Bandwagon, November 1957

Bandwagon, Vol. 1, No. 5 (Nov), 1957. Note: Only some articles are included in this online edition. Illustrations are not included. The Circus Historical Society does not guarantee the accuracy of information contained in the information in these online articles. Information should always be checked with additional sources.

Circus Retrospection

Compiled for Bandwagon Readers by John C. Kunzog. Bandwagon, Vol. 1, No. 5 (Nov), 1957, pp. 3-5.

With all this current talk about the future of the circus, it is refreshing to delve into the dim and shadowy vistas of the past to get a word picture of activities of circuses of a century ago. Most shows of that period traveled by wagon, a few, Dan Rice and one of the units of Spalding & Rogers used the waterways, to bring to the American public the thrills and glitter of the tanbark ring.

There was no dearth of shows traveling the country one hundred years ago, and their arrival was eagerly awaited by both young and old. For Circus Day was tantamount to a Roman holiday, and the circus lot became an enchanted field that beckoned to both city and rural dweller, to old and young alike. Circus Day! The one day when our forefathers found surcease from the arduous toil that was the lot of man at that period.

What a picture the early circus must have been - sawdust that shimmered like stardust under the fitful rays of candles flickering in their sconces . . . the rhythm of the band that set hearts beating to the tempo of a new rapture . . . daring trapeze performers who swung toward the heavens - and leaped, setting atingle every nerve until they again were safely seated on their swinging perch . . . quips of clown and ringmaster that brought smiles to the faces of the most stoical . . . beautiful horses and beautiful riders . . . dazzling cockades and plumes . . . spangles and glitter . . . these patrons of the early circus watched the kaleidoscopic pattern of the program unfold before them held to their crude, uncomfortable seats by the aureate chains of enchantment.

So here they are, little paragraphs that bring roseate dreams of a colorful past. The Circus! - the circus of a century ago.

Year 1847

Raymond & Waring's Grand Zoological Exhibition showed at Cincinnati, Ohio, for four days, April 19-22. The publicity announced the "Triumphal entry into city by Roman Band Chariot drawn by two tremendous elephants. This magnificent car outvies in beauty and splendor anything of its kind ever beheld. In front it presents two Herculean figures, one representing Neptune blowing his sea shell, the other, that of Colossus of Rhodes, bearing an emblem of heathen mythology. The whole chariot is composed of statuary and literally covered with gold. The panels are adorned with appropriate paintings. The tout ensemble is perfect, being surmounted by an immense canopy supported by two giraffes and decorated with silken tapestry on the apex of which is perched the American Eagle. Length of chariot, 30 feet; height to top of canopy, 20 feet; weight, 8,000 pounds. Herr Driesbach, world-renowned lion conqueror, exemplifies the supreme majesty of Man over Wild Beast by driving a lion harnessed to a car. The whole cavalcade of carriages containing the various animals and drawn by 100 gray horses will arrive in the city from Hamilton on Monday morning and pass through the principay streets in procession, preceded by the New York Brass Band."

Year 1848

Van Amburg & Co. Menagerie were showing through Ohio in August. The show featured "Miss E. Calhoun and Mr. Brooks, who will give interesting illustrations of the ascendancy of intellect over wild tenants of the forest.

Year 1849

The Menagerie of Messrs. Raymond & Co. came into the city on Monday, but the wind was so high they could not raise their canvas during the day. Towards evening, a rainstorm came up, and that prevented an exhibition on the first day. They opened yesterday, however, and being present, we found that Driesbach handled his pets, the lions and tigers, with greater effect than we ever saw him do before. We assure our friends that if they visit the Menagerie, they can "see, the elephant" - one of the largest kind - without going to California, and they can see Driesbach ride it with his pet tiger in his arms. Besides these attractions, the company has the only living rhinoceros in the United States. - Cincinnati Enquirer, May 2, 1849

(Author's note: The pet tiger mentioned as held by Driesbach has an interesting legend. When trying to subjugate this animal, it attacked Driesbach. But the beauty and symmetrical lines of the beast intrigued the lion conqueror. He emasculated the animal, and under his care it become as docile as a kitten towards him. He was thus able to ride around the ring with the animal in his arms, without chains or other restraints. This act was the envy of other animal men, who knew nothing of the animal being "fixed.")

The far-famed equestrian Levi North, come up from New Orleans on Thursday evening. He informs us that he has purchased a portion of S. P. Stickney's Circus Co. and that he leaves this morning for New York for the purpose of procuring everything new that is attached to the business. It is probable that the company will start out of New Orleans April 1st. - Cincinnati Enquirer, March 24, 1849

Year 1850

We are sorry to learn that Madame Nunn, the favorite equestrienne, received a fall from her horse on last evening, which, more than likely, will disable her from ever again appearing before the public. - New Orleans Delta, January 5, 1850

The American Circus has been organized in Cincinnati. It is under the management of Sam Burgess, and Prof. Bealer's Cornet Band has been engaged. C. Sherwood, equestrian director; John Diamond and suite of Ethiopians; Bill Lake, American clown and jester.

Crane & Co. Great Oriental Circus was in Ohio in May. They boasted an aggregation of 240 men, horses, children and ponies, requiring 40 carriages to convey performers. The parade was led by the Monster Dragon Chariot drawn by 10 camels, followed by a Fairy Chariot for the juvenile corps drawn by 12 diminutive ponies.

Year 1856

Spalding & Rogers concert boat Banjo is enjoying good business on the Red River . . . Van Amburgh has contracted from Europe a gymnast who can turn 125 somersets; also equestrian and equestrienne who dance the polka on the back of eight horses. - Clipper, February 26

The Flying Machine, an invention of Prof. Robjohn of New York, will be exhibited at Herr Driesbach Circus, who will open at Zanesville, Ohio, May 1. The Flying Machine is a cigar-shaped balloon, with a carriage underneath.

Miss Rosa is with Madigan for the 1856 season.

The route of the Dan Rice Circus - Buffalo, May 19; Rochester, May 26-27; Canandaigua, May 28.

Spalding & Rogers Immense Railroad Circus is playing in the New England States, with Van Orden as manager. The Spalding & Rogers North American Circus is in Canada. The Floating Palace is on the Ohio River, with Col. Preston in charge. New attractions on the Floating Palace is the Polish refuge Madame Olinza who performs on a tight rope that stretches at an angle from the floor to the roof; Mr. S. K. G. Nellis, the no-armed man, who with toes cuts profiles and valentines, opens watches, writes and folds letters and with bow and arrow shoots at a quarter at ten paces and seldom misses, loads and discharges pistol, plays accordion and violincello. The only live Polar Bear in the United States is on the Floating Palace. - Clipper, May, 1856

Beebe, the burglar who was arrested by George Bronson, agent for Van Amburgh Menagerie and Circus, while attempting to rob his room at the American Hotel here, and who fired several shots at George, in order to effect his escape, has been sent to the Penitentiary for seven years. - Cleveland, Ohio, Plain Dealer, June 17, 1856

At Newport Wednesday last a lioness got loose in the building where quartered and when Mr. William Howard entered the building he found the lioness struggling with a powerful bulldog that had her fast by the foot. Mr. Howard knocked her down with a bludgeon and secured her, but not until she had killed a young Bengal tiger, a young lion and a powerful dog. The citizens thereabouts were a good deal alarmed, but they could render no sort of assistance, nor did they. Mr. Howard conquered, her himself and she is now safely secured. - Cincinnati Enquirer, Aug. 31, 1856

Year 1856

Some of the would-be wonderful tricks done by circuses perambulating the country, and for which money is spent in great quantities to make these some tricks seem incredible, are in fact the most simple. For instance: "Great Wire Ascension Performance by Prof. Somebody" to the towering height of a certain center pole, seems to be but a simple display of printer's ink, instead of any breakneck trick of daring adventure. One of Yankee Robinson's canvas men in Rock Island, on Saturday evening, did the unsurpassed feat before an immense assemblage with his boots on. We understand, also, that Yankee Robinson has bargained to purchase the Cincinnati Museum and that this establishment is soon to be conducted under his auspices. - Rock Island, Ill., Argus, July 1856

The condition on which Orton's Badger Circus was allowed to perform in this place, demanded either payment of $50 on Saturday's license, or the proceeds of one performance for the benefit of the poor - the proprietors choosing the latter method of satisfying the demands of the City Fathers. Therefore, on Saturday afternoon the proper authorities took charge of the sale of tickets, and although good audiences were present at the other exhibitions, the poor were only "benefitted" to the amount of $37.00, or thereabouts. Better insist on the $50 next time. Experience is a severe taskmaster, but its teachings are seldom without effect. - Dubuque Register, July 13, 1856

1856 Items Culled from the Clipper, July and August Issues

The Floating Palace is advertised to be at Uniontown, Ill., on the 22 July . . . Madame Tournaire's French Troupe of equestrians will give an exhibit at Wheeling, W. Va., July 25 and 26 . . . Jim Myer's "Wait For My Wagon" Circus will be in Springfield, Mass. July 20 . . . Van Amburgh's splendid Circus and Menagerie combined will be at Zanesville, Ohio on July 26 . . . Dan Rice's Company had a "full house" at Taunton, Mass., and reports good business in New England states . . . H. M. Smith's American Circus will exhibit at St. Louis August 7-8-9 . . . Levi J. North's big show is traveling in Illinois . . . Herr Driesbach & Co.'s Grand Consolidated Circus and Menagerie are doing well in Iowa . . . June & Turner's Circus was at Galena, Ill., last week . . . Spalding & Rogers two circuses, embracing a double corps of distinguished equestrians and gymnastic artists, a splendid stud of horses and an incomparable clown, will exhibit at Toledo Aug. 12. The North American Circus of Spalding & Rogers will exhibit at Monroe, Mich. Aug. 11-12 . . . Spalding & Rogers Railroad Circus will "switch off" at Rome, N.Y. on the 12th and Rochester the 16th . . . The magnificent circus of Lent & Welch are touring Canada . . . Madigan's National Circus was at Vincennes a few days ago and enjoys good business in the Hoosier State . . . Herr Driesbach and his pet leopard are in the upper part of Michigan. Washburn's Great Indian Circus is in Missouri, while Mabie and Buckley are also in that territory making "cords" of money.

Miscellaneous 1858 Circus Items

Satterlee, Bell & Co. Circus featured Oliver Bell, bareback rider "only one who executes daring feat of leaping through a hoop of steel daggers pointing to center"; Oliver Dodge, four-horse rider; Charles Madison, originator of the "chair feats" a la perche; Isaac Tucker, India rubber man; M'lle Antoinette, who ascends rope from bottom to top of tent; John Wolfington, balancer of light and heavy objects on his chin. Bobtown Jack had the sideshow with this circus and featured a bearded lady and an Ethiopian troupe.

Stickney's Circus featured the cat-a-piano.

Dan Rice planned to open for a two weeks' engagement in Pittsburgh, in April, and then ship immediately to St. Louis and make that his starting point for the season. His itinerary was the waterways of the northwestern states.

A new tent for Van Amburgh & Co. was put up for the first time at Detroit, Mich., July 3. It was made at the Vandivier Tent Works at Cincinnati, and Mr. Vandivier supervised the erecting. Hyatt Frost, manager of the show said: "It is the best tent I ever seen; whether imported or not."

In July, the Clipper said: Dan Rice is flourishing like a green bay tree in Wisconsin." . . . Antonio, Coroll & Co. Circus were enjoying good business.

The Cincinnati Enquirer apparently had little love for Jerry Mabie. In their issue of March 21, 1858, they said: Jerry Mabie, the indomitable Jerry Mabie, who makes his money in the Western country, and spends his money for traveling material in New York City, has two companies. No. 1 starts this season from Lancaster, Pa. and will take the southern part of Pennsylvania into Ohio, try a portion of Ohio, and then go into Western States. The No. 2 concern of Jerry Mabie is in South Carolina, and it will probably never get out of that state. Jerry, we believe, is with it, and he had better stay there, because that country is good enough for him.

W. B. Van Orden states that Spalding & Rogers will inaugurate the season in Woods Theatre at St. Louis, April 5, and then tour the Western States.

In a letter to the editor of a New York State newspaper, "Constant Reader" seems quite perturbed. He decries the lack of police vigilance at the circus and other outdoor gatherings where "cyprian females find it a fertile field in which to cultivate the acquaintance of rustics, and by their beguiling pleasantries induce the simple to lose their money - to them. These 'soiled pigeons' know all the artifices of the temptress, while plain purse lifting is not above their calling."

Perhaps a fitting "finis" to these varied items of a century ago would be a poem printed by the Rochester, N.Y. Advertiser on February 23, 1900, used to "dress up" the obituary of Dan Rice. Those were the days when editors believed in giving their readers news and recalls an item that appeared in the Erie, Pa., Dispatch in the 1870's. It read: "Due to the heavy influx of news today we are forced to omit the advertisements of (then followed the names of several merchants) and if space permits, they will appear again tomorrow. Ye old editor! He never wanted to get rich, his mission was to give the news and make sad news palatable. It was the era when some appropriate verse was always included in an obituary, and this Rochester editor deemed a little circus poetry a fitting touch to the obituary of Dan Rice.

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C. H.S. Member Honored

A Glens Falls resident, who is an ardent lover of the circus and who has done much to aid circus folks on their visits to this city and vicinity, yesterday was rewarded for his efforts. James K. Cotter, 6 Flandreaux Avenue - was presented with a life pass by the show management. The presentation was made at the Bay St. show grounds, where the Cristiani circus, sponsored by the Shrine Club, is playing today. At the some time Mr. Cotter received a life pass which is to be presented to Charles H. Whitcomb, well-known local railroad man and circus fan, who is a patient in Glens Falls Hospital.

James K. Cotter Reviews the Show

Cristiani Brothers Circus came to Glens Falls yesterday under the auspices of the Glen Falls Shrine Club and pleased two audiences with their well produced and excellently presented performances under the big top. The circus running time was an hour and a half and from the opening spectacle to the Zacchini cannon act which closed the show there was plenty of activity.

The 1957 show boosts many outstanding attractions with the first one being the Renaults who present a revival of the leaps which were so popular with earlier circuses. This was climaxed with a leap over four elephants by one member of the troupe. Another unusual act and one which was very well received was the Story Book Animal Revue presented by Jorgen Christiansen.

This mixed liberty act consists of a Palomino horse, a pony, two gaunacos, a goat, collie dog and a Norwegian elk hound. The animals go through various drills and maneuvers concluding with their version of a square dance. Senor Davision and his dancing stallion, Kasimar were especially pleasing to horse fanciers as he and the horse working in perfect union offered a remarkable dressage exhibition.

Jugglers, unsupported ladder artists and wire walkers invaded the three rings at one time for a whirlwind offering which combined speed, talent and dexterity. The Great Alfredo scored with his difficult balancing on top of a 20-foot standard. The Rojas Duo on unicycles made a great hit with their mastery of the single wheel and the seemingly indifferent way in which they accomplished their feats.

The Riding Cristianis, one of the most famous of all riding turns, found favor with their exhibition of bareback riding which included the clowning of Lucio who promotes much merriment as he does his best to "keep up" with the rest of the riders. The Cristianis also presented their sensational teeterboard routine which concludes with a four high formation.

The Canestrellis, agile artists on the rollo-bollo, were another big feature of the show. Their act which is announced as the epitome of balance has a startling finish with a head to head stand which proves their mastery of balance. Manuel Barragon received great applause as he performed on his death defying cloud swing at the top of the tent. He has played here before and the ease with which he works and the pleasure he seems to derive from it make his a popular performer.

The Cristiani elephants had their trunks full of new tricks and their efforts were well received. Five in number they work fast and expertly with Steve Fanning, superintendent of elephants. The clowns were in and out with their Serpentina the Snake Dancer, Mis-Guided Missile and boxing being their leading productions. Freddie and his tiny dogs were a novelty which was warmly welcomed especially, by the younger citizens.

Hugo Zacchini, the human projectile, shot to a thrilling finish. He is probably the only man who "gets fired every day" and still keeps his job. Lee Hinckley and his bond provided real circus music and Harry Dann was a personable and efficient announcer.

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Route of the Great Melbourne Show, 1907, Owned by Wintermuth & Black

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Ringling Bros. Parade 1915

Two horse carriage
Nine Buglers on horseback Twelve Lady riders
Bandwagon, 8 horse hitch
Tableau, 4 horses hitched
Tableau, 4 horses hitched
Tableau, 4 horses hitched
Tableau, 4 horses hitched
Tableau, 4 horses hitched
Tableau, 4 horses hitched
Tableau, 6 horses hitched
Outrider
Big Bandwagon, 10 horses hitched
Cage wagon, 4 horses hitched
Cage wagon, 4 horses hitched
Cage wagon, 4 horses hitched
Cage wagon, 4 horses hitched
Cage wagon, 4 horses hitched
Outrider
Nine Lady riders
Cage wagon, 4 horses hitched
Cage wagon, 4 horses hitched
Cage wagon, 4 horses hitched
Cage wagon, 4 horses hitched
Chariot, 4 horses hitched
Chariot, 4 horses hitched
Hippo cage wagon, 10 horses pulling
Nine Gentlemen riders
Bandwagon, 8 horses hitched
Small Tableau, 4 horses hitched
Outrider
United States tableau, 10 horses pulling
Russian tableau, 8 horses pulling
Egypt tableau (bells), 4 horses pulling
Santa Claus tab., 6 ponies pulling
Rhino cage wagon, 8 horses pulling
Nine Lady riders
Bandwagon, side show band up, 6 horses hitched
Leopard cage wagon, 4 horses pulling
Outrider
Black bear cage wagon, 4 horses pulling
Puma cage wagon, 4 horses pulling
Tiger cage wagon, 4 horses pulling
White bear cage wagon, 4 horses pulling
Hyena cage wagon, 4 horses pulling
Lion cage wagon, 4 horses pulling
Lioness cage wagon, 4 horses pulling
Cowboys & cowgirls on horseback - 12
Eight Cossacks on horseback
Elephants - 27
Zebras - 4
Lady & Gentlemen riders - 21
Calliope, 8 ponies pulling
Great Britian tableau, 6 horses pulling

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Circus Wagon History File

Elephant Bandwagon, Sells-Floto Circus and Buffalo Bill Wild West 1915.
Negative owned by Mrs. Morton Smith.

Most Bandwagon readers will instantly recognize the photo showing the Sells-Floto Elephant Bandwagon. It is shown as it appeared in 1915 on the Sells-Floto Champion Shows of the World and Buffalo Bill Wild West. With this article I began a trilogy on Elephant tableau wagons. This one is much more familiar that the other two, but all three are quite similar and used to give us wagon historians some trying moments a few years ago when we were attempting to figure out just what wagon belonged to what show and when. The wagon shown in the illustration is commonly called by historians the Sells-Floto Elephant tableau although it did see service on another show as we shall find out.

The wagon was built in Denver quarters about 1905 for the Great Floto Shows, owned by Fred Bonfils and Harry Tammen, with Otto Floto also in on the deal. Bonfils and Tamen were the owners of the Denver Post newspaper and Otto Floto the sports editor. The show became known as the Sells-Floto Circus for the 1906 and following seasons. There is a chance that the actual carvings on the wagon were furnished by the Bode Wagon Works. My first photo of the wagon shows it as the No. 1 bandwagon on Sells-Floto taken in Mexico City on Dec. 2, 1906. It was pulled by a fourteen horse hitch.

The wagon served as the No. 1 bandwagon through the years on Sells-Floto. In 1914 and 1915 the show was called Sells-Floto Circus and Buffalo Bill Wild West, and Buffalo Bill himself was with the show.

The wagon was on the show on through the 1924 season and then no doubt was there also in 1925. All of the three American Circus Corporation units, Sells-Floto, Hagenbeck-Wallace, and John Robinson went out in 1925 intending not to parade, but in late May of that year the parade was revived. The Billboard claims that the shows went out prepared to parade if it was felt it was necessary for business reasons. With that we can assume the wagon was also there in 1925.

In 1926 the parade on Sells-Floto was abandoned, but whether this wagon was parked at Peru quarters or was still taken on the road I am unable to state. It does not appear in any photos I have seen of Sells-Floto from 1926 through 1932 the last year Sells-Floto was on the road, but during that time other tableaus were carried on the road some seasons, for example in 1929 both the Buffalo tableau and the old India or Jardiner tab were on the show.

In 1933 the Elephant tableau appeared on the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus now enlarged to 40 cars since Sells-Floto was not sent on the road. In 1933 manager Jess Adkins tried a few old time street parades to stimulate business and the Elephant tableau was used in those parades. The 1933 spot parades were so successful that in 1934 Hagenbeck-Wallace featured a daily street parade, one of the largest and best in history. The show was enlarged to 50 cars a move made necessary primarily to carry the added parade equipment. The Elephant tableau was used in the 1934 parade, although not as one of the principal bandwagons.

In 1935 the show was cut down considerably and only a few parades were given and those in opposition stands only. The 1935 show was known as Hagenbeck-Wallace and Forepaugh-Sells Combined Circus, the latter title being tacked on to preserve the title from falling into public domain and also for tax purposes, so I've been told. There is a good chance the Elephant wagon was on the show in 1935 but I've yet to find it in any photos I've seen of that show.

In 1936 the Hagenbeck-Wallace show did not go on the road but remained in Peru quarters.

For 1937 season Ed Arlington and Frank Hatch leased the title and property and made a small fortune during the early weeks of the season before selling their interest to Howard Bary who continued to take the show on the road and do a good business all during that season. The Elephant tableau is supposed to have been taken on the road in 1937. The show did make a few parades in the early part of the season but cancelled them later.

In 1938 Hagenbeck-Wallace again went out under Bary's management, but the Elephant wagon was left in Peru quarters. It remained there until 1944 when the Ringling interests sold the quarters. The wagon along with a few others who got repreived from the large wagon burnings that took place there and was shipped to winter quarters in Sarasota.

The wagon remained in Sarasota rotting away in the sun and rain until late 1949. When I visited there in February 1949 the wagon was sitting out in the wagon graveyard down to the hubs in sand. A couple of guys were living in it, had knocked out one side and were hanging their wash out on a line. It was fast going to complete ruin, but fortunately John Sullivan of the Museum of the American Circus saw that the wagon was rescued and put in the museum to join several other old wagons that had ben placed there a year earlier. The Elephant wagon remained at the museum until December of 1955 when the Ringling management moved the wagons back to the winter quarters for a TV program. I assume the Elephant wagon went with the rest, although I don't believe it was actually used in the TV show. Anyway, it is still in Sarasota and can be seen either at the quarters or the museum.

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“Minnesota's Circus King”

The State of Minnesota is not known for its great circus men, but for originality, it would be hard to find a circus manager with more of this quality than the subject of this sketch, Mr. Jay E. Gould of Glencoe, Minn.

I am submitting a story taken from the Rochester Post Bulletin, which gives the reader a much better idea of this circus man who came up with an original idea, and made it pay out in a highly successful way. The writer of this story has done a much better job of it than I could have done, so here is the true life story of Mr. Gould who was born in Glencoe, Minnesota, December 15th, the year 1886, making him 71 years a age next December. I hope it fascinates you, as much as it did myself to read it.

There are two remarkable things about joy Gould's circus - it's free and he opens each show with a prayer. The Gould circus and these two features will be remembered locally from many appearances here over the years.

The dapper little impressario wears a big, white Homburg and the red carnation.

Gould has been questioned a number of times about the opening prayer. This switch in the carnival man's pitch dates back not so many years and coincides with the first free circus staged by Gould in 1944.

The prayer was a prayer of thanks that someone would come to see his circus - even though it was free. Truth of the matter is that Gould was in very hard straights.

Begins At Glencoe

Gould began in show business 50 years ago at Glencoe when he organized a family orchestra to play background music in his first theater. All of the members of that orchestra were members of the Gould family and they played a supporting roll to the silent flickers.

Gould, then 20, had been a success in his father's jewelry business at Glencoe and gotten married. Buying the show house was something he went into to support his increased responsibilities as a family man.

Gould played the violin and other members of the family, aunts, cousins and so forth, contributed their parts on other instruments.

As the family grew, the orchestra grew. Gould and his childhood sweetheart had three sons and six daughters in the first 14 years of their marriage. As the years passed, the Gould family began to outgrow the orchestra pit in the Glencoe theater and Dad decided to put the show on the road.

The theater is still in the family, operated by Gould's 90-year-old mother. But the younger Goulds went on the road in a fleet of 10 big Mack buses all painted a solid white.

Each one of the nine children and their families travelled in one of the buses and Gould and his wife lead the parade in the 10th.

The show was essentially a musical review but included such acts as a balloon ascension.

Cannon and Balloon

When Gould heard of shooting a man out of a cannon he decided to go one better and shot a man out of a cannon out of a balloon.

Success followed the show everywhere it went. Jay Gould maintained the principals of a clean, honest show and strived to keep its reputation above reproach.

Show business was good to Gould right up until the United States entered World War II. Then, rubber, gasoline and other shortages cut into traveling road shows. Gould went into semi-retirement and to work for a Chicago jewelry firm, Peacock Jewelers, with offices in the Palmer House.

Gould was back in the jewelry business again and one day in 1943 right in the middle of the war, he announced to his wife that he was going to reorganize a circus. She asked him how he was going to put a circus on the road, who would want to see a circus during the war and a number of other questions about practical considerations.

Finally she said, "I know you and I know you'll go ahead and do it."

Gould bought an old 3-ring circus tent and a lot of old equipment belonging to Tom Mix and went into business. His show was soon booked solidly weeks in advance through smaller cities in Illinois and six other mid-western states.

Gould kept to the principal of an honest, clean show . . . no disreputable hangers-on along the midway.

Fire Hits Circus

The Jay Gould Circus was scheduled to open in Rockford, Ill., in 1944 with a big show for Catholic Charities. Advance ticket sales for the first of three days topped the $1,800 figure.

On July 6, 1944, the main tent in the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus in Hartford, Conn., caught fire and 168 persons lost their lives in the resulting stampede.

Gould wondered what the affect on attendance would be. All through the day lines of people formed at the ticket office to cancel ticket reservations.

Ticket sales amounted to less than $100 that first night, less than $200 the second night and the third show was cancelled.

Cities along the tour route began to cancel their shows. By October, Gould had lost everything, was bankrupt and $40,000 in debt.

The big question was - how could this happen to such a nice guy? He had always enjoyed success and believed it was mainly due to his policy of giving an honest clean show. But no one seemed to want to go under canvass to watch a circus. Insurance rates went up and, with the war still on, he couldn't get a fireproof tent.

Then he got the idea of staging grandstand review. A group of merchants in the small town of Marseilles, Ill., offered to pay for the show and stage it as a business promotion.

First Free Circus

Gould offered the first free circus. People flocked to see it in droves as soon as they learned it cost them nothing. Many of them asked where the tent was, but few in the audience really seemed to mind that there was none.

Gould continued to put on his three-ring circus with the expense underwritten by promotion minded business men. The shows were successful. Attendance picked up and very soon after the free circus, Gould was booked weeks in advance.

One night he told his wife he intended to start the performance with a public prayer of thanks. She said it would be the first time she had ever heard him pray out loud.

But, from then on, Gould started every performance with a prayer.

He looked for criticism but it never come except for some references by other show people to the "great white father" and the Rev. Gould.

Then one day he got a letter from the mother of two-year-old boy. She said her son had asked to go to church the Sunday after seeing Gould's circus. He had remembered Gould's prayer and his remark that everyone ought to go to church.

Gould admits the opening prayer has become an obsession with him. His business card even contains an admonition, "Read Bible Psalm 37 every day."

He has distributed 14,000 of the cards during the past year. The reason . . . "To get people to look at the Bible every day," Gould says.

His business card also contains a number of other suggestions including a complete diet for good living for the day. Gould puts his faith in prayer, honey mixed in lemon juice or apple cider vinegar and vitamin E.

How does his plan work . . . ?

He looks healthy, is jaunty and his medical checkup revealed his heart is sound. - Post Bulletin Rochester.

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Hagenbeck-wallace Parade 1915

BANDWAGON
Six Ladies
Six Knights
Open cage, 4 tigers
Open cage, 4 lions
Open cage, 4 polar bears
Open cage, 1 tiger and 3 jaguars
Closed cage wagon
Tableau wagon
Clown bandwagon
Eight Knights
Closed cage wagon
Tableau wagon
Open cage, 5 brown bears
Closed cage wagon
Closed cage wagon
Air calliope, 10 ponies
Six Ladies
Closed cage wagon
Bandwagon, Scotch Bagpipers up
Closed cage wagon
Bandwagon, Fife and drum corp up
Closed cage wagon
Closed cage wagon
Bandwagon, Cowboy band up
Cowboys and cowgirls - 24
Four Indians
Ten Scouts
Five adult elephants and five baby bulls
Steam calliope

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Buffalo Bill 1903

Bandwagon, Vol. 1, No. 5 (Nov), 1957, p. 11.

1st SECTION
1-Dble. coupling stock car
7 - Regular stock cars
5 - Sleepers
1 - Dble. coupling stock car

2nd SECTION
1 - Dble. coupling stock car
15 - Flats
1 - Dble, coupling baggage car

3rd SECTION
1 - Dble. coupling stock car
7 - Flats
5 - Stock cars
3 - Sleepers
1 - Box sleeper
1 - Dble. coupling stock car

1 car probably on advance making a 50 car show

Equipment was that used by Barnum & Bailey and left for the Buffalo Bill show, All cars were 54' long and 8' wide. Sleepers were red and all others were orange. Eight stock cars were equipped with English couplings on one end and American on the other. Six of these were used as end cars in each section while the other two were coupled together in the train. Third class brake carriages were at each end of each section and are like cabooses.

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