Club History

The City of Birmingham is known as the Magic City due to its rapid growth in population and prestige, and the art of magic has always been a part of the city. In January 1933, the followers of magic came together to form the Magic City Magic Club. The first president was Mr. Goodlette Dodson, a world famous manipulator of card fans. The International Brotherhood of Magicians formally issued charter for the organization on October 26, 1944 creating Ring 35 with 22 members.

The Ring is proud to be a leader in magic in the state, region and the world. The Ring has hosted the Southeastern Association of Magicians convention five times (1949, 1961, 1966, 1974, 2006), has had a member serve as President of the IBM (Judge Arnold Drennen 1963-1964), had three members on the cover of The Linking Ring (Dodson, Brandino, Drennen), had a member win the magic orginality award (George Parker & the arm chopper), had countless members serve as Territorial Vice Presidents for the IBM and has had numerous members contribute tricks to The Linking Ring (most recently two separate one-man parades by Michael Baker).

On January 20, 1996, the name of the club was changed to honor Judge Arnold Drennen and his lifelong interest in furthering the art of magic. The late Judge Drennen was the last Dean of the SEAM. The Ring has always been active, and there is currently a meeting at the Homewood Public Library on the first Tuesday of every month. We hope to see you there.