Kitchen, Inez Blackstone (1889-1983)

Kitchen, Inez Blackstone (1889-1983) Inez Nourse was hired to play the banjo in the Blackstone show and became Mrs. Blackstone. In 1926 the Blackstone Magic Show summered at West Lake, near Kalamazoo," recalled Inez. "I was part of it, of course, and afternoons I liked to take the car and go exploring. One afternoon when I came out of an avenue of trees and there before me was this gleaming lake." When she found the peninsula (island) was for sale, that was it. She, with Harry Blackstone Sr. brought magic to Colon. In 1930 Harry and Inez divorced. Sec 5; Row 27; #5

Inez Blackstone Kitchen, first wife of magician Harry Blackstone, frequently expressed the wish that a marker in her memory could be placed in the Colon, Mi. cemetery. She was unable to obtain the necessary clearance to do this during her Lifetime.

But Inez's last wish can now be granted thanks to an anonymous benefactor who has donated a lot to the immediate west of the Blackstone monument. A small marker will be placed there in memory of Inez. It will probably be put in place in the spring. The permit to do so is on file at the office of the Colon Township Board.

Any contributions toward the cost of the marker will be appreciated. Robert Lund, of The American Museum of Magic, is collecting a fund for that purpose. He can be contacted in Marshall, Mi. 49068.

An accounting of all monies collected and disbursed was made available after the marker was put in place.