Magician - Herpetologist
(December 25, 1901 - June 1, 2000)
Al Robbins passed away Thursday June 1st 2000. Please read the article about him reproduced on this page.
* On a personal note , I was Al Robbins only Female Magic Student. Through his mentoring many years I now perform childrens and adult magic professionally. I will miss you so very much, sharing the new things I learn with you, and learning the best of the classics of magic. Magically yours, Sharon Kinney
The Bakersfield Californian June 2nd. 2000
Kern County's legendary herpetologist, Al "Snake Man" Robbins, died Thursday from natural causes.
Robbins, 99, was known for his contribution for educating children about reptiles. Born December 25, 1901, in Harrison, N.J., Robbins had two true loves, magic and reptiles.He and his wife, Louise Braun Robbins, moved to Bakersfield in 1948 where he worked as a public relations and advertising director for the Peacock Dairy Co., but continued to perform magic and reptile shows.
"I think from his training and background as a magician and performer he was able to stimulate children," said Greg Sanders, director of the California Living Museum.
Robbins studied magic in New York City with the famous Bess Houdini, wife of Harry Houdini, before working the Nevada circuit. Mike Hopkins, founder of CALM and longtime confidant and caretaker, said Robbins was the first magician to use reptiles in his act.
Sanders said he remembered when he was in first or second grade and Robbins brought a python to his class. "It was so darn big," Sanders said. Robbins also made major contributions to the reptile collection at CALM."He was a real mentor to a lot of youngsters," Hopkins said.Hopkins added: "He taught me some of the most powerful things - to take care of yourself and to give back and take care of others.
"Robbins is survived by daughter Edith Douglas, grandson Allan Douglas and great-grandson Kyle Douglas. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday June 5th at Hillcrest Memorial Park & Mortuary.
Al was one of the charter members and Dean of the Bakersfield Magic Circle- part of the parent group of the Society of American Magicians.
The Fascinating World of Snakes
Dan Houghtaling & his wife Kinberly lovingly cared for Al in the past 2 years along with Mike Hopkins and many friends who helped keep life a wonderful adventure for him.
Dan has been passed the legacy of Al's Educational Snake shows and is now doing herpetology shows with snakes in schools, churches, and other organizations. You can E-mail Dan. Please visit his website and read more about The Fascinating World of Snakes.
Coming soon a memorial page with pictures of Al performing.
This page was last updated June 2001. It was created by Persuasive Communication - Sharon Kinney. We wish to thank Annikas Graphics for the excellent snake graphics she created for this page.
