Bert Allerton
(Lynn Center, Illinois: 1st January 1889 - 22nd February 1958)
Stage name of Albert Allen "Bert" Gustafson, of Swedish extraction. Interested for years; but inspired by 1934 SAM Convention to become semi-pro, learning that year from the Tarbell Course and became semi-pro in Chicago. Oil sales executive until 1939 when resigned to turn full-time pro close-up magician.
As pro worked The House of Murphy in Los Angeles 1939-40, the Persian Room (Sir Francis Drake Hotel) in San Francisco 1940-41, and the Pump Room (Ambassador East Hotel) in Chicago 1941-55, plus the Cotillion Room (Hotel Pierre) in New York City 1941 and 1945. SAM President 1946-47.
See Robert Parrish, Bert Allerton's The Close-Up Magician (1958, 73pp; repr 1964 and 1977) and Reinhard Müller, Allerton-Horowitz-Daley (1994/1996, 18pp).
Coauthors: Tony Corinda, Ulysses Frederick Grant, Arthur Hastings, Edward Marlo, Joseph White