Tom Mix: His Life, His Films and His Circus

In 1880 a son was born to a humble family in Cameron County in North Central Pennsylvania. Little did any one know that the boy would become the King of the Cowboys and a featured circus performer.

Thomas Hezekiah Mix was born on January 6, 1880 in the small crossroads of Mix Run, the son of lumberman Edwin Mix and his wife Elizabeth. It is said that at age ten young Mix set his sights on cowboys and the West after seeing the Buffalo Bill Wild West show.

He dropped out of school after the 4th grade in 1890, not very interested in an education. By then the family had moved to near by Driftwood and then DeBoise. Mix changed his middle name to Edward.

Hearing of the Spanish-American War Mix, at age 18, joined the U. S. Army in 1898 thinking he would see action. As a member of the Field Artillery he never left the United States. But he adapted to Army life and was promoted to sergeant in 1899. He received an honorable discharge as a first sergeant on April 26, 1901 and reenlisted immediately. However when he was not sent to take part in the Philippine Insurrection he became discussed in the army and while on furlough after November 4, 1902 he did not return and was listed as AWOL. The army never came after him.

Mix's first wife was Grace Allen, who he married in 1902.

As drum major of the Oklahoma Cavalry band in 1904 he went to the St. Louis Worlds Fair, where he met Col. Zack Mulhall who had a wild west show. He may have been in the show, but in any case his dream of being a cowboy on a wild west show was whetted.

In 1905 he married Kitty Jewell Perrine. He was appointed as a Texas Ranger on September 22, 1905.

Mix went to work for the 101 Ranch in Bliss, Oklahoma in 1905, receiving $15 a month. While on the ranch he polished his trick riding and roping. In 1906 Mix was in charge of ring stock on the Miller Bros. 101 Ranch Wild West show. Mix historian Bud Norris says Mix was on the Miller Bros. 101 Ranch Wild West show again in 1907. By then he had married and di­vorced twice. In 1908 he joined with Buffalo Vernon on a little known show titled Cheyen­ne Bill's Wild West.

In 1909 he married Olive Stokes and was with Tom Wiedemann's Kit Carson's Buffalo Ranch Wild West. That same year Mix joined Will Dickey's Circle D. Wild West show. Dickey was connected to the Selig-Polyscope Film Co, Through Dickey Mix went to work there providing and handle horses. In due time he was given bit parts in Selig westerns. But the work was not steady. Between films he found other wild west and rodeo work. In 1912 he appeared in a rodeo for Canadian rodeo promoter Guy Wedick in Calgary Before returning to Selig he spent some time with Vernon Seaver's Young Buffalo Wild West show.

William N. Selig, a former medicine showman, was one of early motion picture pioneers. Headquartered in Chicago he made his first films in the early 1900s. He moved his headquarters to the Los Angeles, California in 1907.

Mix's first film was Selig's Ranch Life in the Great Southwest, in 1909. It was a one reeler lasting fifteen minutes. In 1915 Mix was credited as producer and director of the film Harold's Bad Luck. Mix's last of 236 pictures for Selig was The Heart of Texas Ryan in 1917. One Hundred and thirty-one of his Selig films were westerns.

Mix's daughter Ruth Jane was born on July 13, 1912 in Dewey, Oklahoma.

In 1913 Mix settled in Prescott, Arizona and that was his home until 1917. Mix moved to the big time when the William Fox Film Corporation signed him in 1917.

At the time Fox was in a shaky financial condition. The success of the Mix pictures made Fox and Mix very rich.

In 1918 Mix married Victoria Forde.

In a few years Mix was the biggest star on the Fox lot, being paid $17,500 a week, Mix's first Fox film was Hearts and Saddles, released on March 11, 1917. It was two reeler lasting thirty minutes.

As Mix's popularity zoomed a special area of the studio was designated as the Tom Mix Rancho, generally know as Mixville.

Tom Mix made 85 films for Fox, the last one was Painted Post released on June 1, 1928,

As a silent super star Mix was on a par with Lon Chaney, Charlie Chaplin, Harold Lloyd, Gloria Swanson and Rudolph Valentino. His peak was in 1925 and riding high he built a mansion in Beverly Hills.

European agents booked Mix in Europe in 1925 playing large venues in England, France, Holland and Germany.

By 1928 Hollywood was changing and sound films had arrived. After eleven years Mix and William Fox had conflicting views about budgets and salary and he left that studio.

In the period from 1926 to 1928 Tom Mix was by far the King of the Cowboys as the most popular western star.

After leaving Fox Mix contracted with FBO (Film Box Office) studios owned by Joseph Kennedy, Sr. in 1928. Kennedy at the time had under contract Buzz Barton, Bob Steele and Tom Tyler, none of whom were of Mix's stature. Mix received $15,000 a week at FBO.

Mix made five films for FBO. The first was Son of the Golden West, a six reeler lasting 90 minutes. It was released on October 1, 1928. The last was The Big Diamond Robbery, released on March 14, 1929.

In 1929 with sound pictures being introduced a number of silent stars did not make the transition. Mix found himself without a studio contract. He also lost around a million dollars in the stock market crash and was forced to liquidate his home and other holdings. In 1930 he settled with the IRS and paid $175,000 in back taxes.

In his 1991 book Richard F. Seiverling wrote about horses used by Mix during his movie career: "In a career spanning 25 years in the movies Tom Mix rode four magnificent horses, Old Blue, Tony Sr. (Old Tony), Tony Jr, and Tony II." After retiring Old Blue in 1914 Mix bought Tony Sr., called the Wonder Horse. In 1932 Mix retired Tony Sr. Seiverling said Mix then bought Tony Jr. who appeared in the 1935 Mascot serial and with the Tom Mix circus. His final horse was Tony II who was with the circus in 1938 and on Mix's final European tour that year.

Mix returned to the sawdust trail in early 1929 and made a handshake verbal agreement with Zack Miller to appear with the 101 Ranch Wild West show. However he was offered a more lucrative contract with the Sells-Floto show and blew the Miller contract. He joined the Floto show when it went under canvas in 1929, receiving $10,000 a week. The Millers filed a breach of contract suit for $342,000 against him. Winding its way through the court system it was heard in Erie, Pennsylvania in January 1931. Ringling attorney John M. Kelley defended Mix.

The Erie Daily Times published extensive coverage on the trial. The January 19 issue reported: "Two colorful figures of the old west met in Erie county court Monday, the principals in a breach of contract suit. Friends for the past 25 years, Tom Mix, movie star, and Zack T Miller, head of the Western Shows Co., were prepared to battle over an enormous sum of money, claimed by the latter as damages.

"The court room was as a circus lot. All eyes were on the screen hero. The court procedure was somber and uninteresting to the multitude of admirers. During the trial Kelley repeatedly leveled his sarcastic remarks at the ex-wife of Mix, who took the stand in favor of the circus owner."

The Times of January 24 reported: "Three of the witnesses on whom Tom Mix is depending to win the lawsuit involving himself and Col. Zack T. Miller testified Monday afternoon as the trial took on new impetus and finished the handful of spectators with a 'good show.'

"Johnny Agee, self-admitted guardian of ballet girls morals, horse trainer, ringmaster, movie actor and Australian whip-cracker, modestly told the court and jury this morning that Mix was virtually a 'ham and egger' when it came to circus performing.

"You've got to do more than ride around an arena on a horse and wave your hat to draw crowds,' he said. What could Mix do when he joined the Sells-Floto circus in 1929 Attorney John Kelley asked.

"'He couldn't do anything,'the witness answered."

Charles H. English conducted the cross-examination, which started a short time before the lunch adjournment.

"'Now,' said English, 'laying aside all your characteristic modesty, you're really a better performer than Mix, aren't you.'

"I certainly am,' responded the witness.

"And what,' continued the attorney, 'were you paid?

"$300 a week.'

"And what did Mix get for his services with the circus.

"It was $10,000 a week."

Attorney Kelley's strategy was to prove that Mix was not worth the amount Zack Miller sued for. Of course Agee's testimony was a set up, and did not really represent his feelings about Mix.

The Miller's won the suit and were granted a settlement of $66,000, far less than they had asked for.

The Mix after show (concert) on Sells-Floto in 1929 consisted of seven displays:

No. 1 The introduction of Tom Mix, Tony, and the entire company.
No. 2 Tom Mix and Tony.
No. 3 The Pony Express.
No. 4 Tom Mix and his company of expert ropers, Hank Durnell, Frank Gusky and Colorado Cotton.
No. 5 Tom Mix presenting the Crewery Equines.
No, 6 Trick and fancy riding.
No. 7 Tom Mix and company riding man killing outlaw horses.

Mix continued with Sells-Floto in 1930 and 1931. He was provided with a private railroad car each year.

Universal Pictures wanted to again produce westerns in the early 1930s. They looked at Tom Mix, who had never made a talking picture and in fact had not made a film in three years.

Universal Pictures signed Mix, at age 51, in 1931. Carl Laemmle and his son were seeking a big cowboy name and were willing to invest a budget of $100,000 to $150,000 per film. Mix was given cast approval.

Mix was to start his first picture in his first talking role in October 1931. On November 23 the picture was halted when Mix became seriously ill with peritonitis. By April 1932 Mix recovered and returned to work.

His first Universal film was Destry Rides Again, with a budget of around$108,300 was released on April 4, 1932. Mix made nine films for Universal; the last was Rustler's Roundup, released on February 23, 1933.

In 1932 he married for the last time to aerialist Mable Ward, who he had met on the Sells-Floto Circus.

Following his Universal films Mix announced his retirement from motion pictures.

Mix toured vaudeville theaters in 1933 with The Tom Mix Roundup. The show consisted on Mix and Tony, two liberty horses and the Ward sister's aerial act.

In a lucrative five-year deal Mix contracted in 1933 with the Ralston Purina Company to use his name on a radio show. The Tom Mix Straight Shooters debuted on September 25, 1933 from New York City with Percy Hemus as "The Old Wrangler." The Ralston box tops provided premiums of all kinds. The radio show continued until June of 1950.

While Mix was with the Floto show in 1930 another motorized circus was organized by Sam B. Dill, a former manager of the John Robinson Circus. The show was first titled Gentry Bros. It later was called Robbins due to concerns from Henry Gentry who was touring a small dog and pony show called the Original Gentry Bros. Circus. The final title was the Sam B. Dill Circus.

Mix returned to the sawdust trail in 1934 by buying half interest in the Dill circus. The show was titled the Sam B. Dill Circus and Tom Mix Wild West Combined. Dill became seriously ill and before the end of the season Mix purchased Dill's interest. Mix historians say he invested $400,000 in the Dill show that included total ownership. Sam Dill died of lung cancer in February 1935. During the 1934 season Dail Turney was assistant manager under Dill. Turney had been with Mix since 1921 as his chauffeur and secretary. Turney was a quick study and managed the circus from 1935 to 1938.

Mix dropped the Dill name and shortened the title to the Tom Mix Circus. This title was used until the show closed in 1938. The show continued parading in 1934 and 1935.

In 1934 the show opened using a 120 foot big top with three 40s. It was later replaced by a new 130 foot top with t ree 50s. The menagerie top was a 90 with three 30s. A blow down in Jacksonville, Illinois on July 10 destroyed the menagerie tent. The Mix show day and dated the new Cole Bros.-Clyde Beatty Circus in Sandusky, Ohio on August 6. Both shows paraded, but on different streets. Twentyfour new Ford trucks were received in Davenport, Iowa on July 15. replacing most of the GMC ones, new in 1930. The show closed the season and went into winter quarters in Compton, California.

Under the ownership of the Roundup Amusement Co. the 1935 season opened in Compton on March 6. It played 216 stands in 19 states and traveled 13,271 miles. Nine new Ford and four new International trucks replaced the last of the 1930 GMCs.

The side show was leased out to Ted Metz, who had a complete stand alone setup. He used a carnival style pit show arrangement, with a long narrow tent.

Feeling another picture would produce publicity for his circus he signed with Nat Levine’s Mascot Pictures, a "Poverty Row" studio, in 1935. It was a far cry from Fox and Universal.

Mix made a deal for four week's work at $10,000 a week. The Miracle Rider was a fifteen chapter serial, produced in four weeks. The budget was $80,000, half going to Mix. It was the only fifteen-chapter serial made by Mascot and it was the studio's highest-grossing serial.

During his career Mix made a total of 336 films. Some of these are available on video.

Mix at the door of his living bus in 1936. Pfening archives.

The 1936 season was significant because of the transcontinental tour and the playing indoors at the Chicago Coliseum. The show was enlarged. Considerable money was spent in sprucing up the appearance on the lot. A number well-known circus staff people and performers were hired.

The 1936 season will be detailed, as it was one of the best in the show's history.

The first Billboard article appeared in the January 11 issue. It noted that a big outlay of money was being invested in equipment. Denny Helms, general superintendent had 115 men working in quarters. All of the sleepers were being rebuilt. A new office truck was being built. A new light plant semi was to hold four genera­tors. A new 150 foot big top with three 50s was ordered. (If this was true it would have dwarfed the Downie Bros. 120 foot top. The Cole Bros. big top was only ten feet wider,) New jacks and stringers were being built. Twelve new Ford tractors were added. Rhoda Royal and his assis­tants were working new stock.

The January 25 Billboard reported two elephants had arrived in quarters. Homer Hobson, Sr. was breaking a leaping greyhound act And Rhoda Royal was working on a liberty act.

The February 1 Billboard reported that Tom Mix and his wife had returned from South America, The paint shop had turned out 26 trucks and sleeper trailers, sixteen people were working in the wardrobe department. The old ticket wagon was being rebuilt as a wardrobe trailer. Two new horse trailers were being finished. It was reported that there would be 85 head of stock.

The March 7 Billboard advised that the show would open on March 11. The new spread of canvas had arrived from the United States Tent and Awning Co. Alfredo Codona had been engaged as equestrian director, His wife Vera Bruce was to be in one of show's casting acts. Tom Mix was to present a ten horse liberty act.

Max Gruber's animal oddities would be a new feature. A new advance truck, large enough to carry thirty day's work of paper was already out ahead of the show. Five additional small advance trucks were also out. A new line of special lithograph paper was to be used.

The staff included D. E. Turney, manager; H. C. Baker, assistant manager; Robert Brown, treasurer; Vernon Arbuckle, secretary; D. W. Helms, superintendent; Grace Baker, press reprehensive; Dan Pyne, general press representative. Harry B. Chipman, press representative; Charles Warrell, front door superintendent; George W. Helms, 24 hour man; R N. Branson, general agent; J. R. Hervey, contracting agent; Edward L. Conroy, manager of advance car number one; Ted Metz, side show manager; Jack Burslem, superintendent of concessions; Baldy Allister, cookhouse boss.

Following the March 11 opening the Billboard of March 21 published an extensive article: "The Tom MixCircus opened March 11 at Compton, California.

"Matinee attendance was about two-thirds and at night somewhat above the matinee. Ted Metz, manager of the side show, stated that his take was little short of business last year at the opening, Looking over the setup on the lot, 'Flash' is written over the show. There evidently was much thought on the part of Dial Turney and Tom Mix to put plenty of eye appeal in the layout. Of the canvas complement, everything except the menagerie is new. A side wall 8 feet high, red and white stripes, encompasses the layout.

"The program is very pleasing and there is a diversified line of acts. As usual, Tom Mix gets stellar honors and is seen much in the program. Splendid horse acts feature the performance, most of them in new routines, the work of Rhoda Royal. The new pedestal number is a standout. The gaited saddle horses and menage numbers were featured spots in the program. Arbaugh's flying act working double rigging, flying lengthwise of the top, is a splendid feature, and Erma Ward is the same finished artist who received a tremendous hand. Hal Silvers'somersaulting and bounding on tight wire went over to a big hand. Max Gruber's Oddities of the Jungle fits very nicely in program. The Riding Hobsons, four in troupe, with striking wardrobe, drew much applause. The Jordans have a splendid feature act and the Bell troupe, enlarged, registered a distinct hit.

"The Program

"The spectacle, while appearing on track and rings, is divided into two motifs, first the Canadian Mounted Police, correctly uniformed and very novel idea, then attractive girls costumed in the dress of the Gay'90s up to present time. This titled From the Gay '90s to Ever Present. Costumes designed by Mrs. Dail Turney. There were 82 mounted persons, elephants in new trappings and same for ponies. The usual lead stock was noted, also clowns, etc.

"Display No. 2 - Rhoda Royal's newly evolved Garland number in the rings, 24 people and horses.

"Display No. 3 - In all rings, performing dogs and monkeys, by Homer Hobson Sr., Miss Ford and Joe Bowers, Miss Ford's turntable dogs went over big.

"Display No. 4 - Girl acts, singing and swinging, a novel act. Ladders hung from flying act rigging, in units of four, with exception of Vera Bruce in center and Arlene Arley. The girls, Vera Bruce, Gladys Forrest, Girnadine Johnson, Gayle Thomas, Lillian Arbuckle, Miss Brown, Peggy Baker, Mary Arley, Agnes Arley, Mildred Asher, Jessie. Arbaugh, Joy Myers, Dorothy Hubbell, Julia Asher, Mickey McKinley, Bettie McVeigh, Vivienne Jordan, Flo Hudson and Corinne Turney.

"Display No. 5 - Clowns, Bill Ash, Abe Goldstein, Jimmie Davison, Al Heiwig, E. P. Douglass; Arnst Augsted, drum major; Roy Brown, Bobby Nelson, George Carl, Jimmie Johnson, Jose Gonzalez and Jack (Shorty) Knapp. At this appearance and in those that followed several new walkarounds and comedy stunts drew much applause.

"Display No. 6 - Lady principal acts, with Ella Linton and Juanita doing very pleasing acts. Clowns for stops in riding numbers.

"Display No. 7 - Special announcement of appearance of Tom Mix.

"Displays 8 and 9 - First Tom and 'Tony' jumping in and out of large casks, and for finish "Tony" jumping thru. elevated casks. Then Tom's shooting presentation, doing difficult shots at stationary and moving objects and lying on back, shooting lights from an erected dome. Tom and his Liberty ranch horses, this number trained by Rhoda Royal and done by Tom in fine fashion.

"Display No. 10 - Clown number with burlesque boxing match.

"Display No. 11 - Rhoda Royal's newly broken six black and white horses in center ringwith high pedestal finish on the track-high school, menage, gaited saddle horses and featured horses. Mrs. Rhoda Royal riding staggergaited and dancing horse, 'Ponca'; Miss Ford on saddle-gaited 'King'; Carrin Turney, high-school horse, 'Christie,'and Lillian Arbuckle, dancing and trick horse, 'Painted Desert! The women costumed in polo carried out a polo theme attire and was a decide standout.

"Display No. 12 - Over center ring Charley Arley, difficult hand balancing, with revolving trapeze for finish doing head balance.

"Display No. 13 - Comedy acrobatic number by the O'Donnell, Bell and Arbaugh troupes.

"Display 14 - Special announcement for Erma Ward, aerialist, working alone. Did 87 dislocations at finish and drew big hand.

"First concert announcement by George Surtees.

"Display No. 16 - The Jordans, in center ring, doing high-chair pyramid and foot loops. In other rings, performing ponies, by Homer Hobson Sr. and Miss Ford.

"Display No. 17 - Clown number.

"Display No. 18 - The Arleys, in center ring, shoulder perch act and gyroscope finish. Special announcement.

"Display No. 19 - In center ring Max Gruber's Jungle Oddities - elephant, zebra and Great Dane dog, a very pleasing offering. In other rings, elephants worked by Captain Reece and Tommy Hensley.

"Second concert announcement.

"Display No. 21 - Hal Silvers, somersaulting, bounding tight-wire act; the drunk stunt going over big.

"Special announcement.

"Display No. 23 - All rings, acrobatic number. Center ring, the Jordans, Johnny Jordan, Vivienne Jordan, Paul Lorenzo Jordan; Jimmie and Ann O'Donnell, Mickey McKinley, Bennie Bonta, Al Heiwig and George Carl, ground tumbling, pyramids and finish, double somersault from springboard to catch in chair on shoulder of one of the troupe. Ring 1, the Arleys-Charles Girarel, Danny Jordan, Louis Arley, Olive and Agnes Oliver. Ring 3, Bell Troupe, Gus Bell, Bettie McVeigh, Harold Ward, Bob Behee, Jimmy Johnson, Girnadine Johnson, ground tumbling and springboard. The acts wore attractive wardrobe.

"Display No. 24 - The Riding Hobsons-Homer Jr., Herbert and Juanita, with Homer Sr. keeping up the act. Nice round of, applause. Homer's comedy got a lot of laughs.

"Display No. 25 - The laugh event of the show, Jose Lopez and Shorty Knapp with dogs dressed as bulls, styled Mexican bullfight.

"Display No. 26 - Clown number.

"Display No. 27 - The Flying Arbaughs-Jessie Arbaugh, Jim Arbaugh, Erma Ward, Vera Bruce and Bettie McVeigh the flyers; Harold Ward and Bud Asher, catchers on double rigging. Did difficult doubles, singles and twisters. A splendid act and received much applause. Noted is the fact that every aerial act works off the rigging for the flying act. There is a fly gallery in the top with two men stationed to handle the rigging for these acts.

"The concert (wild west numbers) is under the direction of Hank Linton.

Tom Mix heads the contingent, doing rope spinning, shooting and lariat horse catching.

Hank Linton, trick roper; Jack Knapp and Passion, the little comedy mule; Tommy Privett, trick rider and roper; Chief Sky Eagle, archery expert; Princess Silver Cloud, trick rider; Peggy Baker, trick rider; Herman Nowlin, fancy roper; Ella Linton trick roping and Gavle Thomas, trick rider.

"The Side Show - Ted Metz is manager; William (Red) Lowney, George Surtees, Raleigh Brown and H. Morgan, on ticket boxes and making openings; Wingy, boss canvasman, with four assistants; N. V. Robinson, ticket taker. Attractions Leona, mentalist and crystal gazer; Schlitze, pinhead; the Scotch Macks, bagpipes and drums; Josephine Parr, obese woman; Henrietta, leopard girl; Robert, the pony boy; Fraston, magic, illusions and inside lecturer; Lucky Ball, sword swallower; Roberta-Ray; Rose Lee, three-legged girl; Lady Emilie, snake enchantress; Sally, chimpanzee, worked by George Surtees. Top is 145 x 22."

The show played a three-day stand in Oakland April 16 to 19. The April 25 Billboard reported Mix was at his Hollywood home, recovering from an illness, which for a time threatened his life. Mix was recovering from an attack of pneumonia, suffered a relapse when the show reached Monterey, California, more than a week ago. He was rushed to a Hollywood hospital, but is now home and expects to rejoin the circus within the next ten days, according to H. C. Baker, legal adjuster for the show."

The circus played Sacramento on April 22 where over 700 sheets of paper were posted.

Mix continued playing stands in California until it went into Oregon at Grant's Pass on May 4. The Al G. Barnes show provided opposition to Mix in California and part of Oregon. The first stand in Idaho was Emmett on May 14.

Boise, Idaho was shown on May 15 and it produced the first turn-a-way of the season. On May 19 the show was in Burley, Idaho when it had an unforgettable day.

The circus arrived in town at six in the morning undera dark sky. Shortly after the matinee the wind picked up with frightening force. There were all the makings of a serious blowdown. The menagerie top was quickly flattened. The contents of the big top were blown through the air. Seat planks, poles and stringers were tossed in the air. Tom Mix was injured by a flying grandstand platform. The big top was lowered and the night show was cancelled. It was the only lost performance of the entire season.

After ten days in Idaho the route then took the circus through Wyoming and Colorado. It entered Kansas at Hays on June 1 after a 307 mile jump from Sterling, Colorado. A two-day stand was played in Kansas City, Missouri on June 8 and 9.

The June 20 Billboard reported: "Chicago, June 13. - The Tom Mix Circus is definitely set to open at the Coliseum here June 29 for a 10-day engagement under auspices of the Goldblatt stores.

"Goldblatt's, operating nine large popular-priced department stores, has bought the show outright and is going to put on a tremendous promotional campaign which is expected to attract many thousands into the Goldblatt stores. While no definite figure has been given out, it is reported on good authority that Mix is to receive $30,000 for the engagement.

The show is to be largely augmented and Mr. Simon, promotional manager for Goldblatt, states that it will be second only to the Ringling show. In addition to using large newspaper space Goldblatt's will stage many novel publicity stunts. The show will come into Chicago with every, truck bannered 'Goldblatt's Presents the Tom Mix Circus.'

"Instead of the usual tie up whereby a coupon s given with every purchase and is good for a ticket to the circus on payment of a small charge at the box office, the tickets are to be sold outright.

"'There are to be no strings to it,' said Mr. Simon. 'Tickets will be sold at 15 or 25 cents, only in Goldblatt stores. No purchase of any kinds will be necessary. The object, of course, is to get people into the stores. Tickets sold at the Coliseum will be at the regular price.'

"'We expect the circus to be very successful' Mr. Simon stated. 'We don't expect the admissions to pay the full amount the show is costing us, but if it falls short several thousand dollars we still will regard it as a very good investment.'

"For several years Goldblatt's have staged parades and other stunts of a circusy nature and they are fully sold on the value of such exploitation."

Further information appeared in the July 4 Billboard: "Aurora, Illinois, June 27. "The Tom Mix Circus will move from here to Chicago for a 10-day engagement at the Coliseum, sponsored by the Goldblatt stores. Manager Dail Turney and General Agent P. N. Branson arranged details. The latter was in that city for last two weeks, supervising the billing. Edward L. Conroy, general press representative, handled the newspapers. The Chicago dailies, as well as foreign language papers, were used. The Hammond (Indiana) Times, the Joliet (Illinois) News Herald and Spectator and the Gary (Indiana) Post-Tribune carried special advertising and publicity. The Goldblatt stores are decorated with circus posters, flags and banners. During the engagement Goldblatt's will play host to many under-privileged children, inmates of homes and institutions and to various newsboy groups.

"The circus will be augmented by additional acts, including the Kenneth Waite Troupe of clowns. Cliff McDougall, of press staff, and Grace Baker, personal press representative for Tom Mix, will attend to publicity details during the engagement. The north hail of the Coliseum will be used for the menagerie and side show, as well as an exhibition place for Goldblatt products."

Although no lithographing was done in Chicago 200 twenty-four sheet billboards were used and 12,000 sheets of paper were posted.

A report of the Chicago engagement appeared in the July 11 Billboard: "Chicago, July 4. - The Tom. Mix Circus, playing a 10-day engagement at the Coliseum under auspices of Goldblatt's, large department store firm, is giving an excellent show. Business early in the week was light but built up after the first few days. A downpour early Monday evening probably cut attendance.

"Show is nicely dressed and well paced. No waits or stalling and something doing all the time. Tom Mix is, of course, featured. His shooting exhibition, horse acts and roping all receive heavy applause. Irma Ward gives a pleasing exhibition of aerial gymnastics. The Hobsons have an excellent riding act. Homer Jr., Herbert and Juanita are all accomplished riders, and Juanita does some crupper jumps that are unexcelled. The Arbaughs, in which Vera Bruce and Irma Ward, among others, appear, give an entertaining exhibition of the flying art.

"Augmenting the show are Albert Powell in his very fine trapeze act and Kenneth Waite and troupe, whose clown numbers are up to Kenneth's usual standard.

"Finest of the comedy numbers is the bull fight, staged in the center ring, with three 'bulls' participating and creating gales of laughter.

"Max Gruber, with his elepliant and zebra, presents a novel and entertaining act. Various other features are nicely presented, and as a whole the show deserves praise.

"All ticket arrangements are in the hands of Goldblatt's. There has been very little box-office, sale, most of the tickets being purchased at Goldblatt's stores, which are located in all parts of the city. Ticket sale was purposely arranged in this manner in order to attract people to the stores, where tickets are sold at half the regular price.

"Goldblatt's introduced something new to circuses here by practically turning the Coliseum into a department store. A score or more stands were located around the Coliseum walls and everything from ties to fresh meats was on sale.

"The house trailers of the show's performers are located inside the Coliseum and are used as dressing rooms, and in some instances sleeping quarters."

More about the Chicago stand was reported in the July 18 Billboard: "Chicago, July 11. In spite of terrific heat that prevailed during most of the engagement, the Tom Mix Circus made an astonishing record in the 10 days it spent at the Coliseum under auspices of Goldblatt Brothers, department store firm. Total attendance was more than 100,000, which probably sets an all time record for an indoor circus engagement in midsummer.

"Starting with comparatively light houses, the from Fourth of July on near capacity crowds were the rule. Tom Mix himself, the Goldblatt Brothers and Charles H. Hall, manager of the Coliseum, all were highly pleased with the unusual record made.

"Show presented at the Coliseum was an excellent one and went over big with the crowds. Tom Mix, the movie cowboy, proved that he still is the idol of young America. Entering without special announcement, he was received with thunderous applause, and his every appearance through the show was the signal for an ovation.

"Using three rings and two stages, the show, as augmented for the Coliseum engagement, included the following: Gala introductory, pageant, depicting the 'Parade of the Royal Mounted.'

"The Royal Mounted in Garland Entry.

"Performing dogs in three rings.

"Kaarin and her aerial ballet.

"Clowns, with some clever numbers produced by Kenneth Waite. Among the joeys were Will Ash, Jack Knapp, Roy Brown, Joe Bowers, Abe Goldstein, Jimmy Davison, Fred Douglas, Al Sherman, Gus Bell, Tom Walters, Howard Bell, Waite, Tom Abeam, Stanley Nichols, Julius Adair, Robert Dale, Al Friedman, Pete Nash.

"Riding acts in three rings - Juanita Hobson, Herbert Hobson and Ella Davenport.

"Introduction of Tom Mix, to an ovation. Mix does a shooting number, and then works his T Bar M Ranch horses in center ring.

"Helen Ford and company, p 0 girls, on track, with Joy Meyers, Jessie Arbaugh, Kathleen Turney, Anne Brown; Elsie Wairath, Darlene Harding, Flo Bursiem, Carrie Royal, Vera Codona, Helen Howe, Mickey McGinley, Betty McVey, Mildred Asher, Julia Asher, Dorothy Hubbell, Lula Nowland, Elaine Linton, Wanda Bell, Vivian Jordan and Anne O'Donnell.

"Burlesque boxing number, Abe Goldstein and Jimmy Davison.

"Equilibristic numbers, Mickey McGinley, Charles Arley and Joy Myers.

"Les Cotelettis Troupe, acrobatic knockabout comics.

"Irma Ward, clever exhibition of one arm planges.

"Tom Mix's company of cowboys, with Tom Mix in person and Tony Junior.

"Filbert's Funny Ford with Dale and Hardy.

"The Golden Girls in the Golden Whirl, Mildred Asher and Betty McVey, and the Arley Brothers, perch-pole artists.

"Rhoda Royal and his famous Liberty horses in center ring, Rhoda putting them through some clever maneuvers. In end rings the Tom Mix ponies.

"Trapeze acts. Albert Powell in center; Johnny Jordan and George Arley over end rings.

"Oddities of the Jungle," elephant and zebra worked by Max Gruber.

"Bell-Jordon-Marks troupes of acrobats, tumblers and gymnasts.

"The Riding Hobsons, featuring Homer Hobson II, clown rider, and Juanita and Herbert Hobson.

"Bull fight. Clown numbers on track.

"Aerial number. The Flying Arbaughs, featuring James Arbaugh.

"Finale."

"Rhoda Royal, equestrian director, and Aifredo Codona, assistant director, put the show on at a fast clip. Carl Robinson, musical director, dishes out real circusy music.

"Mr. Simon, exploitation manager for Goldblatt Brothers, did a fine job of exploitation that, together with the fine performance given by Tom Mix, was responsible for the outstanding success of the engagement."

While the show was in Chicago a number of the trucks were repainted.

The avalanche of advertising brought total attendance in Chicago to 102,875. Two turn-a-ways were recorded.

The canvas tour resumed on July 9 at Elkhart, Indiana. Moving quickly, the circus went through Ohio, Pennsylvania and into New York State at Jamestown on July 17.

By July 18 the show had traveled 8,000 miles with no serious accidents. A new menagerie tent had been delivered from United States Tent and Awning, replacing the one lost in the Burley, Idaho blowdown.

The September 12 Billboard contained this report: "Elizabeth, New Jersey, Sept. 5. - Twenty sixth week for the Tom Mix Circus was a busy and profitable one. Many good-sized towns and excellent shopping centers were played. Mornings found nearly everyone downtown. Major Braun, an old friend of Mix, spent the day at New Britain, Connecticut. Together they visited the Veterans' Hospital, where Mr. Mix spoke to bedridden unfortunates. He also had breakfast there with the Major and several old acquaintances. Mix then went to the orphanage, where he invited all the youngsters en masse to attend the matinee.

"Show had some rain at Danbury, Connecticut, but it did not seriously affect business. Mix played host to more than 100 newsboys there. Mrs. Dail Turney's sister joined her there for a short visit. New Jersey has proved a most hospitable territory thus far. Newark on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Nearly everyone spent Sunday in New York. Mix spent part of the day with Jack Dempsey and called on Mrs. Dempsey and the new baby at the hospital. Monday Sylvia Smith, columnist from The Morning Ledger interviewed Mix and devoted her entire column to photos of Mix and Ledger newsies. Dan Pyne and Harry Chipman have returned to the show and are doing a nice bit of advance work.

"John Ringling was a guest Tuesday evening and among those in his party were Marjorie and Mrs. Saunders. Mr. And Mrs. Alfredo Codona also enjoyed a visit with Ringling. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Warrell entertained Mr. Warrell's broth­er, small son and mother Sunday and Monday in Newark. Jersey City gave the show a good day's business despite some rain. Harry Baker and the mis­sus entertained Baker's relatives from Long Island. Elizabeth gave the show fair busi­ness, with a crowd in attendance at night. Ted Metz's side show also did a good business there.

"Contest between Mix and the cowboys in the concert is getting interesting and very close. Mix, however, is still ahead and has the least misses."

The September 12 Billboard reported on a possible winter quarters site: "New York, September 5. Recurrent rumors that the Tom Mix show would establish winter quarters somewhere on the Atlantic Coast were confirmed by Dail Turney, manager of the show and Mix's personal representative, who informed The Billboard that the organization will quarter 'somewhere in Georgia.' Turney, associated with the cowboy star uninterruptedly since 1921, said he was not as yet prepared to reveal the exact location in the State, but stated that it would be on the basis of 'permanent residence,' registered as such. This was taken to mean that the show will quarter in that State for one or more fall-winter seasons.

"Turney was interviewed in Newark, New Jersey, the second of a two-day stand on the Springfield avenue and Grove street lot, moving to Jersey City on Wednesday, Elizabeth on Thursday; Easton, Pennsylvania, on Friday and exhibiting in Allentown today. Biz in Newark was good, including attendance, at the concert.

"Since coming east by long moves from the Middle West show has been clicking steadily, according to Turney. Outfit has touched practically all corners of the map, inaugurating its season out of winter quarters in Compton, California, grazing the Southwestern and Canadian borders and now routed in the East. It is said to be the only motorized show, which has ever played from Coast to Coast. Jumps in the mountainous West averaged about 175 miles, but in this level section about 100 miles. Next week will find the show in Maryland, Virginia; etc., on the way into deep South. It is scheduled to finish its season during the week of November 2.

"There were many visitors in Newark, including John Ringling, whose praise of the show made the headlines in Newark newspapers; Jack Dempsey, former world's heavy weight titleholder, Billy Hamilton Sedge Meikie, Jimmy Dugan, Billy Seamon, Oscar Lowanda and many others. Abe Goldstein. clown; Ray Goody, wire walker, and Max Gruberg, animal trainer, were doing plenty of greeting in the backyard, aided by Rhoda Royal, equestrian director; Homer Hobson, veteran of the white tops, and others."

Mix business in the south was reported in the October 10 Billboard: "Columbia, South Carolina, Oct. 3.The Tom Mix Circus recently ran into some heavy rains, but business is holding up fine. Sunday off in Savannah, Georgia, and showed under auspices of Shriners on Monday. Two packed houses, on Sunday a reception was given Mr. Mix by Shriners at local clubhouse and Savannah Hotel extended to Mr. Mix the courtesy of the governor's suite there. Newspapers were generous with space and the radio station reserved time for an interesting interview of Mr. Mix Sunday evening.

"Long jumps, but Denny Helms has had everything ready for afternoon show before time to open doors, most of heavy loads leaving at night and arriving without mishap. Rabbit Bates, supervisor of gas and oil for transportation, had his gas truck newly painted in Anderson, also stake driver.

"Very large crowds are coming in for the concert. Hank Linton is in charge of the after-show performance. The contest between cowboys is getting to be keen competition. Mr. Mix is still in the lead so far. Homer Hobson Sr. and several of the folks in the backyard are going in for book reviews, the lending library being located in Mr. Mix's bus. Everyone is enjoying fried chicken suppers these days, the chicken being delivered from door to door by resource."

The show moved south from Pennsylvania and quickly moved through Maryland, Virginia, and North and South Carolina. Nine stands were played in North Carolina and four in Georgia before going in South Carolina on September at Charleston on September 29. It went back into North Carolina on October 5 at Wilmington and stayed in that state for two week. The strange route then took the show back to Virginia for eight stands. Six stands were the played in Tennessee and one date back in Georgia at Rome on November 4. It closed on November 5 in Anniston, Alabama. The original route had Huntsville, Alabama booked for November 6, Decatur November 7 and Gadsden November 9. It is interesting to note that the drawing of the route on the cover of the 1936 route book shows the route extending into South Florida then turning north and ending in the Florida Panhandle.

The final report on the Mix show was published in the November 21 Billboard: "Anniston, Alabama, November 14. - The Tom Mix Circus closed a most profitable season here November 5. Opening in Compton, California, early in March, show exhibited in 26 States, with visits to many big cities, including a four days' stay in San Francisco and Oakland; two days in Kansas City, 10 days in Chicago at the Coliseum, two days in Newark, New Jersey, and two at Norfolk, Virginia. Exhibitions were presented in practically all the big New England cities. The show covered some 15,000 miles, with many jumps ranging from 180 to 300 miles without a mishap, the longest run being from Sterling, Colorado to Hayes, Kansas.

"Manager Dail Turney and General Agent Pearl N. Branson, selected winter quarters at Anniston as the most desirable after viewing many other locations offered the show in the Southland. Through the efforts of Charles Vaughn, secretary of the local Chamber of Commerce, the grounds and plant of the former U. S. Pipe Company were placed at the disposal of the show.

"The grounds cover 47 acres and are enclosed by sturdy wire fencing. A paved roadway extends through the grounds, which are landscaped with shrubbery and Rower gardens. Company watchmen on 24 hour duty in eight hour shifts supervise the main entrance gate. The buildings are of brick and steel with concrete floors. Steam heat is provided from a central plant, which also generates electrical power for lights and motordriven machinery.

"The former foundry building, some 400 by 100 feet square, will house the trucks and trailers. Near by are a fully equipped machine shop, a wood-working plant and a cafeteria, which will be used as the circus dining hall.

"The horses will be housed in a double brick building. A carload of lumber was purchased locally to be used in making horse stalls. With horses on one side of this building. The other side will be used for elephants and ponies.

"Superintendent Denny Helms and his crew have the rolling stock under cover in the main building. The canvas and rigging are stored in a smaller brick building. The wardrobe and electrical effects have been put away in front portion of the bath building. The circus office, in charge of Robert Brown, is also located in this building.

"Tom Mix, owner of the circus, left for his Beverly Hills home immediately after closing performance. He is under contract to make one or more super features in Technicolor for one of the major producing firms.

"Most of the performers and riders and many musicians and concession men left for the West Coast. Mrs. Dail Turney and her niece, Doris Warm, motored to California. Mr. and Mrs. Alfredo Codona, Irma Ward, the Arleys, the Arbaugh and Bell troupes, Hank and Ella Linton, Mrs. and Mrs. Herman Nowland, Abe Goldstein, Jack Bursiem and others left for the Coast."

General agent R N. Branson wrote an interesting letter to D. C. Hawn on November 25. ". . . Suppose you heard about the truck show playing the Coliseum, everyone thought it a big joke in the middle of the season. But I think we slipped one over on some of the smart fellows and made a lot of money, while they were all out fighting the heat. Our season was wonderful, until the last three weeks, which were very bad on account of steady rain and cold weather, but show came in with a good net and nothing to worry about. I do not think it will be enlarged any, is plenty large enough for trucks. We carried 114 pieces of equipment counting the 12 pieces on the advance and went from coast to coast and Canadian border to Florida.

"I am looking for Mr. Turney in a few days, if he decides to go to Chicago for the Showman's meeting. Would like to see you and also have you meet Mr. Turney, he is certainly a regular fellow and Mr. Mix is one of the best in the world to work for, never says a word as to what I should do. I just go along and use my own judgment. As usual there were plenty of knockers this last season, but they do not get very far around this show. We have a good staff and Denny Helms cer­tainly keeps the show moving.

"I am trying hard to get this show on 15 or 20 cars, what a show we could have on 20 cars, we could go places that we can not go with trucks and the nut would not be much more than it is now. It runs now about $2,000 a day count­ing winter quarters expense."

The 1936 Tom Mix Circus was the largest motorized show on the road. An official invento­ry was taken on June 1, 1937. The listing was the same as in 1936.

The size the only big top listed as a 130 foot round top presents an interesting mystery. That was the size of the big top used in 1935. What about the new 150-foot big top touted in various Billboard references? Could it have been lost in the Burley, Idaho blowndown?

On February 5, 1937 a fire broke out in winter quarters and damaged several trucks, all were salvaged in time for the opening of the season.

Later in February 1937 the show sent a large tent to be used as dining tent for flood refugees in Gadsen, Alabama, The show also loaned the use of it light plant truck and 1,500 folding chairs.

The 1937 season opened in Anniston, Alabama on March 31. New to the staff were Herb DuVal, legal adjuster; J. Hervey, contracting agent; press agents Fred Smythe, and Irish Horan; John Agee, equestrian director; Gladstone H. Shaw, steward of cookhouse; and Bob Stevens, banner salesman. New acts included Ray Goode, wire walker; the George Hannedford family of riders the Three Bucks, comedy acrobats and tetterboard; clowns Bumpsy Anthony, Kinko and Jimmy Davidson.

The circus headed north through Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas and was in Cape Girardeau, Missouri on April 14. Two stands in Illinois and six in Indiana took the circus to Ohio at Hamilton on April 23. Two days were played in Columbus on April 25 and 26 where the author visited.

The show headed east through Pennsylvania and New York. it entered Massachusetts on May 17 and played eleven dates in that state. Three days were shown in Washington D. C. July 26 to 28. Baltimore, Maryland was another three-day stand. Nine days were played in greater Philadelphia August 2 to 11.

Mix played the Canadian National Exhibition August 27 to September 11. The show then went west through New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. By October 3 it was in Topeka, Kansas. The final weeks were in Arkansas. The season closed in El Dorado, Arkansas on November 6. A 94 mile run took the show to Texarkana, Texas where it went into winter quarters.

The 1938 season turned out to be the worst since 1875 according to Stuart Thayer. It affected the Mix show along with all others. In January general agent Pearl N. Branson became concerned about the future of the Mix operation and decided to look elsewhere for employment. At that point the 1938 season route had not been finned up. He resigned and joined the Tim McCoy Wild West show as a local contractor. J. F. "Irish" Horan, who had been a press agent on the show, was named general agent. By May 1 Ray Blankenship had taken over the job.

After the McCoy show closed Branson returned to the Mix show as general agent. He was shocked to find the advance was in total disarray. Branson moved quickly to get the advance back on schedule.

The March 12 Billboard reported that eleven new semis had arrived at the Mix winter quarters from California. The article stated that the big top would be 130 feet with three 50s, probably the same tent as in 1937.

In spite of a poor economy the show planned a very strong performance, without cost cutting. The show traveled on 44 trucks, 24 of which were semi-trailers.

Daughter Ruth Mix and the Clarkonians flying act joined the circus. The season opened April 2 in Texarkana and remained in Texas until April 26.

Quickly moving east it was in Alton, Illinois on May 7. By May 14 the show entered Ohio at Springfield. Playing Pennsylvania and New York in May and June it turned back west cutting fast trough Ohio and Illinois to play a long route in Wisconsin from June 30 to July 17.

Branson wrote to W M. Temple of the Central Printing Co. in Mason City, Iowa on May 12 from Wellsville, New York: "Have not had time to write you since coming back over here, as I found the advance car 5 days ahead of theshow, no paper on the car and no dates, have finally gotten the car 8 days ahead and have the show headed as far back east as possible where we have a chance to get some money.

"The way conditions are we will have to save every cent possible, so while the route as it is will get dates closer to the show, so do not run up any more until advised."

Manager Turney started to cut expenses in early June by firing all but six on the advance crew. The June 11 Billboard reported that 45 employees had been let go.

Business was slow from the start; the show cut the admission price from 50 to 20 cents. Wages were falling behind. Forty-five people were let go in an economy move. The show suffered a blowndown In Neenah, Wisconsin on July 10.

The economy was closing in on the circus business. Downie Bros, closed on June 4, but reopened later in the season. Ringling-Barnum closed on June 25, and later sent part of the show to join the Al G. Barnes outfit, On July 4 Seils-Sterling closed. Cole Bros. threw in the towel on August 6 and Newton Bros. folded on August 10.

Mix became discouraged by August 11 and he decided to quit. He had a European theater tour booked in September. He left the show putting his daughter Ruth, who had no experience, in charge. The operation was really run by manager Dial Tumey.

In his 1972 book The Life and Legend of Tom Mix, Paul E. Mix wrote: "During the late thirties, Tom turned to drink to help drown his sorrows. On more than one occasion, he failed to make a personal appearance, mainly because he was "under the influence." His friends began to worry when Tom took off in the middle of the night, in his over-powered sports car, to get away from it all."

Tom slugged a spectator outside of his circus tent and was taken to court on an aggra­vated assault charge. Those who loved Tom hated to see him drinking to excess and they were reasonably successful in talk­ing him into tak­ing hold of his senses and return­ing to modera­tion." Mix's drink­ing problems were generally well known in the circus business.

The show was cut to one ring as performers and workingmen drifted away. After floundering in Oklahoma and Texas it closed in Pecos, Texas on September 10.

The equipment was taken to the fairgrounds in El Paso. Most of the trucks were sold to an El Paso truck dealer. Norman Anderson bought the stake driver and Babe the elephant for the Bud Anderson circus. Paddy Conklin, a Canadian carnival owner, bought the big top and seats.

A report in the December 19 Billboard stated that Dail Turney was talking about putting the show on rails in 1939. This was wishful thinking on his part.

Although the 1938 season finished off the Tom Mix Circus it was successful from 1935 to 1937. Mix had done what no other Hollywood cowboy accomplished. Buck Jones, Jack Hoxie, Ken Maynard and Tim McCoy all tried their hand at operating an under canvas show; all failed.

Mix signed a new contract with Ralston in 1938. He sailed for a European tour in late August. Accompanied by Joe Bowers, his driver and valet, dwarf clown Jack Knapp and Bud and Rosa Carlell, rope spinners. He opened on September 5 at the London Palladium. Other dates were played in Europe through February 27, 1939.

Mix joined the Circus Belli in Denmark for an under canvas tour beginning in April. With war clouds hovering in Europe he left the Belli Circus and headed home on September 2, the day after World War II started.

Mix then toured theaters in the United States with a small vaudeville unit.

The colorful career on the "King of the Cowboys" ended on October 12, 1940. Mix was driving his Cord auto west on route 89 from Tucson, Arizona headed for Phoenix for his next scheduled appearance. Driving his high powered Cord at a very high speed he came to a detour sign, but it too late. He went down a dry gulch and the car turned over.

One of Mix's metal trunks then flew from the back seat and struck him in the head. He was killed instantly. When his body was recovered his wallet contained $6,000 in cash and $1,500 in travelers checks.

Funeral services were held on October 16 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, where he was buried.

Mix's life time income from films and other appearances totaled around $6,000,000, but at death his estate was only worth $115,000.

During his lifetime press agents fabricated and embellished many stories about Tom Mix's exploits. A number of these myths were published many times. The misinformation was published so often that Mix himself began to believe and repeat it. An article in the 1930 Sells-Floto Circus program included a number of the fabrications.

The myths included: Mix was not one-eighth Cherokee Indian. Mix did not attend the Virginia Military Institute. He did not serve with Teddy Roosevelt in the Battle of San Juan Hill. Mix did not serve in the army during the Philippine Insurrection or the Boxer Rebellion in China. He did not participate in the Boer War in South Africa.

Note: not all illustrations are included in this online version of the article.

Joe Bradbury; Stuart Thayer; The Tom Mix Book, by Bud Norris; The Life and Legend of Tom Mix, by Paul E. Mix; Tom Mix Portrait of a Superstar, by Richard F. Seiverling; and the Circus World Museum.

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