Circus Historical Society
Excerpts From the New York Clipper - 1874-1876
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The New York Clipper was a weekly trade newspaper for the entertainment industry from 1853 to the 1920s, when it became Variety. Microfilms of the Clipper are available from various libraries and other sources. The Clipper contained regular news about circuses. These excerpts are interesting for the information on circuses, acts, personnel and circus life. Included here are a limited number of dates and amount of information on circuses published in the Clipper. Note: the Clipper had typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. All information should be checked with additional sources. Transcribed by Judith L. Griffin.
1874
New York Clipper, January 3, 1874. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
The fire which occurred at the winter quarters of Forepaugh’s Menagerie on Dec. 20, . . . was caused, it is now definitely settled, by the wooden ceiling igniting from the stove-pipe which passed through it from the harness shop below. Mr. Forepaugh’s loss, according to the official returns from the insurance companies, is $91, 050, of which amount the insurance companies pay Mr. F but one-third, because his policies were general and covered the whole concern at Germantown. This leaves Mr. Forepaugh a loser to the extent of over $60,000. In addition to the property lost, . . . the following was also destroyed: All of the newspaper cuts used in advertising the show, some two thousand in number; one hundred pairs of woolen sleeping-blankets; seven large tents, camp, cook and stable tents, with “quarter” and “side” poles for all; a glass-side trunk wagon; nearly all the museum curiosities, including life-size figures of Napoleon, Von Moltke, Dickens, Bismarck, King William, Intemperate Family (three figures), Double-headed Girl, Siamese Twins, Fisk, Stokes, Miss Mansfield, mechanical figures of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Crow, Swiss Bellringers, automatic goat, drummer, two mechanical gymnasts, etc., three fine cases of preserved birds, fish and animals, a fine lot of statuary and ancient armory, all the beautiful gold and silver spangled silken banners and flags, entree cloths, saddles and wardrobe, elephant and camel covers, plumes, and an immense quantity of properties, tools of all kinds, ropes, blocks, trappings, etc. William Monroe, the equestrian director of the show, lost his entire wardrobe; a beautiful Greek dress, which he had received the very day of the fire, going to ruin with the rest. Already the workmen are busily employed erecting new buildings, and in a week the ring building will be ready for the boys to “act up circus.”
The new circus and menagerie organized in Atlanta, Ga., by Messrs. Wootten and Andrews, gave its first performance to a full tent on Christmas day, wrote our correspondent on Dec. 26, further remarking: “The performance consists of gymnastic and acrobatic feats, and other calisthenics. The ring and horse business is done away with entirely. Billy Andrews of San Antonio, Texas, and Happy Jack Lawton are the clowns. The menagerie is pretty well stocked, the nine-year old elephant Bismarck and several lions forming the features. The performance on Christmas day, despite the new trappings and the newness of property and canvas men, was above average, the leap for life by Mlle. Lotino proving a good card. The proprietors are well up in their business, and the Great Southern Zoological and Calisthenic Aggregation will, probably, prove a success. They are billed ahead as follows: Stone Mountain, Ga., Dec. 26, Conyers 27, Covington 29, Monroe 30, Social Circle 31, Madison Jan. 1, Greensboro 2.
Miss Ida Madigan, a daughter of the late Henry P. Madigan, a well-known circus manager, was married to Andrew Collum, Ethiopian comedian, in New York, on Dec. 27, by the Rev. Dr. Wiggins, at the residence of the bride’s mother, and in the presence of a large number of professional ladies and gentlemen.
The Great Eastern Circus is to show one week at New Orleans, La., commencing Jan. 9, then into Mississippi.
The Melville Brothers, trapeze performers, etc., advertise that they can be engaged for the tening season of 1874.
Geo. Wambold, contortionist, whose address find elsewhere, can be engaged, with his troupe of performing dogs and monkeys, to travel with a circus or menagerie.
New York Clipper, January 17, 1874, p. 335. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Fred Barclay and the Leslie Brothers, gymnasts, have just closed an engagement with the International Circus, and are now at Louisville, Ky. By a strange coincidence we published in our issue of Jan. 3 that performers bearing the same name had seceded from Chiarini's Circus in Australia, and our informant was an old circus manager, who had accompanied Chiarini from San Francisco, Cal., to Australia, and at the time of our information had just returned to California.
William Dutton's many friends will be gratified to know that "Billy" reached home on the 7th in fine health and spirits. He has been at the Hot Springs, Ark., and at one time was very low; but now, "yet billard balls, I'm yours again." Be careful, Billy. Charley Seeley returned to New York at the same time.
Frank Uffner is in New York at present, residing at the Washington House.
The baby elephant imported last month by Adam Forepaugh died on the 4th inst., at the show's winter quarters. It was the smallest elephant in the country, and a perfect model of old Romeo, that died in June, '72, in Chicago.
Hercules Libby and wife (Kate Paratington), Geo. Brown and Albert Aymar are engaged for Warner's Show this season.
Wooda Cooke, equestrian, and wife (Millie Turnour), trapeze performer, go to California under a ten week's engagement to John Wilson.
Charles H. Castle will be general agent of the O'Brien-Barnum show this season.
E. D. Colvin and George McDonald are of the Queen Show this summer.
Dan Rice with his "blind talking horse," Excelsior Jr., was to have given exhibitions at Gretna and Algiers, near New Orleans, La., on Jan. 9, 10, 11.
W. G. Miles, bareback and hurdle rider, leaper and tumbler, who has his own horses, can be engaged for the season of 1874. . . .
Billy Watson, man-fish, advertises for an engagement.
Mert. C. Sexton is now leading the orchestra with Sam Sharpley, Sheridan & Mack's Minstrels.
Haight & Co.'s Great Eastern Circus opened a season at New Orleans, La., Jan. 9, which is to terminate Jan. 14. Thence, the show goes to Osyka(?), Miss. Jan. 15, Summit 16, Brookhaven 17, Crystal Springs 19, Jackson 20, Canton 21, Durant 22, Winona 23, Water Valley 24, Jackson, Tann., 26, Bolivar 27, Holly Springs, Miss., 28, Oxford 29, Grenada 30, Batesville 31, Hernando, Feb. 2, Memphis, Tenn., 3 and 4. Frank Ashton and Johnny batchelor joined the company at Mobile, Ala.
Since the New York State Circus closed its season Harry Montford has been running his sideshow in Canada. The chief attractions consist of a Circassian lady, the Hindoo Box trick and Punch and Judy, performed by Montford. He closed a season of four weeks at Hamilton, Ont., on Jan. 3, and opens for a like period at Toronto, Jan. 12.
New York Clipper, February 14, 1874. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Van Amburgh & Co.’s Great Golden Menagerie, Continental Circus and Royal Coliseum, under the management of Hyatt Frost, with Frank Hyatt as assistant manager; Mr. E. Doll of Connersville, Ind., assistant treasurer; F. Townsend of Brewster’s, N.Y., doorkeeper; and O. J. Ferguson, director of publications, during the coming season will camp all their people, excepting the performers and band, stable their horses and buy their own feed. Their route will be where there are no heavy licenses for large billboards. Cross roads and a thickly settled country will answer for stands. They will have fewer men and horses than hitherto, and they will be better used. A patent pontoon bridge will be transported in a six-horse wagon. The following performers have already been secured: R. Rivers, equestrian director, also his wife and daughter; F. Siegrist and M. Zanfretta’s troupe of four children and six performing dogs; the Langlois Brothers, jugglers, hat spinners and leapers; Matt McCollum, clown and Ethiopian delineator; and Frank and Fred Castle, leapers and tumblers.
Harry W. Spalding, a son of the veteran and well-known circus manager Dr. G. R. Spalding, died at his father’s residence, Saugerties, N.Y., at five o’clock A.M. on Feb. 4, in the 30th year of his age. On May 21, 1872, while managing Dan Rice’s Circus, he was dangerously wounded by a pistol shot . . .
George Morrow, who had the concert and candy stand privileges with Forepaugh's Aggregation last season, has leased the Palmer House at Indianapolis, Ind., refurnished it, and changed its name to the Occidental Hotel.
Mme. Agnes Lake offers for sale her gray Arabian stallion, Yalma, a fine manege horse; a long-maned trick mare, which has been trained to do twelve tricks; a Mazeppa costume, including a jeweled sword and dagger; two dresses suitable for a principal rider; and two wigs.
The Lowande Family is not engaged with John O'Brien for the tenting season of 1874, as has been stated.
"Happy" Jack Lawton is in Atlanta, Ga.
The bodies of the deceased Siamese Twins, Chang and Eng, have been conveyed to Philadelphia, where they arrived late on the evening of the 6th of February; and, as they have been subjected to the process of embalming, a thorough autopsy will be made by a committee of the physicians of Philadelphia. Arrangements have been made for photographing the different steps of the operation, which will be conducted by gentlemen of eminence in the profession, and a full scientific report of which will be presented to the public.
New York Clipper, March 14, 1874. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
P. A. Older’s Circus and Menagerie will start from Shreveport, La., about April 1, and the manager offers the privileges for sale.
G. G. Grady’s Circus, which is to start from Parsons, Kas., on March 27, will travel through the southern part of that State, thence through Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. The officers will be W. J. Sampson, general manager; John Whitehurst, contracting agent; Maj. Morris, director of publications; William Myers, treasurer; and John Gregory, ticket agent. Three tents will be used, and a free balloon show will be given. Performers engaged for G. G. Grady's show next season are requested to report at Parsons, Kansas, on March 25.
Ferdinand Sagrino, an equestrian who traveled with Forepaugh’s Circus last season, was arrested in New York recently on a charge of bigamy, and on the 5th inst. he was sentenced to the State Prison at Sing Sing for two years. The marriages took place in New York in November 1873, and within two weeks of each other.
Little Mollie Brown, the female somersault rider, is engaged with the Queen show.
John Trewalla, who was with the Rice show last season, goes with Ben Maginley’s Circus this Summer in the capacity of equestrian director and ringmaster.
Adam Forepaugh’s Aggregation will positively exhibit in Chicago for one week beginning Monday, May 4. A large number of birds and monkeys have recently arrived for this establishment.
Prof. Charles A. Jones, musician, does not go with Warner's Circus this season, as has been stated. He has settled in Grand Rapids, Mich., and does not intend to travel.
The Madagascar Family are engaged for the sideshow of Barnum's World's Fair by Batcheller and Doris.
Fred Barclay, of Maginley & Co.'s Circus is practicing at O'Brien's ring building, Frankford, Pa.
Wm. La rue, with his two sons, can be engaged. Business: posturing and a bareback hurdle act.
New York Clipper, March 21, 1874. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
A. W. Davis’ Moral Show, Museum and Menagerie will start from Detroit, Mich. about May 1, and Mr. Davis has arranged with J. M. French for the loan of eight cages of animals. . . .
Mlles. Adele Cottrell and Louise Fredericks, equestriennes; Cottrell, trick clown; Fredericks, globe performer and gymnast; and Almonte, clown; all From Hengler’s Grand Cirques, London and Glasgow - sailed from Liverpool on March 12 to join John H. Murray’s Great Railroad Circus.
The Sells Brothers of Columbus, O., were in Philadelphia last week, and while there engaged the Moroscos - three very good gymnasts . . .
G. G. Grady’s Circus, Museum and Menagerie give their first show at Parsons, Kas. March 28, thence to Independence 30, Fredonie 31, Neodesha April 1, Coyville 2, Eureka 3, Eldorado 4, Augusta 6, Douglass 7, Winfred 8, Arkansas City 9, Wellington 10, Belle Plain 11, Whichiti 13, Newton 14, Peabody 15, Florence 16, Cottonwood 17, Emporia 18, Burlington 20, Neoska Falls 21, Humboldt 22, thence into Missouri.
Lew Faust, who for many years chief of the paste brigade with the Great Eastern Circus, has gone into the billposting business at Reading, Pa. . . .
H. Lamkins, leaper and tumbler, has been engaged for the coming season with Van Amburgh & Co.’s show, for which J. D. Higgins is manufacturing two new tents of a large size. Hyatt Frost has gone West to the winter quarters.
Wooten & Andrews’ Menagerie and Calisthenic Exposition is reported as doing an excellent business in South Carolina. Route: Martin’s Depot March 18, Clinton 19, Lawrensville 20, . . . Anderson 24, Pendleton 25, Williamstown 26, Pickensville 27, Plesasant Grove 28, Spartansburg, 30, Jonesville 31, Unionville April 1, Pinckneysville 2, Yorkville 3, Greenville 4.
The Great Eastern Circus was at Austin, Texas Mrach 9, Giddings 10, Narasota 11, Bryan 12, Hearne, 13 Calvert 14.
Frank Mitchell (colored), hurdle rider, can be addressed per advertisement.
Jas. Arbuckle would like to hear from Frank A. Ward, hurdle rider; Bob Miller, cannon ball performer; the Clifton Bros., gymnasts; and Jas. T. Johnson.
The Alvera Brothers, horizontal bar performers, leapers and tumblers, whose address find elsewhere, can be engaged.
Edward Barry, acrobat and change artist, wants to apprentice himself to a circus manager or family of gymnasts.
Clifford Leopar, gymnast, can be addressed as per card in another column.
Irene McAllister and Arthur Latour, gymnasts and bar performers, advertise that they can be engaged.
Geo. Richards and the Livingstone Brothers - Frank and Adolph - whose address find elsewhere, can be engaged. Business: horizontal bar, comic stilt and cannon ball acts; balancing, plate spinning, leaping and tumbling.
Sig. Francis, juggler, balancer and plate spinner, wants an engagement with a circus.
A black rhinoceros and cage are advertised for sale fro $5,000 cash, in Shreveport, by James Cumpaton.
New York Clipper, Supplement, April 18, 1874. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
. . . detail the expenses of conducting a circus, or a circus and menagerie combined, aiming to adhere strictly to facts, relying upon the reader the while to bear in mind that there is a wide difference in values between the good and the best, and that genius and superlative attainments win a princely reward.
While every branch of the show business is “risky,” so much depending for success upon experience, business tact and an established name, the circus and menagerie is peculiarly precarious, and thousands of dollars are often sunk in a single season. The investment required for putting on the road a circus and menagerie varies from $15,000 to $300,000. The salary list, an important item is enumerated as follows: General agents, from $1,000 to $5,000 per season; assistant agents $20 to $30 per week; press agents, $25 to $100 per week; treasurers, $15 to $40 per week; programme agents, $30 to $50 per month; band leaders from $30 to ?? per week; musicians, from $15 to $25 per week; principal equestrians, from $50 to $150 per week, but as high as $500 per week have been paid; premiere equestriennes, $60 to $200 per week; clowns, $40 to $150 per week, and the privilege of disposing of song-books, which often secures a goodly income to the vocal humorist - Dan Rice, at the height of his popularity, received for a season of twenty-six weeks the magnificent stipend of $26,000; gymnasts and acrobats, $25 to $100 per week; female gymnasts sometimes command “fancy” figures, a prominent aerial performer having the past Winter refused $125 per week; equestrian directors, $20 to $40 per week; boss canvasmen, $75 to $150 per month; boss hostlers, $75 to $150 per month; masters of transportation, $50 to $100 per month; propertymen, $30 to ?? per month; canvasmen, grooms and supers, $20 to $30 per month. In every instance, in addition to the above salaries, hotel bills and transportation are at the expense of the management. The number of employees varies from 60 to 350 men. Ring horses are worth from $500 to $2,000. Trick horses are of fabulous value - in fact, are not in the market.
The minimum and maximum value of animals, etc., which comprise the attractions of the menagerie are as follows: Elephants, from $4,000 to $10,000; lions, $2,000 to $3,000; lionesses, $1,000 to $2,000; Bengal tigers, $1,500 to $2,500; leopards and small animals of the feline species, $300 to $500; rhinoceroses, $3,000 to $10,000; hyenas, $200 to $300; Emu, $200 to $300; monkeys, $15 to $300 - price depending upon either size or rarity of species; serpents, $150 to ???, white bears, $500 to $1,000; black bears, $50 to $100; grizzly bears, $200 to $500; dromedaries, $400 to ???; double-humped camels, $1,000; gnu, or horned horse, $1,000 to $1,500; tapirs, $500 to $800; elands, $200 to $500; ostriches, $200 to $500; cassowaries, $200 to $300; macaw birds, $25 to $40. Only one hippopotamus has ever been exhibited in this country. No doubt, for a specimen of this rare beast, $25,000 would be freely paid. Giraffes are very rare indeed, and besides being short-lived in this climate, are liable to die on the importer’s hands while at sea. They are valued at not less than $10,000 each.
The maintenance of a large menagerie is an enormous and constant expense. For half a year, unless traveling in the Southern States, or exhibiting in an amphitheatre, immense quantities of food are consumed, and the mortality among the beasts is unavoidable, requiring continual additions to refill the cages. While some of the animals are hardy and long-lived, the rares and more expensive ones seem to meet with more frequent mortality.
Be the show either circus or menagerie, every Winter, after returning from a tour of from twenty-six to thirty weeks, there is necessarily a large outgo for repairs and the manufacture, in part or entire, of a new outfit, giving occupation to wagon, harness, saddle and costume makers until Spring.
In the matter of advertising, the tent show manager exhibits great enterprise, his bills for printing lithographs, etc. For a season amounting to from $10,000 to $50,000(?), while his advertisements in the local press are liberal. . . . The daily expenses of the tent-show, taking the most inferior cross-road to the finest in the land, varies from $300 to $2,000 per day, and perhaps, in an exceptional case, $3,000. To meet these expenditures the manager’s revenues are derived from his receipts and the sale of what are termed “the privileges,” which consist of the concert, candy stand and outside or “side” shows. These command from $1,000 to $35,000 per season. Local expenses are swollen by the payment of licenses, lot rent, expense of erecting billboards, and billboard rent. Many large companies encamp all their ring and road stock, and in a canvas hotel accommodate their canvasmen and grooms, thereby obtaining rest for man and beast at first cost. Good judgement is required on the part of managers and agents as to the routes to be taken. Advertisers and writers are also selected with care, much depending upon the quality of their services - in fact, men of experience are ever sought for to represent the company in advance, and their valuable services are fitly remunerated. Often, while two or more companies are advertising and exhibiting in the same section of country, a rancorous war is fought by the rival managers - on paper. As a rule, more ink is spilled than blood, and the printer, if not the warring managers, is benefitted thereby. It is to be regretted that at times the paper pellets of the director of publication do him anything but honor, being rather a reflection upon the profession, than a credit to it.
The days were when the advent of the circus or menagerie was a signal for all the ruffians where exhibitions were given to unite in attack upon the showman; but lately the local authorities have arrived at the conclusion that the tent show manager, who has paid a license as fixed by the civil magnates, is entitled to protection and to the benefits to be derived from the execution of the law and justice.
The Number and Names of Shows Traveling Since 1870
According to the Clipper’s record, we find that in 1870 there were twenty-eight shows upon the road, as follows: Van Amburgh & Co.’s (two shows), the European Circus, Yankee Robinson’s, George F. Bailey’s, J. M. French’s, Adam Forepaugh’s, John Robinson’s, James L. Thayer’s, L. B. Lent’s, C. T. Ames’, P. A. Older’s, Stone & Murray’s, G. W. de Haven’s, the Metropolitan, Campbell’s, O’Brien’s Menagerie, Ward’s American Star, W. W. Noyes’, Gardner & Forepaugh’s, Hemming’s, Cooper & Whitby’s, G. G. Grady’s, John Stowe’s, The Reynolds’ Menagerie, Alex. Robinson’s, J. T. Johnson & Co.’s, John Wilson’s, and Wheeler & Cushing’s.
In 1871, twenty-six shows started out. These included P. T. Barnum’s, Van Amburgh & Co.’s (two shows), G. G. Grady’s, G. F. Bailey’s, Wootten & Haight’s, C. W. Noyes, Rosston, Springer & Henderson’s, James Robinson’s, Cole & Orton’s, John Robinson’s, James Robinson’s, Agnes Lake’s, Adam Forepaugh’s, Kincade’s, John O’Brien’s (three shows), the Commonwealth, P. A. Older’s, J. E. Warner & Co.’s, John Stowe & Son’s, Alex. Robinson’s, E. Stowe’s, Stone & Murray’s, Howe’s London, and L. B. Lent.
In 1872, there were thirty-one shows traveling: Adam Forepaugh’s, John Robinson’s, J. E. Warner & Co.’s, G. G. Grady’s, the Sells Brothers’, W. W. Cole’s, P. T. Barnum’s, Kleckner & the Conklin Brothers’, John O’Brien’s, . . . P. A. Older’s, George F. Bailey’s, the North American, Alex. Robinson’s, Van Amburgh & Co.’s, Stone & Murray’s, James Robinson’s, Rosston, Springer & Henderson’s, Dan Rice’s, the World’s circus, Howe’s London, Central Park Menagerie, the Grand Eastern, . . . C. W. Noyes’, James E. Cooper’s, Grand Forest City Circus, Van’s Grand Olympic Show, Saxby, Dunbar & Co.’s, L. B. Lent’s, and the Heywood Brother’s.
In 1873 the number was reduced to twenty-two: P. T. Barnum’s, L. B. Lent’s, the Great Eastern, Adam Forepaugh’s, W. W. Cole’s, G. G. Grady’s, Montgomery Queen’s, Dan Rice’s, the great Chicago Show, John Robinson’s, J. E. Warner’s, Alex. Robinson’s, John O’Brien’s, Howe’s London, the Sells Brothers’, Robbins & Co.’s, the Keystone State, the Central Park Menagerie, John H. Murray’s, J. M. Hudson’s, G. F. Bailey & Co.’s and Van Amburgh & Co.’s.
1875
New York Clipper, February 20, 1875, p. 375. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Van Amburgh & Co.’s Great Golden Menagerie, Circus and Colosseum, which is now wintering at Cambridge, Ind., is being put in thorough order for the coming tenting season. the show will be more than twice as large as any hitherto run by Van Amburgh & Co. The circus and menagerie will be enlarged, the number of cages increased, and new wardrobe, baggage wagons, etc., will be added. The circus company will include twenty-eight performers. The band, concert performers, and all the principal men have already been engaged. B. Crosby, the agent, will have nine assistants; and a tableau wagon, with a chime of bells, drawn by six horses, will be sent ahead as a bill wagon. The menagerie will be exhibited separately, under a six-pole tent, and the circus under a new 150 ft. round-top. In the grand entry will be seen fifty horses and ponies, two elephants, ten camels, six buffaloes, for elks, and sixty men, women and children.
The concert, sideshow, and all other privileges are offered for sale with Sam Cole’s Dominion Circus. . . .
Tom Keyes, who has been wintering at Fort Wayne, Ind., joins the Sells Brothers’ Circus at Columbus, O., this week.
Sam H. Joseph, recently with “Old” John Robinson’s Circus, is now in this city preparing the literary matter for two or three shows. Several managers are negotiating for his services for the coming season, but as yet he has not closed with anyone.
The Oriental Circus and Menagerie will this season be under the management of J. Cameron, with fred Keeler as general advance agent. Barney Carroll and family, with their ring stock, Mlle. Victoria, trapeze performer, and Jerry Blossom have already been engaged.
Messrs. Howes and Cushing of the United States Circus and Trained Animal Exhibition, dispatched an agent to England on Feb. 13, in the steamship City of Montreal, to engage talent for their concern, which will take the road early in April. . . .
P. H. Seamon, clown and comic singer, with his talking heads, desires an engagement the coming season with a circus or traveling combination . . .
Miss Clarinda Lowande, bareback rider, and Alex Lowande, rider, both having their own horses, advertise for an engagement during the coming season.
Jennie Tournour, aerial artists, equestrienne, etc., is still at liberty to negotiate for engagements . . .
Theodore Loyal, flying trapeze artist, desires an engagement for himself and wife during the coming season. . . .
The entire property of the Great Eastern and the Great Southern Circuses will be sold at public auction on Feb. 26. The list includes a valuable collection of animals and circus property . . .
New York Clipper, October 16, 1875. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
The tent used by “Yankee” Robinson’s Hippodrome, which collapsed in St. Paul, Minn., is now erected in Exchange street, opposite the State Capitol, in that city, and is occupied for revival meeting.
J. M. Carrington’s Southern Aggregation exhibited in Greenhill, Ala., Oct. 4, Rogersville 5, Cortland 6, Moulton 7, Decatur 8, Huntsville 9.
Geo. R. Bronson, general agent Howe’s London Show, was in Charleston, S.C. during the past week. That show makes a stand there about Oct. 25.
The following “Charlies” met in Harrisburg during the past week: Charles H. Castle, Charles Stow, Charles Melville, Charles Sivalls, Charles Fisher and Charles Pell - six advance agents with the same Christian name.
Howe’s London Circus is billed for Atlanta, Ga., Oct. 11, 12, Gainesville 13, Greenville, S.C. 14, Spartanburg 15, Charlotte, N.C. 16.
Forepaugh’s Aggregation is to exhibit in Albany, N.Y. Oct. 12.
E. Fritz, now performing with Howes & Cushing's cirucs, and last of Cassim & Fritz, advertises for a good understander, his partner having left for Europe.
Circuses, New York Clipper, November 27, 1875. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
G. N. Robinson, one of the sons of John Robinson, the well-known circus proprietor and manager, was married to Miss Emma Louisa Lake Thatcher, at the Peabody House, Memphis, Tenn., on Nov. 16, by the Rev. Dr. White of Calvary Church, in that city. the bride is a daughter of an old showman, the late William Lake, whose real name was Thatcher.
All the animals owned by P. T. Barnum that are stored at Bridgeport, Ct., until the great sale, Nov. 29, in a commodious building, are being exhibited every afternoon to large throngs of citizens and people from the neighboring towns, who are attracted by the exceedingly low rate of admission, 25 and 15 cents. These exhibitions are to take place daily until the auction.
John Henry Cooke, who was at date of latest advices performing with Hengler’s Circus in Hull, Eng., is thus noticed by the press of that town: “What can be finer in their way than the performances of Mr. J. H. Cooke? His feats are unique for the most part, and, when they are not peculiar to himself, they have a special excellence that casts into the shade executors of similar feats. He appears welded to the back of the horse when he is not vaulting or leaping from it, and he incontinently returns to his firm, immovable footing, as if drawn by some powerful, magnetic attraction. Then his jugglery on horseback would be an almost unattainable achievement to ordinary professors on the solid ground, and his manly, graceful, and still unaffected bearing wins the hearts even of the men - we dare not express any opinion as to the emotions inspired in the breasts of the other sex.” Hull Daily Times, Oct. 23. “Mr. John Henry Cooke, is one of the best horsemen that ever crossed a saddle. When his steed is at full speed, he jumps from the ring on its back, and remains standing erect, notwithstanding the rapidity of the horse’s motion. Hull News, Oct. 30.
Robinson’s Big Show is to be in Grenada, Miss. Nov. 22, Canton 23, Kosciusko 24, Water Valley 25, Holly Springs 27, and Jackson, Tenn. 30. A hot fight is going on between this and the Howes show, creating a great deal of excitement in that section of the country. They are a day apart only.
Howe’s London Circus is billed to show in Canton, Miss. Nov. 22, Grenada 23, and Water Valley 24.
Howe’s London Circus and Sanger’s English Menagerie exhibited in New Olrleans, La. Nov. 16, 17, 18. The street parade, it is said, was the finest ever seen in that city.
John Robinson’s Circus exhibited in Memphis, Tenn. Oct. 16, 17, 18. Wm. H. Batcheller, late of Cole’s Circus, was there, and on owing to the illness of Robert Stickney, appeared in his stead. Mr. Batcheller will join Howe’s Circus at Jackson, Miss. Nov 19. The route of Robinson’s Circus is Hernando, Miss. 19, Sardis 20, Grenada 22.
1876
New York Clipper, January 29, 1876, pp. 347, 351. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
The Belmonts, Lotina and Charles, can be engaged for the coming season. Double trapeze, leaping and tumbling. Also Little Daisie, 4 1/2 years old, in her beautiful carrying and two-pony act. She also sings and dances. All three first-class for the concert.
Dan Rice's Show, which is advertised to visit all river towns south of St. Louis, is said to be doing a very successful business. . . .
Noyes' Circus is in St. Louis, Mo., showing at Deagle's Theatre. The following is a list of the company: Sam Stickney, Mrs. C. W. Noyes, Mlle. Gertrude, Mr. and Mrs. Holland, Mrs. S. P. Stickney, Mlle. Ida, Master Horace, Wm. Rollin, the Luando Brothers, Sig. Marquez, Jennie and Albert Lamont, the Holland Bros., Morris and Freeman, Connell and Johnson, and Mons. and Mme. Dennie.
James E. Cooke and Mme. Carlotta De Berg, equestrians, are open for engagements, and can be addressed as per advertisement. The lady can furnish her own horse and riding dog.
Wm. Naylor, equestrian, hurdle rider, etc., can be engaged by addressing as per card.
George Melville, the second son of James Melville, the well known equestrian, was married in this city a short time ago to Miss Anna Morgan, of Brooklyn, L.I. The ceremony was privately performed at No. 161 Henry street, the residence of the officiating clergyman, the Rev. Dr. William P. Estes, pastor of the Alanson Methodist Episcopal Church.
New York Clipper, February 12, 1876. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
The Great Centennial Menagerie and Circus is the title under which G. W. Bushnell & co.’s show (formerly the New York and Pacific Circus and Menagerie) will travel the coming season. . .
Van Amburgh & Co.’s shows are being put in order for the coming campaign. The management has ordered two large new tents, and many workmen are busy repairing and repainting the wagons, cages, etc. Benj. Crosby will be the agent, and C. H. Scott the press agent. S. O. Crosby has rented the candy-stands, but the concert and sideshow privileges are not yet rented. Some of the performers have been engaged as follows: John Foster, clown; Fred. Watson, wife and boy; A. Barnabo, his horses and riding-goat; Watson’s riding-dog; James Kingcade, leaper and running-globe performer; and P. Charvatt, pyramid of bottles and light and heavy balancing.
Prof. H. M. Parker and dogs, including a riding-dog, have been engaged by John H. Murray for the coming tenting season.
Laiscelle and Tilley, acrobats, leapers and tumblers, late of Courtney & Sanford's South American Circus, are open for engagements.
D. S. Gibbonoise, contortionist, advertises that he can be engaged.
Circuses, New York Clipper, February 26, 1876. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
William Manson has been engaged as advance agent with O. P. Hart’s National Circus and Museum for the coming season. Mr. Manson is now in Honesdale, Pa., suffering from a severe attack of fever and auge.
Performers of ability in all branches of the profession are wanted for A. A. Tubbs & Co.’s Great American and European Circus, which will exhibit in Philadelphia during the Centennial, and the concert privilege is offered for sale. Address William T. Aymor, equestrian manager . . .
Claude De Haven has been secured for John H. Murray’s Great Railroad Circus.
Claude Williams goes with Howe’s London Show for the coming season as director of excursion trains.
W. W. Durand is to travel with Forepaugh’s Aggregation the coming season.
Van Amburgh & Co. have engaged F. S. Kopp and band, Joseph Jee and children, Mlle. De Granville “the Lady with Iron Jaws,” B. W. Carroll and family and horses, Andy Gaffney “the American Sampson,” Harry Lambkins, principal leaper, and the Langlois Brothers, Egyptian jugglers. Price’s patent seats will be used, and J. L. Hutchinson runs the sideshow and concert.
Charles Howard, a groom with Chiarini’s Circus died in Pernambuco, S.A., Dec. 14, 1875, or irregular fever, known as the ataxico. He was a single man, 28 years of age, and it is though that he left a sister in Pittsburg, Pa. . . .
The Leslie Brothers and Reinhardt have dissolved partnership, and the former well-known gymnasts will go with O’Brien this season.
J. E. Warner, proprietor of the Great Pacific Show, has already engaged for the next season The Bridges Family and Andrew Gulig, equestrians; Walla and Nella Leonard, gymnasts; Mlle. Valize, iron-jaw specialty; Os. Arbuckle, clown; Mlle. Etta and Jeanette Gaston, contortionists and club-swingers; Messrs. Chas. Coryell, Albert Gaston and B. Richardson, general performers. Prof Charles A. Jones will furnish the band, this being his third season with the establishment. B. M. Stevens will be the advance agent.
H. D. Warner, for five years the advance agent of J. E. Warner’s Great Pacific Circus, has been engaged by G. W. Bushnell & Co., as general agent of their show.
The Victorellis - John and William - can be engaged for the tenting season. Their specialties are acrobatic and comic fiddles.
Mortimer De Mett Fowler, gymnast, advertises elsewhere in this issue.
W. G. Miles, equestrian, now travleing with Cook's Circus, is open for an engagement for the coming season.
Mlle. Celestine, rope and wire walker, can be engaged for the tenting season.
Arrolta, leaper, tumber and trick clown, can be engaged for next season.
Fred Lawrence has been engaged as press agent for John O'Brien's show.
Circuses, New York Clipper, March 4, 1876, p. 391. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
John A. Forepaugh, manager of Forepaugh’s Aggregation, recently purchased for that establishment a curiosity representing “Rome at Night.” It will occupy an entire massive cage, and will be exhibited at night, showing the ancient city by gaslight, with its churches, palaces, parks, streets, squares, hotels, monuments and fountains, while St. Peter’s and the Vatican occupy prominent positions. It is said to be one of the most beautiful works of art ever on exhibition.
Adam Forepaugh landed a fine rhinoceros from a ship at New York Feb. 16. He also imported at the same time a number of smaller beasts and birds. James Martin of Boston is manufacturing an entire new canvas outfit for Mr. Forepaugh. Charley Burrows will “lay out” Forepaugh’s Circus this season, and Prof. Tony Frank will continue to lead the band. Tony has one of the best-drilled circus bands in the country. William H. Franklin, “Comical Willie,” is to clown with Forepaugh’s Circus this season.
G. B. Bunnell is to run the sideshow with P. T. Barnum’s Circus the coming season. There will be one tent 100 ft. by 70, fitted up with stage-scenery and curtains like a regular theatre, in which variety performances will be given by a company of fifty male and female artists, including a ballet troupe of 16 ladies. Adjoining this will be a tent 42 ft. by 30, in which will be exhibited living curiosities, including giants, dwarfs, Albinos, Circassia’s fair women, the “What Is It?” and the Aztec Children. Next to this will be the black tent, containing a diorama illustrating scenes in the history of our country; also moving figures illustrating a scene of horrors, and Dante’s dream of the infernal regions. These three tents will be so arranged that one ticket - price 25 cents - will admit the holders to all of them.
Cooper, Bailey & Co., proprietors of the Great International Allied Shows, have purchased the small African elephant, 38 inches high, now at Central Park, New York. James E. Cooper’s Show will travel entirely by rail this season. The Milton Jaspers - Thomas, Newton, and Mlle. Marie - and the Miller Brothers, gymnasts, are engaged with Cooper, Bailey & Co.
Robert McAndlis, formerly agent of C. W. Noyes’ Circus and treasurer of Forepaugh’s Aggregation, has completed arrangements whereby he will become lessee of the Robinson House, Pittsburg, Pa. He retires from the profession, and will take charge of the hotel in April
It is now asserted that there will be at least three circuses located in Philadelphia during the coming Summer.
James De Mott and family left for Cairo, Ill., on the 20th, to prepare Rothschild & Co.’s Show for the road in the Spring.
Melville, Maginley & Cooke’s Circus is a thing of the past, and will travel no more, the proprietors having engaged themselves for the doming season. Mr. Maginley is to be transportation superintendent of one of the largest shows on the road.
William Dutton, equestrian, travels this season with the great Rothschild’s Consolidation, James De Mott, manager.
E. A. Tinkham goes with the Great International Allied Show as contracting agent.
C. A. Potter is engaged with John Murray’s Circus for the season of 1876. It will be his third season with that circus.
Nick White of Delaware, O., has the candy privileges with Sells Brothers’ Circus the coming season.
W. W. Cole has disposed of his interest in the Adelphi Theatre, Chicago, Ill. . . .
Lem Quillin, jester and clown, advertises that he can be engaged.
Herbert Williams, clown, who has been confined to his room for a long time with serious illness, is recovering his health.
William H. Franklin, "Comical Willie," is to clown with Forepaugh's Circus this season.
Circuses, New York Clipper, March 11, 1876, p. 399. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
The Pullman Brothers of Buffalo, N.Y., are to have the exclusive sideshow privileges with Adam Forepaugh’s Aggregation during the ensuing tenting season. In their principal tent, 80 feet long by 40 wide, they have already engaged to appear the following well-known artists: Madame Lion, the bearded lady; Eli Bowen, “the wonderful man form the Swamps of Texas;” Sprague, the living skeleton; Mariah Nail, the Lilliputian queen; Madagaska lady; Joe Norton, juggler; the wild man from the Island of Ceylon; and the North Carolina twins. Ed. Sackett is to be the solicitor. For the concert entertainment Billy Hart, Irish comedian; G. Brooks Clark, vocalist; and Frank Howe and wife, who do the rifle-shooting a la Frank Frayne, have been secured. Daniel Hertzog retains the candy stand privileges.
Cook’s English and American Circus is to be in Helena, Ark. March 15.
Emma Jutau and George Brown, trapeze performers, are to join Howe’s London Circus, which starts from St. Louis, Mo.
W. R. Ashe, clown, and Hercules Libby, ringmaster, are engaged for the coming season with J. E. Warner’s Show.
Wash. Coles, eccentric character artist and stump orator, desires an engagement with a concert, and advertises that he can make himself generally useful.
G. W. Kelley, having recovered frominjuries lately sustained, desires to negotiatie for the coming season. He advertises his business as leaps and long comic stilts, and that his wife can also gbe engaged for entries and processions.
Dick Elliott, sideshow talker, is open for engagement.
L. S. Heighes, magician, clown, door blower, etc., desires an engagement.
Will H. Stowe, proprietor and manager of Cook's Great English and American Circus, can be addressed per advertisement.
Riley, juggler, announces that he will trael this season with John Robinson's World's Exposition.
Mlle. Louise Cottrell, principal rider, and John Cottrell, running globe tumbler and leaper, advertise for engagements.
New York Clipper, April 1, 1876, p. 7. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
The "American and European Equestrian Aggregation" is the title of a circus that will show at the corner of Broad and Callowhill streets, Philadelphia, during the coming Centennial season. A. A. Tubbs & Co. are the proprietors, and Charley Whitney is to be director of publications.
George W. Murray, clown and vocalist, and his wife are engaged wiht Burr Robbins Circus for the coming season.
Rich. Grady, with his educated hog, is ready for an engagement with a sideshow. He advertises that he has new printing.
James Le Claire and Mlle. Leona, trapeze artists, want to engage for the tenting season. Mr. Le Claire advertises that he can also act as second clown, and is a vocalist.
Claude De Haven closed his engagement with Tony Pastor March 17, and at once commenced his labors with John H. Murray’s Railroad Circus, which opens in Brooklyn, N.Y., at the Rink, April 15, for seven days.
William Kennedy is engaged as one of the clowns with Howe’s London Circus for the coming season. Mr. Kennedy has worn the motley since 1848, and is decidedly popular with the masses.
Melville, Maginley & Cook’s Circus was sold on March 25 to the Messrs. Mabie, who propose to combine it with their menagerie for a tour of the West the coming season.
Wm. R. Forepaugh, equilibristic trapeze performer, and Max Walhalla, and J. S. Leopold, triple horizontal-bar performers, are engaged with Forepaugh’s Circus and Menagerie for the coming season.
The Leslie Brothers - Louis and Fred - leave Frankford, Pa., April 1, for Cairo, Ill., to join the Rothschilds’ Show which opens 15.
Prof. Parker and dogs will travel during the tenting season with J. H. Murray's Circus.
New York Clipper, April 8, 1876. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Van Amburgh & Co.’s New Great Golden Menagerie, Circus and Colosseum. the proprietors and officers are as follows: Sole proprietors Hyatt Frost and O. J. Ferguson; general contracting agent, Benjamin Crosby, assisted by H. Dartsmouth, hotel contractor; G. Messmore for camp supplies; and H. G. Hines for feed for horses and animals; press agents C. H. Scott and H. Levantine; advertising agent J. J. Justice, who will be assisted by twenty billposters, divided into five gangs - gang No. 1, H. Smith, G. Nelson, T. Wallace and H. W. Miner; gang No. 2, R. Merritt, P. Sullivan, G. Henry and E. Doty; gang No. 3, W. R. Thompson, E. Miller, H. T. Snyder and F. Tinmouth; gang No. 4, E. R. Wilson, H. Blecker, F. Gregory and T. H. Goodnow; gang No. 5, Wm. Adriance, T. Paul, M. J. Haight and N. Strang; director of the circus - Joseph Jee Sr.; second master of canvas - James Herbert; master of stable and sleeping tents - David Wiltshire; master of grooms - C. K. Woods, assisted by H. F. Montross and W. M. Lewis; master of transportation - Mr. Moseles; master of wardrobe - Walter Fryburger, assisted by T. Henry and G. H. Gilroy; director of street parade - R. B. Moses; lalyer-out - J. L. Hauley; superintendent of reserved seats - G. L. Colyer; treasurer - O. J. Ferguson; assistant treasurer - W. L. Bouton; superintendent of camp - James P. Cole; leader of brass band - Herr Kopp Sr.; leader of string band - Herr Kopp Jr.; superintendent of the refreshment department - S. O. Crosby.
Clown - John Foster.
Circus Company - Andrew Gaffney, cannon-ball performer; W. B. Carroll, wife and three children; Frederick Watson, wife and child; Mlle. De Granville, the lady with jaws of iron; A. Bernabo and child, James Kingcade, F. P. Charvat, Felix Langlois, Louis Langlois, H. Lamkins, Miss Minnie Jee, Joseph Jee Jr., Mr. Adolton, Mlle. Annie, Master Leon, Master Willie, Chas. Johnson, and a few others whose contracts have not yet been signed.
Trick-horse - Lady Godiva.
Performing Elephants - Boliver, Ajax, Pizarro, Hannibal Jr. and Jenny.
Number of Tents Used - Two; the circus tent will be a three-centrepole, 160 ft. wide and 320 long; the menagerie tent will be a six-centrepole, 150 ft. wide by 600 long; men employed - 224; horses - 388; cages of animals - 61.
Superintendent of Sideshow - Edgerly & Cole; superintendent of concert - James D. Roome.
Winter quarters - Amenia, N.Y., from which place the show will start about the middle of April.
This establishment has had a continuous existence for upwards of half a century, having been organized in the city of New York in 1821. Manager for thirty-one consecutive years, Hyatt Frost; treasurer, O. J. Ferguson. These two gentlemen are its sole owners, having purchased from their former partners their entire interests, and during the past Winter re-fitted, re-embellished, and reorganized every department connected with it.
There will be twelve imported Percheron Norman horses, weighing upwards of eighteen hundred pounds each, lately purchased in France, and now on the ocean. Also on the same vessel are two golden tableau-cars, the height of which, when elevated for the procession, will be nearly twenty-two feet. The Company will also run their golden chariot and Egyptian tableau-car; also their golden cages and golden baggage-wagons.
Among the most prominent features in the menagerie will be a double-horned rhinoceros, a hippopotamus hog, a river horse from the Amazon, a white Tartary yak, and African addax, and Asiatic nylghau, and aoudad of Barbary, and African blesbok. In addition may be seen lions, tigers, birds, monkeys, etc.; in short, all the varieties of animals found in a first-class menagerie. A United States detective will accompany the show. The brass band will number 24 pieces. Five four-horse teams will be used in the advertising department.
Thomas Pensinger has rented the candy stand with J. E. Warner's Museum, Menagerie and Circus for 1876.
Herbert Brothers, gymnasts, are engaged with J. E. Warner's show.
John L. Davenport, clown, and Ella Davenport, in carrying act and entrees, also song-and-dance, banjo solos, etc., in concert, are open for an engagement.
Frank R. Clifton, who left Chiarini's Circus in Rio Janeiro, Brazil, has arrived in Philadelphia, Pa.
Mlle. Dott Parento, wire ascentionist, trapeze and horizontal bar performer, assisted by Mons. Lue Parento, can be engaged for the tenting season.
Belle Celeste and Frank Monroe, aerial gymnasts can be engaged for the tenting season.
John Robinson's Museum, Menagerie and Circus begins its campaign at Exposition Hall, Cincinnati, O., April 10, where it will remain one week.
New York Clipper, April 15, 1876, p. 23. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Licenses in Montreal, Canada. The Council of Montreal have just adopted the following tariff for licenses: Circuses, menageries, minstrel-shows, etc., cannot exhibit without obtaining a license, which costs $250, and $100 extra for each and every day the exhibition is open. There is a proviso which allows the Mayor to reduce the rates “when such exhibition or performance is of a minor character, or of but little interest.” The above, we think, amounts to a prohibition of amusements of that class, and we opine traveling shows will give Montreal a wide berth.
Charles Scott, known to the circus profession by the name of Le Hellea, and who is said to be a son of Thos. Scott and Mlle. Hellea, is in distressed circumstances in Cincinnati, O. He has recently lost a leg by a railroad accident, and at present is in the pest-house in that city, having contracted smallpox while selling cheap jewelry in the streets. . . .
John Robinson’s Circus, Menagerie and Museum opens its season at Exposition Hall, Cincinnati, O., April 10.
Van Amburgh & Co.’s Menagerie, Circus and Coliseum are to give their first exhibition this season at Amenia, N.Y. April 19. A white camel was born there April 2.
Ed. Fritz and Kitty Sharpe Fritz left Saratoga, N.Y. April 10 to join Cooper & Bailey’s Circus in St. Louis, Mo.
Maude and Albert Gaston are to travel this season with J. E. Warner’s Pacific Circus.
The Ohio Fat Family, consisting of Mme. James and her two sons, advertise for an engagement with a sideshow.
D. B. Gillam, ringmaster and general performer, with his trick horse, Comet, is open for an engagement.
Jas. H. Callahan is open for an engagement for the tenting season in bar and leaping business. He advertises that his wife can also be engaged to ride in entree.
New York Clipper, October 14, 1876, p. 231. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
The Parisian Circus is doing a good business at Operti's Tropical Garden, West Philadelphia, especially in the evenings. . . . S. Q. Stokes, a veteran in the business, is the manager, with C. E. Blanchett as the business manager, and Charles Whitney as the director of publications, this trio's well known ability being an ample guaranty for the excellence of the performance here given. The following is a correct list of the company: The Mette Family, Mlle. Lowanda, Mlle. Ella and Mlle. Florence, equestriennes; Walla and Nellie Leonard, the "Man and Woman Fish;" John Le Clair, juggler; the Fredericks, trapeze performrs; with Jimmy Reynolds, Ted almonte and James Aymar as the clowns.
Dr. Jas. L. Thayer, the well known jester, now holds a responsible position in connection with hte Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia, hae had last week the charge of the Cattle Show there given.
Charley Whitney, who has served an apprenticeship of over twenty years in the circus profession as agent or manager, had the misfortune in the spring of 1873 to meet with an accident that compelled the amputation of one of his legs, and ever since then has been a cripple. Latterly, through the kindness of Wm. Bunn, Isaac Street, S. Q. Stokes, the Mette Brothers, and the members of the Parisian Circus at Operti's Garden, Philadephia, he has been enabled to purchase a handsome cook leg to replace the one amputated, and Mr. Whitney desires to reutrn his sincere and heartfelf thanks to the above-named gentlemen for putting him once more on his feet. He is now installed ass the door keeper of the Grant Central Variety Theatre, besides acting as press agent for the Parisian Circus, Philadephia, and presents a much improved appearance since he donned his new leg, which he did for the first time Oct. 2.
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