H. Adrian Smith papers (Ms.2011.001)

Biographical/Historical Note

H. (Harold) Adrian Smith was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on September 17, 1908 to Alvin H. Smith and Jennie Bryant. He became interested in magic as a young boy, and his magic performances helped to pay for his tuition to Brown University. Smith graduated from Brown University in 1930 and continued performing as a magician throughout Southern New England. In 1934 he moved to North Attleboro, Massachusetts.

From 1940-1941 Smith was president of the Society of American Magicians. From 1936-1942 Smith wrote a scholarly column entitled “Magic Books of Another Day” for TOPS Magazine. In 1941 Smith enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the Quartermaster Corps and served on the Okinawa campaign. He was discharged in 1946, and upon his return to North Attleboro he became the 2nd vice president of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (I.B.M.). He became president of the I.B.M. in 1948, and he continued to serve in some capacity until his retirement in 1983. He married Anna Fuller.

Upon his death in 1992, Smith bequeathed his library, including his personal correspondence and photographs, to Brown University.