After 80 years of magic, Roscoe’s ‘Magic Bill’ becomes the story
At 103, Bill “Magic Bill” Hunter is still sharing his story, as friends, family, and fans gathered April 4 to celebrate the release of A Life of Magic.
A crowd gathered Saturday, April 4, at the American Legion Center to celebrate Bill Hunter, a 103-year-old Roscoe resident many know as “Magic Bill,” as his life story was released in a new book.
Hunter spent decades performing magic, with shows in more than 40 states and nearly 20 countries. He also became a regular at the Indianapolis 500, entertaining drivers and guests over the years.
Many people stopped by throughout the afternoon to talk with him, share stories, and pick up a copy of the book.
“It’s absolutely amazing,” Hunter said. “I can’t believe it.”
Asked what stands out most when he looks back, Hunter pointed to the people in his life.
“All my friends. I’ve had many dear friends,” he said.
His path into magic started during World War II while recovering in a Navy hospital in Australia. A fellow patient introduced him to it, and it stuck.
“You have to like people to do magic,” he said. “I help people as much as I can.”
He added that he tries to live by a simple rule.
“The golden rule. Do unto others as you would have done to you.”
The book, A Life of Magic, was written by Emma Lovell, his first cousin twice removed, who traveled from Australia for the event. She has visited the Roscoe area over the years to spend time with Hunter and said it is a place she keeps coming back to.
“I love it here,” she said. “I feel like a local.”
Lovell, who is already a published author, said the idea for the book started years ago after hearing stories about Hunter’s life and wanting to preserve them while he could still share them.
“Usually, you only hear these stories at a funeral,” she said. “I wanted to write them all down.”
She began formally interviewing him in August and started writing in October. Shortly after, Hunter was diagnosed with colon cancer and underwent surgery at 102.
“We didn’t know if he was going to make it,” she said. “I needed him to see the book.”
The timeline to finish the project moved quickly from there. Within six months, Lovell completed the manuscript and released the book in multiple formats, including an audiobook that features Hunter’s voice.
Many of the people in attendance Saturday are included in the book.
“There are a lot of people in the room today who are in the book,” Lovell said.
Even now, she said new stories continue to come up.
“How do you capture 103 years? This isn’t even half the story,” she said.
“He’s been performing magic for 80 years, but he is magic,” she said. “And if you can touch people with a bit of that, it’s everything.”
Food for the event was provided by Swiss Colony in Monroe, Wisconsin, a company Hunter has been connected to over the years.
Photos from the event were taken by Kelly Hubert with Direction Photography by Kelly.
A Life of Magic is available online through Lovell’s website, emmallovell.au, as well as through major book retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. To stay updated on news and events, visit Lovell’s website or follow Magic Bill on Facebook.
