Harold Rice

Early life

On 12 June 1937, Rice married Thelma Ryle

He earned his doctorate as an Arthur Wesley Dow Scholar from Columbia University. He earned additional degrees, including a B.S. in Applied Arts, a B.S. in Art Education (both 1934) and M. Ed. (1942), Ed. D. (1944), L.H.D. (1963).

Magic

Rice credited the original Tarbell Course of Magic as a major influence. By the time he was an art major at the University of Cincinnati, he was building a handkerchief act. He designed and created his own silks.

He joined the International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM) in 1929 and the Society of American Magicians in 1934. Local magicians persuaded him to make a colored square of silk for them and became a magic dealer. His silks became known for their brilliant colors, durability, and workmanship.

He founded Silk King Studio in September 1929. He and his spouse were soon marketing, silks, silk magic and effects.

In 1934 he proposed the forming of a magic dealers association to help with problems such as protecting the rights of those who invented or marketed new effects. In 1951 he served as the head of the Magic Dealers Association, Inc. He was its Secretary from 1952 until 1967.

In IBM Rice served as International Secretary from 1940 to 1946, and served as Chairman of two International Conventions in Cincinnati in 1940 and 1942.

He wrote a column in The Linking Ring from 1932 until 1940.

Career

He was appointed Head of the Art Department, University of Alabama in 1944. In 1946 he left Alabama to become the Dean of the Moore Institute of Art, Science, and Industry, in Philadelphia and in 1951 was promoted to President. In 1963 Dr. Rice returned to his Alma Mater, where he became its Dean.