J.c. Moore's Childhood: Roots of Creativity
J.c. Moore's formative years, growing up in Winchester, Indiana, were shaped by a unique blend of creativity, curiosity, and hands-on learning, thanks to his family's background in craftsmanship, art, and education. Growing up in and around his father's workshop he spent hours exploring his imagination amidst woodworking tools and equipment. With an array of tools at his disposal and an abundance of wood, he crafted many of his own toys, bringing his vibrant ideas to life. This nurturing environment, fostered by his parents – a third-generation carpenter and craftsman, and a third-generation educator – laid the foundation for J.c.'s future pursuits, cultivating a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, innovative thinking, and the value of experimentation.
But beyond being creative, J.c., at a very early age, had a propensity for mechanical exploration. He loved to take things apart to see how they worked or to redesign something to work differently or better. At the age of four, he took apart a brand new spring loaded crank motor starter that was destined to replace a broken one on the family lawn mower. He, would have succeeded in putting it back together, had it not been for the high tension spring. J.c. was always devising some unusual creation from parts of other things. And, if there was a screw driver missing, chances are J.c. had it and was tinkering with something.
As J.c. grew older, his natural mechanical ability and creativity served him well in his careers. He first worked in the photo processing industry, where he aided in redesigning automated equipment. His talents helped reduce the photo processing time from one hour to just 30 minutes. J.c. discovered an inherent flaw in the design and creatively modified the mechanics to reduce costly downtime for repairs.
Later, J.c. worked as a field engineer for several environmental companies, designing, installing, and improving equipment used to remove contaminants from water and soil. He reworked a standard design that caused frequent equipment failure. His design changes then became the new standard used by environmental equipment manufacturers in setups that used high vacuum liquid ring pumps for the collection and treatment of groundwater.
If such abilities as mechanics and creativity can be inherent or intuitive, it could be that J.c. came about his skills not only from the creative nature of his parents but perhaps even farther back in his family's history. A history that was also rife when it came to invention. For in his lineage was one Amos Mendenhall (1828-1909), J.c.'s Great Great Granduncle, who held patents on several inventions, from the bicycle pedal coaster brake, a handheld calculator (Mendenhall's Practical Calculator, housed in the Smithsonian) to larger things such as steam-powered river dredging equipment. (Photo of Amos Mendenhall's Practical Calculator Patent #67,786, August 13, 1867)
J.c.'s Parents:
Charles Moore, J.c.'s father, was a skilled craftsman who built custom homes in Winchester, Indiana, and surrounding areas with his brother George and their father Lloyd. The Moore Cabinet Company, founded by Charles, specialized in beautifully crafted custom kitchen cabinetry.
In the early 1970s, Charles shifted his focus from cabinetry to creating exquisite non-pedal steel guitars, now considered some of the finest in the world. Under the name "Holiday," the Holiday Steel Guitar Company (formerly Moore Cabinet Company) handcrafted 47 steel guitars from scratch using premium woods. He even made and wound his own guitar pickups and designed the tuning castings. In addition to his work with steel guitars, Charles operated a home-based business selling various stringed instruments until his retirement in the late 1980s.
Charles founded the International Hawaiian Steel Guitar Club (IHSGC) in 1974, driven by his passion for the music. Through advertisements in various publications, he brought together like-minded enthusiasts to share and promote the unique sound of the Hawaiian steel guitar. The first convention of the IHSGC was held in the Moore family's basement woodworking shop in 1975. Although he never learned to play the instrument himself, Charles dedicated himself to preserving and reviving the traditional Hawaiian sound, leaving a lasting impact on the steel guitar community. The IHSGC eventually evolved into the Aloha International Steel Guitar Club (AISGC), with Charles' legacy continuing to be celebrated by the new organization. The AISGC continues to hold its annual convention in Winchester, Indiana to this day. https://www.aisgc.org/
J.c.'s mother was an equally creative and influential force, with a passion for art, education, and exceptional organizational skills. She instilled in J.c. a love for art, creativity, music, and diverse interests. From both parents, J.c. gained a deep respect for quality workmanship, learning the value of attention to detail, understanding that every aspect, no matter how small, overlooked, or hidden, contributes to the larger whole.
Charles E. Moore: 1926 - 2016 Margaret M. Moore 1931 - 2019
Early Fascination with Magic:
J.c.'s interest in magic began around age five, sparked by regular TV appearances by magician Marshall Brodien and others. His grandfather, Arthur Lee (Art), played a pivotal role in nurturing this interest by gifting J.c. his first books on magic, including one that had been in Art's possession since his young adult years.
By age seven, J.c. was already crafting his own magic props, sewing magic silks for vanishes, broken and restored routines, and making other magical creations. As he built his collection, J.c. also started shadowing local magician Terrini, The Great. He vividly remembers watching Doug Henning's TV performances and attending one of his live shows in Indianapolis. Doug Henning's innovative style and artistry had a profound impact on J.c. and many other magicians. Today, J.c. owns a magic cabinet believed to have been part of Henning's collection, a rare and cherished addition to his own collection.
As a youth, J.c. was particularly drawn to close-up magic and escapology, mastering the art of escaping from chains, handcuffs, and other restraints. At 14, J.c. was invited to perform for his classmates, where he would ask them to search him for keys or picks, then chain and tie him up. Stripped to just shorts, he would be covered with a sheet and, in mere moments, throw it aside to reveal his escape from all restraints.
Exploring the Paranormal and Supernatural:
As J.c.'s interest in magic grew, he also began to experience events that would later spark his interest in the supernatural, paranormal, and physical phenomena. One such experience occurred in 1973, when J.c., having just gone to bed, opened his eyes to see his Great Aunt, Grace, standing before him at the foot of the bed. He looked towards the bedroom door, which was cracked open, and saw the light from the living room, where his parents were still awake, watching TV. Moments later, when he looked back towards the foot of the bed, Grace's ghostly, glowing image had vanished. It wasn't until the next morning that the family received the news that J.c.'s Great Aunt had passed away.
J.c. had similar experiences with the passing of his Grandfather, Grace's brother, and his uncle, his father's brother. Over time, J.c. developed a unique ability known as "Claircognisance" (knowing), which became apparent in 1999. He experimented with this ability, finding it both exhilarating and intimidating. These experiences, though unclear at first, eventually led him to discover his family's hidden past.
In 2000, J.c.'s mother, while doing genealogy research, uncovered a secret, shedding light on these powerful experiences. This discovery led J.c. back to 1850, when his Great Great Great Grandfather, Hiram Mendenhall, traveled with his son Amos (previously mentioned) across the US from Indiana to Oregon in search of gold. During their long journey across the west, Hiram turned to Spiritualism and foresaw his fate, writing that he had a vision that he would not be returning home in a bodily state.
In the Spring of 1852, Hiram and Amos lost all of their mining equipment to the wilds of the Columbia River and decided to return home to Indiana. They boarded a steamer (ship) traveling down the west coast of the US to Panama, where they crossed by wagon to the Gulf side and boarded the steamer Philadelphia, headed to New York. However, the Philadelphia was quarantined at Sand Key due to a cholera outbreak on board. Of the 42 infected passengers, 41 succumbed to the illness. The only passenger who had been ill and survived was Amos Mendenhall. Hiram had passed away and was buried at sea.
As a result of his passing, several of Hiram's children converted to Spiritualism, including J.c.'s Great Great Grandfather, Dr. Joseph Hale Mendenhall, a prominent figure at Camp Chesterfield (a Spiritualist camp in Indiana) in the late 1800s. Joseph's second wife was reportedly able to manifest apparitions, walking with her in broad daylight – a remarkable claim that resonates with J.c.'s own experiences.
Selena and Back into Magic:
While building his career and raising his children, J.c. had put his passion for magic and other creative pursuits on the back-burner. His magic props from his younger years were stowed away in old suitcases, hidden in the back of a closet. In 2001, J.c. met his wife Selena, and while assisting J.c. with some things around the house, she stumbled upon the old suitcases. As J.c. showed her some of the magic props he had owned since childhood, one of them broke, prompting J.c. to ponder the decline of quality craftsmanship – a decline evident even 50 years ago.
Selena's encouragement inspired J.c. to rekindle his passion for magic and creativity. With her support, he began rebuilding his collection and soon discovered that even high-end magic props lacked quality workmanship, falling short of his standards. Reflecting on the past, J.c. realized that 100 years ago, craftsmanship was often characterized by the use of high-quality materials like wood, metal, and glass, a stark contrast to the plastic prevalent in modern magic props. Undeterred, J.c. decided to create his own props, combining creativity with a desire for exceptional craftsmanship. Selena, an engineer with artistic talents, joined forces with J.c., collaborating on projects like textile design and other elements.
As they worked together, J.c. recognized a niche for handcrafted magic pieces. This realization sparked the rebirth of "Mooreni," J.c.'s stage name from his youth. Today, Mooreni is a platform where J.c. and Selena share their artistic talents and creativity, offering unique, handcrafted pieces blending magic, artistry, and exceptional craftsmanship.
The Work:
Mooreni's creations have garnered international acclaim, with a global following of collectors and performers. From the USA to countries across North and South America, including Canada, Mexico, and Colombia, Mooreni's pieces have been highly praised and valued. Mooreni's reputation extends to Europe, with clients in the UK, France, Germany, Sweden, Croatia, and Switzerland. In Asia, Mooreni's work can be found in Taiwan and Malaysia, and as far away as Australia. Mooreni's creations often command a premium, with out-of-production items reselling for significantly more than their original purchase price. Mooreni produces a range of items, including props for Magicians, Mentalists, devices for Paranormalists and Spiritual Psychic Mediums, custom boxes for specific needs, such as Memorial boxes, and exquisite stained glass, all treasured by collectors. Using only the finest materials, Mooreni strives to create the very best high-quality products.
J.c.'s drive stems not only from his vision for handcrafted, quality magic, but also from a deep passion for creation and a desire to honor his family's legacy while forging his own. Inspired by his father, J.c. strives for timelessness, aiming for his work to endure for generations to come – to be cherished, admired, and held in the same high regard 100 years from now as it is today. Yet, despite his dedication to his craft, J.c. remains humble, focusing on continually refining his skills and pursuing perfection.
The Workshop / Studio:
Mooreni's journey began in modest surroundings in McCordsville, Indiana, with limited equipment and workspace. It was there, in 2009, that the Illumini Spirit Light was first created. Like many small ventures, Mooreni's workshop started in the garage.
In 2011, the workshop relocated to Electric City, Washington, a 2,100-mile move across the country. J.c. was able to incorporate his father's vintage woodworking equipment into the new space, including three vintage Delta Rockwell pieces: a 1957 drill press, 1959 joiner, and 1960 bandsaw. However, the Electric City workshop presented challenges, including limited light, ventilation, and accessibility to materials.
In 2015, the search for a more suitable location began. The following year, Mooreni's studio found its new home in the Village of Hidden Springs, nestled in the foothills northwest of Boise, Idaho. The new Studio boasts natural light, cross-ventilation, and a dedicated finishing area, free from dust and debris.
Since relocating to Boise, J.c. has continued to expand the studio's capabilities, adding more equipment, including meticulously restored vintage woodworking tools. His collection now includes a 1948 DeWalt radial arm saw, 1955 DeWalt radial arm saw, 1920s Syracuse S-1 oscillating spindle sander, and a late 1800s book press once owned by the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. These rare finds reflect J.C.'s passion for preserving the craftsmanship of the past while pushing the boundaries of modern woodworking.
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