"How are we to explain the strength and grip of superstition? Certainly in its origin and development, sinister non-human demonic influences play a great role..."

Phillip Schmidt S.J. - Superstition and Magic

While travelling throughout Canada in the early 20th century, many settlers were superstitious. When Prof Lewchuk performed magic and sideshow feats, many people thought that he must be working in league with the devil. It was not unusual to have many people in the audience ' cross themselves" after a feat was done. Fear and Superstitions ranked high among Canadian Pioneers but there was always sold out shows.



Weird tales would take shape as Prof Lewchuk's Midway and Shows entered their town. Old timers still recall stories that followed each act. After watching Lewchuk's masterful performances in round-eyed wonder, they would gather in little knots to discuss what they thought they had seen. Some confided that on their way to the theatre they had seen black cats also heading that way. An old lady, who saw the performance at Gorlitz, swore she saw a black devil sporting a long tail sitting on the chimney. All were certain Lewchuk had a "devil under his armpit" - an old Ukrainian belief that, if a person wanted his own personal incubus to do his bidding, all he had to do was take one of those miniature first effort eggs laid by a young hen, put it under his arm pit and wait a period of nine months when the egg was supposed to hatch a tiny devil ready to obey his master. Others saw devils under tables and in around props. While his acts awed them, most of his fellow countrymen also feared Lewchuk with a religious fervour.