More than Christmas magic happened at the Tinley Park Historical Society on Dec. 6 when Dirk Spence, better known as “Mr. D,” entertained with his amazing feats of magic and illusion.
The Landmark Chapel was filled to capacity with eager onlookers, some seeing Mr. D for the first time. He did not disappoint. The suspense was palpable as he performed trick after trick that defied explanation. We all gasped as he placed a live dove into a brown paper bag only to smash it flat. We cheered as the bird appeared in another bag that we knew to have been empty. He performed card tricks and rope tricks. He made things appear from thin air and disappear right before our eyes. When he made his podium levitate a full three feet off the ground, we were speechless.
The show had lots of audience interaction, which really made it fun. He had children help him do some of the tricks. I think we all felt like kids.
According to Spence, that’s what it’s all about. He was bitten by the magic bug in 1968 when he was 8 and watched magician Jack Gwynne perform at Sandidge Elementary School in Tinley Park. The kids had no idea how lucky they were. Gwynne was born in 1895 and achieved great fame worldwide. He was known for his baffling acts of illusion with props that he built.
The legendary Harry Houdini hired him to build some of his magic props. By the late 1960s, Gwynne had been performing for more than 50 years. In his 70s, he developed an educational magic program for kids that was featured in the Chicago area. He wanted young people to witness the excitement of live entertainment. Gwynne’s performance at Sandidge School was among his last. He died Dec. 7, 1969, at his home in Oak Lawn.
But he had left an indelible impression on a young Tinley Park boy who knew that he was going to become a magician. Spence’s first show was in his home, when he was 8.
“I rode my bike all over the neighborhood passing out fliers and announcing my show,” Spence said.
His passion for magic has never waned. He has been performing as Mr. D for 35 years and has no intention of stopping. He truly is one of Tinley Park’s treasures. Just the sight of his iconic magic house on wheels driving around town brings smiles.
In the summer, Spence can be found giving free magic lessons to kids.
“I tell them that magic is all around them. I believe that magic keeps us all kids,” he said.
I can tell you that I felt like a kid watching his show. I know that he donated his time to the historical society and I thanked him for that.
“To me, it’s all about giving back. There’s just too much greed in the world,” he said.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he lit a spark in one of those little boys or girls there that afternoon. That is how real magic happens.
You can learn more by visiting www.mrdsmagicshow.com or by calling (708) 532-0827.
I would like to wish you all good health, happiness and a little magic this holiday season.
Julie Dekker is a freelance writer who covers the Tinley Park community for the Daily Southtown.
