry became heavily involved in the stock market, accruing large amounts of money from his investments. As an engineer, Perry utilized his mechanical knowledge to create and design multiple inventions, although it seems he was unsuccessful in obtaining patents. He wrote copiously in a variety of genres, including journalism, poetry, fiction, and non-fiction works in the realm of science and religion. Perry was also an avid stamp collector, becoming an energetic member of the Newark Senior Center Stamp Group during the early 1990s.

Perry was an active philanthropist, especially during his later years. He provided particularly significant support for the Newark Senior Center. The center used his donations for a variety of projects including the Perry Education Wing and a fitness center.

Biographical information derived from the collection.

 Scope and Content Note

The Warner Perry papers include personal records related to Perry’s life and many hobbies. They are arranged in six series: magic, personal papers, The Seventh Angel , miscellaneous works, miscellaneous catalogs, and photographs. The papers may be of particular use to those researching the field of magic, both as a hobby and as a business.

Perry’s interest in magic is one of the collection’s highlights; included are trick notes and catalogs designed and sold by Perry, trade catalogs and tricks published by others, magician lecture notes and event information, a small number of magazines and newsletters, as well as Perry’s personal jokes and patter used during his magician performances.

The collection includes much of Perry’s personal information in areas such as insurance, pension, genealogical data, and his stamp collecting hobby. As Perry was an avid investor in the stock market, his stock books, investment portfolio, and compilation of investing tips make up a significant portion of the collection.

Perry’s writing endeavors, including poetry, journalism, and fiction, make up the bulk of the collection. Of particular importance in this section are the drafts, manuscripts, research, and outlines for The Seventh Angel, Perry’s apocalyptic and religious tale of the end of the world which he published in 1979 and again in 1993.

In addition, the collection includes outlines and drawings of the various inventions that Perry designed, as well as information related to his quest to obtain patents. Assorted photographs taken of and by Perry, as well as members of the Perry and Guibeson families, are also present.

 Arrangement

I. MagicII. Personal papersIII. The Seventh AngelIV. Miscellaneous worksV. Miscellaneous catalogsVI. Photographs

 Selected Search Terms Personal Names Perry, Warner. Perry family.Guibeson family. Topical Terms Magic--United States--History--20th century. Magicians--United States--History--20th century.Magic tricks--History--20th century.Inventors--United States--History--20th century.Apocalypse in literature--History--20th century. Form/Genre Terms Notes. Sales catalogs.Magazines (periodicals)Newsletters.Manuscripts (document genre)Manuals (instructional materials)Financial records.Drawings (visual works)Postage stamps.Photographs. Occupation Engineers. Magicians (illusionists) Materials Cataloged Separately

Numerous books were donated along with the Warner Perry papers, including many titles about magic and magicians. These works can be found in our online public access catalog, DELCAT, if you search for the phrase, "Warner Perry Collection."

 Detailed Contents List Series I. Magic 1926-1993 Subseries I.A. Warner Perry trick notes and catalogs 1943-circa 1956

Manuals, trick notes, and catalogs created by Perry. Many of these catalogs were sold by Perry at his magic shop.

 1 F1 My Magic Manual I 1943 1 item 1 F2 My Magic Manual II: Treasuries of Magic undated 1 item 1 F3 My Magic Manual III: Effective Card Magic undated 1 item 1 F4 The Magician's Art: The New Magic undated 1 item 1 F5 Miscellaneous tricks I undated 1 item 1 F6 Miscellaneous tricks II undated 6 items 1 F7 The Greatest Moves of Magic: The Master Move 1953 20 items 1 F8 The Greatest Moves of Magic: Mind Reading 1954 6 items 1 F9 The Greatest Moves of Magic, misc images circa 1950s 1 F10 Moves of Magic, notes and outline 1952 1 item 1 F11 Warner's 500 tricks undated 1 item 1 F12 Magic: A Pocket Treasury undated 4 items 1 F13 Warner's Catalog of Modern Magic undated 1 item 1 F14 Perry's Brand New Magic at Discounts undated 1 F15 Emerald Library of Magic Books 1944, unknown 1 item Subseries I.B. Trade catalogs and magic books 1926-1993

Trade catalogs and books from various American magic outlets. Contains trick information and prices related to tricks and magic manuals.

 1 F16 Magic, Inc. I circa 1980-1989 6 items 1 F17 Magic, Inc. II circa 1980-1989 8 items 1 F18 Miscellaneous catalogs I 1926-circa 1985 9 items

Includes catalogs from Haines House of Cards, Morissey Magic, Johnson Products, Thayer's Studio of Magic, among others.

 1 F19 Miscellaneous catalogs II 1979-circa 1993 11 items

Includes catalogs from Magic World, Cards by Martin, Nick Trost, Magic Limited, TMC Enterprises, Silk King Studios, and John A. Greget.

 Subseries I.C. Wizard's Report newsletters 1997 1 F20 Wizard's Report vol 3. numbers 4 & 6 1997 April-1997 June 2 items

Contains a trick submitted by Perry, as well as biographical information.

 Subseries I.D. Magic lecture notes, events, and tricks 1942-1991

Lecture notes from magic events attended by Warner Perry. Also trick, conference, and event information.

 1 F21 Lecture notes and events 1942-1991 7 items

Lectures include Jon Racherbaumer and Peter White. Events ranging from 1942-1991, including the Delaware Knights of Magic 1991 annual banquet.

 1 F22 Lecture notes and tricks undated 4 items

Undated lectures and tricks; Shigeo Takagi, Frank Garcia, Richard Osterland, and Dameon.

 1 F23 Miscellaneous tricks 1984, undated 12 items 1 F24 Blackstone magazine and secrets of magic circa 1940s 1 item

1940s magazine of Harry Blackstone, "the world's master magician."

 Subseries I.E. Warner's jokes and patter undated

Perry's collection of jokes and patter used during magic performances.

 1 F25 Warner's jokes and patter undated 1 item Series II. Personal papers 1950-1996 Subseries II.A. Personal records 1950-1995

Contains records related to insurance, pension, genealogy, finances/stocks, health, utilities, and vital statistics; also miscellaneous notes.

 1 F26 Vital records, insurance, notes undated 15 items 1 F27 Utilities, pension, notes circa 1990-1995 19 items 1 F28 Finances, stocks circa 1980-1995 1 F29 Genealogy, books, stock info undated 1 item Subseries II.B. Stocks circa 1950-1982

Contains Perry's Stock books, investment tips, and stock information.

 1 F30 Stock book I 1960-1967 1 item 1 F31 Stock book II 1968-1972 1 item 2 F32 Stock book III 1972-1982 1 item 2 F33 Stock info and investing tips 1950-circa 1970 12 items Subseries II.C. Stamp collecting 1950-circa 1996

Catalogs, price lists, and stamp books related to Perry's stamp collection and study (philately).

 2 F34 Stamp catalogs and price lists 1950-1960 24 items

Catalogs from Wholesale Stamp Advertiser, Yale Stamp Company, Martin Band, R. G. Simpson and Company, Wesco, Inc., Ardsley Stamp Co., Walter F. Gray, Douglas P. Ball, United States Stamp Catalogue, and others.

 2 F35 Numismatic accessory catalogs 1956 2 items 2 F36 Smithsonian Magazine U.S. Postal Museum article 1993 August 1 item 2 F37 USPS mint set of commemorative stamps 1975 1 item 2 F38 Newark Senior Center stamp group records circa 1990

Minutes and information about the Newark Senior Center stamp group during the 1990s. Perry was a member.

 Subseries II.D. Miscellaneous personal records circa 1956-circa 1990

Various correspondence, genealogical records, greeting cards, and newspaper clippings accumulated by Perry.

 2 F39 Misc notes, correspondence, genealogy 1956-circa 1986 9 items 2 F40 Greeting cards, Christmas and Mother's Day undated 9 items 2 F41 Misc personal newspaper clippings undated 9 items Series III. The Seventh Angel circa 1975-1993 Subseries III.A. The Little Book 1979

Manuscripts and edits of the first edition of Warner's The Seventh Angel, published in 1979 as The Little Book, The Tale of Bengy/Ben G.

 2 F42 Manuscript, I undated 1 item 2 F43 Manuscript, II undated 1 item Subseries III.B. The Seventh Angel circa 1975-1993

Manuscripts, outline, advertising, publication data, and research for the second edition of The Seventh Angel, published in 1993. The book weaves science and religion together to foretell that the Second Coming of Christ will occur in 2002.

 2 F44 Manuscript chapters undated 1 item 2 F45 Manuscript and outline 1980s-1993 2 F46 Reprint manuscript 1992-1993 1 item 2 F47 Advertising and publication 1992-1993 2 F48 Design and layout binder 1992-1993 1 item 2 F49 Research and newspaper clippings circa 1975-1980s 1 item

Newspaper clippings related to the science and religion behind The Seventh Angel. Also personal newspaper clippings and stock information.

 Series IV. Miscellaneous works 1940s-circa 1980 Subseries IV.A. Poetry circa 1940-1960s

Original poetry written by Perry.

 2 F50 Book of poems circa 1940 1 item 2 F51 "Poems" by Clarence Warner Perry undated 1 item 2 F52 "The Cauldron" undated 1 item 2 F53 Steam from "The Cauldron" undated 1 item Subseries IV.B. Journalism circa 1950-1971

Two journalistic endeavors by Perry; a weekly educational editorial about science (especially space) and a rejected local sports cartoon.

 2 F54 With Science circa 1950-1955 2 F55 Wilmington local sports cartoon prototype 1971 1 item Subseries IV.C. Inventions and designs 1938-1960

Proposed inventions and designs by Perry. Correspondence from interested parties and patent information included. Also included are science books, safety manuals, and information related to inventions not designed by Perry.

 3 F56 Vari-scale design, letters, and patent info 1952

Designed to efficiently determine graphical solutions. Includes designs, drawings, notes, letters, and patent info.

 3 F57 Vari-scale pictures 1952 5 items 3 F58 Tumble-bug teaching machine undated 1 item 3 F59 Various invention designs and electronics 1946 1 item 3 F60 Science books and safety manuals 1938-1960 5 items 3 F61 Harmon home construction manual/designs 1947 2 items 3 F62 Wrist radio clippings and design 1947 1 item Subseries IV.D. Miscellaneous material 1915-1975, undated

A piece of religious art possibly painted by Perry. Also included are Perry's various notes about words and scientific laws.

 3 F63 Religious painting, artist unknown undated 1 item 3 F64 Notes on words, laws, and formulas undated 2 items Series V. Miscellaneous catalogs 1915-1975

Various self-help books, magazines, and catalogs collected by Perry.

 3 F65 Self-help books, "Books of Power" 1915-1951 6 items 3 F66 Various magazines 1944-1975 6 items

Reader's Digest, Coronet, and others

 3 F67 Bookbinding, lettering, and mailing catalogs circa 1940-1955 7 items 3 F68 Harmonica catalog and tips 1936-1940 3 items 3 F69 U.S. Department of Agriculture leaflets 1939-1953 14 items 3 F70 U.S. Constitution travel account 1942 1 item 3 F71 "How to See America Now" guidebook 1957 1 item 3 F72 The Illustrated Story of Space 1959 1 item 3 F73 Delaware driver's manual and maps circa 1970-1979 2 items 3 F74 Time Magazine, Gulf War Map circa 1990-1995 1 item 3 F75 Smithsonian Magazine, Norman Rockwell article 1994 July 1 item Series VI. Photographs 1921-1980s Subseries VI.A. Warner Perry photographs 1921-1955

Photographs of Warner Perry as well as pictures taken by him.

 3 F76 Portraits with magic tricks circa 1944 3 F77 Portraits undated 3 F78 Snapshots circa 1940-1948 3 F79 Framed baby photo 1921-1922 3 F80 DuPont office-related photos 1947-1955 3 F81 Warner's photo album 1938-1944 Subseries VI.B. Perry and Guibeson family photos circa 1900-circa 1987

Photographs of the Perry and Guibeson families.

 3 F82 Warner/Perry family photo albums 1939-circa 1945 3 F83 Perry family photo album undated 3 F84 Perry family photos circa 1970-circa 1988 3 F85 Perry family portraits undated 3 F86 Unidentified Perry family photos 1920s-1970s 3 F87 Guibeson family photos undated