Past Events
"Poisons and Cures"
Just in time for Halloween!
at the Lodi Historical Society, Lodi, California
Find out how some of the poisons were used in the past and how "cures" were sold, making SHOCKING amounts of money for the purveyors, from hundreds of years ago to the 19th and early 20th century.
Wednesday, October 23rd, 7 to 8:15 PM, at the Hutchens Street Square, 125 S Hutchins St. Lodi, California
It is recommended that you arrive several minutes early to get a seat.
The event will be at the Holz Room, located to the right of the senior services center, look for the sign marked "Pool".
"Poisons and Cures"
For the Gold River Villagers
This was a private event for the Gold River Villagers, in October of 2024.
See testimonials to hear what they thought...
"Poisons and Cures" at the
Elk Grove Historical Society
Just in time for Halloween!
Find out how some of the poisons were used in the past and how "cures" were sold, making SHOCKING amounts of money for the purveyors, from hundreds of years ago to the 19th and early 20th century.
Monday, October 21, doors open at 6pm, event starts at 6:30 (after the meeting the presentation takes place) Location: the Presbyterian Church at 8153 Elk Grove Boulevard, Elk Grove, California. Turn north on to Big Horn and it’s behind the Chevron Station, Suite 50. Come early to get a good seat.
Presentation at The Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society
August 15, 7 - 8 pm.
A new Doctor R. Snick presentation: The Origin of the American Medicine Show
This presentation will shed light on the origins of the patent medicine shows that were started in England, then bloomed in the US. Learn about small time operations to sophisticated shows that used clever marketing and engaging performances to sell "Snake Oil" including devices. The shows were especially entertaining to the nation before the arrival of radio and film.
The event will be hosted at the Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society located at 5380 Elvas Avenue, Sacramento, California 95819, United States
Please REGISTER HERE
Check out their Museum of Medical History!
The 2nd Annual Preston Castle Oddities and Curiosities Show
Saturday, June 8th!
Preston Castle, Ione, California, through The Menagerie Oddities Market.
Doctor R. Snick presentations:
Poisons, Cures and Fraud!
From unicorn horns and bleeding to radiation and drugged sodas, join Doctor R. Snick on a fascinating journey!
Freaks or Oddities?
Join Doctor R. Snick as he introduces you to fascinating people who doctors of the past called “Monsters”. Doctor R. Snick presents a cast of historic people in American history over a hundred years ago.
Jewelry of Death or Passion for Life and Deep Love?
Discover the meaning and evolution of Memento Mori, with a focus on Victorian Jewlery using human hair and other materials. Join Doctor R. Snick as he shares this deeply interesting subject.
Times: 11:30, 12:30, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00 (Subject to change)
"Strange and Dangerous Medicines of the Past"
at the Lodi Historical Society, Lodi, California
7 to 8 PM, May 22nd, at the Hutchens Street Square, 125 S Hutchins St. Lodi, California
It is recommended that you arrive several minutes early to get a seat.
The event will be at the Holz Room, located to the right of the senior services center, look for the sign marked "Pool".
Clockwork Alchemy Convention
"Aetheric Ocean"
The annual large Steampunk convention of Northern California!
Dr. R. Snick Presentations on April 20, 21 2024 (Note the convention runs from the 19th through the 21st)
Poisons and Cures - Saturday, 1030am - 12 in Synergy 1
The Thrills and Chills of the Old Medicine Shows and Patent Medicines - Saturday 6-7:30pm in Synergy 1
A Touch of Memento Mori - Sunday 1- 2:30pm in Synergy 1
San Mateo Marriott, California
Understanding Quackery, Dangerous Medicines and Devices from the Victorian Era to the early 20th Century
April 11th, 2024. A presentation at Sacramento State University.
From 1pm to 2:30pm at "The Well", in the Aspen and Meadow Room.
Hosted by the Secular Student Alliance at Sacramento State University
Note: Parking permit for the day can be purchased through the Sacramento State College website. There are some kiosks that you can use cash or credit card to buy time.
To see the flyer to left better, left click on it with your mouse and select "open image in new tab".
Doctor R. Snick Presentation at Elk Grove Historical Society
March 18, doors open at 6pm, event starts at 6:30 (after the meeting the presentation takes place) Location: the Presbyterian Church at 8153 Elk Grove Boulevard, Elk Grove, California. Turn north on to Big Horn and it’s behind the Chevron Station, Suite 50.
The Doctor R. Snick Medicine Show
Doctor R. Snick will reveal quackery, dangerous medicines and devices from the Victorian Era to the early 20th Century – Learn about patent medicines and the hidden ingredients, learn about strange and dangerous medicines, learn about strange devices, some which did absolutely nothing, learn how to identify counterfeit medicine bottles, and more (as time permits).
SteampTopia! March 16, 2024
At the Lucchesi Recreation Center in Petaluma, CA
Join sideshow performer and fan of history, fraud, hoaxes and Memento Mori, Andrei Pischalnikoff, AKA Doctor R. Snick, as he gives entertaining shows on:
Quackery, Oddities, Poisons & Cures and Victorian Hair & Mourning Jewelry from the Victorian and Edwardian eras!
Presentation sponsored by Sacramento Freethinkers, Atheists, & Nonbelievers (FAN)
Dangerous Medicines and Devices of the 19th Century
Sunday, January 28, 2024, 2pm - 4pm. Presentation is one hour with a half hour for questions and showing of artifacts
Where: Reason Center, 1300 Ethan Way, Suite 675, Sacramento
Join sideshow performer and fan of history, fraud, hoaxes and Memento Mori, Andrei Pischalnikoff, AKA Doctor R. Snick, as he tells you about some of the curious and unsettling things that questionable “Doctors” or “Quacks” sold to the public over a hundred years ago!
This presentation will shed light on medicine shows, patent medicines and strange devices that were useless and sometimes quite dangerous. To learn more about Doctor R. Snick and his presentations visit www.doctorrsnick.com
This is our first meeting of 2024, and it promises to be an exciting one!
For details: https://www.aofonline.org/contact.html.
Free parking in the lot.
OK to bring personal snacks & beverages – or to share – as you wish. (AOF will provide cool water.)
Every Saturday from November 25th to December 30th
Menagerie Oddities Marketplace YULETIDE event at the Winchester Mystery House
Doctor R. Snick will be presenting:
November 25, December 9th & 23rd
Join Dr. R. Snick as he presents shows about Quackery, Oddities and Poisons! Come to learn about ODDITIES Collections from the Victorian and Edwardian eras! Artifact cases will have some rotations so you will SEE something NEW at each SHOW!
A new talk is launching on December 9th,
November 5, 2023
Menagerie Oddities Event in Nevada City!
Join Dr. R. Snick (AKA Major Blaze) as he presents shows about Quackery, Oddities and Poisons! Come to learn about ODDITIES Collections from the Victorian and Edwardian eras! Collections will have some rotations so you will SEE something NEW at each SHOW!
September 23, 2023
Dunsmuir Steampunk Festival
11am to 10pm!
Set in the beautiful town of Dunsmuir in Northern California.
Join Dr. R. Snick (AKA Major Blaze) as he brings a collection of odd things and medical quackery from the 1800's to the early 1900's. Be SHOCKED to learn about CURES and POISONS of the past.
In addition to the table topics with the artifact cases, there was one presentation on Poisons and Cures, and one on Elixirs
September 10, 2023
Solano Sideshow!
Meet the Menagerie (AKA Solano Sideshow) at the Midway on Solano Ave!
This event is the Bay Area's largest street fair, over a mile long, which kicks off with a parade at 10am!
Admission is free, there will be fun activities, food, music and your favorite Menagerie vendors!
For more information on the Solano Stroll, go here
Join Dr. R. Snick as he brings out STRANGE ARTIFACTS and AMUSING STORIES to the Solano Sideshow at the Solano Stroll.
July 29, 2023 2nd Annual Freakshow!
Three New Dr. R. Snick Presentations:
#1 Famous Freaks (Oddities) and Using Vintage Frames for Displays
See many of the famous oddities who were a part of the P.T. Barnum museums of New York in the 1800's, and some from the early 1900's. Presentation includes tips on using vintage frames for displaying famous oddities.
#2 Strange and Dangerous Medicines
See many strange and dangerous medicines that were used in the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Learn about the "Baby Killers" that existed before the Food and Drug Act of 1906!
#3 Bizarre Cures and Devices
Learn how "cures" were sold, making incredible amounts of money for the purveyors, from hundreds of years ago to the 18th century and the early 20th century. Bizarre devices from the civil war to the early 1900's are sure to entertain!
These are 30 minute presentations, and there will be four occuring during the event, on the hour starting at 2pm. #1 will be presented again at 5pm.
Times and sequences subject to change.
June 10, 2023 Oddities Show at Preston Castle
Presenting: Building your Cabinet of Curiosities
Oddities of the Past with Dr. R. Snick
In addition to mermaids and other strange objects, learn about oddities and urban legends of the past and how to collect them for your cabinet or museum! See many of the famous oddities who were a part of the P.T. Barnum museums of New York in the 1800's, in addition to other famous performers up to the mid 1900's.
The Dr. R. Snick Poisons and Cures Show -
Learn about several of the poisons used in the past and how "cures" were sold, making incredible amounts of money for the purveyors, from hundreds of years ago to the 18th century and the early 20th century
Who were some of the famous poisoners of the past?
What has been commonly used as poison?
What were some of the historic "cures" or poison "detectors"?
How have cures been sold?
What dangers did the cures have?
May 11, 2023 7pm Kennedy Mine Historic Talk
Presenting:
Quackery and "cures"- used in Amador County from the 1850's to the early 1900's
Join Major Blaze of "The Major Blaze Medicine Show" as he shares some of the fascinating medicines and devices (legitimate and quackery) in use while the Argonaut and Kennedy mines were in operation.
From Arsenic and Mercury to Strychnine to hidden ingredients such as Opium Derivatives, Alcohol, Ether and other damaging contents!
May 6, 3rd Annual Goth Day Festival presented by Menagerie, Oddities and Curiosities VALLEJO, CA
The Dr. R. Snick Poisons and Cures Show -
Learn about several of the poisons used in the past and how "cures" were sold, making incredible amounts of money for the purveyors. working up to the 18th century to the early 20th century
Who were some of the famous poisoners of the past?
What has been commonly used as poison?
What were some of the historic cures or poison detectors?
How have cures been sold?
What dangers did the cures have?
Note: The Major Blaze Medicine show with Major Blaze is now the Doctor R. Snick Medicine show with Doctor R. Snick
April 7-9, 2023 Clockwork Alchemy Steampunk Convention
Presenting:
Patent medicines, poisons and bizarre devices of the Victorian and Edwardian times. Join sideshow performer and fan of fraud, hoaxes and history, Andrei Pischalnikoff, AKA Major Blaze, as he tells you about some of the curious and unsettling things that questionable "Doctors" or "Quacks" sold to the public over a hundred years ago.
Creating your own Oddities Collection Have you ever wanted to create an interesting oddities collection? Join sideshow performer and fan of fraud, hoaxes and history, Andrei Pischalnikoff, AKA Major Blaze as you learn where to find interesting items, some of which would come from the Victorian Era, and some which are created today with the same aesthetic. Learn how to frame photos of famous oddities using convex or bubble frames (through slide show demonstration). Learn about P.T. Barnum and his wonderful performers who were famous oddities in their time. Photos from Major Blaze's 2022 visit to the Massachusetts Middleborough Museum's amazing collection of Tom Thumb (Charles Stratton) and Lavinia Bump Warren's family artifacts.
April December 3, 4 2022
December 3rd and 4th, 2022 The Menagerie Oddities and Curiosities Holiday Market
6 Major Blaze Medicine Show presentations were given over two days, on the grounds of the Winchester Mystery House of San Jose, California. Content included: The history of Quackery from the 18th century to the mid 20th century.
The event was the Oddities and Curiosities Holiday Market presented by The Menagerie Oddities Market.
Contact Doctor R. Snick at dr.r.snick@gmail.com
or text at 916.812.8507