Beverly Dennerll, owner of the Yellow Barrel of Magic stores for 43 years, passed away June 7. She is survived by husband Norbert, as well as children, grandchildren and great grandchildren (obituary here). Over the years she and her husband operated magic shops throughout the Cleveland area where they provided support and encouragement to fans and students of magic, some of whom went on the achieve great success in the field. Numerous prominent magicians passed through their doors as well.
I met the Dennerells relatively recently, some six or eight years ago, as my own interest in magic was rekindled. At that time their only remaining store was located on Cleveland Ave. in Elyria. It eventually closed and reopened at Carlisle Flea Market as their last inventory was sold. I became a frequent customer of the Yellow Barrel of Magic and the staff was very helpful to me as I took tentative steps toward performing in public. Beverly and Ron Price generously previewed my first show in the back room of the store. Occasionally I would bring along my feline assistant Morris dressed in costume, and Beverly and Norbert looked forward to the cat's visits. From time to time I would sit in on or assist with the magic classes Ron taught on Saturday mornings, once even covering in his absence.
Beverly Dennerll was a great friend to and supporter of the magic scene in Cleveland. She will be missed.