David P. Abbott

David Phelps Abbott (1863–1934) was an American magician, author, and investigator of spiritualism whose Omaha home at 3316 Center Street—known as the 'House of Mystery'—became one of the most famous private conjuring salons in magic history. Abbott invented the Floating Ball, pioneered modern spirit slate deceptions and the Talking Teapot, and was visited in Omaha by luminaries including Harry Houdini, Harry Kellar, Howard Thurston, and Ching Ling Foo.

Author of Behind the Scenes with the Mediums (1907) and David P. Abbott’s Book of Mysteries, his historic residence was purchased in 2024 by Teller and gifted to the Omaha Magical Society for permanent preservation.