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Karl Germain started his stage career in 1893, and by the end of
the century was a major star on the Lyceum circuit. He then moved to
star on the Chautauqua circuit, and made several successful world
tours, including a stay at St. George's Hall in London. His routines
included a dove act, perhaps the first ever performed as a full
routine, and a full light spirit séance. By 1915, he was one of the
most famous magicians in the world, known for his stylish and elegant
performances, and his wonderful color posters. By 1916, he was blind
and no longer able to tour.
Karl Germain began
his career as half of the team of Freund
and Mattmueller, but within six years had changed his stage name to
"Germaine" (later "Germain") in honor of the
18th century occultist and alchemist, the "immortal" Comte
St. Germain.
By 1901, he was a
headliner on the Lyceum circuit, frequently perfoming with his
sister, Ida, who provided the second person in his two-person
mentalism routine. After she died in 1910, he spent a brief
retirement to begin training to become a lawyer. He resumed
performing in 1912, this time with the assistance of Paul
Fleming. For several years, the Germain show enjoyed tremendous
success, with Germain being the highest paid magician during those
years.
Germain was so
successful that he was approached by both Kitty
Baldwin and by Adelaide
Herrmann, each wanting to launch a partnership to boost their
failing careers. Germain declined the offers.
In 1914, Germain was
awarded his law degree, and in 1915 decided to begin transferring
his show to Paul Fleming as his successor. Tragically, this transfer
was hastened by the discovery of a tumor on Germain's optic nerve.
The only treatment was removal, which was performed in 1916, causing
permanent blindness. The condition ended both his magic and law
careers.
For the rest of his
life, Karl Germain lived in relative isolation in his Cleveland,
Ohio home, visited only occasionally by friends and fans, and
assisted by his father (until he died in 1941).
He is buried in
Cleveland's Riverside Cemetery.
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