I don't know how it started, but Brian's right the proceeds of the bags went to the Asthma Foundation. When my Dad was a little boy he had terrible asthma. Doctors knew what it was but didn't know what to do for it. I was told that Grandmom used to just stick his head out the window when he had an asthma attack. He was so sick as a little boy they didn't think he would make 13. Grandmom took him to the hospital where they did drug trials on him for asthma inhalers and medication. He had so many side effects. But something must have worked because he did survive 13 and beyond. So the proceeds went to the Asthma foundation. My dad was born in 1932 so maybe it was the early 50's or so that this tradition started. By the way, everyone should know that my dad died as a result of Alpha I AntiTrypsin Disease (and it affects the lungs and liver - very rare, genetic disorder). It's very rare that both parents have to carry the gene and usually the fourth child born of those parents usually get the symptoms and the disease - so the asthma must have been as a result of this disease. He grew out of the asthma (or it must have been from Grandmom's potato salad and cole slaw that threw him into remission, or swimming in the Atlantic every summer) but thought I'd add to our histories. Anyone planning on having a big family should be tested for the gene. It's a simple blood test now. I know the uncles were tested after the gene was discovered in our family line so thought I'd let everyone know. Pass it along.
didn't he learn it from some swami in India? Or was that just a story he told? *wink* *wink*
Seriously though, my earliest memories of the trick being performed were of Grandpop and Uncle Putz doing it, so maybe it was an old Faunce tradition that the Casey's adopted?
Good question though... I just always remember the schtick they used to do and how they'd mention it was passed down from some swami or something like that!
I think the egg trick started after Grandpop retired. It wasn't around when I was growing up. I remember hearing how he'd practice for hours doing it down in the basement.
how did the bags on New Year's Eve get started? We know the money went to asthma foundation, but who started the selling of grab bags?? Does your mom know?
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Seriously though, my earliest memories of the trick being performed were of Grandpop and Uncle Putz doing it, so maybe it was an old Faunce tradition that the Casey's adopted?
Good question though... I just always remember the schtick they used to do and how they'd mention it was passed down from some swami or something like that!
how did the bags on New Year's Eve get started? We know the money went to asthma foundation, but who started the selling of grab bags?? Does your mom know?