Four generations of magicians have passed through the doors of Stoner’s Funstore since it opened on Harrison Street 75 years ago. 

Colin Haines, the great-grandson of founder Albert Stoner, said Albert Stoner opened the store May 2, 1949, with his great-grandmother Lynda and grandfather Dick. 

Albert had been a magician since childhood, and he passed this love of magic to his son, who pursued a full-time magic career after graduating high school. 

To celebrate the 75-year impact of the family and store on Fort Wayne, Stoner’s Funstore will host a block party in front of their storefront at 712 S. Harrison St. on Saturday, June 29, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Community effort

Ahead of the block party, magicians will gather at The Paper Mill at The Landing for 75 Years of Magic at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 28. 

There, your $10 will give you access to a show that includes magicians Andy Haines, Jim Barron, Del Proctor, and Rusty Ammerman.

All of the magicians are local. Haines began working magic while working at Stoner’s in the ’90s. Proctor, a former drama teacher at Northrop, is performing his final show. Barron performs around the region when he’s not hosting on 90.3 WBCL, and Ammerman is a seasoned magician who owns Rusty’s Ice Cream off Lima Road.

As for the block party, there will be three magic performances throughout the day. In addition to magic, partygoers can enjoy performances by the Fort Wayne Youtheatre and the Three Rivers Musical Theatre Company. 

“One of the things that I think is really special about this is it’s really a lot of these local businesses getting together,” Haines said. “It is the ‘Stoner’s party,’ but we have Coney Island involved, Deer Park Pub will have a beer tent set up, Rusty’s Ice Cream truck will be there. 

“It’s really lots of Fort Wayne community members, business leaders, coming in and throwing this all together for free for the public.”

Family appreciation

In recognition of the impact of Albert Stoner’s legacy in the community, Mayor Sharon Tucker will present a proclamation declaring June 29, 2024, as “Albert Stoner Day.” 

Adding to the ceremonies will be a representative from Gov. Holcomb’s office and the president of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. 

The store and family have been staples in the community for generations. 

“It’s neat that people can think about one of them or the whole family and the first thing they think of is ‘fun,’ ” Haines said. 

“That’s not really something most people or families have as like a community legacy, per se, but people think ‘fun’ when they think of the Stoner’s Funstore and family. It’s pretty special.”