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Partial Index of articles, 2000 - 2008
Index 1957 - 1999
Index 1952 - 1956
Index 1940 - 1951
When you become a member of the Circus Historical Society, you receive Bandwagon, the CHS's journal published six times a year. The partial index of past articles below gives an idea of the scope of articles published in Bandwagon.
Order Bandwagon Back Issues, information on ordering.
January-February 2008, Vol. 52, No. 1
Finding aid, Name Index for this issue.
Thumbnail of Front Cover, The Riding Richters at the Monte Carlo Circus, 2008.
- "The Greatest Place on Earth," an Assessment of Circus World, Don Stacey, pp. 4-14. History of Circus World, the Orlando, Florida circus theme park, from 1972 to 1986. Reprinted from King Pole, No. 162, March-April, 2007. Many illustrations, photos.
- Norma Davenport Christiani, Born into "Society" for Trouping Career, Part One, Lane Talburt, pp. 15-24. Not only biographical information on Norma, but also on her parents, Ben and Eva Davenport. Also Pete Christiana's as a fill-in "fixer" on Dailey Bros. Photos and illustrations.
- The Goodrich, Hoffman and Southey Show: Incorporating a Connecticut Circus, John Polacsek, pp. 25-34. Details on framing this show 1900-1901. Many colorful illustration.
November-December 2007, Vol. 51, No. 6
Finding aid, Name Index for this issue.
Thumbnail of Front Cover, Cover of P. T. Barnum's Circus children's book, 1888.
- American Circus in the 1870s: An overview from newspaper sources, Fred D. Pfening III, pp. 4-60. Information from nationwide newspapers on shows, people, circus life, public opinion, etc. Information on online newspaper sources.
- Nate Salsbury's Black America: A gigantic exhibition of negro life and character, Richard A. Georgian, pp. 63-70. Details on the formation, features and descriptions, performers, public response to this novel show that traveled 1895. The show featured 300 black performers. Includes a partial list of performers. Brief information on the "Darkest America" production (1896-1899). Illustrated.
- Ringling-Barnum's 1942 Menagerie Fire, Fred D. Pfening, Jr., pp. 73-77. Details on the August 4, 1892 fire with many photographs.
- Circusing in Europe, Al Stencell, pp. 80-86. Stencell's descriptions and photographs of some European circuses 1971 - 2006. Knie, Krone, Althoff's, Roncalli, and others.
- Cliff Vargas: Take him or leave him - or get fired, Lane Talburt, pp. 89-95. Clifford E. Vargas and his show. Details on this colorful circus showman. Many photographs.
- Bill Woodcock's Circus Album, pp. 104-105. Photos and narrative. Candy butchers, John Robinson's early 1920s, Gee Gee Engesser, elephant Lucy, and more.
- Bill Kaiska's Letterheads, p. 109. Sells Bros. Circus, 1894.
September-October 2007, Vol. 51, No. 5
Finding aid, Name Index for this issue.
Thumbnail of Front Cover, Lucio Cristiani, 1973.
- "Popcorn" George W. Hall, A Wisconsin Showman, Ruth Ann Montgomery, pp. 3-22. Biography of Hall, circus owner and animal trainer, from 1847 to 1918. Photos, illustrations.
- From Frying Pan to Fire: Ruffin Switches to Vargas,Part Three, Lane Talburt, pp. 23-29. America's first black wild animal trainer. Photos.
- More Ramblings from Red Sonnenberg, Red Sonnenberg, pp. 30-37.
- A Cancer Remedy? "Join the Circus", Lane Talburt, pp. 38-41. Frank Felt's second career as circus manager and owner. Photos.
- Bill Woodcock's Circus Album, pp. 42-43. Roland Tiebor's seals, circus concert/aftershow, etc. Photos.
July-August 2007, Vol. 51, No. 4
Finding aid, Name Index for this issue.
Thumbnail of Front Cover, 1916 Cook & Wilson Circus.
May-June 2007, Vol. 51, No. 3
Finding aid, Name Index for this issue.
Thumbnail of Front Cover, 1889 Adam Forepaugh Circus poster.
March-April 2007, Vol. 51, No. 2
Finding aid, Name Index for this issue.
Thumbnail of Front Cover, 1938 Ringling-Barnum program cover.
January-February 2007, Vol. 51, No. 1
Finding aid, Name Index for this issue.
Thumbnail of Front Cover, Howe's Great London 'Car of India.'
- 1944 Ringling Bros. Circus Diary, A, The Ralph Emersons., pp. 3-28. This was the year of the Hartford Fire.
- Chicken or the Egg: A Double Ring Controversey. Phase Two, William L. Slout, pp. 29-36. Great Eastern.
- Jumping Horses, Automobiles and Circuses, Sylvester Braun, pp. 37-38.
- Bill Woodcock's Circus Album, pp. 39-40.
- Side Lights on the Circus Business, Part Forty-Nine, David W. Watt, pp. 41-47. Originally published 1920. David Watt died in 1929, includes Watt's obituaries with information on his career. See the bottom of this page for information on the content of this series.
November-December 2006, Vol. 50, No. 6
Finding aid, Name Index for this issue.
Thumbnail of Front Cover, Ringling songster 1888, featuring the Ringling brothers before they all grew their famous moustaches.
- Ringling-Barnum Gorillas and Their Cages, The, Fred D. Pfening, Jr. & Richard J. Reynolds III, pp. 4-29. Gargantua, Toto and other gorillas. Many photos of various gorillas with circuses, cage wagons, lithographs.
- More About Gorillas and Other Great Apes - Noell's Ark, Fred D. Pfening, Jr., pp. 33-36. The traveling Gorilla Show, of Bob and Anna Mae Noell, 1940-1971. Noell's Ark chimp farm. Illustrations include photos of Chimp Farm, gorilla Tommy.
- Ringling's Disastrous European Tour, Don Stacey, pp. 40-48. Reprinted from King Pole, September 2006. 1963-1964 tour. Details of the management and many performers of this short tour. Stacey was publicity manager for the show. Illustrations include photos of performers, spec floats, managers.
- "Russian Cossacks," Buffalo Bill's Press Agent Spins a Tale, Richard A. Georgian, pp. 50-55. An extract from Georgian's manuscript, Buffalo Bill's Deceit, the Cossack's Curse. Reveals the facts behind the riders, advertised as Russian Cossacks, but were actually Georgians from what is today the Republic of Georgia. These men and women performed in more than 50 wild west shows from 1892 to 1920. Illustrations include photos of the Cossacks, lithographs.
- Great Circus Clowns of the Past, pp. 56-57. From Pat Cashini's Blog, photos and narrative of famous circus clowns.
- Bill Woodcock's Circus Album, pp. 59-61. Photos and narrative. Circus elephants and more.
- Side Lights on the Circus Business, Part Forty-Eight, David W. Watt, pp. 68-76. 1919. John Worland, Forepaugh, Ringling Bros., Little Alright, Burr Robbins, and much more. See the bottom of this page for information on the content of this series.
- Letterhead From the Archives, p. 77. 1875 P. T. Barnum's Great Roman Hippodrome. The letterhead is the most elaborate piece of circus stationery known to exist up to that time.
September-October 2006, Vol. 50, No. 5
Finding aid, Name Index for this issue.
Thumbnail of Front Cover, Yankee Robinson, circa 1910, 'monster airship,' Santa Dumont, circling the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
July-August 2006, Vol. 50, No. 4
Finding aid, Name Index for this issue.
Thumbnail of Front Cover, 1893 lithograph, Sells brothers.
- Luella Forepaugh-Fish Wild West Show 1903, Richard A. Georgian, pp. 3-8. Luella Jordan married John A. Forepaugh, nephew of Adam Forepaugh, then married George F. Fish. In 1901 Luella and Fish incorporated the Forepaugh-Fish Wild West. Information on the show from 1901 to 1903. Georgian presented this paper at the 2006 CHS convention. It is part of his future publication on the history of the "Russian Cossacks" who rode in more than fifty American tent shows between 1892-1920s.
Illustrations include photos of Alexis Georgian, the Georgian Cossacks, and Forepaugh-Fish steam calliope; engraving John A. Forepaugh; Forepaugh-Fish letterhead; newspaper advertisement.
- How and Why I Got in the Circus Business, King Bros. Circus, Part Two, Bob Snowden, pp. 9-27. How the Duke of Paducah Circus started and became the King Bros. Details of the 1961-64 truck show, including staff, performers, side show, concessions, elephants, etc.
Illustrations include photos of King Bros. trucks, pit show, marquee and big top, cookhouse, side show, horse semi, Hermann's Lipizzan stallions, ticket semi, seat semi, elephant lead stock and sleeper truck, Snowden and employees, Arnold Maley & Snowden, Frank McClosky.
- Looking for Babe for Patsy Bea, Performer, Harington's Nickle Plate Circus (1932-1934), pp. 28-31. Known as Patsy Bea in the circus world, she was the grand daughter of Beatrice and Ernest Harrington, owners of Harrington's Nickle Plate. As a child in the circus, Patsy's favorite elephant was Babe. Information on Patsy's circus life. Illustrated with a photo of Patsy, age two or three.
- En Route to the Great Eastern, Part Three, William L. Slout, pp. 32-39. Details of Andrew Haight & Doc Chambers' circus, the first to take a circus into Texas after the Civil War. Information on the shows for the 1865-67 seasons, including performers, staff, side show, events. Andrew Haight was known for driving a close bargain and seldom getting the worst of a deal, which earned him the name "Slippery Elm." Details of Haight & Wooten's 1871 Empire City Circus. The Great Eastern was formed in 1872. Illustrations include engravings of Dr. James L. Thayer, John Hayes Murray and Sam Lathrop the clown, newspaper advertisements, a Stone & Murray 1870 lithograph.
- Bill Woodcock's Circus Album, pp. 40-41. Photos and explanatory narrative. Photos: elephants transporting a throne for the spec on RBBB in 1941, pit show, animal people on Robbins Bros. 1938, Kelly-Miller side show, Stewart Craven, Master Elephant Trainer.
- Side Lights on the Circus Business, Part Forty-Six (1919), David W. Watt, pp. 42-47. Information on Forepaugh; LaDell Brothers; Sam Watson, bareback rider and circus owner; Henry S. Rubien, had lemonade and candy stands on RBBB more than 20 years; Watt's career; Burr Robbins; and more. See the bottom of this page for information on the content of this series.
Illustrations include Burr Robbins, James E. Cooper, Robert C. Campbell agent, Jeremiah Mabie, 1880s Forepaugh trading card featuring the 'Sultans own Sons of the Desert.' See May-June 1998 for information on the content of this series.
May-June 2006, Vol. 50, No. 3
Finding aid, Name Index for this issue.
Thumbnail of Front Cover, Glasier 1902 photo, daredevil Diavolo, loop-the-loop bicycle act.
- How and Why I Got in the Circus Business, Part One, How the Duke of Paducah Circus Started and How It Became King Bros., by Bob Snowden, pp. 3-23. Snowden was a circus and animal man who owned an interest in King Bros. Snowden's early career, including his alligator and hippo shows. His times with the Royal American carnival, including the back end business. The 1960 Duke of Paducah Circus.
Illustrations: photos of Robert Snowden; Snowden's Florida animal farm; Gladys Gillem's wild animal act; Carl Sedimayr Jr. & Sr., Royal American owners; Whitey Weiss, consession manager; Royal American midway; Snowden hippo show; Floyd King; Si and Dorothy Rubens, phone promoters; Whitey Ford, the Duke of Paducah; Duke of Paducah semi; Beatrice Dante and chimp; Mario Gaona trapeze act; Walter Kernan; Roger Boyd; Matt Larish and the Duke elephants; Larish's liberty ponies; Duke of Paducah letterhead; Duke marquee and big top; Great Jessick, one finger stand; Duke midway and sideshow.
- En Route to the Great Eastern, Part Two, William L. Slout, pp. 24-33. Andrew Haight and George W. DeHaven 1865-70. Information on their shows, staff, performers, acts, events. Haight's early life. Description of the Mazeppa equestrian drama. Illustrations: Andrew Haight, George Batcheller leaper, William Dutton rider, R. E. J. Miles owner & proprietor, newspaper advertisements, Pike's Opera House and its 1866 fire.
- 2006 Circus Historical Society Convention, by Joe Parker, pp. 34-36. Photos of many of the presenters.
- Bill Woodcock's Circus Album, pp. 37-38. Photos and explanatory narrative. Photos: Tom Mix at Sells-Floto winter quarters, Peru, 1931; Hubert Castle (Hal Smith) 1947, did a wire act; Bert Nelson & Maria Rasputin, 1935, did an animal act; Barbara Woodcock in costume with elephant.
- Side Lights on the Circus Business, Part Forty-Five (1919), David W. Watt, pp. 39-47. Zip, the dog-faced man or "Barnum's What Is It;" Adam Forepaugh Jr.; Siegrist & Silbon, aerial act; Forepaugh; Watt's career; Bert Cole, announcer Hagenbeck-Wallace 19 seasons; RBBB; various performers/staff returning from WWI; Burr Robbins; Imre Kiralfy, producer of specs; Ike Pritchard; and more. See the bottom of this page for information on the content of this series.
Thumbnail of Back Cover, lithograph, illustrating Diavilo's "'Danger-Deriding, Death-Defying, Desperate Dare-Devil" loop the loop act - "beyond the tremendously terrible temerity and illimitable, inimitable intrepidity of Diavolo, no man may go."
March-April 2006, Vol. 50, No. 2
Finding aid, Name Index for this issue.
Thumbnail of Front Cover, lithograph, Barnum & Bailey 1890, featuring the spec "Nero, or the Destruction of Rome, the return of the show from the winter tour in London 1889-90 and the special railroad excursions for people to travel to see the show from small towns.
- Circus Year in Review, Fred D. Pfening, Jr., pp. 3-27. Extensive review of the 2005 circuses. There were sixty circuses in operation in 2005. Extensively illustrated with photos and covers of shows' programs.
- En Route to the Great Eastern, Part One, William L. Slout, pp. 28-36. Origin of the Great Eastern Museum, Menagerie, Aviary, Circus & Balloon Show, George W. DeHaven, Andrew Haight and R. E. J. Miles, proprietors. DeHaven's early life and connection with various circuses 1858-1860s. Satterlee, Bell & Co., Hyatt & Co., Great Union and other circuses. Shows, staff, performers, events.
Illustrations include engravings of W. W. Durand, contracting agent and John Glenroy, rider; photos of George W. DeHaven and clown Pete Conklin; newspaper advertisements.
- Bill Woodcock's Circus Album, pp. 37-38. Photos and explanatory narrative. Photos: breakfast on the 1946 Cole show, Busby Bros. bill car 1909, elephant trainer Chris Zeitz with elephant Mom 1905, Spot Griffin baggage stock superintendent 1931. 1944 Ringling-Barnum program featuring Ernestine Clarke.
- Side Lights on the Circus Business, Part Forty-Four (1919), David W. Watt, pp. 39-47. Watt's career; Hagenbeck winter quarters; Showmen's League of America; Sells-Floto; Hagenbeck Animal Circus in Germany; Ringling brothers and their show; Adam Forepaugh Jr.; and more. See the bottom of this page for information on the content of this series.
Illustrations are photos of ticket seller, Sells-Floto 1915; West Baden Hotel and Casino; Will Rogers in vaudeville; Sells-Floto winter quarters; Hagenbeck Tierpart entrance; Ringling family 1890s; Yankee Robinson parade 1919; May Wirth; Zip, the "What is it." See May-June 1998 for information on the content of this series.
January-February 2006, Vol. 50, No. 1
Finding aid, Name Index for this issue.
Thumbnail of Front Cover, lithograph, W. C. Coup's New United Monster Shows, featured New York Aquarium, Broncho Horses, Royal Japanese Circus, Melville's Australian Circus, Colvin's Great Menagerie, Fryer's Trained Animas and Wood's Museum. The show toured 1878-1882.
November-December 2005, Vol. 49, No. 6
Finding aid, Name Index for this issue.
Thumbnail of Front Cover, Buffalo Bill Christmas card, 1903-06
- Out of the Wild West Thundered the First Circus Train of Steel, Part One, Fred Dahlinger, Jr., pp. 4-35. Story of the showmen and events that led to the frist steel circus train that rumbled across America. Starts with the formation of the first Wild West exhibition, through transitions between partners, continues during changes in circus leadership and finally takes place during the rise of the largest Wild West outfit to tour America.
Illustrations include photos of Hagenbeck-Wallace Forepaugh Sells, 1935; Campbell Bros.; Col. William F. Cody, 1907; Col John M. Burke, business manager; Nate Salsbury; Buffalo Bill advance car, 1896; RR cars & elephants, Bridgeport winter quarters; James A. Bailey; Jule Keen, treasurer; flats, 1908 Barnum & Bailey; horse that smoked; Buffalo Bill flat cars, 1901; Buffalo Bill; U.S. Army train, ca 1905; Col. Cody & Nate Salsbury; Mr. & Mrs. William F. Cody; Barnum & Bailey train in Europe; Buffalo Bill, Paris, France 1905; Buffalo Bill advertising car 1905; Buffalo Bill train, Italy, 1905. Lithograph, RBBB, early 1920s; 1914 Jones Bros. & Wilson herald; 1933 Hagenbeck-Wallace lithograph.
- The Not-So-Great Trans-Atlantic Circus and Menagerie, William L. Slout, pp. 38-42. (Pardon A. Older). Paper presented at 2005 CHS convention. The origin, 1872 season and demise of Pardon A. Older and J. M. Chandler's Trans-Atlantic. Show details, staff, performers, events. Illustrations include photos of Pardon A. Older & agent John A. Dingess; newspaper advertisements.
- Delight For Shogun, Gift From Nehru: History of Traveling Menageries of Japan, Ken Kawata, pp. 44-53. Paper presented at 2005 CHS convention. A review of the highlights of the menageries in the history of animal exhibition in Japan. Iwata Yano's turn-of-the-century traveling menagerie. Hagenbeck's tour of Japan. The Ueno Zoo's traveling menageries. World Animal Expo (Nippon Zoo) and circus-related operations in 1950s. Illustrations include postcards of various menagerie animals; elephant Anna; photos of Yano, Ueno Zoo's menagerie, elephant Indira, lion trainer Dick Clemens.
- Corteo Cirque Du Soleil, Fred D. Pfening, Jr., pp. 58-61. Details of 2005 season. Illustrations include photos of the Corteo lot, horizontal bar act, trampoline and aerial chandelier act.
- Bill Woodcock's Circus Album, pp. 63-65. Photos and explanatory narrative. R. Z. Orton show history, and more. Photos: elephant Hero with Jim Baker, owner R. Z. Orton, and agent Dave Jarrett; Zebra hitch, Cole Bros. 1944; RBBB elephant howdah, 1933; 1961 Kelly-Miller 'doniker' trailer; elephant Tusko, 1921 & 1930.
- Side Lights on the Circus Business, Part Forty-Two (1918), David W. Watt, pp. 69-78. Lizzie Ashton & Kate Silbon, aerial artists; Sunday runs; Pubillones circus, Cuba; Forepaugh; Keith & Albee, vaudeville; RBBB; Burr Robbins; and more. See May-June 1998 for information on the content of this series. Note: July-August 2005 also titles Watt's Side Lights as Part Forty-Two. See the bottom of this page for information on the content of this series.
September-October 2005, Vol. 49, No. 5
Finding aid, Name Index for this issue.
Thumbnail of Front Cover, 1881 Adam Forepaugh lithograph featuring the "Handsomest Woman in the World, Lalla Rookh."
July-August 2005, Vol. 49, No. 4
Finding aid, Name Index for this issue.
Thumbnail of Front Cover, L. B. Lent's New York Circus, 1870.
- Ups and Downs of George Washington Smith, Part One, Robert J. Loeffler, pp. 4-20. George W. Smith, 1893-1986, became circus manager, Ringling Bros. in 1938. Includes text of his testimony regarding the Hartford fire, Smith's early career.
Illustrations include photos of Smith; Ringling-Barnum ticket wagon; Ringling billstand; Ringling-Barnes show on a lot 1938; Arthur Concello; 1942 Army War Show; Robert Ringling; Ringling staff in court; Emmett Kelly fighting the fire; Hartford fire scenes; diagram of big top and lot layout at Hartford.
- More Ramblings From Red Sonnerberg, Part Three, C. A. "Red" Sonnenberg, pp. 21-28. RBBB, Walter L. Main, M. L. Clark shows, grift and much more. Illustrations include photos of Ringling-Barnum rest room; entrance to Ringling-Barnum winter quarters; Walter L. Main ticket wagon, 1927; Al G. Barnes circus train, 1924; W.P.A. Circus show band; Lee Bros. bill stand 1925; Walter L. Main advertising car, 1927; Waldo Tupper, agent GSOE; Frank McClosky, Willis Lawson and Art Concello planning a route.
- A Very Strong Finish, pp. 29-31. 2005 CHS convention. Photos of many of the presenters; Cirque Du Soleil; Kelly-Miller elephants.
- Bill Woodcock's Circus Album, pp. 33-35. Photos and explanatory narrative. Photos of the Cole Bros. train wreck 1945; Gentry Bros. animal act; 1933 Al G. Barnes circus train, stake driver, spreading out the big top canvas; George Denman, Ringling-Barnum elephant boss.
- Side Lights on the Circus Business, Part Forty-Two (1918), David W. Watt, pp. 36-46. John "Mulsey" Welch; J. H. Shields; effect of WWI on circuses; Forepaugh; Watt's career; Hagenbeck-Wallace train wreck 1918; Forepaugh 1886 train wreck; George Washington Hall; and more.
Illustrations include photo of William "Bud" Gorman; mass grave, Hagenbeck-Wallace train wreck; G. W. Hall parade wagon; Jules Turnour, clown; Lou Graham; Hagenbeck-Wallace advertisement; Sells Bros. winter quarters lithograph; Ringling Bros. 1918 spec lithograph; Ringling Bros. woodchoppers 1918 lithograph. See the bottom of this page for information on the content of this series.
- Jumbo Picture Cards, p. 47. Illustrations of Jumbo on trade cards promoting sewing machines, furniture, etc.
May-June 2005, Vol. 49, No. 3
Finding aid, Name Index for this issue.
Thumbnail of Front Cover, 1934 Hagenbeck-Wallace
- Who Was Buffalo Bill? An Overview of His Life and Times. John Thiele, pp. 3-8. Paper presented at CHS 2004 convention. Illustrations include photos; 1887 portraits of Cody; Buffalo Bill Wild West poster; Cody lithograph used in England.
- Inside the LaMont Shows, Lawrence Lusch, pp. 9-14. Owned by Charles and Harry Randolph, LaMont Bros. Circus 1902-1920s. Show details, staff, performers, events. Illustrations include photos of Charles & Harry Randolph; show on lot ca 1912-14; tableau bandwagon, calliope wagon, animal cage wagon 1914; LaMont band; Omar Eddings & elephant Wando; ticket wagon, 1918 bill stand. 1910 letterhead; newspaper advertisement; herald.
- The Ubangis Are Alive and Well, Dick Mong, pp. 15-20. African natives on Ringling-Barnum 1930-31. Author Mong traveled to Ethiopia to meet the Mursi, who traveled with Ringling-Barnum. His journal of the trip is included in the article. Illustrations include many photos of the Ubangis, posters, and Mong's trip.
- The Meers Sisters and William Melrose, John Daniel Draper, pp. 21-25. Equestrians who performed for three decades beginning in 1891. Featured on Barnum & Bailey in 1891. Illustrations include photos, 1907, 1911; 1895, 1906 lithographs; 1910 Meers illustration, Forepaugh-Sells.
- Cole's Southern Circus and Menagerie of 1881, Stuart Thayer, p. 26. Show had a short life, two months. Organized by George S. Cole, Matt Leland and William Monroe. Illustrations include show lithographs.
- Bill Woodcock's Circus Album, pp. 27-29. Photos and explanatory narrative. Photos: Louie Reed on Brama bull, taking elephants to the lot; William "Lucky Bill" Newton Sr.; Woodcock's father and Lee Powell at the site of Jumbo's death; Arky Scott with elephants; elephants Marcella and Big Babe with Ringling-Barnum, 1951.
- Side Lights on the Circus Business, Part Forty-One, David W. Watt (1918), pp. 30-39. Watt's career; Burr Robbins; Forepaugh; Gollmars; Ringling show; W. C. Coup; James A. Bailey; Bird Millman, tightrope walker; effect of WWI on circuses; John L. Sullivan, champion boxer; Col George W. Hall.
Illustrations include photos of Charles & Fred Gollmar; W. C. Coup; clown Earl Shipley; George W. "Popcorn" Hall; Tom Buckley, Ringling treasurer; Bird Millman 1918 poster; 1918 Hagenbeck-Wallace program cover; illustration of John L. Sullivan, boxer; postcard, Barnum & Bailey Bridgeport winter quarters. See the bottom of this page for information on the content of this series.
March-April 2005, Vol. 49, No. 2
Finding aid, Name Index for this issue.
Thumbnail of Front Cover, Judith Nerger and Caesar, Hamid Circus, 2004.
- Circus Year in Review, the 2004 season, Fred D. Pfening, Jr., pp. 4-28. Pfening's annual review of 2004 circuses, accompanied by many photographs, 2004 programs, posters, kid tickets. Photos of shows on the lots, performers, staff, wagon, lithograph.
- Whistles and Walk-A-Rounds. Where Have They Gone?, Robert Sugarman, pp. 29-32. Changes in the roles of the Clowns and the the Ringmasters and/or Equestrian Directors. Illustrations include photos of Fred Bradna, ringmaster; Tim Holst, RBBB Vice President; clown Bello Nock and ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson; clown David Larible; clown Ryan Combs; clown Molly Pelley.
- Bill Woodcock's Circus Album, pp. 33-34. Photos and explanatory narrative. Photos: Jimmy Reynolds & Eddie Allen, animal men; Jimmy with his seal act; Rex Williams working the elephant act on horseback.
- Side Lights on the Circus Business, Part Forty (1918), David W. Watt, pp. 36-47. Forepaugh; Watt's career; Shipp & Feltus circus; WWI and the circuses; John L. Sullivan, champion boxer; William O'Dale; Ben Lusbie, lightning ticket seller; James A. Bailey; Homer Martin, ticket seller; Barnum & Bailey; Ringling show; freaks.
Illustrations include photos of Barnum & Bailey cookhouse in Germany; clown Jack LeClair; U. S. Motorized tableau truck; Barnum & Bailey winter quarters, Bridgeport; Tom Thumb's carriage; Jo-Jo, dog-faced boy; elephants at Ringling winter quarters, Baraboo; early Forepaugh lithograph, the Golden Image Car; Shipp & Feltus letterhead; engraving, Ben Lusbie; Chang and Eng, Siamese Twins. See the bottom of this page for information on the content of this series.
January-February 2005, Vol. 49, No. 1
Finding aid, Name Index for this issue.
Thumbnail of Front Cover, 1891 Pawnee Bill lithograph.
November-December 2004, Vol. 48, No. 6
Finding aid, Name Index for this issue.
Thumbnail of Front Cover, Christmas card, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, 1943
- The Circus Magazine, an enigma whose time had come, Robert F. Sabia, pp. 4-21. In-depth information on circus programs and songsters from a tabloid format to magazine, circa 1884 - 1900s.
Illustrations include many program covers - Buffalo Bill, Pawnee Bill, Campbell Bros., Howes Great London, Downie Bros., Walter L. Main, Scott Greater Shows, Cole Bros. Circuses' pages in Circus Magazine - Zellmar Bros., Barnett Bros., Conroy Bros., Robbins, and Johnny J. Jones carnival. Photo of Lewis Bros. 1937 band.
- Reminiscences of Circus Animal Trainers, John Daniel Draper, pp. 25-44. John Hardin Smith, Mahlon Frank "Alabama" Campbell, Merritt Lynn Belew, Austin B. King, Alvin Ray Thompson, Max Sabel, Bert B. Dennis, Charles Barry and Bessie Harvey, Fred and Rose Collier, James and Alice Foster, Allan Hauser, Leo and Ethel Hamilton, Harry J. and Josephine McFarlan.
Illustrations include photos of John Smith, 1924, 1943; Mahlon Frank "Alabama" Campbell; Merritt Belew, 1923, 1945, undated; Minnie Thompson, menage rider; Ray & Dorothy Thompson, mid-1920s; Dorothy Herbert, rider, 1934; Max Sabel, 1924; Fred Collier & liberty horses, 1923; James & Alice Foster; LaVerne Hauser; Harry McFarlan, 1933, 1943; Josephine McFarland; boxing horses lithograph, 1944; lithograph featuring Ray Thompson, 1908; illustration of Bessie Haravey, lady rider; 1933 lithograph featuring Capt. Barry.
- Almost fifty years under the big top - But still only fifty feet ahead of the sheriff, Part Two, C. A. "Red" Sonnenberg, pp. 48-55. Some subtitles: Gordon Calvit Fixer Deluxe, How to get to Portland, Oregon on four bucks, Ode to Frank Branden, Trouping During the Great Depression, Paydays Aren't Everything, Sounds around a circus, Judge Duval, Circus people had a language of their own, Don't forget your Dukies, Windy Van Hooten and the ferocious lions.
Illustrations include photos of Gordon Calvit, fixer; Buck Jones, 1927; Hugo Schmitt & elephants; Sam B. Dill, manager & owner; Frank Braden, press agent; Frederic "Babe" Boudinot, general agent; Herbert Duval, The Judge, legal adjuster; Ringling-Barnum cookhouse, 1955; Edward F. Kelly, Ringling-Barnum Vice President.
- Bill Woodcock's Circus Album, pp. 59-61. To be an ongoing feature. William H. Woodcock's circus heritage goes back to the mid 1800s, his father's passions were elephants and circus history. Article includes photos and short essays that continue Woodcock, Sr.'s contributions of photographs in Bandwagon that were published from 1958-1963. Photos: elephant trucks; Pat Valdo, Walter McClain, Evelyn Burns, Dianne Lovette, Patty Pallee, Barnes 1938; Alonzo Dever doing a head carry; Sells-Floto on muddy lot.
- Side Lights on the Circus Business, Part Thirty-Eight (1917), David W. Watt, pp. 65-75. Forepaugh, John Robinson Show, Burr Robbins, May Wirth, circuses 1917-18, Barnum & Bailey, Ringling, Rhoda Royal, and many more people, circuses, and circus history/life. See the bottom of this page for information on the content of this series.
Illustrations include photos of John Robinson lithographers; May Wirth, rider; George W. Goodhart, advance manager; Charles A. Gollmar; Frank P. Spellman, manager; Samuel H. McCracken, manager & owner; R. T. Richards elephants; Burr Robbins trading card; Barnum & Bailey 1917 route card; United States Circus Corporation letterhead, 1917.
- Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus Ticket Wagons in the 1930s, p. 76. Photos of the ornate ticket wagons, 1931-33, 1935, 1937-38.
September-October 2004, Vol. 48, No. 5
Finding aid, Name Index for this issue.
Thumbnail of Front Cover, Clyde Beatty lot, 1956
- The Blue Unit Train, The First Twenty Years, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Robert S. MacDougall, pp. 3-21. History of the railroad equipment used by the Ringling-Barnum Blue Unit from its beginning in 1969.
Illustrations include photos of unloading European unit; 20th Century Limited train cars purchased by Ringling-Barnum; Ringling-Barnum European unit wagon; postal car ready to pick up Circus Williams animals; 1971 wagons; Father Sullivan christening the train; 1971 all white train; Bicentennial Edition lettering on 1975-76 Red Unit; Blue Unit car on fire, 1974; Robert S. MacDougall, general manager; polar bear cages; Hickory Creek car, 1977; laundry car; John Roushe & Bob MacDougall, Monte Carlo sleeper; digging out from 20 inch snowfall, 1980; derailed cars, 1981; Blue Unit flats, 1982; container of elephants loading for Japan; vestibule car under construction; building concession storage car; numbering on car.
- From Rags to Ricketts, The Roots of Circus in Early Gotham, William L. Slout, pp. 22-27. Paper presented at CHS 2004 convention. Chronological history of early exhibitions in New York City, 1732-1798. Illustrations include handbill for camel exhibition, 1787; Vauxhall Garden; Jacob Bates, equestrian; John B. Ricketts; 1786 newspaper advertisement, Mr. Pool, feats of horsemanship; 1795 Ricketts' New Amphitheatre advertisement; Ricketts New Circus advertisement, 1797.
- Lotus Grande Dame of Circus Hippos, Richard J. Reynolds III, pp. 28-32. The famous Lotus arrived in America in 1903 and toured until 1944. She appeared in the 1952 movie, The Greatest Show on Earth,. Illustrations include many photos of Lotus, 1905 to 1939; Gollmar Bros. 1903 advertisement featuring Lotus, "A Blood-Sweating Hippopotamus;" Lotus' cage wagon, 1937.
- Bobby Gibbs, Good Bye, Old Friend, Jim Alexander, pp. 33-34. Robert Eugene "Bobby" Gibbs, animal performer and trainer, 1950s to 1998. Illustrations include photos of Bobby & Rosa Gibbs with elephant act; Bobby, 1983 Carson & Barnes spec.
- Side Lights on the Circus Business, Part Thirty-Seven, David W. Watt, pp. 35-43. Zip "What is it?", Jace Robbins, James Jordan, Barnum & Bailey, Forepaugh, Fred O'Brien, and much more. See the bottom of this page for information on the content of this series.
Illustrations include photos of Zip, the "What Is It?"; 1917 tableau parade wagon; Jess Willard, champion boxer & circus owner; eighteen horse hitch, Hagenbeck-Wallace, 1917; Fred O'Brien, acrobat & leaper; H. B. Gentry; Emil Schweyer, wild animal trainer; cover, Kiralfy Fall of Babylon spec.
July-August 2004, Vol. 48, No. 4
Finding aid, Name Index for this issue.
May-June 2004, Vol. 48, No. 3
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March-April 2004, Vol. 48, No. 2
Finding aid, Name Index for this issue.
January-February 2004, Vol. 48, No. 1
Finding aid, Name Index for this issue.
Thumbnail of Front Cover, 1941 Old King Cole and Mother Goose spec, Ringling-Barnum
- Spec-ology of the Circus, Part Two, Fred D. Pfening, Jr. pp. 3-21. History of the circus Spectacle, 1918 to recent years, many photos, lithographs, illustrations, descriptions. read this article online!
- Willie O'Dale and Willie O'Dell, John Daniel Draper, pp. 22-25. Biographical information on these two equestrian riders and their performances. Also the unrelated Charles O'Dell and Cyse O'Dell. Illustrations include photos of Cyse O'Dell, 1924, 1924, 1930s; newspaper advertisement featuring Wm. O'Dell; lithograph featuring Willie O'Dell, 1888.
- Interesting Bill Stands, pp. 26-27. Photos of the large bill stands for Mighty Haag, Sells, Forepaugh, Robinson's, Seils-Sterling, Downie & Wheeler, John H. Sparks. An interesting photo of an electric trolley totally wrapped with posters for the 101 Ranch.
- Half a Century Under the Big Top, R. M. Harvey, pp. 28-32. Robert M. Harvey's fifty year career as a circus executive, personal memories, early to mid 1900s. The "Flying Squadron" trouble shooters (the advance). Troubles of bareback riders rivalry in choice of costume. A very embarrassing moment while visiting a Cuban circus. Illustrations include photos of R. M. Harvey; 1902 Great Wallace bill stands; Blanche Reed, rider.
- Side Lights on the Circus Business, Part Thirty-Three, David W. Watt, pp. 33-43. Buffalo Bill (W. F. Cody), Forepaugh, George F. Holland, James Robinson, Nate Salsbury, and more. See the bottom of this page for information on the content of this series.
Illustrations include photos of Buffalo Bill; Al G. Barnes, showman; U.S. Motorized Circus trucks; Richard Ringling's circus; Billy Lorette, clown; George Holland Jr., rider; John Philip Sousa; James Robinson; Nate Salsbury; illustration of Adam Forepaugh, Jr. & Sr.
November-December 2003, Vol. 47, No. 6
Finding aid, Name Index for this issue.
Thumbnail of Front Cover, 1883 Jumbo lithograph
- Front Cover is an image of the recently discovered 1883 Jumbo lithograph (Barnum, Bailey & Hutchinson), the first new Jumbo bill to come to light in over 40 years!
- Spec-ology of the Circus, Part One, Fred D. Pfening, Jr. pp. 4-20. History of the circus Spectacle, 1793 to recent years, many illustrations, descriptions. read this article online!
- Horseless in Nashville, 1864, Stuart Thayer, pp. 23-24. Paper presented at CHS 2003 convention. Howes & Norton's Champion Circus' experiences at Nashville around the time of the 1864 Battle of Nashville. Illustrations include portrait of talking clown John Lowlow and show's newspaper advertisement.
- Bill English, the Harvard Circusman, Al Stencell, pp. 26-30. Paper presented at CHS 2003 convention. Biographical information on English. Grift, circus life, 1950-90s circuses - Beatty-Cole, Sells & Gray, Hanneford, and others. Illustrations include photos of English, Beatty-Cole, Sells & Gary.
- Clown Lithos, pp. 31-32. Barnum & Bailey, Robbins Bros., Sparks, Chase & Son, Cronin Bros., Cole & Rogers, Hagenbeck-Wallace, Sam B. Dill's, Beatty-Cole, RBBB, Sells-Floto, Al G. Barnes, Gentry Bros., Clyde Beatty.
- Bill Kasiska's Letterheads, p 34. Sells Bros. 1895.
- Eloise Berchtold's Last Performance, Giovanni Iuliani, pp. 36-39. Paper presented at CHS 2002 convention. Berchtold was an animal trainer, 1900s. Gatini Circus details and events, Canada, 1977. Berchtold toured with this circus and died in the ring. Illustrations included photos of Berchtold's act, her elephant Teak, and the cover of the Gatini program.
- Star Back Review, review of Jane M. Davis' book, The Circus Age: Culture and Society Under the American Big Top, pp. 42-44.
- Youth Circus Today, Robert Sugarman, pp. 46-50. Paper presented at CHS 2003 convention. Peru Amateur Circus (Indiana), Sailor Circus (Sarasota, FL), Fren Street Circus (San Diego, CA), Circus Juventas (St. Paul, MN), Hilltop Circus (Waldorf School, NH), Wenatachee Youth Circus (WA), Circus Smirkus (VT) summer camps, and many others. Illustrations include photos of many of these circuses; Reg Bolton, youth circus pioneer; Circus Juventas program.
- Robert H. Brisendine, 1922-2003, Richard Reynolds, pp. 52-53. Brisbane was a circus historian who was particularly interested in circus routes and show dates. While he never published any of his research, he left his entire collection, including all of his research notes, to the Robert W. Woodruff Library at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. The Brisendine collection is available for study by circus historians.
- Side Lights on the Circus Business, Part Thirty-Two (1916), David W. Watt, pp. 56-65. Forepaugh, Burr Robbins, William F. Cody, Showmen's League of America, Great Eastern, Shipp & Feltus, James A. Bailey, animal acts, the Stickneys, and much more. See the bottom of this page for information on the content of this series.
Illustrations include photos of Burr Robbins winter quarters; Clarence A. Wortham, carnival man; Wortham carnival train; E. Darwin Colvin; Capt. Jack Bonavita, Bostock animal trainer; Bostock animal arena; Josie DeMott, lady rider; William F. Cody; John Agee, equestrian director; Gred G. Warrell, Ringling manager; portrait of John A. Forepaugh; Shipp & Feltus letterhead.
September-October 2003, Vol. 47, No. 5
Finding aid, Name Index for this issue.
July-August 2003, Vol. 47, No. 4
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May-June 2003, Vol. 47, No. 3
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March-April 2003, Vol. 47, No. 2
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January-February 2003, Vol. 47, No. 1
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November-December 2002, Vol. 46, No. 6
Finding aid, Name Index for this issue.
Thumbnail of Front Cover, New Great Pacific, circa 1880-81, "New Grand Thunder-Keyed and Lute-Toned Mechanical Steam Orchestra, artist's rendition of calliope.
- Ethical Considerations for the Conservation of Circus Posters, Neil C. Cockerline, pp. 4-13. History of the circus poster, manufacture, types, use. Circus advertising, advance, billposting. Illustrations include many posters, lithographs, bill stand, window cards.
- Tom Mix: His Life, His Films and His Circus, Fred D. Pfening, Jr., pp. 17-30, read this article online! Illustrations include photos of Tom Mix in the army, age 20; Tom Mix 1923, 1931, 1936, 1938, undated; Mix's circus on lot, 1936; advance advertising semi, 1936; cookhouse kitchen, 1936; inside the big top, 1936; side show, 1936; Mix semi; Max Gruber's Oddities of the Jungle act; elephant, opening spec; ticket wagon; Carl Robinson and Mix band; Mabel Ward Mix; lot view, undated; lot view 1937; Jack Burslem, cand stands, Dial Turney, manager and Charles F. Warrell, asst. manager; Mix poster for 1926 film; Mix lobby poster, 1928 film; Mix lobby poster, 1935 serial; newspaper advertisements; program cover; billboard.
- From Horse Power to Horsepower: The Caterpiller Tractor and the Circus, Fred Dahlinger, Jr., pp. 33-38. Section titles: The Horse Culture of the Circus; Internal Combustion Moves America, Modernization at the Circus; Crawler Tractors and Traveling Shows; Caterpiller Tractors for the Circus; Caterpillar Tractors Do More Than Move the Circus.
Illustrations include photos of panoramic view of Ringling-Barnum horses, 1936; Al G. Barnes calliope truck; Two Bills truck; steam calliope pulled by truck, 1920s; tractor pulling circus wagon, 1946; tractor on lot, 1935; early tractor on Ringling Bros. lot, mid-1910s; Mack truck on lot; tractors moving giraffe wagons, 1927; tractor pulling water wagon; Ringling-Barnum Cat with hoops allowing it to go under canvas; power attachment lifting bale of canvas; Arthur Bros. cat, 1945; tractor with cage apparatus, 1938; lithograph featuring Case traction engine, Ringling Bros., 1892.
- The Life and Times of Joe Bradbury, A Biographical Sketch, Richard J. Reynolds III, pp. 40-48. Bradbury wrote about circuses for more than a half century. His primary interest was the history of circus wagons, reviews of present and past shows and stories of circus showmen. The collaborative work of Bradbury, Woodcock, Parkinson and Conover is the foundation of circus wagon history. He was president of CHS 1964-65 and associate editor of Bandwagon for 42 years.
Illustrations include photos of Bradbury; Ringling-Barnum unloading, 1947; Al G. Barnes-Sells-Floto sea lion cage, 1938; Al G. Barnes-Sells-Floto train, 1938; Downie Bros. on lot, 1936; Circus Hermanos Vazquez, 2002.
- The 2002 Circus Historical Socity Convention, Dave Price, pp. 52-53. Convention highlights and many photos of presenters.
- The Hanlon Brothers: Muscle Kings of Christendom, Robert Kitchen, pp. 56-60. The Hanlon Brothers were well-known gymnasts and trapeze artists, 1800s. William performed the "Zampilarestation," in which he passed from one trapeze to another for a distance of about 118 feet.
Illustrations include drawings of five Hanlon brothers; William Hanlon performing "Zampillarestation;" Thomas Hanlon performing the L'Eschelle Perileuse, 1860; William Hanlon performing "Zampillaerostation," 1861; photo of William, Alfred & George Hanlon.
- Frank A. Robbins: A Most Successful Failure, Part Sixteen, Robert Sabia, pp. 62-73. Season of 1913, Robbins had to decide to sell out, do the season or hope to combine with another show. Unable to sell or merge, he toured the midwest and New England. Season and show details.
Illustrations include photos of Hagenbeck-Wallace winter quarters, flood of 1913; Calr Hagenbeck tableau; Henry Kern's big show band, 1913; newspaper advertisements; Robbins show lithograph, 1913; Wyoming Bill Wild West program, 1913; Young Buffalo Wild West, letterhead; Sanger's, 1913 (letterhead?); Tompkins Real Wild West, 1913 (poster?); Downie & Wheeler's, 1913 (letterhead?)
- Side Lights on the Circus Business, Part Twenty-six, David W. Watt, pp. 76-85. Burr Robbins; elephant Babe; James Hennessy, circus band cornet player; Buffalo Bill; Forepaugh; Edward Austin, boss hostler; Irene Woodward, tatooed woman; press agents Cooke, Davis, Lawrence, Durand, Coxey, Whiting Allen; Sparks show; Showmen's League of America; Al Ringling; Forepaugh; and much more. See the bottom of this page for information on the content of this series.
Illustrations include photos of Burr Robbins advance car, 1887; Burr Robbins elephants; Spencer Alexander, Ringling superintendent of baggage stock; W. D. Coxey, Ringling press agent; Albert Ringling; Al Ringling home and grave; Billie Burke songster; drawing of W. W. Durand, press agent; newspaper advertisements.
September-October 2002, Vol. 46, No. 5
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July-August 2002, Vol. 46, No. 4
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May-June 2002, Vol. 46, No. 3
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March-April 2002, Vol. 46, No. 2
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January-February 2002, Vol. 46, No. 1
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November-December 2001, Vol. 45, No. 6
Finding aid, Name Index for this issue.
Thumbnail of Front Cover, John Robinson's featuring riding tiger, early 1920s
- Herbert L. Witt & Sons, An Obscure Circus Wagon Builder, Fred Dahlinger, Jr., pp. 4-11. Circa 1906-1921. Details on circus wagons. Illustrations include photos of the Witt shop circa 1907; tableau, cages and January mule cart wagons; 1907 carload including steam calliope, charios; bandwagon and calliope in parade; band chariot, Rose Kilian show; Kilian show marquee and ticket wagon; small band chariot; Johnny J. Jones cage wagon; tableau wagon; Sparks tableau wagon; show fronts built by Witt.
- Great American Riders: 1. Levi J. North, "America's Own Horseman", Stuart Thayer, pp. 16-26. Levi North was one of the great circus showmen. He was a standing rider for over 40 years, his career starting in 1826. Details on North, his acts, and very early circuses. North was the first rider to perform a somersault on horseback.
Illustrations include drawing of Levi J. North in action; drawing of North in costume; 1858 newspaper advertisement; portrait of North, 1880; photo of NOrth and son, Levi F., circa 1870; 1866 advertisement.
- Gunther Gebel-Williams, A Memory, William H. Woodcock, pp. 28-29. Memories of this famous animal trainer. Illustrations include photos of Gunther and Bill Woodcock, 1994; Gunther performing elephants and tiger, 1970; Gunther performing horses, elephant, tigers.
- Frank A. Robbins: A Most Successful Failure: Part Ten, Robert Sabia, pp. 33-46. 1907. A show that hadn't made money for two years ended the season being put up for sale. Another tough year in the ongoing Robbins saga. Show details, acts, incidents, circus management.
Illustrations include photos of advance car, 1905; Carrie & John Rooney, riders; Leon Washburn; Barnum & Bailey menagerie, 1907; Ringling Swan bandwagon, 1907; 1907 Buffalo Bill lithograph; Main's Fashion Plate courier; illustration of show and acts from Robbins 1907 courier; 1907 Robbins courier cover; Robbins 1907 lithograph; newspaper advertisement.
- Side Lights on the Circus Business: Part Twenty, David W. Watt, pp. 51-59. Side show 'freaks'; Johnny Patterson, "Rambler from Clare"; Forepaugh; Dick Waterman, horse driver; Matthew Scott, Jumbo's keeper; Gentry Bros.; Burr Robbins; and much more. See the bottom of this page for information on the content of this series.
Illustrations include photos of Hattie & Tom, freaks; Matthew Scott & Jumbo; Henry G. Gentry, showman; Hippodrome, New York City; songster, clown Johnny Patterson; advertisement featuring Ben Lusbie Lightning Ticket Seller.
September-October 2001, Vol. 45, No. 5
Finding aid, Name Index for this issue.
July-August 2001, Vol. 45, No. 4
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May-June 2001, Vol. 45, No. 23 [sic 3]
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March-April 2001, Vol. 45, No. 2
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January-February 2001, Vol. 45, No. 1
Finding aid, Name Index for this issue.
Thumbnail of Front Cover, Sun Bros.
- Ringling Barnum Circus: Coach History 1957-1978, Robert S. MacDougall, pp. 4-15. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey railroad coach history 1957-1972. Section headings: Plans for the New Train; Five Cars Sold; List of hospital cars in Sarasota quarters in 1959; Ringling-Barnum new 1960 fifteen car train; Ringling-Barnum wagons and equipment 1960 to 1963; Homecoming to new winter quarters; Winter quarters details; 1962 Car Swapping and Number Changes; First new cars purchased since hospital cars in 1946-1947; Ownership of show changes; Expansion of show into two units; 1972 Red Unit Train.
Illustrations include photos of 1957 rehersals held in train show buildings; 1957 train loading; 1958 show in Hollywood Bowl; Planning the new show, Lloyd Morgan, Tuffy Genders, Art Concello, Rudy Bundy, Bob Dover; testing new wagon frame in tunnel car; checking new wagon frame; test unloading and loading, 1960; loading wagons, 1959-60; transfer from truck to tunnel car wagons, 1960; unloading train, wagons, animals, 1960; Venice winter quarters, 1960; aerial view of tunnel car train; aerial view of Venice railroad siding, 1960-61; interior of "pie car," 1960s; tunnel cars, 1963; aerial view Venice winter quarters, 1961; private car, Jomar, 1962; signing contract transferring ownership from John Ringling North to Irvin and Israel Feld and Judge Roy Hofheinz; WWII hospital car acquired 1970; 1972 train horse car; 1972 girls car; 1972 train car.
- An Examination of Bear Acts, Stuart Thayer, pp. 16-18. Traces early history of this facinating act. Illustrations include 1854 cut advertising Sig. Capelano wrestling a bear; Dan Rice special paper advertising Aalfred Lovell and his grizzly bear; Wallace's bear act; Grizzly Adams 1860 newspaper advertisement; Grizzly Adams and his bears.
- A Celebrated Rider: William Showles, John Daniel Draper, pp. 19-23. Family and performance history. Showles was a famous bareback rider. Illustrations include photos of a young Willie Showles in costume; William Showles, circa 1894; drawing of Daisy Belmont, rider; lithograph featuring William Showles; lithograph featuring Showles and Belmont, 1890; Showles' advertisement, 1896.
- Frank A. Robbins A Most Successful Failure: Part Five, Robert Sabia, pp. 24-30. 1889, another season ends in failure, but Robbins goes on. Season details, staff, performers, incidents, management. Illustrations include Robbins songster featuring John Foster, circa 1889; newspaper advertisements.
- Side Lights on the Circus Business: Part Sixteen, David W. Watt, pp. 31-39. Frank Melville, rider; P. A. Older; elephants; wardrobe department; and much more. See the bottom of this page for information on the content of this series.
Illustrations include photos of Frank Melville, rider & equestrian director; Stuart Craven, elephant trainer; Ringling Bros. winter quarters wardrobe department; elephant Hebe and baby Columbia, Cooper & Bailey; drawing of elephant Tippo Saib, 1868 poster; Tippo Saib, Van Amburgh courier; Van Amburgh poster featuring Tippo Saib; rhino pictured in Van Amburgh animal booklet.
November-December 2000, Vol. 44, No. 6
Finding aid, Name Index for this issue.
- The Circus Year In Review, the Season of 1900, Fred D. Pfening, Jr., pp. 4-15. This year there were a number of railroad circuses and scores of wagon shows. Details of some of these shows, staff, performers, events, etc. Includes a list of 1900 shows not covered in article.
Illustrations include photos of loading an elephant, Barnum 1900; John Robinson parade, 1900; Pawnee Bill ticket wagon; Buckskin Bill baggage wagon; Gollmar Bros. overland advance car; 1900 Sig Sautelle ticket wagon; Forepaugh-Sells lithograph featuring Kilpatrick's bicycle ride; 1900 Buffalo Bill program cover; newspaper advertisements; Great Wallace lithograph featuring Stirk family bicycle riders; Sells & Gray courier; Burns, Boldt & Hanus herald.
- Two Rings and a Hippodrome Track, William L. Slout, pp. 18-21. Paper presented at CHS 2000 convention. Slout details the history of the change from the traditional one ring circus to two rings plus, before the actual adoption of three rings in 1881. Illustrations include photo of the inside of the Barnum's big top, 1872; drawings of Barnum's Grand Entree, 1873; drawing of Barnum's 1873 show.
- Manchester's "Commodore" George Washington Morrison Nutt: Myth Versus Reality, A. H. Saxon, pp. 24-31. Noted historian Saxon relates the history of George Washington Morrison Nutt, one of Barnum's prodigies, a dwarf who married the wife of the deceased and famous Tom Thumb.
Illustrations include photos of "Commodore Nutt" and Minnie Warren, 1863; early costume worn by Nutt; Lavinia Warren, circa 1862; "The Fairy Wedding," 1863; carriage Barnum had made for the "Commodore;" Nutt, Tom Thumb, Minnie & Lavinia Warren; Mrs. Tom Thumb; cemetery munuments of Nutt family.
- Dennie Curtis: An Early Ringling Equestrain, John Daniel Draper, pp. 34-37. Career of Daniel K. Curtis who began his circus career in circa 1907. Curtis was a horse trainer and rider who developed a number of different acts with horses and other animals. Unusual was his taximeter mule act. His wife Edna was elected to the Circus Hall of Fame in 1957.
Illustrations include photos of Curtis act, 1922; Curtis