Lou Meyer

Ring 179 has an annual contest for Originality of Presentation with the winner receiving the Lou Meyer Memorial Trophy. Lou Meyer was a professional juggler who also performed magic. He was a well-liked member of Ring 179 and served in various official positions. His performing career began in 1921 when he gave his first public show at the Baltimore Y.M.C.A. He made his living performing in every conceivable type of venue including night clubs, carnivals, amusement parks, lodges, and conventions. In 1942, he was part of the U.S. Army Air Corps where he performed as part of the Air Corps Show “On the Beam.” After the war he frequently entertained patients at Veterans Administration and other hospitals. Local Baltimore magicians often remarked, “He is a tough act to follow on any bill.” Lou Meyer passed away in 1978 at the age of 73.

Ring 179 had an Originality of Presentation contest prior to 1978, but it was in that year that the trophy was named to honor Lou Meyer. The competitors that year were Ed Campion, Dr. Ira Kolman, Bob Tilford, Sam Walker, Fred Schmelz, and Jim Schuyler. Winning the first Lou Meyer Memorial Trophy was Fred Schmelz with a coin routine ending in a Coin Ladder.

Lou Meyer (left) juggling with Vin Carey -Photo courtesy of International Jugglers’ Association

Recipients of the Lou Meyer Memorial Trophy

1978 – Fred Schmelz

1979 – Charles Clayton, Sr.

1980 – Bob Tilford

1981 – Eddie Robinette

1982 – Dick Kohlhafer

1983 –

1984 –

1985 –

1986 –

1987 –

1988 –

1989 –

1990 – Jim Conner

1991 – Ralph Fowler

1992 – Judy Ewald

1993 –

1994 – Andy London

1995 –

1996 – Andy London

1997 – Larry Grossman

1998 – John Carrington

1999 – Kenny Caplan

2000 – Jeb Brack

2001 – Jay Silverman

2002 – Joe Bruno

2003 – Victor Pascal

2004 – Peter Engelman

2005 – Joe Bruno

2006 – John Carrington

2007 –

2008 – Jay Silverman

2009 – Joe Bruno

2010 –

2011 –

2012 –

2013 – Andy London

2014 – Bill Chambers

2015 – Victor Pascal

2016 – Michael Worsham

2017 – Mike Rose

2018 – Howard Katz

2019 – Jeff Eline

2020 – No Contest Held

2021 – No Contest Held

2022 – James Mahoney

2023 – Michael Worsham