The historical beginning of the Thoroughbred Magic Guild started in the Spring of 1969, with a group of Central Kentucky magic enthusiasts who met at the home of Arnollis Meade, in Lexington, Kentucky. These first meetings set the framework for the eventual formation of Ring 198, of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM). The charter members of the Ring worked diligently to assure that the Ring would become a viable and long lasting organization. This goal has been realized, because in November 1999, the Ring celebrated 30 years of active membership in the IBM. The charter members of the Ring were: William O. Birchfield, George Blevens, Jerald M. Burgess, Ray Corns, William Curry, William K. Griffith, Dr. Jeptha R. Hostetler, Martha J. Jarvis, William C. Jarvis, John S. Kendall (the Ring's first President), James T. McClure, Arnollis Meade, Nonnie L. Stratton, Charles N. Stratton, and Sid Yuro.

The name "Thoroughbred Magic Guild" was agreed upon by the founders as the most appropriate name for a magic organization in the heart of Central Kentucky's thoroughbred region. The Ring has lived up to its name by being a strong innovative voice for magic in Central Kentucky.

In 1974, Jerry Burgess, with help from Ring members came up with the idea of having a magic convention like no other kind of magic convention. Thus, was conceived the "Unconventional Convention", where the registration was a nominal fee and the performers were made up of the registrants to the convention. Jerry Burgess approached the management at Cumberland Falls State Park in south central Kentucky with the idea, and they were enthusiastic about it. The DuPont Lodge at the state park is the headquarters of the convention. The first Convention took place the first weekend in November 1974. During the early years of the convention it was mainly the members of Ring 198, who made the daytime close-up and nighttime performances happen. There was no official agenda or program. Guests from the state park were invited to the evening performances in the small recreation room off the main lobby. The state park eventually built a recreation building next to the lodge which will hold a hundred plus people. Some of the guest lecturers and noted performers have included Michael Ammar, Bob Bengel, Bill Brewe, Lance Burton, Bob Brezindine, John Calvert, Harry Collins, Paul Diamond, Craig Dickson, Bob Escher, Neil Foster, Max Howard, Chris Jakway, Mac King, Bob Knigge, Bob Markwood, Bob McAllister, Jerry Mentzer, Al Schneider, Joseph Smiley, and Tim Starr.

In 1984, Ring 198 won the prestigious Ring of the Year Award. Our monthly newsletter "Hocus in Focus" keeps the membership up to date on the clubs activities and other things magical. The Magic Achievement Awards program was instituted in the 80's to allow members an opportunity to advance in their magical knowledge and skills. This program went by the wayside but is being resurrected.

We hope that this short history of our Ring has given you an insight into the work this dedicated group of Kentucky magicians has performed and continues to perform to further the art of magic.