Who Was Tacoma’s Millionaire Magician Ray Gamble?

South Sound Magazine recently featured the Elephant House, the former home of Ray Gamble, Tacoma's millionaire magician, in an article, and mentioned our podcast. We thought we would rerelease this episode for you all to explore!

In this captivating episode of "Rainy Day Rabbit Holes," hosts Shea and Jody explore the enigmatic life of Ray Gamble, Tacoma's millionaire magician, whose story is as colorful as the city he called home. With a blend of history, mystery, and a touch of whimsy, this episode invites listeners to uncover the layers of Gamble's life, filled with entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for the peculiar.

Ray Gamble, born in 1888 in Arkansas and arriving in Tacoma around 1905, began his journey in the Pacific Northwest with a flair for storytelling and an industrious nature. The episode opens with a recounting of Gamble’s early days as a clerk in a fish market, where an unexpected trade with a Chinese gentleman, involving a carved elephant, sparked a lifelong obsession with the majestic creatures. This anecdote serves as a metaphorical springboard into Gamble's philosophy of luck and serendipity, themes that permeate his life and legacy.

Listeners are treated to insights from historian Michael Sullivan, who shares his extensive knowledge of Gamble's ventures, including his unique approach to business. By cleverly acquiring waste sawdust from local sawmills, Gamble transformed it into a profitable enterprise, supplying fuel and wood flour to various industries, including the munitions plant at DuPont during World War I. This pivotal moment in Gamble's career not only established him as a millionaire but also set the stage for his eclectic interests in magic and collecting elephants.

The episode paints a vivid picture of Gamble's opulent lifestyle, detailing his extensive collection of elephant artifacts, which became a centerpiece of his home—the Elephant House. This mansion, described as a whimsical showcase, still stands today, adorned with intricately carved elephants that reflect both his wealth and eccentricity. Sullivan elaborates on how Gamble’s passion for magic blossomed alongside his business successes, eventually leading him to become a prominent figure in the West Coast Association of Magicians. His connections with other legendary performers, including Orson Welles and Houdini, further emphasize his influence in the world of entertainment.

As the narrative unfolds, listeners learn about the darker undertones of Gamble's life, particularly his involvement in the munitions industry and the moral implications of his fortune tied to explosive materials. Sullivan skillfully navigates this complex aspect, illustrating how the weight of history and personal choices intertwined in Gamble's later years.

The episode ultimately captures the essence of Ray Gamble as a quintessential Tacoma figure—an embodiment of the city's rich history of entrepreneurship, artistry, and cultural diversity. By intertwining personal anecdotes and historical context, Shea and Jody invite listeners to not only learn about Gamble's life but to reflect on the broader narrative of the Pacific Northwest.

Join us as we delve deep into the life of Ray Gamble, a man whose story is steeped in magic, intrigue, and the ever-present rain of the Pacific Northwest—an adventure that promises to leave you spellbound. Tune in to this episode of "Rainy Day Rabbit Holes" and prepare to be enchanted by the unexpected twists and turns of Tacoma's most fascinating millionaire magician.