Circus Historical Society
Excerpts From the New York Clipper - 1880s, 1891
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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 Judy Griffin.
1880
New York Clipper, January 17, 1880, p. 339. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Daniel K. Prescott, formerly a showman, died in St. Louis, Mo. Jan. 7. One of his legs was affected with a white swelling and was amputated a short time ago, the effect causing his death. His cals circus venture collapsed in Texas in May 18??, since which time he has been in St. Louis engaged in buying and selling blooded stock.
Asa Berry will have charge of stock and act as veterinary surgeon with Forepaugh next season.
Miss Belle Celeste and Dashway and Monroe, gymnasts, trapeze and horizontal bar performers, would like to hear from a circus party of the coming season. . . .
Dibolo will travel the coming season with the Sells Brothers' Railroad Shows as manager of concert and sideshow.
Joel S. Davidson, clown, late of the Sells Brothers' Circus, is resting in Nashville, Tenn.
James Holloway is with Chiarini's Circus in New Zealand.
L. P. Lehr, horizontal bar performer, tumbler and leaper, desires an engagement.
Robert Stickney & John H. Murray reopen the Siege of Paris building, Boston, Mass., Jan. 12, as a first class circus, the performers being Charles Fish, Mlle. Lottie, Jennie Tournour, Emma Stickney, Willie Aymar, Charles Ewer, Walter Ayman, the Mette Brothers, the Carroll Brothers, Murray and Runnells, Butler and Cary, Professor White's troupe of educated dogs, and Sam Stickney, Pico, and Fred Aymar as clowns.
New York Clipper, January 24, 1880, p. 347. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
F. P. Charvat, equilibrist, is engaged for the tenting season of 1880 with Van Amburgh & Co.'s Circus and Menagerie, and it will be his seventh consecutive season with that company.
The experiment of establishing a winter circus in Boston, Mass., has thus far proved successful, the Siege of Paris building - where Murray & Stickney's New York Circus performed the past week - containing large audiences each evening. The building is admirably adapted to the sports of the arean, the ring being placed in the centr of the circular building, the orchestra seated on the stage, and retiring and dressing rooms are in close proximity. . . . The season closes 24.
Ella Stokes is at liberty for the coming season. Her business includes a principal act, bareback and menage.
J. J. Showles has been engaged as general agent of Hilliard & Demott's Pacific Circus and menagerie for the season of 1880.
New York Clipper, March 6, 1880, p. 395. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
El Nino Eddie, tight rope performer, has engaged with the Pullman Bros. for the coming season.
The Silas Dutton Southern Circus, under the management of George W. De Haven, is now on a tour through the southern states, playing in New Orleans, Oa., this week; thence into Texas for the summer circuit. They travel by wagon, and represent their outfit as being an excellent one. P. F. Seamon is the clown, C. H. Lowry the hurdel rider is also with them. Performers, especially female riders, are wanted.
Main & Burdick's Quadruple Combination opens in Trumbull, O., May 1. The following performers have been engaged: E. Leopold and Nellie Thorne, Pettit and White, Charels Pettit, Harry Wentworth, Frank Loos, D. F. Shrene, the Lorenda Brothers; also all the performers and the same band that were with the show last season. M. L. Main is the general agent.
Z. W. Sprague's circus organization is rapidly approaching completion. A building has been erected in Dundee, Ill., where horses and men are training. Mr. Mayo will be the superintendent, and E. C. Thurber business manager.
New York Clipper, March 13, 1880, p. 403. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Robert Stickney's Imperial Parisian Circus began a season of indefinite lenght in the Front Street Theatre, Baltimore, March 1. The show proved attractive. The following company appeared: Robert and Sam Stickney, Satsuma, Andrew and Celia Showers, Fred Aymar, Mlle. Viola, the Lenton Bros., Emma Stickney, Murray, Runnels and Lenton, Lizzie Keys, A. Vanzandt, Miss Lottie, the O'Brien Bros., and E. Wambold. After their Baltimore engagement they are to open in Cincinnati, O.
Prof. Sam Rhinehart and dogs are engaged with the Sells Brothers for the coming season.
A lady trapeze artist and other performers are wanted for Marks, Lutyen & Co.'s Mammoth sendation Circus. Circus property and trained animals are also wanted, and the privileges are offered for sale.
R. H. Witiger hurdle and bareback rider, can be engaged.
Arthur Nelson and Mme. Blanche, who have just arrived from Havana, Cuba, hwere they have been performing with the Orrin Brothers' Metropoltan Circus, advertise for an engagement in their scene act riding.
"Yank" Newell, agent of the May Fisk Blondes, leaves that company March 15 to join Bachelor & Dorris Menagerie and Circus in Kansas City, Mo.
New York Clipper, May 1, 1880, p. 43. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Wash. Blodgett is to go in advance of Sprague's Colossal Circus this season.
S. Dutton's Southern Circus which started from Chicago, Ill., in May 1879, and has been performing in the South during the past winter, is expected to reach Marshall, Texas, May 1. The organization includes G. W. De Haven, manager; J. H. Trewolla, general agent; C. H. Lowry, equestrian direcotr; J. McCarty, boss ostler; and J. Bradick, boss canvasman. Performers: Charles Orvill, P. H. Seamon, W. Sparks, W. Walcot, C. H. Lee, W. Ward, C. Dever, Dr. Newton, Miss Mayo, Mris. Seasomn, Mrs. Sparks and Mrs. Dever. They have about ninety horses.
Robert Stickney's Imperial Circus, Museum and Menagerie gives its first shows this season in Pittsburg, Pa., April 26 and 27. A lioness belonging to the circus of Robert Stickney died April 22 of pneumonia. It was valued at $2,500, and left two handsome cubs.
New York Clipper, July 3, 1880, p. 119. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Driesbach's Juvenile Female Brass and String Band and cage of trained canary birds left Bartine's Five-clown Show at New Paris, O., June 18.
James Bensley, gymnast, joined the Forepaugh show in Port Huron, Ont., June 19.
Boyd & Peter's Circus and Menagerie were in Cadiz, O., June 22. A correspondent says: "Their bill wagon was detained here one week by the agents, waiting for money to lift their printing, which was C.O.D.
The Great Interocean Circus is billed to exhibit in Milwaukee, Wis., July 3.
Dan Costello's Circus exhibited in Denver, Col., June 22.
Kingcade and son, general performers, advertise that they are open for an engagement.
Hamilton's New York Circus is billed in Middleton, Md., June 28, Lovettsville, Va., 29, Leesburg 30, Snicknersville July 1, Berryville 2, Winchester 3, Middletown 5, Woodstock 6, Newmarket 7, Luray 8, Culpepper C.H. 9.
New York Clipper, August 7, 1880, p. 155. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Harry Beckwith writes from Carbondale, Ill., that business is fine with Thornton's St. Louis Circus.
Dr. Jas. L. Thayer's Circus is announced to give performances afternoon and night of Aug. 9 on the vacant lot at Eighth and Norris streets, Philadelphia, after which date it will continue to exhibit at various other places in and around that city for a week or more.
Robert Stickney's Imperial Circus is billed to show in Hagerstown, Md., Aug. 4.
New York Clipper, August 21, 1880, p. 171. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Dan Ducello's United Exhibitions showed in Guilford, Me., Aug. 10, Harmony 12, Athens 14. Johnny Gardner and Charley Brickwood joined in Dover Aug. 7.
New York Clipper, August 28, 1880, p. 179. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Dan Ducello's New United Exhibitions are to spread canvas in Canton, Me., Aug. 25, Buckfield 26, Bridgton 27, Denmark 28.
Dr. Jas. L. Thayer, minus his show, is in Pittsburg, Pa. The rough treatment the concern met with in Chester, Pa., made it necessary to close up for repairs.
John H. Murray's Circus is to show in Haverstraw, N.Y., Aug. 28.
The Irwin Brothers' United Exhibition is announced in Richmond, Vt., Aug. 23, Essex Junction 24, Burlington 25, Ferrisburg 26, Brookfield 27, Middlebury 31, Sept. 1, 2.
New York Clipper, September 11, 1880, p. 195. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Wm. Mein of of Trumbull, O., recently purchased of Lewis, Potter & Fleming all of the Great Eastern Circus stock, excepting two wagons and the horse Crispin.
The Interocean Circus, Batcheller & Dorris proprietors, exhibited to a large attendance in Indianapolis, Ind., Sept. 1. Our correspondent says: "The menagerie was hardly up to the average in excellence. As regards the ring performance, what was good was very good, and what was bad, was very bad, the clowns being of the latter order."
The Great Interocean Railway Show will make a tour of the South this coming season. People with sensational or specialty acts are wanted. See Batcheller & Doris' card. The show is billed for Bluffton, Ind., Sept. 7, Anderson 8, Union City 9, Sydney, O. 10, Crestline 11 . . .
New York Clipper, November 13, 1880, p. 267. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
D. A. Alden, who has been with W. W. Cole's Show for several seasons as sideshow talker, ventriloquist and lecturer, will pass the winter at his home in Council Grove, Kas.
The Marks Family can be engaged to go South during the winter. They have ring horses and riding dog. One or more of the family can be engaged. See Hiram Mark's card.
New York Clipper, December 25, 1880, p. 315. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Dutton's Southern Circus, now in winter quarters in Aberdeen, Miss., is to start on a tour on or about March 1, 1881.
Leonard Primrose, gymnast, double somersault artist, etc., advertises that he can be engaged for the coming tenting season. He would also be willing to double up with a good, reliable partner.
Marie and Joseph Ashby, bareback trick act riders, now with Hengler's Circus, London, Eng., can be engaged for this country by applying to J. Ashby, as per car.
W. Fred Aymar, grotesque clown, the past season with Sells Bros.' Show, is in town. He is engaged with the same company for next season.
Sam Gladstone is to join Thornton's Circus and Menagerie in Marksville, La., Jan. 1, 1881.
1881
New York Clipper, January 15, 1881, p. 339. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
W. W. Nichols in principal scenes and double horse riding can be engaged.
Signor Lowanda was presented by his wife (a non-professional) with a twelve pound boy Dec. 23, 1880.
Hiram Marks, the well known circus clown, arrived at his home in Louisville, Ky., Jan 6.
Jas. Messenger, cannon ball performer and leaper, can be engaged.
Sam Rinehart, clown, advertises for an engagement.
New York Clipper, January 22, 1881, p. 347. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Dan Shelby of the Shelby, Pullman & Hamilton Menagerie and Circus is still in town, swelling his attractions for the coming season.
Charley Madden, clown and jester, has re-engaged with the Hilliard & De Mott Show for next season, and he is wintering in Tiffin, O.
Robert Stickney's Show is wintering in Memphis, Tenn., in the old car stables, now converted into a museum, with Jack Lawton, clown, as the boss.
New York Clipper, February 5, 1881, p. 363. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Bell, Baldwin and Deckker, acrobats, who do some remarkable feats; Ricardo Bell, equestrian; Mlle. Lottie, trapeze artist; Mlle. Peyres, equilibrist on the invisible wire; and E. Baldwin, crystal pyramids, etc., who are traveling with Courtney's Circus in the West Indies, can be engaged.
Jas. Messenger, cannon ball performer, Indian club juggler and leaper, left for Mexico Jan. __, under engagement with the Orrin Brothers. He returns to New York April 1, and can be engaged.
Horace F. Nichols, ringmaster, equestrian manager or lecturer on animals, can be engaged.
William Delhauer, contortionist and wire ascensionist, has been engaged by the Sells Bros. for next season.
Prof. Steen and wife thank managers with whom they had business relations last season, and state that they have been re-engaged for Old John Robinson's Show for the season of 1881.
Satan, fire king, juggler, plate spinner, assistant, door talker, etc., whose address is care of this office, wants an engagement for the tenting season . . .
New York Clipper, February 19, 1881. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
For Main & Sargent's Show the D'Alma Family, acrobats and gymnasts; Kelly and Haley, Irish comedians; the Birch Brothers, leapers and tumblers; and Pittit and White, song-and-dance, have been engaged.
Mrs. Lowande and family leave Havana, Cuba during the present month for Philadelphia. They can be engaged by applying as per card.
El Nino Eddie, the tight rope dancer, states that he is open for engagements, not having gone to Mexico, as announced. He can be addressed at the Boylston Museum, Boston, Mass.
E. T. Basye, with five horses, can be engaged.
Walter B. Aymar, bareback rider and equestrian director, and his son Willie, somersault rider, are engaged with Cooper & Jackson's Circus and Menagerie for the season of 1881.
For Hilliard & DeMott's Pacific Circus and Menagerie the Gigler Brothers, gymnasts; Dave Castello, bareback and hurdle rider; and Delts Slack, master of canvas, have been secured.
Alice Napier Forepaugh and Ella and Walla Leonard, trapeze artists, etc., whose business is described in another department, would like to hear from managers.
Harry Cordova is engaged for the next tenting season with John O'Brien's Circus Royal as railroad contracting agent.
Mr. and Mrs. Romeo Sebastian celebrated their wooden wedding at their residence in Westend, Jersey City, N.J., during the week ending Feb. 5 . . .
Chas. Gayler is in Buffalo, writing up the paper for the Dan. Shelby, Pullman & Hamilton Show.
New York Clipper, February 26, 1881, p. 387. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
People in all branches of the business are wanted for S. E. Stickney's show, combining a museum and menagerie, which is to start from Memphis, Tenn., March 14. Privileges are for sale.
The billposters, agents and advertisers of the New Great Pacific Show are requested to meet at Columbus, O., Feb. 26. The opening of the season will be at Houston, Texas, March 21. There is to be a grand torchlight parade 19. . . .
Adam Forepaugh Jr. was married Jan. 29, the bride being a non-professional lady. The ceremony took place at the residence of the bride's father, on Lexington avenue, this city.
Chas. Fish, the famous rider, Herr Neygaard's troupe of trained horses, and Mme. Martha's leaping and fire stallions are engaged with Robbins & Colvin's Great American and German Allied Shows for the season of 1881. Col. Robbins left for Janesville, Wis., Feb. 20. . . .
Geo. D. McIntosh is engaged for the advance of the Van Amburg Shows.
Frank Stowe's Show was in Donaldsonville, La., Feb. 14. He has thirty-five people and maong them are the Irwin Brothers, the Lee Brothers, Signor Diabolo, Miss Lee and Byrnes and wire. George Richards has the sideshow.
P. W. Schrader, agent and advertiser, will travel next season with Hillard & DeMott's Pacific Circus.
L. Sascelle and Millie Lefevre, gymnasts, are re-engaged for Burr Robbins' Railroad Circus the coming season.
H. O. Doty, with his dog circus, has closed for next season wiht Cooper & Jackson's European Circus and Menagerie.
New York Clipper, March 19, 1881, p. 411. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
For Shelby, Pullman & Hamilton's Circus and Menagerie, six new cages of animals passted over the Erie Railroad to Buffalo, N.Y., consigned to this company . . .
Performers in various branches of the business (except riders) and living curiosities are wanted for Geo. W. Richards' Show, which is to start from Columbus, O., by wagon, May 1.
Carlotta Laverne and Wm. Francis, aerial performers with other specialties, Mlle. Laverne doing song-and-dance in concert, can be engaged for the tenting season.
Charley Royce, whose address find elsewhere, can be engaged as clown or ringmaster.
George Cash, who is engaged for the tenting season (his seventh with hte Van Amburgh show) is in Connersville, Ind., where he would like to hear from his friends.
New York Clipper, April 16, 1881. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Batcheller & Doris' Railroad Show exhibited in Camden, N.J., to big houses afternoon and night of April 9.
Sam Stickney, with his show, left Memphis, Tenn., by boat, April 2, to join Hudson & Costello's Circus in Pana, Ill.
Welsh & Sands' Great Pacific Circus and Menagerie are to show in Clarksville, Texas, April 25, Paris, 26, Bonham 27, Sherman 28, Denison 29, Gainesville 30.
John H. Murray's Circus opens in Mott Haven, N.Y., 16.
Hawley and Buislay, aerial artists, close with the Barnum Show April 16, and will start on their third trip to South America. A partner with capital is wanted.
Nellie and Gus Alward, Geo. A. Parkhurst, Franie Barry and J. M. Barry are the latest additions to Van Amburgh & Co.'s Show. The date of opening has been changed to April 20.
George S. Garland and Cherrie Chapman are engaged for the concert with Sells Bros. Circus.
Harry G. Lambkin, equilibrist, and Clarinda Lowande, equestrienne, advertise that they can be engaged.
All persons engaged for Shelby, Pullman & Hamilton's United Mastodon Shows are requested to report at Belleville, Ont., not later than April 24, and they must communicate with Dan Shelby, as directed in advertisement, prior to 17.
Fredericks, Gloss and La Van, Russian athletes, who do a balancing Roman ladder act and general business, can be engaged for the tenting season.
Charley Hyatt, only child of Frank Hyatt, died April 8 in Connersville, Ind. His father arrived there from New York the night of 7. Little Charley was widely known among circus people. His funeral took place 10 from the Episcopal church.
Jos. C. Hickey wants an engagement with a sideshow to do a musical act.
People engaged for Hudson & Castello's Show are to assemble April 20 at Pana, Ill.
J. M. Hudson's & Dan Castello's Atlantic Circus, Museum and Menagerie are to open their season in Pana, Ill., April 30. The officers and company are: Hudson & Castello, managers; H. B. Carroll, assistant manager and railroad contractor; W. D. ("Yank") Newell, general agent; John McDunnough, treasurer; F. E. Courtney, contracting agent; J. R. Kennedy, chief of brigade no. 1, with twelve assistants; Geo. Anderson, ostler, aided by ten grooms. The company, which is to perform in two rings at the same time, includes: Riders - the Lowande Family; Miss Hudson, Menage; Mlle. scott, principal; Mlle. Lasaille, bareback somersault; Alice Stickney, principal; W. W. Nicholls and son, scene; Mons. Lagun Leon, bareback; Master Georg Hudson, four pony; and Master Benny Hudson, principal. Acrobats, tumblers and leapers - Mlle. Aida, Chas. Matthews, Mons. Laiselle and son, the three Cooper Brothers, Joyce and lee, Geo. Scott, Wm. Sunlin, Wm. Dome, Edw. Leon Durand, Soimules and Watrigant, the Marvels of Peru; H. Causland, musical clown; Dan Castello, jester; Johnny Sheridan, Irish clown; and C. Laisalle, knock-about; Frank Dartwell, Geo. Finley, James Danielis, F. B. Daugan, Mons. Freibecks and Andrew Calton. There are fourteen cages of animals, two tableau cars, and a band chariot. They are to travel by rail, using 21 cars, 5 stock, 12 flats, 2 sleepers and 1 coach. The principal features are Castello's troupe of trained horses and a herd of performing Durham bulls, six in number.
Prof. Oscar Hunt, aeronaut, advertises for an engagement. He has two new balloons. He wants to rent privileges with some show.
New York Clipper, April 23, 1881. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Mons. L. Laiscelle and Mlle. Le Fevre leave Boston April 25 to join Burr Robbins' Show in Janesville, Wis.
The Gregory Brothers, Charles and George, can be engaged. They do double horizontal bar performances, dancing barrel, cross, etc., specialty leap and tumble.
Charles Decker, leaper and tumbler, formerly top mounter with Ricardo, Bell and Baldwin, has separated from them, and can be secured for the tenting season.
The following artists of the Orrin Brothers' Company arrived here April 14: The Carlo Family, Alberlado Lowande, Mlle. Josephine, Frank Brown, James Cooke,Senor Demonio, James Messenger, T. C. Jones, G. F. Orrin and Little Eddy. . . .
John Robinson's Museum, Circus and Menagerie closed a week of large business in Cincinnati, O., April 16. The principal ring features were the Ashton Brothers, the Holland Brothers, Louis and Emma Alfredo, the Alfredo Chidren, Davenport Brothers, Minnie Marks, Christine Stickney, John Nelson, John Lowlow and William Ashe. The route will be towards St. Louis.
The people engaged for Beckett's Shows are requested to report in Chicago, Ill., Aprill 22.
James H. Frost, well known among circus people, died in Connersville, Ind., April 13, of heart disease. He was a son of Charles Frost and a nephew of Hyatt Frost, both of the Van Amburgh Show. He was twenty-six years old, and left a wife and child.
Abelardo Lowande, somersault rider, who has just arrived from Mexico, advertises that he will accept an engagement.
The Royal Circus and English Menagerie is billed in Muncy, Pa., April 23, Williamsport 25, Lock Haven 26, Bellefonte 27, Philipsburg 28, Clearfield 29, Hollidaysburg 30, Altoona May 2, Johnstown 3.
O'Brien's Circus showed to fair attendance at Frankford, and outlying district of Philadelphia, afternoon and night of April 16, on which date it began the tenting season, giving a satisfactory show.
Dr. James S. Thayer left Pittsburg, Pa., April 18, to join Van Amburgh's Show in Connersville, Ind.
New York Clipper, April 30, 1881. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
John Wingfield and his "graduated class of canine students" are with John H. Murray's Circus and Menagerie.
The Gregorys, Charles, Delia and George, are to join Robinson's Show in Newport, N.Y., May 7. Charles will take charge of the ring.
Harry G. Lambkin, equilibrist and Clarinda Lowande, bareback rider, advertise for engagements.
Beckett's Great Exposition Circus opened it season in Chicago, Ill., April 23, on the Jones School lot, West Madison street, A. A. Beckett, sole proprietor; Wm. Warner, manager; T. A. Beckett, treasurer; M. A. Watson, general agent; R. L. Warner, master of transportation. The people include Miss Lea Fay, Blanche Nelson, Mlle. Eurenia Bordeaux, Mme. Leon, John L. Davenport, Master Johnnie Davenport, Arthur Nelson, W. T. Aymar, Lotta Raymond, Ella King, Fred Kling and wife, Geo. Sloman, Retlaw and Alton, Young Balzac, the Leons, Eva Kling and Will Martin, clown, Jerry Hopper, Mons. Leonzo, Chas. Harding and Albert Davenport, Fred La Forge, the Charests, Leon's troupe of trained dogs, etc. The initial performance was a great success, financially and artistically, although the Leons, then under the engagement at the Lyceum Theatre, were not allowed to appear, under penalty of forfeiture of salary, by manager Ed. Hillier. The show remains in Chicago until April 30, when it takes to the water in the passenger steamboat Granite State, going round the lakes until June 2, when they take wagons through Michigan and New York State. The advertising steamer Pet will be in advance.
The John H. Murray Circus, Menagerie and Museum and Aquarium will exhibit in Colchester, Ct., April 27, Willimantic 28, Putnam 29, Southbridge, Mass., 30, Webster May 2, Danielsonville, Ct., 3, Jewett City 4.
The Three Russian Athletes - Fredericks, Gloss and La Van - who closed with Maude Forrester's Combination April 23, joined Coup's Circus in Boston, Mass., 25.
G. W. Morris, general agent and railroad contractor, has left Dan Rice's Circus, which is now traveling by wagons in central Kentucky.
David A. Seal, the well known clown, while performing in Edinburgh recently was presented with a gold medal and a massive Albert chain. The jewel has in its centre a beautifully arranged presentation of the arms of the city of Edinburgh, surrounded by a deep circle of blue enamel, which bear the words "From Edinburgh Friends," the whole surmounted by a crown in gold, brilliantly set with large rubies, pearls and diamonds. It hs the following on the back: "Presented to David Abbey Seal, a gentleman of sterling merit, 12th April, 1881." John Henry Cooke, on behalf of the donors, made the presentation speech before a large audience.
Robbins & Colvin's Great American and German Allied Shows open in Monee, Ill., May 2. . . .
New York Clipper, May 7, 1881. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
The Shedman Brothers, who own the privileges with Frank Robinson's Circus, are to join that show shortly in Newport, N.Y., together with their South American Dog circus and a portion of their New Sensation company.
The Belfords, George and Harry, acrobats and gymnasts, and George W. Avery, horizontal bar and trapeze performer, can be engaged for the tenting season.
Blitz's Mammoth Dime Show starts out with Davis & Co.'s Circus about May 5.
The Quinnett Children, who perform a double trapeze act and also take part in the concert, are traveling with John Robinson's Circus, instead of the Alfredos, as reported. The show was in Cuba, Mo., April 25, Rolla 26, Lebanon 27, Springfield 28, en route to New Mexico and Mexico.
Sig. Sebastian's pad horse died in Cambridge City, Ind., April 30.
John H. Murray's Circus exhibited in Webster, Mass., May 2, Danielsonville, Ct., 3, and is to show in Jewett City 4, Norwich 5, New London 6, Mystic 7. Company is reported to be doing a big business.
Beckett's Exposition Circus will exhibit in Chicago, Ill., another week, owing to the ice in Lake Michigan, which prevents their taking to their boats.
S. H. Seamon, an attache of the business department of the Forepaugh Show, who received a telegram in Pittaburg announcing the death of his young son, left at once for his home in Washington, D.C. After the interment he rejoins the show.
H. E. Wheeler has been engaged as contracting agent with Hudson & Castello's Circus.
August Siegris is traveling with Lee's Circus . . .
New York Clipper, May 28, 1881. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
The widow of Major Burnell, whose death was recorded in our past issue, is in destitute circumstances in this city, the Major's long illness having exhauted his pecuniary means. It is believed that there are many persons in the circus profession who would gladly contribut "their mite" for the temporary relief of Mrs. Burnell, who is advance in years. All such can sent their contribution directly to the lady, in care of the Occidental Hotel, corner of Broome street and the Bowery, New York City, and the proprietor will see that all letters reach her.
Frank De Laney, magician and Punch and Judy performer, is now engaged with Shelby, Pullman & Hamilton's Circus and Menagerie.
R. H. Whittaker, hurdle rider, and F. Welch, Indian rider, wo both have horses, can be engaged.
Hilliard & DeMott's Pacific Circus and Menagerie showed in Howard City, Mich., May 23, Marley 24; thence to Big Rapids 25, White Cloud 26, Luddington 27, Pentwater 28, Muskegon 29.
Main & Co.'s New International Circus exhibited in Wellsville, O., May 17, Liverpool 18, Sloons 19, Wellsburg, W. VA., 20, Martin's Ferry, O., 21, Bridgeport 23, Bellaire 23, Moundsville, W. Va., 25.
Edward Witting, press agent, joined Batcheller & Doris' Show at Allentown, Pa., May 21.
New York Clipper, June 11, 1881. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Mrs. Sallie Franklin, the well known circus performer, recovered $100 in a suit against the Pennsylvania Railroad Company in the Philadelphia Courts June 1 for the loss of two trunks, containing professionall costumes, etc. . . .
The Shelby, Pullman & Hamilton Show is announced for Brampton, Canada, June 7, Toronto 8, 9.
Wm. Main & Co.'s New International Circus showed in Brownsville, VA., May 31, California June 1, Bell Varnon 2, Monogahela City 3, Elizabeth 4.
Beckett's Exposition Circus and Roman Amphitheatre is showing to reported big business in Michigan. Route: Marquette June 7, 11, Negaunee 8, Ishpeming 9, 10, Hancock 13, Red Jacket 14, 15.
New York Clipper, July 9, 1881. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Sebastian Moncayo, gymnast, juggler, etc., advertises for an engagement.
A. G. Noble is to rejoin Frank A. Robbins' Metropolitan Alled Shows in Middleburg, N.Y., shortly.
Circus talent is wanted for G. A. Courtney's Circus, now in Mexico.
Robbins & Colvin's Allied Shows are billed in Marion, Ind., July 6, Angerson 7, Greencastle 8, Cambridge City 9, Shelbyville 11, Columbus 12, North Vernon 13, Mitchell 14, Washington 15.
Dan Shelby of Shelby, Pullman & Hamilton's Circus mourns the recent demise of his son and only child, Roy Daniel Shelby. Mr. S. is now in Chicago, Ill.
New York Clipper, September 3, 1881. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
John A. Forepaugh's Circus Royal is announced for South Bend, Ind., Sept. 3, Goshen 5, Ligonier 6.
The Eltons - Albert, Frank and Samuel - now with the Circus Royal, want to arrange with some party for the winter season.
Main's International Show exhibited in Wetherly, Pa., Aug. 22, Tamaqua 23, Lehighton 24; going to Belvidere, N.J., 31, Easton, Pa., Sept. 1, Bethlehem 2.
New York Clipper, September 24, 1881. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
William Halloway, comic knockabout clown, now with Coup's Show, returns to England in October, to fill an engagement with Myer's Circus. He advertises that he can be negotiated with for next season.
Frank M. Paine, gymnast and trapeze artist, gives a list of some of his special feats in his card elsewhere. He can be engaged.
Circus performers and attractions of various kinds are wanted for a southern tour with Stowe & Nathans' Show, as advertised. The season is to open in October.
The Lenton Brothers will visit Europe shortly. They want to make an engagement for 1882 with some circus in this country.
W. E. Rolland (American clown) and sons concluded an engagement of five years with James Newsome's Circus in Glasgow, Scotland, Aug. 13, and began a six months' engagement with Percy Williams Circus.
George Cash of Van Amburgh & Co's. Show has been called to Michigan by the death of his father. He expeced to have rejoined that show Sept. 20 in Canandiagua, N.Y.
New York Clipper, October 8, 1881. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Charley Reed and family are performing with Cinniselli's Circus, now in Koenigsburg, Prussia, and to open in St. Petersburg, Russia, Oct. 10. Charles W. Fish has received an offer to join it there.
Wm. H. Batcheller, the well known leaper of the Barnum-London Shows, advertises that he recently made a double somersault leap over eighteen elephants, four of them on pedestals four feet high, the the fifth one foot hight, and cleared them all by five feet. This occurred while they were showing at St. Louis, Mo.
When John Robinson's Circus exhibited in Charlotte, N.C., Sept. 14, after the close of the matinee performance the managers, performers and aatches went in carriages to the cemetery where the remains of Prof. John King - who was killed there Sept. 27, 1880, by the elephant Chief - are buried. Two ladies of the company, Miss Chrissie Stickney and Mme. Vernon, had preceded their comrades, and decorated the mounument which had been place over his grave with rare and beautiful flowers. After the arrival of the procession, Prof. Gebest's Cornet Band played several dirges, and speeches eulogistic of the deceased were made . . .
The auction sale of the West-end Training Academy for circus horses takes place Oct. 12.
New York Clipper, October 15, 1881. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Main's International Show closed their season in Brookville, Pa., Oct. 4, and drove to Mr. Main's farm in Trumbull, O., for winter quarters.
Hawley and Buislay, aerial artists, have been re-engaged for next summer with the Barnum and London Show, and during the coming winter they will perform in Havana, Cuba, under the management of Dockrill & De Leon, so they have no open dates for more than a year to come.
Mrs. Mary Hopper (mother of Jerry Hopper the clown) died at her son's residence in Howell, Mich., Sept. 21, aged 86.
Percy C. Melrose, trapeze artist, balancer, contortionist, etc., who also makes tight rope ascensions, will be at liberty Oct. 24, and will like to engage with a circus going south.
New York Clipper, November 12, 1881. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Sebastian Quaglieni, last season with Van Amburgh & Co., advertises that he, with his son and stock, can be engaged for the next circus season. They do principal and carrying acts.
Circus artists and others requiring good training and practicing quarters are requested to address W. O'Dale Stevens, proprietor of the West end Training Academy, Jersey City, N.J. Mr. Stevens states that he can furnish apparatus and ring stock.
The Ashbys, Marie and Joseph, equestrians, now with the Forepaugh Show, are at liberty for the winter season.
Miles Orton's Circus and Menagerie has closed a season of twenty-six weeks and gone into witner quarters at McConnelsville, O. Miles Orton's Mastodon Show closed the season at Moundsville, W. VA., Oct. 29, when Lester Orton, the treasurer, was presented with an elegant gold watch, chain and pin by the company.
Bob Mack, general agent of Jas. T. Johnson & Co.'s Circus, arrived in Cincinnati, O., on Nov. 2, having closed his season in Kansas City, Mo.
Tom Searles, comedian, arrived in this city last week, having closed his season with the New Great Pacific Circus. He is on his way to his home in Wilmington, Del.
New York Clipper, November 19, 1881. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Hyatt Frost wants it distinctly understood that VAn Amburgh & Co.'s Show is for sale, as per advertisement, and that he does not want to buy anything.
On account of ill health, Prof. E. Hamilton sold the remainder of the New York Circus at auction in Ravenna, O., Nov. 5. S. Eddy of Windsor purchased two pad horses. All the rest of the ring stock, including the trained ponies, were sold to Wm. Main, proprietor of the Gerat International Show.
New York Clipper, December 10, 1881. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
M. M. Kenney, Irish grotesque clown, etc., can be engaged.
Herbert Brothers, Robert Leando, Fred Castle, John Worland, Victoria, Charles McCarty, Wm. Keating and Lemuel Munson of the Forepaugh Show, have re-engaged for 1882.
Albert Geyer, late of the Barnum Show, has been engaged by Forepaugh for next season.
It is understood that Frost and Ferguson will dissolve partnership.
August Siegrist and Alfred Duray, gymnasts and acrobats, and Ralph Wray, grotesque specialty artist, have been engaged as special attractions for the spectacular opera to be produced at the Winter Garden, San Francisco, CAl., during the holidays.
New York Clipper, December 17, 1881. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
The Herbert Bros., now at their home in Muncie, Ind., have re-engaged with the Forepaugh Show.
The Casad Family, musicians, with two small children who do a trapeze act and a double song-and-dance, can be engaged for the season of 1882.
The partnership formerly existing in the proprietorship of Valkingburg & Co.'s United Shows has been amicably dissolved, and J. R. W. Hennessey is now sole proprietor. First class specialty people desiring long engagements are requested . . .
Hiram Marks has opened a riding school and practice ring for professionals in Louisville, Ky.
Satan, the fire performer and equilibrist, has been re-engaged for the coming season with the Great Pacific Circus. . . .
At Athens, Texas, Dec. 1, Valkingburg & Co.'s Show gave two performances. Mabel Morely, while walking the tight rope in the afternoon, fell about fifty feet, some of the poles and ladders falling upon her. She was seriously, if not fatally, injured.
1882
New York Clipper, January 21, 1882. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
O. P. Myers and John S. Shorb purchased all of the show property of the Burr Robbins & Colvin shows. They propose to make extensive additions to this outfit, and place one of the finest shows in this continent on the road next spring. Mr. Robbins contemplates a tour throughout Europe, hoping by a year's rest to recuperate his failing health. . . .
Cole's (not W. W.) Southern Circus and Menagerie exhibited in New Orleans, La., Jan. 6, Gretna 7, Kennerville 8, Madison 9, Red Church 10, Freetown 11, Willow Bridge 12, St. Joseph 13, James town 14. Bosco and De Bogue, gymnasts; Al. Ryder, acrobat; Miss Raymond, club act and skipping rope dancer, joined the show in New Orleans, and Weldon's Post-band and Orchestra took the place of Comer's Band.
Riders, leapers, tumblers, sideshow and concert attractions and a good band are wanted for A. A. Beckett's Great Interior Circus and Menagerie.
Hyatt Frost writes: "O. J. Ferguson has sold his interest in the Van Amburgh & Co.'s Menagerie and Circus to me, and I am now sole proprietor."
John Rategan, who arrived from Mexico, Jan. 16, called at the Clipper office 17. He states that Wooda Cook is still performing with the Orrin Brothers & Co.'s Circus, and that all of the company are in good health. The company includes satsuma, Wooda Cook, Miss Lottie, Mr. Nelson, Dashway, Stowe, Wilton and Charles (horizontal bar performers), Mme. Iona's troupe of velocipede riders, Jerry Bell, Millie Tournour, Adelaide Codona, and Frank Brown and Dick Bell, clowns.
Nestor and Venoa and the Ramirez Family are the late arrivals at Dockrill & Leon's Circus, Havana, Cuba. Otherwise there has been no change of programme, and business is not quite up to the mar. The other half of the company showed in Matanzas until Jan. 10, when they pulled stakes for Bemba, Colon and Cardenas. Chas. W. Fish is expected by every steamer.
Sideshow attractions of all kinds are wanted by Ed. T. Basye . . .
Wooda Cook, equestrian, is at liberty for next season.
Charles White the old lion king, with a pair of performing steers, can be engaged for the coming tenting season.
Prof. Donaldson, cannon ball performer (real name George Blanchard), is informed that we have received a telegram, dated Wolfe Island, Ont., Jan. 16, requesting us to notify him that his mother is dying, and asking him to come at once. . . .
New York Clipper, January 28, 1882. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
The Ashton Brothers, Sam and Floyd, can be engaged for the tenting season.
Valkingburg & Co.'s United Shows gave their first performance in Mexico, in Ladredo, Jan. 9, the attendance afternoon and night being very large. Route: Lamposas 16, 17, 18, Candellas 19, 20, El Pueblo 22, Vealdarno 23, Salmas 25, 26, Chepinko 27, Monterey 28, for one week. Among the company are Annie Worland, Mons. Lingard and wife, Percy Melrose, Gus Garholdt, the Coles, the Moreste Brothers, Ducorw, Senor Lopez, Charles Mulgrove and Mme. Garrhew. Major G. W. Morris, general agent, left for St. Louis, Mo. 12, owing to ill health. J. W. R. Hennessey is the manager; Will A. Innes and Steve Lavelle have charge of the advance brigade; W. C. Clarke and George O'Donnell, with 14 grooms and 10 canvasmen, are in charge of the stock and tents; Prof. Stock's Silver Cornet Band furnishes the music, and 63 people and 72 horses are employed.
R. H. Whittaker, hurdle rider, is open for engagement with horse, etc.
Fred Faranta, Indian rider, can be engaged. He has horse and costume.
Sig. Faranta, contortinist and tumbler, wants to engage with a circus for the coming season.
Mrs. Mary Sebastian, widow of Signor Sebastian, equestrian, who died lately in Havana, gave birth to a nine pound boy Jan. 19.
W. B. Yorke, clown and juggler, can be addressed in care of this office.
New York Clipper, February 18, 1882. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Jerry Bell and Adelaide Codona arrived from Mexico during the past week. They report the Orrin Brothers' Circus as doing a good business.
Charley Reed is still performing with Ciniselli's Circus in Russia. Gaetano Ciniselli, the manager, died in St. Petersburg, Russia, Oct. 16, 1881.
The property, including wagons, tents, lights, etc., beloning to Beckett's Exposition Circus is for sale.
D. W. Stone has engaged for Van Amburgh & Co. the following artists: W. B. Carroll, Annie Carroll, Sam McFlynn, F. Charvatt, the Three Cordelias, Chas. Lowry, Marquese, Gallagher, and the Oh-ke-to Waka Troupe of Comanche Indians.
George D. McIntosh, late with Van Amburgh & Co.'s Show, is to go in advance of the United States Circus and Menagerie this season.
Edwin Tinkham has been re-engaged as the general contracting agent for the W. C. Coup's New United Monster Shows for the season of 1882.
Sig. Edwin Diabolo, fire king, and Lillie Lee, serio-comic song-and-dance and jig performer, now with the National Balloon Company, can be engaged for the tenting season.
The Wambolds, George and Cordelia, who have recently arrived from Australia, can be engaged. Mme. Wambold does principal equestrian bareback cact and performs on the tight rope, and Prof. Wambold gives an act with the globes and has a troupe of trained dogs.
The Rickey Bros. are to have the sideshow with Main's International Circus for 1882.
Pat Ryan, an old time showman, has purchased an elephant and good menagerie, together with tents, wardrobe, etc., paying therefore, it is stated, nearly $40,000 in cash. He advertises elsewhere for performers, agents, billposters, etc.
A. P. Roche wants circus privileges. Managers not having made arrangements for the coming season can address per card.
Mme. Jeffries, high rope performer (first time in America), can be engaged for the coming season.
Milton and Steward, horizontal bar performers, leapers and tumblers, can be engaged for the tenting season.
Ada, the aerial phenomenon, is disengaged for coming season. This is her first appearance in America. Address A. P. Roche, as per card.
J. W. Holmes has all the privileges with the Pat Ryan Show.
Mary Ann Deering, the widow of J. C. Reynolds, the well known clown, died in Toronto, Ont., Feb. 2, aged 34 years. Anyone wishing particulars address Elizabeth Deering . . .
The last performance by Dockrill & Leon's Company in Havana, Cuba, was given Feb. 9, business having proved so bad, says our correspondent, "that it was deemed advisable to close. The performers sailed for New York 11. Mr. Leon has been confined to his house for some time by a severe attack of illness, and during his absence Mr. Durand attached all the ring stock, properties and entrance money, Mr. Barnum's six Trakene stallions included, for a private and personal debt of Mr. Leon's. . . .
New York Clipper, February 25, 1882. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
James Robinson and son Clarence, W. O'Dale Stevens, Linda Jeal and sister, the Boisset Brothers - six in number - Edwin Fritz and wife, and James McGuire, clown, are engaged to the P. Ryan Menagerie. Carter Couturier and John A. Dingess will be in advance.
It is understood that W. C. Coup has sold to his partners his interest in the John H. Murray Show, and that Lew June goes ahead of it.
John A. Woods is booked ahead of Myers & Co.'s Show.
Martinho Lowande, Brazilian bareback four and seven horse rider, advertises that he can be engaged for the summer season.
C. T. Kimball, for five seasons agent of Burr Robbins' Show, is engaged as contracting and advertising agent of the United States Circus and Menagerie for the season of 1882.
George Wambold and wife have been engaged by Cooper, Jackson & Co. . . .
Red De Jalma, fire king, magician, etc., and Fay De Jalma, fire queen and serio-comic, advertise for an engagement with a sideshow or concert.
New York Clipper, March 4, 1882. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
E. L. Brannan, advertising and contracting agent, and C. W. Dubyens, programmer, etc., advertise for engagements.
Dwight Clapp, contracting agent; S. G. Hill, press agent; Prof. Clark Dougherty's band and orchestra are engaged with Main's International Circus.
The Nathans, Jukes & Colvin Show opens in the vicinity of New York about April 20.
Wm. Conrad, the clown and canine trainer, is daily expected in this city from Trinidaad.
Milton and Steward, horizontal bar performers, leapers and tumblers, whose address is care of this office, can be engaged for the tenting season.
Thorpe and Millette, gymnasts and acrobats, who guarantee that their business is first class, can be engaged . . .
A. A. becket is organizing a circus and menagerie, which will start from Chicago April 19.
W. H. Stewart has been engaged as master of canvas with Washburn's United Monster Shows for 1882.
New York Clipper, March 18, 1882. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Batcheller & Dorris have engaged for the coming season Aberlardo Lowande, the three Milos, Prof. Parker's Dog circus and the Two-headed lady. John E. Hadley will have charge of the animals, Ernest Haley will be boss canvasman, and J. Massey master of transportation, and Oliver Abrams boss hostler.
W. W. Nichols, principal, scene or double horse rider, advertises that he can be engaged for the coming season.
Mlle. Lottie, strong woman, now with the Orrin brothers' Circus in Mexico, advertises that she can be engaged for the coming season. Her specialties include iron jaw business, cannon firing, slide for life and swinging trapeze.
Siegrist and Duray . . . would like to engaged for the circus season, and also to arrange with a combination for the fall and winter.
A boss canvasman, a troupe of trained dogs and a brass band are wanted for Davis' Great Western Show, and W. H. Davis advertises the candy and outside privileges for sale.
Charley Madden, as principal clown and assistant manager, is engaged with m. M. Hilliard's Pacific Circus and Menagerie for the coming (his third) season.
Emma Stickney, William L. Vanolar and Harry Beckwith have engaged with Beckett's Interior Circus and Menagerie for the season of 1882.
New York Clipper, April 1, 1882. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Prof. Bruck, ventriloquist and magician, Troy, N.Y., joins Frank Robbins' Zoological and Equestrian Exposition at Newport, R.I., April 22.
The Rickey Bros. have the sideshow privilege with Wm. Main's Show this season.
Prof. Austin and a wonderfully clever young trick colt . . . can be engaged for the tenting season.
Kelly and O'Brien leave Bradford, Pa., this week for Louisville, Ky., to join Maybury, Pullman & Hamilton's Show.
Wainratta, "king of the wire," publishes a notice stating that he cannot visit America, as previously announced, this spring . . .
New York Clipper, April 15, 1882. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Miles Orton's Show is to open its season in McConnellsville, O., April 18. Among the company are Miles Orton, Little Bernard and Allie, Mlle. Alberta, James Kincade, leon Leon, Dan Leon, claude Orton, Mons. and Mme. Bostwick, Al G. Field, Harry Law, Larcardo and Fritz, Sig. Doran, the Walton Brothers and others.
The Grand Circus Royal and English Menagerie is due in Trenton, N.J., April 17, Camden 18, Salem 19, Bridgton 20, Millville 21, Mount Holly 22.
John H. Trewalla, late with W. H. Stowe's Circus, who was badly bruised while barely esacping with his life from the burning steamer Golden City, is at his home in Bowling Green, Va., convalescing. He will be ready for the road again in a week or two.
The body of Lizzie Marcellus (Mrs. W. H. Stowe), who lost her life by the burning of the Golden City at Memphis, Tenn., was recovered near there in the afternoon of April 9. It showed no signs of having been burned, and it is probable that she jumped overboard and was drowned.
New York Clipper, April 29, 1882. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
J. W. Couch's Show includes Fred Faranta, Miss Maris, Chas. Bliss, Mons. Joseph, W. B. York, Romellis, Lem Quillin, Frank M. Angelo, J. A. Branen, Prof. Graham, Sicott and Andrews, Stebleton, Leisler and Julia St. Leton, Jennie De Bar and Leon Whettony's Masqueradoers. James W. Couch is general manager; Geo. Wilson, assistant manager; C. Peck Russell, manager of publications; Harry Emmings, leader of band; Yankee Quillin, manager of amusement; R. H. Wood, general agent; P. Bliss, manager of concert; J. Willis, manager of museum; E. W. Ladd, treasurer; J. B. Sanders, equestrian director.
Ferdinand Le Costro, magician and ventriloquist, is to travel again this season with Hilliard's Great Pacific Show, which opens in Orwell, O., April 29.
Prof. Sam Rhinehart leaves Cleveland April 27 to join M. M. Hilliard's Pacific Circus. He plays clown this season.
Felix McDonald and wife, respectively ringmaster and animal performer, and performer in principal pad act with horse, can be engaged.
New York Clipper, May 6, 1882. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
The United States Arena and Hippodromic Aggregation opened in Chicago, Ill., April 29, and is to close May 6.
. . . the accidental death in Paris, Frankce, of Emilie Loisset. . . . the body was taken to the St. Lazare terminus, to be conveyed to Maison Lafitte, where three generations of circus riders of the family are buried. We are now able to give the cause of her death. She has arrived from Berlin in Paris to fulfill a six months' engagement in the Summer Circus. In the morning of April 15 she was at the circus putting a strange horse through certain exercises which involved the clearing of an artifical fence. This the horse obstinately refused to take, and ulltimately wheeled round to regain his stable. The door dividing the stables from the ring was closed, and, his progress being thus stopped, the horse reared and then fell on his side with his rider, causing the pommel of the saddle to be forced into her chest. . . . The unfortunate young lady expired 17, after some thirty hours terrible suffering.
Frederick Stoddard is asked to communicate with his brother Frank, now at the Home for Incurables, Fordham, N.Y.
New York Clipper, May 20, 1882. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Ryan & Robinson's Circus and Menagerie performed in Putnam, Ct., May 15, and is due in Franklin 17, Manchester 18, Medway, Mass. 19, Woonsocket, R.I. 20, Webster, Mass. 23, Worcester 24. Jaames Robinson and his son Clarence, and the Jeal Sisters, equestrians, also Pete Conklin, clown, are features with this show.
Barrett & Co.'s Circus passed through Pittsburg, Pa., Sunday, May 14, en route to Kittaning. The show will be at Parkers, Pa. May 19, Oil City 20, McKeesport 22 . . . Connelsville 25, Somerset 26.
The Circus Royal performed in Erie, Pa., May 10, and did a very fair business, though the rain fell in torrents during the entire day and evening. They state that they have had but one dry day this season. They showed in Franklin 15, Meadville 16, going to Warren, O. 17, Ravenna 18, Akron 19, Ashland 20, Mansfield 22, Galion 23, Marion 24, Urbana 25.
New York Clipper, June 10, 1882. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Major Burdett. Concerning this dwarf, whose death was recorded in our past issue, we have learned that he was born in Cumberland, Md., and was the twin brother of Fanny Burdett, also a dwarf, who married William Bristol. The Major first appeared before the public in 1872. In 1878 and '79 he was attached to W. W. Cole's Show. In 1880 he joined the Forepaugh Show. The summer of 1881 he spent at Coney Island, where he endeavored to become a manager, but failed. He spent his winter exhibiting in various museums, and was engaged for the present season with Adam Forepaugh's Show.
S. H. Barrett & Co.'s Circus exhibited in Mifflin, Pa. June 5, Belford 6; going to Huntingdon 7, Tyrone 8, Clearfield 9, Philipsburg 10, Indiana 12, Apollo 13, Monongahela City 14, Latrobe 15, Johnstown 16, Altoona 17.
The Orrin Bros. & Co.'s Circus at the date of our latest advices (May 16) was performing in Pueblo, Mexico. They report business as indifferent, because the people of the town, which is large, are poor.
Main's International Show exhibited in Osceola, Pa., May 30, Philipsburg 31.
The United States Circus exhibited in Berlin, Ont., June 1, Toronto 2, 3, Owen South 5, Orangeville 6; and is due in Mt. Forest 7, Alliston 8, Collingwood 9, Barrie 10, Orvillia 12, Oxbridge 13, LIndsay 14, Peterboro 15.
New York Clipper, July 1, 1882. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Kingcade and son, equestriennes and acrobats, advertise for an engagement.
Jerry Hopper, the retired clown, informs us that he is building an opera house and a store in Indian River, Mich.
Mrs. Romeo Sebastian, child and her mother, Mrs. Cecilia Berry, are to sail for Europe July 1 . . .
New York Clipper, October 7, 1882. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Frederick Barclay, bareback, somersault, principal, hurdle and bounding jockey roder, can be engaged for a southern tour. He is now with Nathan & Co.'s Circus.
Eddie Silbon, who jumped from a lofty trapeze in Forepaugh's Circus in Parsons, Kas., Sept. 28, and was picked up for dead, is alright again. He missed his "catch" and went through the air diagonally seventypfive feet, striking the ground beyond the ring, and was thought internally injured.
William L. Maybury of Detroit, Mich., who is heavily interested in the Maybury, Pullman & Hamilton Circus, which stranded recently in Columbia, S.C., has been charged, says our Detroit correspondent, "with crookedness in his management. Proceedings were instituted against him by his partners, whereupon Maybury 'skipped out,' but was arrested, brought back and released on bail. William C. Maybury, a leading lawyer of this city and member of Congress-elect, who is a cousin of the circus manager, has gone to Columbia to try and extricate the show from its encumbrances."
Ellen Cooke, equestrian, and Frank Clifton, gymnast, arrived in this city Sept. 29 from Columbia, S.C. They ahd been with Maybury, Pullman & Hamilton's Circus, which is to be sold by the Sheriff Oct. 5.
George S. cole, concert manager, has closed his sesason with M. M. Hilliard, and can be engaged for the fall and winter.
New York Clipper, November 18, 1882. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
W. O. Dale Stevens' Circus performed in the Grand Opera house, Newark, N.J., the past week.
The circus company under Cantellis & Leon's management were expected to arrive in Havana, Cuba, Nov. 8, and to open 10 in Jane's Iron Hippodrome.
Pubillones, the native circus manager in Havana, Cuba, has a small tent show on the outskirts of that city. Business moderate.
Musicians and performers are wanted to the Great Parisian Exposition. The show goes to Mississippi and Florida for the winter season, and will travel north in the spring.
The entire railroad outfit of the Robbins & Colvin Show are for sale.
The Burton Athletes, three in number, in their lightning ladder act, tumbling and leaping, are among the attractions offered to circus managers for the coming season.
New York Clipper, December 16, 1882. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Percy C. Melrose, balancing, trapeze and tight rope performer, having concluded his engagements, is now at his home at Columbus, O., for the winter. . . .
Business at Cantellis & Leon's Circus, Havana, Cuba, has been good and shows signs of improvement. There have been no new features since our last report.
Helen G. Swasey can be engaged to give her four horse and manege acts, furnishing the horses.
The Batcheller & Doris Show closed its season in Jackson, Tenn., Dec. 8, and G. H. Batcheller then retired from business, having accumulated a fortune, and sold his interest to his junior and managing partner, John B. Doris. The property was shipped to Philadelphia, where the show will winter, and Mr. Doris promises that next season it will be enlarged and greatly improved. After showing in Philadelphia for a week in April, the circus will tour through New England, New York, Canada, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and the Northwest. . . .
1883
New York Clipper, January 6, 1883. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Abelarde and Josephine Lowande and Hattie Austin were to have arrived in Havana, Cuba, Dec. 25. Maud Oswald fell while climbing up to her rings, and fractured her left arm above the wrist. Five minutes after she had been carried out of the ring she walked in and bowed to the public. Business continues satisfactory.
Whiting Allen, late press agent of the Forepaugh Show, and Miss Nellie A. Gibbons, sister of Captain Edward Gibbons of the National Steamship Line, were married in the Church of the Advent by Rev. Dr. J. F. Powers in Philadelphia Dec. 20.
Robert Filkins has reported at the headquarters of the Forepaugh Show . . . Wm. Halloway, clown, is engaged.
Harry Oliver, contracting agent for Batcheller & Doris last season, goes with John B. Doris’ Show in the same capacity in 1883. He has been treasurer of the Arch street Opera house, Philadelphia, during the present season.
George Furzman has secured the privileges with the Nathans & Colvin Show.
John Nathans, an old-time circus proprietor, is seriously ill at his residence in this city.
Millard Cooper, son of James E. Cooper, late of the London Show, died of diphtheria in Philadelphia Jan. 1., New Year’s day.
The Oder, which arrived from Hamburg Dec. 30, brought Adam Forepaugh three elephants, one antelope, one cassowary, two white bears and one monkey.
Leon Orton, principal, bareback, somersault and six-horse rider, can be engaged.
Fred Lawrence has returned to his home in London Villiage, N.H.
George Aiken will be general agent for the John Robinson Show, which has arranged to go again to California.
Millard Cooper, son of James E. Cooper, late of the London Show, died of diphtheria in Philadelphia Jan 1.
Millie Sarbro (Queen Sarbro) can be engaged for a circus or traveling company.
New York Clipper, January 20, 1883. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
The Inter-ocean is having a calliope built at Cincinnati.
Henry Barnum is reported to have purchased an interest in the VAn Amburgh Show, and has gone to Connersville, its winter quarters.
Burr Robbins' and Van Amburgh's shows will both go by wagons this year. "Jose" Robbins has the privileges with the Burr Robbins show.
J. S. McCue of the National Circus, having finished his business in this city, is to leave for San Francisco Jan. 18. . . . All parties engaged will report at St. Louis . . . B. H. Grover goes with J. S. McCue's National Circus in advance.
Geo. L. Gregory, clown, can be addressed as per card for engagements.
Charles Ellis goes with the Forepaugh Show next season as stereopticon assistant to Prof. Abt.
Three Hundred Lives Lost. - A cablegram dated St. Petersburg, Jan. 14, says: “During the performance yesterday at a circus in Berditscheff, in Russian Poland, a fire broke out in the building, and before the spectators could escape the whole structure was ablaze. Three hundred persons perished in the flames.” Later, Jan. 15 - The loss of life by the burning of the circus in Berditscheff on Saturday last was not so great as at first reported, but it is believed that over 150 persons perished in the flames. The fire broke out towards the end of the performance, and was caused by the careless handling of fireworks on the stage. The curtain became ignited, and the flames quickly spread to the walls and roof. The members of the orchestra were the first victims. The audience, numbering 300 persons, rushed to the front door, but it opened inward, and as the crowd pressed forward it was rendered useless. A rush was then made to the two side doors, both of which were nailed up, thus compelling the people to take to the windows, from which many sprang into the street with their clothes a sheet of flame. The fire brigade arrived within half and hour, but it was impossible to extinguish the flames, and the water in the tanks was frozen. The fire lasted two hours. Eye witnesses say that when the doors were finally opened a mass of burning persons were visible within. The horses and properties of the circus were all destroyed. London, Jan 16. - A dispatch from Vienna to the Daily News says it is stated that 400 persons were suffocated, crushed or burned to death in the circus at Berditscheff. The horses, running about wildly, increased the confusion. The circus was a wooden structure. It is estimated that 90 men, 120 women and 60 children lost their lives. The victims include the Colonel of Police and the Vice-president of the Berditscheff Bourse. The audience consisted mainly of Jews. Another account says that the fire was caused by a groom having thrown a lighted cigarette on straw in the stables, setting it on fire. Another groom tried to stamp out the fire, but a strong draught fanned the flames and caused them to spread. The author of the fire perished; also two clowns, who are believed to have been Englishmen. . . .
New York Clipper, February 10, 1883. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Hilliard's Pacific Circus and Menagerie of Orwell, O., and Main's International Circus of Trumbull, O., have consolidated. The show will open at Orwell April 28, and travel by wagons.
Cooper, Jackson & Co.'s Circus (wagon show) played in San Antonio, Texas, Jan. 27, 28, to poor business, but gave a very creditable performance. They lost their sea lion during the severe cold spell. Route: Pleasanton, Corpus Christi and Gulf towns; thence into Mexico.
New York Clipper, February 24, 1883. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
The father of John B. Willett, who was snare drummer with Forepaugh’s Circus last season, died recently in Meriden, Ct.
For the Orton Shows the coming season the following have been engaged: Col. Chas. Whitney, general agent and manager in advance; T. Sannelle, contracting agent; R. E. Sheeran, press agent; West Stetzinger, chief of past brigade No. 1; Lon Remington, brigade No. 2. For the ring: Abbert Bernard, Alfred G. Field, Dan Lean, Leanti Cardello Van Auken, Monroe and La Rue, Jas. Whitney, Chas. Rivers, Ed Lake, Mlle. Alberta, S. Dan, the three Walton Brothers, Chas. Hollis, Mlle. Minnetta, Kitty Shafter, Master Claude, J. Cline, Anton Huff and Signor Dawn. Chas. Braning is leader of band No. 1, having in charge the Seventh regiment Band of Bloomington, Ill. Curt Sawage is leader of band No. 2. Jesse Cline plays the calliope, and S. Ramsey plays the chimes in the street parade. The show will travel by rail. The fine double-humped camels just imported by Conklin of the Central Park, New York, have been secured; also a white camel.
B. F. Ford, sideshow solicitor, etc., and wife (Frankie Barry) wire-walker, concert performer, etc., can be engaged.
Performers, curiosities, concert people, etc. are wanted for sherman's European Circus. The Fitzgerald Brothers have all the privileges connected with this show.
Charles T. Howard can be engaged for the tenting season as equestrian director or ringmaster; also Mrs. Howard as entree and parade rider. Mr. Howard furnishes stock, including horses, bears, monkey and dog, as advertised.
C. D. W. Patterson can be engaged as sideshow talker.
Circuses, New York Clipper, March 10, 1883. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
A monster illuminated circus poster is now being produced by the Strowbridge Lithographic Co. of Cincinnati for W. W. Cole, the well known circus proprietor. Louis E. Cooke, press agent for Mr. Cole, suggested this mammoth pictorial, which, we are informed, comprises one hundred sheets of paper, lithographed in six colors, and when posted will measure one hundred feet in length by twelve feet in height. Over 1,500 characters are represented, and the general design present an interior view of a circus tent. It is stated that the contract price for 1,000 copies is $10,000. It will take 100,000 sheets of paper and 600,000 impressions to complete the order. H. A. Odgen of this city sketched the design from ideas furnished by Mr. Cole and his agent.
Forepaugh Items. . . . One hundred and twenty stands have been posted with advance printing, and thirteen hundred newspapers have chronicled the coming of the Aggregation. . . .
Opening the Season. The Barnum and London Shows will inaugurate the season in Madison-square Garden, this city; John Robinson in Cincinnati; Adam Forepaugh, also John B. Doris, in Philadelphia; W. W. Cole, St. Louis; Burr Robbins, Janesville, Wis.; King, Burk & Co., Valparaiso, Ind.; Van Amburgh, Connersville, Ind.; Nathans & Co., Geneva, N.Y.; Sells Brothers, Columbus, O.; and Miles Orton, Huntsville, Ala.
The Hobson brothers’ Lone Star and Sunset Show, which is to travel by wagon, beginning in May, . . . C. D. Hobson advertises particulars elsewhere.
Frank A. Robbins Show. Giles Pullman has been engaged as general agent and manager of the advance. Henry W. Mann is to be the contracting agent. The second brigade will be in charge of Asa J. Robbins. Frank Charvat, John Foster, Felix McDonald and wife, Wm. Gaylord, Alice Maurice, Andrew Gaffney and Robt. Whittaker have been engaged.
Nathans & Co.’s Items. Harry Cardova goes in advance again this season, and has charge of the advertising department. John Rixford, Mlle. Zael and Waran Soto have been engaged . . . E. D. Colvin, one of the proprietors returns to Geneva this week, in the interest of the show.
New York Clipper, March 17, 1883. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
The Colvin interest in the Nathans & Co. Show has been sold, it is understood, to Mr. St. Clair, formerly treasurer of the Barnum Show, and R. H. Dockrill.
Harry Kimm goes with Wambold’s Circus and Menagerie as boss animal man; Wm. Scott is to be the boss canvasman, John Keating owner of privileges, Geo. Peck has the sideshow privilege, Harry Orton leader of band, W. I. Bradley leader of the orchestra, Henry Rice balloonist, and L. W. Washburn manager.
John J. Sheridan, equestrian and clown, is engaged with Jas. T. Johnson's Show for next season.
Prof. Stilwell's Dog Circus can be engaged for the tenting season, or it can be purchased.
The Rice Brothers, Alfred and Edmund, acrobats, now with Tony Denier's "Humpty Dumpty" Troupe, are engaged with the Interocean Circus the coming season.
Herman and Augusta Rice, German midgets, advertise for an engagment. They are exhibiting at present in Boston.
Several positions are open in Wambold's Amphitheatre. Performers are wanted for concert. . . .
Edward Norris adn james McKeag, chiefs of paste brigades, with twelve assistant billposters, are to leave St. Louis for Philadelphia March 18 to join the advance of John B. Doris' Show.
At Faranta's Pavilion, New Orleans, La., business continues large. People were turned away March 4. Kitty Quinn and Carrie Moore, Johnny Patterson, Chas. Moore, the Morris Brothers, Thos. Tandy and Sig. Faranta compose the company.
Mose, the alligator boy, described in C. B. Fredericks' advertisement, can be secured for a circus sideshow or museum.
C. A. Vincent, contortionist, whose feats are described in our advertising department, can be engaged for the season of 1883.
New York Clipper, March 24, 1883. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
A car load of animals was shipped from the Barnum and London headquarters at Bridgeport and Central Park Menagerie to Miles Orton's Show at Huntsville, Ala., this week.
Frank Norton, juggler, Punch and Judy performer, etc., advertises that he would like to arrange for the coming season. He has canvas, paintings, etc.
Col. Daniel Boone and his trained lions are performing in Russia.
Lewis' Grand Eastern Show. Geo. W. De Haven manager, Herman Stevens contracting agent, has just returned from the West India Islands, and is showing through Texas, en route to the Indian Territory. It was in Killeen, Texas, March 20; thence to . . . Temple 22.
George J. Lloyd, acrobat and double somersault leaper, can be engaged.
David Abbey Seal, clown, who passed five years of his professional life in this country, had a benefit at Cooke's Circus, Nottingham, Eng., March 2 . . .
New York Clipper, March 31, 1883. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
The Webb Brothers' Great Southern Museum will travel the coming season, beginning May 1, with George Witherell's Metropolitan Circus.
Gymnasts, variety people, canvasmen, etc., are wanted for Wilson's Paris Pavilion Show. See W. A. Wilson's card.
The Anglo-American Four Combined Shows, Miles Orton, general manager, are to open their season in Huntsville, Ala., April 3; thence to Decatur 4, Pulaski, Tenn. 5, Murphreesboro 6, Fayetteville 7, 9, Chattanooga 10, Somerset, Ky. 11, Grand Junction 12.
The billposters and lithographers engaged for Nathans & Co.'s Show are ordered to be in Geneva, N.Y., April 10. See Harry Cordova's card on another page.
New York Clipper, April 21, 1883. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
S. Rhinehart and dogs join Nathans Show April 18.
John Wilson, circus proprietor, is now on his way to this city from India, via San Francisco, Cal. His "Great World Circus" March 15, 16, 17, was exhibiting in Poona, India, and from there it was to have gone to Bombay, for a season of about six weeks; thence to Colombo, Ceylon, and then ship for Singapore and Java. Will Stark, treasurer and agent, is still with the show.
James Robinson, bareback rider, it is said, has sold his farm of 920 acres, eight miles from Mexico, Mo., for $45,000.
A call is published in another column from Jas. T. Johnson's Circus, notifying the people engaged that there will be a rehearsal April 25 at Pittsburg, Kas. A clown is wanted.
The performers, including musicians and all others, engaged for the Hobson Brothers' Show are ordered to report as per card elsewhere. Canvasmen are wanted and privileges are for sale with htis show.
King, Burk & Co.'s Railroad Show is to open its season in Greensburg, Ind., April 26; thence to Shelbyville 27, Lebanon 28, Thorntown 30.
New York Clipper, April 28, 1883. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Anton Lerch, who has just closed an eight weeks engagement with the Australian Circus in this city to join Nathans & Co.'s Show . . .
W. H. Stewart & Co.'s Show starts from Fort Wayne, Ind., May 10, by wagons, and shows in Mayesville 14, Spencersville 15, Hicksville, O. 16, Antwerp 17, Cecil 18, Paulding 19, Vanwert 21, Middlepoint 22, Delphos 23, Elida 24, Lima 25.
Schiedell Bros.' Pavilion Show has engaged Wm. Martin, contortionist; Archie Gaylord, pedestal cloggist; Herring and Smith, musical mokes; and Dave Warren, snake charmer.
The circus, Indian show and museum advertised by Geo. H. Batchellor in another column wants gymnasts and specialty people. They start out about May 7.
New York Clipper, May 5, 1883. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Accident. A telegram dated Pottsville, Pa., April 28, says: “In leaping a hurdle at Forepaugh’s Circus this evening the horse ridden by Mrs. Cooke, and equestrienne, stumbled and fell upon the rider, breaking her ribs and injuring her internally. She is not expected to live through the night.”
James Robinson, bareback rider, who recently sold his Audrian County farm to Wm. L. Block, the St. Louis cotton broker, has taken the latter gentleman’s place on the Hall’s Ferry Road, about two miles north of the city limits. The new place includes sixty acres of ground, and the buildings are in good condition. Mr. Robinson will erect a ring-house in which to train and exercise his horses in Winter, and intends to reside there when he quits the circus business.
Burt Johnson of W. O. Dale Stevens' Circus owns two bulldogs which perform with him in his Indian act. Lately one of them has been irritable, and when Mr. J. was lying down April 27 near where the dog was chained it sprang upon him and severely lacerated his face.
Parker's Dog Circus, twelve dogs and a leaping cat, has been engaged for W. O. Dale Stevens' Circu.
Performers and others, curiosities, etc., are wanted for Robinson & Myers' Circus. The show will remain in Chicago all season. The candy stand is to let.
Charles Fish will be the equestrian director of W. O. Dale Stevens' Circus during the Boston season, opening about May 8, and also subsequent to the three months engagement in that city. . . .
Charles H. Chandler, rigger of John O'Brien's Circus, a victum of the Dover riot, who is suffering from a crushed leg and a bruised arm, was taken to Baltimore, Md., where he received excellent attention from the G.A.R. He was so much improved April 30 that he left by steamer for his home, in Boston, Mass. Mr. C. was one of the first injured in the riot in Baltimore April 19, 1861, he then having been a member of the Massachusetts Sixth Regiment.
W. O. Dale Stevens' Australian Circus, which closed here to big business April 28, opens in Boston May 10 with this company: Chas. W. Fish, Linda and Elena Jeal, Rosina Dubsky, Zazel, James Murray, Burt Johnson, Franklin Bros., A. Len, Prof. Parker and wife, Miss North, Geo. Parish, C. Ellis, the Le Calre Brothers and the clowns Tom Barry and Joe Kennebel. . . .
New York Clipper, May 26, 1883. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
King, Burk & Co.'s American Allied Shows are due in Paris, Ont., May 26, Woodstock 28, St. Mary 29, Stratford 30, Seeforth 31, Kincardin June 1, Wingham 2.
Alward & Way's Circus played in West Liberty, Ia., May 19, Port Louisa 21, Fort Madison 22; thence to Montrose 23, Alexandria 23, Anamosa 25. The artists engaged are Nelsoni, boy juggler; James Messenger, Fred McCarte and son, Prof. tunis, Mr. and Mrs. Gus Alward, Amy Bell, Chas. Way, and Marco.
The New York Pavilion Show is billed in Hunter's Point, L.I., May 28, Astoria 29, Flushing 30, College Point 31, Roslyn June 1, Glen Cove 2. The company consists of Gus Hill, Harry Wambold, Murphy and Miles, Kline and Havens, O. Breeno, Master Leon, Martin Dempsey and Manahan's Brass and String Band.
Circuses, New York Clipper, June 23, 1883. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Married. Charles Shields of the sideshow with the Hobson Bros. Circus and Maggie Berger of New Orleans were married in Decatur, Mich., June 3.
Married. Robert Stickney, the well known equestrian, and Miss Minnie Walf of Cincinnati, O., were married in Kansas City, Mo., June 13.
W. O. Dale Stevens’ Australian Circus in Park Square, Boston, Mass. . . . A new bill announced this week, introducing Charles W. Fish; Miss Jeal, hurdle-rider; W. B. Aymar, pantomimic scene-rider; Se-Wa-No, Indian hurdle-rider; . . . Mart Laselle, Mexican equilibrist; Prof. White and his educated steers; and Prof. Myers and a flock of performing goats. Mr. Stevens has transferred the band lately here to his Philadelphia circus permanency, and has replaced it by another fairly good one. Mr. Stevens is to make weekly exchanges of his performers between Boston and Philadelphia during the summer.
To Reorganize. A private telegram received in this city June 15 and shown to us states that the Hobson Bros.’ Circus and Menagerie is to cease traveling 19 to reorganize.
Accident. Zazel, while performing at Stevens’ Australian Circus in Boston, Mass., received injuries, as we are informed, which may lead to serious results. While doing her “50 ft. dive,” the poles supporting the net were not firmly secured, causing her to fall and to receive injuries to her spine. She was brought to this city and is now cared for by friends.
S. H. Barrett & Co.'s Shows are due in Joplin, Mo., June 27, Girard, Kas. 28, La Chygne 29, Olatha 30, Carrolton, Mo., July 2, Richmond 3, Kansas City 4, Atchison, Kas. 5, Lincoln, Neb. 6, Plattsmouth 7.
Jas. R. Adams, June 17, went to Boston, Mass., where he has accepted a short engagement with W. O. Dale Stevens' Circus. He will be known as "Pico" Adams, clown.
The Abbeys, Corinne and Jerome, have left the Yankee Robinson Show. They can be engaged to give their juggling, tumbling and other specialties.
Circuses, New York Clipper, August 4, 1883. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
John B. Doris has purchased of G. H. Jones of Oxford, Me., two fine Knox colts that can trot down among the thirties, and during the coming Winter Mr. Doris expects to “take the slack” out of some of his professional friends who make a point of handling the lines over fast horseflesh.
A Circus on Fire. Nathans & Co.’s Show exhibited in Portsmouth, Va., July 24, and at the night exhibition between four and five thousand men, women and children were present. Shortly after the commencement of the performance the wind began to blow strongly, and a rent was made in the canvas, which swayed heavily. A horse was brought in for the use of one of the bareback performers, and his rider mounted and attempted to go on with the performance; but the horse seemed to be aware of the impending danger, and refused to stay in the ring. Then the wind struck the tent with great violence, tearing the canvas from the centre-pole to the side, and causing some of the poles to fall. The crowd became panic-stricken and began to rush for the entrance in a wild endeavor to escape. Then the cry of “Fire!” was heard, and the panic-stricken crowd became almost delirious with terror. The lamps over the ring had set the canvas on fire, and it was burning furiously; but a deluge of rain commenced falling, and it extinguished the flames after the tent was about half destroyed. A few men proved equal to the occasion, and stood bravely fighting the flames and assisting the women and children out from among the debris by tearing or cutting the canvas. All who emerged on one side of the tent were suddenly precipitated into a ditch about five feet deep, fully grown up with briars. Here ladies, children and men were piled in inextricable confusion. To add to the confusion, the fire bells commenced to ring and the steam whistles to signal alarms, throwing the city into great excitement and turning out great numbers of citizens. A great many people were badly hurt and had limbs broken, but no one was killed outright.
The Great Eastern Show, George W. De Haven, manager, a correspondent writes, “was transferred recently to Sam Stickney and Alf. Gilett (contortionist) for money due them. The show collapsed in Hancock, Mich., July 13.”
To Alward & Co.'s Consolidated Shows two new hot air balloons have been added. Lew Nichols and Alex. Mervine are making ascensions. The Knowltons and C. C. Leon, acrobats, joined recently. The show exhibited in Coon Rapids July 23, Hillsdale 24, Carrol City 25.
W. H. Batcheller, the well known leaper, has left England for India, to join John Wilson's Circus for one year, and intends returning home by the way of Australia.
The Rice Bros., Alfred and Edmund, have joined John B. Doris' Circus.
William Adams, tumbler, late of John B. Doris' Circus, is recovering from a severe illness.
New York Clipper, December 29, 1883. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Nathans & Co.'s Circus was sold by the Sheriff at Garnett, Kas., Dec. 18. . . .
Chas. W. Fish was successful with his circus in Milwaukee.
Sig. Dawn, knockabout and pantomime clown, is engaged to travel with Andeson & Co.'s Show next season.
Tony Stock, clown, is ready to go into the arena.
The Karl Brothers and E. Baldwin, acrobats, leapers and tumblers, can be engaged for the next tenting season. They will return from Havana, Cuba, Feb. 4, 1884, and will perform in this city 11.
1884
New York Clipper, February 9, 1884. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Fred and Willie O'Brien, double trapeze artists, clog dancers, etc., who traveled for two seasons with Hilliard & Main's Circus, can be engaged.
Capt. Decoursey, tattooed man, and his wife, Circassian lady, would like to engage with a circus for the coming season.
Andy Sweeney, cannon ball juggler and performer in teeth lifting specialty, can be engaged.
Performers in different branches of the profession, musicians, an advance agent, billposters, etc., are wanted for James T. Johnson and Harry Martell's Consolidated Shows, which are now organizing for 1884 in Neosho Falls, Kas. They also want to purchase all kinds of show property and offer the privileges for sale.
Dock Crill addresses himself to circus and privilege managers for an engagement during the coming season.
P. H. Seamon advertises for an engagement with a circus in his numerous lins of clown or ringmaster, performer in concert, sideshow solicitor, etc.
Among the people engaged for Washburn & Hunting's Circus and Menagerie are Lizzie Keys, Irene Leslie, Hunting and wife, Romer and Leroux, Robert Whittaker, Louis Sebastian, Frank Shreves and Wm. Johnson. Wm. W. Scott is boss canvasman and Wm. Saunders equestrian director. . . .
Girado Leon, clown, with his performing donkeys, can be engaged for next season.
New York Clipper, February 16, 1884. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
John Patterson, Irish clown and concert performer, can be engaged for the coming season.
Geo. S. Cole will manage the concert with Hilliard's Circus during the coming season. He states that this is his fourth year with that show.
A. B. Rosston, who is well known to managers as an experience business man, can be engaged as agent.
Philo Nathans can be engaged for hurdle and four horse acts. He has a horse for sale.
Pico, who has been for several years with his brother, Geo. H. Adams, acting as Pantaloon in the "Humpty Dumpty" Company, will return to his original business shortly by clowning again. This clever performer can be engaged for the circus or stage. He states that he has new business for the circus ring, and that he does leaps, stilts and general business also. While Pico was with his brother he dropped his familiar name, which is now resumed with the old time business. His is as good a clown and as lively a pantomimist as ever.
New York Clipper, February 23, 1884. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
The Orrin Brothers' Circus in Mexico had the following list of artists engaged Feb. 1: Abdallah Ben Said, Arab Troupe, 13 people; The Austin Family, the Demott FAmily, Chas. W. Fish, Livingston Brothers, Cilfort Brothers, Shedman Brothers, Fred Barclay, Adelaid Codona, Jerry Bell, John Worland, Ducrow Brothers, Richard Bell and wife, Frank Morosco, Wm. Goodison, Henrietta Myers, Pete Sterling, Lucien Ducrow, Madame Dubsky, James Murray, W. L. Vanola, Kate Ormond, N. Lowande, Charles Frederick, Theodore Ferris, Adam McKinstry, and Walte Bannister. There are thirty horses in the show, and the menagerie is a large one. . . .
Alf Dorian, contortionist, who is now traveling with Frank A. Gardner's Circus through the West Indies and Central America, can be addressed for the next six weeks at Guatemala, C.A.
Charles T. Howard and son, with pad and trick horses, can be engaged for next season.
Johnny Saunders, clown, with his trained donkeys, is in the field for the coming season.
Billposters, agents, sideshow attractions, performes and musicians are wanted for O'Brien, Handenberger & Astley's show.
The Watson Family will arrive here shortly after a four years tour with Chiarini's Italian Circus, and can be engaged . . .
New York Clipper, June 28, 1884. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Harry Keys, well known among circus people as formerly of the Roland Brothers of aerial celebrity, is in Guatemala City, Guatemala, taching the English and French languages.
Blit's Mommoth Show is in the Northwest. Mr. Blitz writes that he did not go with Becket's Circus, as he had indended, as the latter show went to pieces at its first stand. It was too long a jump, he says, and the season lasted only one week. If Becket could have managed so as to get to St. Paul, Minn., by July 4, he would have been alright.
New York Clipper, July 5, 1884. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Georgia is coming to the front as the home of electric women. Lulu Hurst and Mattie Lee Price are already exhibiting their peculiar powers, and now Mrs. C. F. Coleman, wife of the superintending of an Atlanta cotton facotry, discovers that she can perform the same freaks of strength.
Two-Standing, the Omaha chief who had been connected with Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show the past two seasons, died June 26 at the Ninety-ninth street hospital, in this city. His illness, spinal meningitis, was noted in a previous issue. He was unmarried. Having no facilities at their disposal for a funeral, the Wild West authorities and Two Standing now sleeps in the Potter's Field. Ye Now Horse, another Indian connected with this show, has been sent home on account of illness.
Blitz's Show has secured the side privileges with W. C. Coup and Dr. Carver's Wild West Combination. They will be at Detroit, Mich., July 3, 4, 5.
New York Clipper, August 16, 1884. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Geo. L. Gregory, the clown, has again joined forces with his former partner, Frank Cransel, after a separation of three years.
A dispatch from Valparaiso, Ind., says that the Carver Wild West Show went to pieces thre Aug. 6. Several attachments were placed on the effect of the concern. The city authorities of Valparaiso are to care for the twenty-eight Winnebago Indians of the troupe until the government arranges to take them back to their reservation. This is the second collapse suffered this season by the Carver Show.
J. B. Shaw's Silver-Plated Circus exhibited at Salt Lake City, Utah, one week, ending Aug. 2. After the performance of 2 the properties were attached, at the intance of a. C. Brixen of the Valley House and J. H. Faust, livery stable keeper, for $414. The goods are likely to be sold. The company was organized at Bellevue, Ida., last fall.
Prof. A. Hewlette, equilibrist, closed at the Zoo Theatre, Indianapoli, Ind., July 26 and joined Burr Robbins' Circus for the remainder of the season.
Col. John J. Foster, for several years a circus and menagerie agent and the last two seasons with Kohl & Middleton in Chicago, sails in the Aurania Aug. 13 for Egypt, via London and Red Sea route. He goes into the army there.
Charles Bixomos (strong man), is traveling with F. R. Blitz's Show.
Agent J. P. Fagan of King, Burk & Co.'s Circus writes that the show is doing splendidly in the Province of Quebec.
George Jagendorfer, the strong man, now with Forepaugh's Circus, goes with the Silbon-Elliott Combination this winter.
F. C. Huffman, treasurer of Washburn & Hunting's Circus, and Miss Nellie Lewis were united in marriage on Sunday, Aug. 9. . . .
F. E. Piper's Dime Museum came to grief in Peoria, Ill., a few days ago. A portion of the salaries were paid. The Middlecoff Bros., Wisconsin giants, went to Toronto, Ontario.
Business with Lee & Scribner continues large, we hear. Gibons and West, concert people, joined lately.
New York Clipper, October 25, 1884. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Rixford Bros., late of Burr Robbins' Show, will open at Siensby's Theatre, Milwaukee Wis., Oct. 27.
Charles W. Fish's Circus will open its winter season Nov. 15 at Robinson's Opera House, cincinnati, O.
J. H. Coyle is to be married Oct. 21 to Miss Emma Stevens, a non-professional, of Monticello, Ia.
Floyd Ashton (of Ashton Bros.) was on Oct. 7 presented by Mons Buislay of the Burr Robbins Circus, with a valuable ring.
Robert Hewlette will do his bounding wire act next season.
Miles Orton's Circus passed through Memphis, Tenn., eight or ten days ago, en route to Fort Scott, Kas., where it will go into winter quarters. The advertising car had attachments placed on it by twelve employees for salaries due, amounting to $600. Mr. Orton was on 18 expected to arrive soon and settle.
J. T. Johnson's Circus will go south for the winte after finishing in Kansas. They will travel by wagon. Carl Clair is now leading the band.
Segrist, Howe & Co.'s show are doing Texas stands this week. Agent Laval tells the Clipper that "everybody is preaching hard times, which is certainly not encouraging." The company will leave the railroad at Willis, tex., Oct. 28, and thence will travel by wagon.
Addie Austin, the equestrienne, is Mrs. Frank Brown in private life. She has a little daughter now, born in Rio Janeiro, S.A., not long ago. Frank is happy. He is with Carlo Bros.' Circus at the same place.
New York Clipper, November 22, 1884. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
W. O. Monroe, John Barry, Sam McFlinn and others of the New York and New Orleans Circus, finding Col. Charley Noyes, an old showman, sick in Vicksburg, Miss., tendered him substantial pecuniary assistance during their stay there. Harry McFlinn, outside ticket solicitor, joined the above show in Helena, La.
George Hall's Circus, without horsees, played along the line of the Vicksburg and Memphis R. R. week before last. They are now en route to Florida.
Seagrist, Howe & Co.'s Show, under J. R. W. Hennessey's management, are working through Texas. They find business dull everywhere. Annie Worland is very sick, and is resting in Jacksonville, Tex. Major Morris, on Nov. 13 was at the Ferguson House, Tyler, Tex., and was not expected to live. He is dying of general debility.
The remains of W. O'Dale Stevens were removed from the receiving vault in Jersey City Cemetery and place in the family vault (same cemetery) Nov. 13. A suitable monument will be erected by his widow, Linda Jeal Stevens.
The Hicks Southern Show is reported to have collapsed at Huntsville, Nov. 14. The "boys" are looking for salary and Hicks and manager O'Brien have gone. The actors were tendered the opera house by O. Hundlay (who also gae them $5 in cast) and they had a performance 15 to a fair house.
New York Clipper, November 29, 1884. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
E. D. Montague, wife and boy, joined Cross & Le Roy's Transatlantic Show recently. Proprietor E. J. Cross reports good business through Mississippi.
Miles Orton has never put in an appearance in Memphis, Tenn., to defend his case in the attachment placed on his advertising car, with printed matter, etc. It is to be sold Dec. 1.
A dispatch dated Huntsville, Ala., Nov. 17, states that Hick's Circus went under there. Fourteen people were left penniless, and gave a performace at the opera house, by which they raised money enough to get out of town.
Cooper & Jackson's Circus closed at Batesville, Miss., Nov. 15, and went through to Memphis, Tenn., 16. After reaching there a number of attachments were place on the property by performers and employees, a portion of whose claims the management say are unjust, while the complaints state their demands are just. Affairs have become considerably mixed up by the Courier Printing Co., and Jas. Riley, through Mr. McCarty, filing a bill in chancery asking for an injunction restraining the magistrates from trying and hearing the suits. This was granted. McCune and Riley claim they hold a bill of sale of the show, amde to them in Dec. 18, 1883, for indeptedness due them from Cooper & Jackson. It is said by one of the magistrates that the attachment suits amount to about $1,200, and that other claims by performers will bring the sum up to $5,000, while the management say the total is not more than $1,000. About twenty of the men are left in destitute circumstances. The employees have engaged their attorneys and will file their answer, claiming the bill of sale a fraud.
New York Clipper, December 6, 1884. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
C. D. Hobson, agent as well as co-proprietor of Hunter's Circus, was arrested in Gordon, Tex., for pasting up bills without having a license as a billposter. After a parley of several hours duration, he was released.
Fred Whitlock, trombone, and Seneca Mygrants, cornet, with seven members of J. B. Dor's Interocean Circus band, are now furnishing music for the Mascot Skating Academy, Elmira, N.Y.
Miles Orton's advertising car, under attachment at Memphis, Tenn., was sold to the highest bidder Nov. 24. Mr. Hamilton of Hamilton & Pullman was the purchaser at $400.
A receiver was appointed in the case of Cooper & Jackson's Circus by the Chancery Court in Memphis, Tenn., and all the wagons, animals and paraphernalia will be sold Dec. 1.
New York Clipper, December 13, 1884. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
The Three Gregory Bros. announce that they do not travel with the Schiedell Bros., nor did they play with the latter in Port Huron, Mich. They are in Canada this week.
The sale of Cooper & Jackson's Circus by order of the Chancery Court in Memphis, Tenn., took place Dec. 1, as advertised. Two other attachments were placed on the property, one by the Great Western Printing Co., of St. Louis, for $1,955, and one by the Storbridge Lithographing Co. of Cincinnati for $1,565. The case will not come up for trial until the latter part of next spring. Good prices were realized at the sale, considering the well-worn condition of most of the property, the total amount being $10,000. . . .
New York Clipper, December 20, 1884. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Charles W. Fish's Champion Circus has just finished a four weeks engagement at Harris' Museum, Pittsburg, Pa., to good business. The appear at Robinson's Opera House, Cincinnati, O., Dec. 22 for two weeks.
William Bell Marks, bareback equestrian, and Hiram Marks, clown, can be engaged.
Weldon & Co.'s Circus is in Georgia this week. It is thus organized: R. W. Weldon & Co., proprietors; John F. Hummel, treasurer; Al. G. Field, equestrian manager; Tod Hammond, leader of band; Rob Taylor, leader of sideshow band; J. W. Hamilton, owner of all privileges. The performers include Claude Orton, Kincade and Seagrist, Pettit, McNey, Three Wertz Bros., Mlle. Lavely, Irene Smith, Annie Watson, Frank Hobson, Chas. Sweeney, Wm. Bailey, Tilda Field, Geo. Ryland, Frank Delany, Wm. Gay, Harry Rogers and Al. G. Field. The show opened Nov. 1 at Rockwood, Tenn., and has been moderately successful. The season will close Feb. 25 in New Orleans, La. James Hamilton of this circus bought the Miles Orton advertising car which was sold in Memphis, Tenn., Nov. 24. It is now ahead of the Weldon Show.
Happy Jack Lawton, the old Southern clown, has established an auction house in Goldboro, N.C., and is said is to be doing well.
The Seagrist-Howe Show will hereafter be known as the Great Atlantic and Pacific United Shows. J. R. W. Hennessey is the proprietor. They close season at Eagle Pass, Tex., Jan. 10. Thus far they report fair business. Major Morris of the show, whose illness we announced several weeks ago, is well, so agent Laval informs us.
O'Brien's Big Show will go out early in April with many new features and improvements, making the consolidation much larger than ever before.
Agent Chas. H. Brooks says the Nickel-plate Circus will make its third season in California, Oregon, Puget Sound, etc., starting early in the spring. He will winter in San Francisco, Cal.
Prof. Lowanda of the Lowanda, Vetter & Voxes Combined Shows, was presented Dec. 13 with an elegant gold watch by the members of his company. W. M. Flynn made the speech, and the Professor did the response very neatly. The people now with the above show are Madame Lowanda, Madame Zitella, W. M. Flynn, Fin Reynolds, Geo. Cramer, W. Lee, G. H. Bancroft, R. Bansbrough, W. C. Marshall and Harry Hizely (advance).
Blitz's Show closed the season at Brian Bridge, La., Dec. 13. F. R. Blitz and wife have gone to New Orleans, La., to spend the holidays.
1885
New York Clipper, January 31, 1885. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Lee & Scribner's New York Consolidated Show will open May 10 at Pottsville, Pa., They will add three cages and will enlarge the canvas. New band and bill wagons are being built. O. S. Cary is to marshal the paste brigade for Lee & Scribner.
Charles Madden, clown and singer, goes with Miles Orton's Show next season.
Dilla Shearer, a daughter of Peter Shearer of Stonersville, Pa., one of the well known twin dwarfs, died Jan. 24. She was fifteen years old, weighed twenty pounds, never spoke or walked, and apparently never grew since her birth. The other sister died some time ago.
Among the attractions of the Doris Show next season, writes our Indiana correspondent, will be the Fisher Bros. on the flying trapeze . . .
Alexander Coleman, better known as "Little Sandy," while performing as clown in the ring at Sanger's Amphitheatre, London, Eng., injured himself severely recently, through mistaking his distance in turning a somersault. The Harlequin, Alfred Lauraine, met with a similar accident the night before, and both have become patients at St. Thomas' Hospital.
Fish's Circus drew well all last week. This company is obliged to break up on account of commencing so late in the season, it being impossible to get convenient dates.
New York Clipper, February 7, 1885. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
L. A. Weste of Chicago, who has just entered suit for divorce from his wife, Mathilde Cotrelly, is an old horse trainer, and educated the Trakene stallions for the Barnum Show. He is widely known among circus people. Mme. Cotrelly is Weste's fourth wife, and he is her third husband. Col. J. A. McCaull is named as the co-respondent.
Walter E. Carty, for several seasons with Baird's Minstrels, has not been ahead of the company for eight weeks, and is now sick in St. Louis, Mo. Mr. Carty goes out as press agent with King, Burke & Co.'s Circus.
George S. Cole, who has been with hte Hilliard Circus the past four years, will manage the concert for the Frank A. Robbins' Show the coming season.
During a recent performance of "Mazeppa" at Captain Transfield's Circus, Middlesbroug, Eng., Ada Isaacs, who was impersonating the Cassima, was about to be bound upon "the fiery and untamed steed<' and one of Captain Transfield's finest horses was brought into the ring. No sooner had Miss Isaacs been placed in position, than the animal broke from the groom, reared and fell backwards. Miss Isaacs had managed to release herself from the cords that bound her, but also fell. Sydney Bird at once pluckily rushed in and dragged her out of harm's way, and she escaped without a scratch. . . .
Weldon & Co.'s Circus closed in Pensacola, Fla., Jan. 22, the two stands last booked being missed on account of bad weather. The show reached Cincinnati, O., 27, and has gone into winter quarters. Al G. Field and wife will rest a month in Columbus, O., their home, and Chas. Sweeny is in the same city. Field is training a troupe of Shetland ponies at Sells Bros.' old ring barn on Main street. He is engaged as clown and equestrian manager for Wallace & Co. for this season. Other circus people in Columbus include Chas. Emers, Frank Pirsuny, John Quigly, Prof. Ruly, Horace McLean, Jas. Sterne, Jerry Donavin, Allen Sells, Pete Sells, Lew Sells, Jas. Anderson, Chas. Hayd, Chas. Green, Sam Brody, Sam Rinehart and Wm. Garwood.
Johnny Patterson the clown opens next Easter Monday nigh in Belfast, Ire., with James Loyd's Circus.
Ed. Turner the rider is to quit the arena for the legitimate stage. He has been studying for some time past, and in his new departure will have the best wishes of a legion of friends.
New York Clipper, March 21, 1885. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Marco and Reno, old time performers on l'eschelle perileuse, are now in Kansas City, Mo. Reno is a member of the fire department there, and Marco is following mercantile pursuits, having entirely recovered from his Peoria, Ill. fall.
Morosco's Royal Russian Circus, which opened in San Francisco, Cal., March 7, has these people: John Sherman, Louis Durand, Eddie Bailey, Master Harry Morosco and May St. Clair, riders; Mlle Emily Zola and Frank Monroe, gymnasts; Morosco Bros., Samuels and Durand, Karl and Conzalus, W. Burrows and Lew Gorman. They are playing at 25 cents.
Jack Lawton will clown with Pullman & Mack.
Mrs. Kate Duffy died in Lancaster, Pa., March 11, of dropsy. She was in years past well known to professionals. She had been the widow of Harry Whitby, who died in Vicksburg, Miss., Nov. 10, 1869, having, on Nov. 4, been shot in an encounter with roughs, outside of the tent in which Hemmings, Cooper & Whitby's Circus was exhibiting. By her husband's death she came into possession of a fine farm in the eastern part of Lancaster. About a year ago she was married to John Duffy. She was a daughter of John C. Van Camp, a sister of the late Lieut. Van Camp, and was forty-two years of age.
George Whitby, as he is professionally known, who in the long ago traveled with Harry Whitby, and from him took his surname, is still a resident of Lancaster, Pa. During the tenting season he goes out as acrobat and rider.
Charles F. Reed, equestrian, with his daughters Blanche and May, is with the Cirque Continental, now in Calais, France. This circus, by the way, is reported to us as doing a big business.
The following people have been engaged for the Sautelle Pavilion Shows: Geo. W. Larosa, Sig. Lavardo, Milton and Carrier, James Joyce, Tolham Brothers, James Quinlin, William and Birthy Lee, Geo. W. Barlow, Billy Nichols and Addie Frances, Deforest West, Belmont Brothers, McNally and English, Coup and Traver, Geo. T. Mitchell, Wm. Williams, Frank Duncan, M. A. Acker, W. Winchel, Geo. Nichols, A. B. Johnson, T. Hinman, H. Tighe, Geo. W. Moody, C. J. Vanscoter, Prof. Shultz and his silver cornet band. The show will take the road May 4, and will travel by wagon. J. E. Belcher has secured the privileges.
Romeo Sebastian is with Ciniselli in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Maggie Reed is with Schumann's Circus, Stockholm, Sweden.
Ashby and wife, who will be remembered as having been with Forepaugh in this country, are now performing in France with the International Circus.
The death of Leoni, by a fall from his tight rope, is telegraphed from Stockton, Cal. . . .
John O'Brien of the O'Brien, Handenberger & Astley Circus writes us that at a rehearsal of the show at Frankford, Pa., afternoon of March 14, George Day (Alonzo Hiawanda, the "Modern Samson" ) with his teeth lifted a horse weighing 1,250 pounds, together with a 125 pound platform. It was a clear lift, according to our informant.
Robert Hunting, reports our Pittsburg, Pa., correspondent, has purchased a half interest in the Hurlburt Show. It will be known as the Hurlburt & Hunting Equine and Canine Paradox, and will organize at Corning, N.Y. . . .
Harry E. Phillips goes ahead of King, Burk & Co.'s Show. J. G. West goes out with the same circus as knockabout clown.
New York Clipper, March 28, 1885. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
French & Monroe's New York and New Orleans Circus, after a five weeks season at Faranta's Pavilion, New Orleans, La., are now on the Mississippi River. Wm. C. Howard is the general agent, with eight billposters, lithographers and programmers. The principal performers are Fred Barclay, bareback; Nellie Monroe, manege; Jas. Parsons, Patterson Bros., Sig. Enlalia and a corps of leapers, tumblers, etc., with four clowns - Ed. Neary, Sam McFlynn, Chas. Howitt and Chas. S. Inman.
J. J. Page is engaged for Frank A. Robbins' Show.
Chas. W. Cardello and wife (Lizzie Parker) have signed with Miles Orton's Show.
Euson, formerly of Flynn and Euson, who latterly has been with Leonzo Bros., joins Forepaugh.
Anderson's Circus is to do Ohio River towns, as reorted by Wheeling, W. Va.
1886
New York Clipper, April 3, 1886. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Thayer's World Show opened well at Norfolk, Va., March 22. Louise Thayer made the hit of the concert. Charles Morosco and the Three Castello Brothers, who had wintered at Norfolk, left there 25 to join Harris' Nickel-plate Circus. Dave Kennedy, in advance of S. H. McFlynn's Show, was in Norfolk 23. McFlynn was playing at Portsmouth. Forepaugh & Samwell's Show opens at Richmond on the same day with McFlynn, and war is expected.
John N. Russell is engaged as principal talking and singing clown with the W. L. Main Circus.
Col. Chas. Whitney has just returned to Grand Rapids, Mich., form Chicago, where, with Mr. Rich, he had been getting cars for Frank Rich's Great Eastern Railroad Alliance, of which Col. W. is general manager. The show is organizing and equipping in Grand Rapids, and will open somewhere in this vicinity on May 5. Special features will be the Circus Hippodrome, "Lady Godiva's Ride," the Congress of Nations and a twenty horse appolonicon. A new band wagon will carry their band of thirteen pieces, to be known as Heald & Decker's.
Charles Lee will manage what formerly was known as Lee & Scribner's Shows. The season will open in Baltimore, Md., about May 1.
Miller, Okey & Freeman's New United Monster R. R. Show will open season with a week in Columbus, O., May 3. Harry E. Rand, treasurer of the Metropolitan, will go as treasurer with the show. "Shorty Dunnington" (the tallest lithographer in the profession) will be chief lithographer.
Geo. Jackson of the Grand opera house, Columbus, O., has secrued the privileges with hte Miller, Okey & Freeman Show.
Clarence Farrell will not only act as treasurer of O'Brien's Circus, but will also manage and have an interest in the privileges.
New York Clipper, May 8, 1886. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Lindsey Vaughan and Gus Schoenheit, both belonging to Falls City, Neb., joined D'Arley & O'Brien's Circus at Fort Scott, Kas., April 19.
The Barrett Show will hereafter be known as the Big United States and Nwe Great Eastern. Peter Sells is to be the manager, and he proposes to make a clean record for the new enterprise.
Miles Orton shipped his animals from Norris, Mich., April 26, to Hamilton, where he is to open 29.
Scheidell Bros.' Pavilion Show opens at Utica, Mich., May 8.
Merritt, Gregory & Co. open at Royal Oak, Mich., May 8, then play Detroit 10, one week.
Mat Wixom's Pavilion Sohw opens at Bancroft, Mich., May 5.
Chris Lorbey and wife go with the Gregory, Merritt & Co. Show.
T. B. Sadler canceled his Grand Rapids engagement, and passed through Toledo April 29 to join the Robinson Show.
The Russell Pavilion Show opened at Trenton, Mich., April 28. They travel by boat, and are to take in all the towns along the coast of the great lakes.
Charles Lee writes us from Baltimore: "The trouble between Lee and Scribner has been settled, and the show will open at Westminster, Md., May 17. Charles Lee will travel by rail, and will be known as the London Shows." This title might cause new trouble.
The Watson Bros., acrobats, have joined the Delevan Show for the season.
Dr. James L. Thayer withdrew from the Great World's Show on May 1, in Harrisburg, Pa. He tells us that he took his name out at the same time.
Holland & McMahon are trying to make it lively for Beckett's Hippodrome in Racine, Wis. The latter sends us word that they opened there to thousands of people.
New York Clipper, May 15, 1886. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
C. F. Cristle, horizontal bar performer with Shield's Ten-cent Show, fell during his act in Cincinnati, O., May 3, and broke his rihgt knee cap. . . .
William E. Rogers, whose death we chronicled last week, was a grandson of Nathan Howes and a nephew of Egbert Howes. Mr. Roger's father was lost on a steamer on Lake Michigan.
Will H. Sconton, cornettist, who has been for the past twenty-eight weeks at the American Theatre, Hartford, Ct., is now with Miller, Okey & Freeman's Circus.
The Three De Van Bros. and Eva St. John joined A. A. Beckett's Show at Racine, Wis., May 3.
The Great Western Circus and Museum, undr the management of Jas. T. Johnson, opened at Medicine Lodge, Kan., May 3, to big business. The show goes west by wagon. They have a good company of old time circus people. The advance work will be done under the direction of Harry Moore.
New York Clipper, May 22, 1886. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
William Cooke, the widely known equestrain manager, died at his residence, Brixton, London, Eng., May 7. He succeeded Batty in the lesseeship of Astley's Amphitheatre, maintaining for several years the traditional renown of that popular place of amusement. On ther termination of his lease, Batty wished to raise the rental, of sell the property, and, as William Cooke declined to pay more than he had hitherto done, he then retired from the theatre and the profession.
The Frank H. Rich Circus, as traveling under the personal management of Mr. Rich, Col. Chas. Whitney and J. N. Abbott, embraces the Gillettes (Alf, Agnes and Frank), Herr Drayton, the Barretas, Wylie Ferris, Wm. Froble, Mme. Josephine, the Jordans, Geo. La Rose, Frank Marion, the Ortons, Wm. Shepard, Somers and Walters, Harry Tonier, Lola, and Chas. B. Rich (treasurer).
A. A. Becket's Roman Hippodrome pitched tents in Manistee, Mich., last week, and then the candy butchers went on strke.
William Batcheller is leaping with the United States Circus.
Rich's Great Eastern Circus gave a performance morning of May 14 at East Saginaw, Mich., for the benefit of families of the murdered Chicago policemen, as we are written.
M. A. Acker, musical artist, writes that he is traveling with Hurlbert & Hunting's Circus.
New York Clipper, July 10, 1886. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
On account of the cyclone, James T. Johnson has called his agent in and redated his route. Harry Moore has resigned, and Alf. Hutchinson has again taken the advance.
Thirty thousand people were at the big Bull Circus at Nimes, Fr., June 28, when the lights went out and could not be relit. The people began rioting and tore doen the fittings of the circus, after which they burned them in the arena. Then a struggle ensued between the military and the people, many of whom were wounded and arrested.
New York Clipper, September 4, 1886. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Pullman Show. The Rexford Brothers joined at Allentown, Pa., Aug. 25. Billy Lee, clown, joined at Bethlehem 27, to take the place of Retlaw, gone to join the Australian Novelty Co. Mrs. Henry Pullman was forced home from Easton by illness. Giles Pullman took a jump on to the advance at Lancaster. The show is being strengthened for its winter trip south . . . Billy Lee is training an English pug dog to walk a wire - something new. Harry Pullman's health still continues bad, but he hopes the southern trip will benefit him. McConkey's trained horses continue a feature.
W. S. Wheeler goes clowning with Shield's Circus for the winter season through the South.
Harper Bros. and Mabel Francis were doing well with Chiarini's Circus when we last heard from them. They were at Yokohama, Japan, July 30. Two performing elephants, forty head of ring stock, horses and ponies, French and Angelo, Zeltina Family, Stoodley Family, Rollande and son, Blanche Victoria, C. Godfrey (clown), Sylvesters Dog Circus and Sig. G. Chiarinia make up the show.
New York Clipper, October 30, 1886. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Jas. T. Johnson's Great Western Circus is to appear in southwestern Kansas during the next three weeks, and then lay up for the winter.
James R. Adams went to his home in Linden, Mass., after the close of the Gardner one-ring show. Most of the other members of the company returned to New York.
The Main Show is now in winter quarters on Walter Main's farm, Trumbull, O. That gentleman regards last season as his most successful one. The show had no loss of property and no accidents, and the salaries were paid every week. All of the wagon property is offered for sale, with the expectation that the Main show will travel by railroad next season. Extensive repairs are being made to the winter quarters, already neat and comfortable.
Frank Huffman's gossip. Our first week has ended in Richmond, Va., to good "biz," although we had strong counter-attractions. I remain here ten days longer, then make one day stands the balance of the winter at twenty-five cents. I am not fitting out for that purpose, as I find the ten-cent "biz" is overdone down here, as well as North. There were four of us last winter, and now there are ten or twelve; the result will be unprofitable, so I am going to be on the safe side. I shall run a cheap show at twenty-five cents, with three cars, and bill heavily. Chas. Martin has the sideshow, and Dave Burke and Bob Long have the outside privileges. My route will be North and South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.
New York Clipper, November 6, 1886. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Notes from Scribner & Clements. Notwithstanding the discouraging reports from the South this season (from opposition shows that failed to "get there"), we would say the South was never better than this year for tent show. We got another new 40 ft. middle piece at Knoxville, Tenn. The ghost continues to walk every Sunday morning. We met Frank Robbins at Lynchburg, Va. Mr. Scribner was confined to his room all last week with rheumatism. Nelson Sinclair bought a Shetland pony at Farmville, Va., and is breaking him for a pad pony for his leaping dog Jess. Tom Sullivan and wife closed at Petersburg. Sylvester Bros. have joined. Since Norfolk, Va., we can boast of a leaping line lead by Wm. and Geo. St. Elmo. Crawford Bros. (Chas. and Ed) have bought the candy stands. John Wallister is still doing the hustling ahead. Mr. Clements says railroad contracting in the South is a 'tuf job. Everybody is well and happy.
Blitz' Mammoth Show will close its tenting season at Charlotte, N.C., Nov. 9, and will start its hall show from Philadelphia, Pa. 15.
Lowanda & Hoffman's Circus will close its season week of Nov. 15 in Baltimore, Md. Its regular winter season will begin Nov. 22, and it will combine vaudeville acts with circus and play in theatres and rinks.
The ring barn for Miller, Okey & Freeman's Circus has been completed, and "Blue" is putting hte horses through their lessons undre the generalship of "Papa" Aymar.
John Delanty, the showman, committed suicide Oct. 27, by placing his head on a railroad rail near Flemington, N.J. He had loaned John O'Brien, the circus manager, considerable money, and the consequent worriment drove him to take his life. It is said that he married Louise Montague seven weeks ago, but left her afterwards. He owned considerable property.
Cherrie Chapman, formerly with George S. Carland, closed season with the Burr Robbins' Show last week, and was married to Lee Melville of the same circus, as Mr. Melville writes us.
1887
New York Clipper, January 15, 1887. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
John B. Doris and E. D. Colvin made a partnership deal in this city Jan. 6. Mr. Colvin will add to the Doris outift his ten cars and their contents, including Roman horses and chariots, bucking ponies, racing stuff, wardrobe, etc. The new show will travel as E. D. Colvin's Colossal Hippodrome and Wild West. Mr. Doris went to Indianapolis, Ind. 10. Mr. Colvin remains here to work the preliminaries. Both are chock full of confidence. The show will open at Indianapolis.
New York Clipper, March 19, 1887. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
The Zamora Mexican gymnasts are engaged for the summer season with Shields' Circus. Harry Brandon (contortionist), Kennard Bros., and Fred Barclay are also with the show, of which E. H. Heffron is agent.
George Banker will go out with J. H. Gray's Oriental Circus.
Frank Elton, who has for five months past been with the circus Ed. Wulff in Italy, is not highly impressed with that country. But business is good with the circus.
The Howes & Richardson Co. are not to be confounded with Rich & Richards'. Howes & Richardson tell us that they have a brand new show, with fifteen cages.
A letter from Dockrill's Circus, now in Lima, Peru, confirms the report of the death of John Murtz. His demise occurred on the steamer, from Panama to Lima, and his remains were interred in Monta, Peru. John Murtz was for many years connected with the W. W. Cole Circus, was known as one of the Livingston Brothers, and did the aerial bicycle act and the Australian Blondin act. During the last season of Cole's Circus he did the three aerial horizontal bars and a stage bicycle act, having as partners C. H. Lorbey, F. Lorbey, Ed. Marion and Johnny Hart. All are now with Dockrill, except Frank Lorbey, who is in business in St. Louis.
Pearlie, daughter of C. H. and Maude Lorbey (Dickerman), died of diphtheria in St. Louis, Mo., March 9. She was aged 16 months 7 days.
Wooster, O., advices, dated March 7, say: "Mexican Joe's Wild West Show disbanded here, after several weeks struggle against hard luck. Texas Bender, the cowboy violinist, was with the party. The majority of the company went to Chicago to reorganize."
New York Clipper, March 26, 1887. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
J. G. McDowell and James E. Rostron, who all this season have been with Dowling & Hasson's Dramatic Co., will join Miller, Stowe & Freeman's Circus in Columbus, O., April 25.
The Moralo Bros., John Russell, Emma Warden and the Gregorys will be with Main & Co.'s Circus (Dwight Clapp, manger).
George W. La Rosa travels with Col. Webb's Overland Circus, not with H. L. Green's Show, as previously reported.
Chas. Lee's London Show exhibited at Knoxville, Tenn., March 17, in a snowstorm - the first time in Mr. Lee's twenty-two years experience that he ever showed under similar circumstances. He adds that his tent was full. We hope it was of something more substantial than snowflakes.
New York Clipper, April 2, 1887. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Dockrill's Circus, now at Lima, Peru, is reported as demoralized and about disbanding, a number of the people having died and others leaving on account of bad business.
Welby and Pearl are taking a short rest prior to joining the Doris-Colvin Show. They had a pleasant season of twenty weeks with Prof. Andress' Carnival of Novelties.
The Gardner & Donovan Circus returned to the United States from their South American trip March __. They made a very successful trip. The following is a list of the principal people who arrived: James Donovan, Frank A. Gardner, Col. J. W. Foster, James Murray, Frank Ashton, Edward Shipp, Prof. Davis, Charles Dunsworth, Samuel Dawes, Oliver Stephens, Mildred Gardner, Clorinda Lamkin, Josie Ashton, Jennie Bordeaux and Maude Baker.
Wiley Ferris closed at Nashville, Tenn., with Lee's London Show, to join King & Franklin's Circus at Chattanooga, April 4.
New York Clipper, May 28, 1887. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Whitney Family New Enterprise Circus Notes. The roster of the show is: G. L. Whitney, proprietor and manager; Byron Killmar, charge of dressing room and equestrian manager; Floyd Whitney, leader of band, with ten men; Ray S. Leach, boss-canvasman, with eight assistants; Jerome Messinger, boss-hostler, with six assistants; John Nehman, master of properties, with three assistants; Col. M. Gillette, general agent with six assistants. Circus people - J. T. Carrier, Hardy and McFee, Mons. Capolo, George Scott, Josie Whitney, the Leander Bros., three in number have lately joined; Tom Cone, clown; Bell Twins, D. S. Helmer, D. Rock Hunt. The sideshow and all privileges are run and controlled by C. A. Whitney. Sideshow people - Amy Cone, Charles Laccells, Addie Whitney, Clark Cogswell, Leon Whitney. Mr. Whitney has recently added a fifty foot middle piece and more seats. The show travels by wagon, and has thirty head of horses.
Circus and Sideshow, New York Clipper, July 23, 1887. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Forepaugh’s general agent, Louis E. Cooke, is now putting up the largest circus poster ever printed. The mammoth pictorial is from the presses of The Courier Co., Buffalo, N.Y., and contains 128 sheets of paper. It illustrates the great thirty-one horse act as done by Adam Forepaugh Jr., and it is undoubtedly the largest publication ever hung on the walls. Mr. Cooke, who is a great genius in the way of advertising, some years ago designed and worked out a one hundred sheet lithograph for Cole’s Circus, but Forepaugh now leads the procession in the way of big bills.
Adam Forepaugh has decided to abandon the use of window lithographs during the remainder of his season. The money thus saved (over $75 a day) will be put into newspaper advertising.
New York Clipper, November 26, 1887. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
J. H. Shields informs us that his circus opened at San Antonio, Tex., Nov. 14, to remain two weeks, He also reports business as very large. The Three Powers Bros. join him Nov. 27 and the Two Kennards Dec. 4.
E. H. Davis, having arrived in Philadelphia, Pa., from the circus battleground in Texas, informs us that the fight between Doris & Colvin and Sells Bros. was waged fast and furious all along the line, and it would be difficult to say who came out ahead. Texas, he says, is greatly over-rated, and a number of companies will doubtless come away with very little, if any, money.
James D. Fay, having closed with Sells Bros.' Circus, is now on the lithographing staff of Doris & Colvin. Wm. De Van and Eva St. John left the Black Brothers' Circus at Modesto, Cal. . . .
1888
New York Clipper, July 21, 1888. Information should be checked with additional sources. There will be typographical errors.
Harry M. Price informs us that he has given up the concert privileges with the feralto Circus. He is resting in Providence, R.I.
J. W. Robinson has secured the sideshow privileges with Harris' Nickel Plate Circus. His roster is: Mme. Lazelle, her troupe of performing birds; Zuluma Zelelka, Circassian snake charmer; Rivolti, fire king; C. W. Mack, magician and Punch and Judy. The show is now in Chicago. All the people are well and the ghost walks regularly.
William Boucher and wife have left the Miles Orton Show. He reports good business. Mr. Boucher will manage the Boucher Bros. & Co.'s Pavilion Show which starts out from Henderson, Ky., July 19. It will travel by rail and have a 60 ft. round top with a 40 ft. middle piece and a sideshow canvas 30x60 ft.
The King & Franklin and Hunting Circuses met at Elizabeth, N.J., July 11. The rival employees are reported to have indulged in a free fight. Two of the ringleaders were locked up, and the rest of the crowd dispersed. The police were then stationed on the respective grounds, but no more trouble arose.
Robert Mumnie secured an attachment against Pawnee Bill's Wild West Show in Philadelphia July 13 for $500, which Mr. Mumnie claims is due him for furnishing electric lights to the show. The attachees are also said to be looking for their salaries. The company was organized in Wichita, Kas., last May by Charles M. Southwell and Gordon M. Lillie (Pawnee Bill), and has had a varied career. When the show struck Pittsburg, Pa., it was in a very bad condition financially, and Select Councilman Thos. J. Ryan was appealed to for backing. Being of a Wild West turn of mind, and having a company of his own under the leadership of Comanche Bill at the Gentleman's Driving Park, he entertained the proposition, and advance the money to enable the show to leave Pittsburg and reach Philadelphia, though he did not assume the liabilities. In the last named city the two shows consolidated. On July 7 the members of Comanche Bill's Co., numbering about twenty people, were discharged. . . .
New York Clipper, August 26, 1888. Information should be checked with additional sources. There will be typographical errors.
Alf. Dorian, contortionist, joined Shelby's Show Aug. 10.
Moulton and Dashway go with the Sells Bros.' Show on their Australian trip.
Notes from Dale Bros.' Far West. Charles Bigelow, of Healy & Bigelow, presented Dr. Will Dale (Buckskin Billy) of Dale Bros., Aug. 15, with a silver mounted Smith & Wesson revolver in the presence of a large audience at Ashland, Pa. Fine business attends the Shanandoah Valley circuit. Prof. Harrington and wife joined 16, from Main's Circus. Mrs. Lizzie and Lillie Dale join 29, from their summer home, "Rock Cottage," Ohio Falls, Louisville, Ky. Mrs. Sadie Hodgson, wife of Jesse Hodgson, banjoist, was slightly injured in a runaway team while out riding 16.
McMahon's Show are in the far Northwest. They left their cars at Tacoma, W. T., and took to boat, and will play the towns on Puget Sound as far north as Wilmington, B.C. They are said to be the first circus to go north of Victoria. Good business has thus far attened the trip. The writer says: "We manage to find the Clipper in almost every town, even in this far away territory."
Johnny Sanders is very ill at the St. Vincent Hospital, this city. He lately arrived from South America, where he had been under engagement with the Frank Gardner Show.
New York Clipper, October 27, 1888. Information should be checked with additional sources. There will be typographical errors.
Dockrill's Circus was in Rio Janeiro, S.A., at last advices.
Gardner's Circus left for Georgetown, S.A., Oct. 13. Mr. Gardner's animals have been on the Isthmus all summer, thereby saving considerable for transportation.
Boucher Bros.' Co., organized July 19 at Henderson, Ky., have had good success. They have lately added a new middle piece, four lenghts of seats and a supply of blue paint . . .
1889
New York Clipper, April 20, 1889. Information should be checked with additional sources. There will be typographical errors.
Chas. Bartine has just taken possession of the Seamon House, Montpeiler, Ind. His son-in-law, George Muneviller, will manage it during the tenting season, while Manager Bartine is out on the road attending to the business affairs of his circus. Showman Bartine has also leased the Fair Grounds for a term of five years, and will turn it into neat comfortable Winter quarters for his shows. His troupe opened their season April 2 at Montpelier, with an entire new outfit, from stakes up.
Roster of Hunting’s New York Cirque Curriculum: R. Hunting, proprietor and manager; Arthur Christy, treasurer; Mack Evans, advance . . .
New York Clipper, April 27, 1889. Information should be checked with additional sources. There will be typographical errors.
The Andress Show, Chas. Andress, sole proprietor, and W. R. Andress, manager, started the tenting season April 21. The show has one advance car, fourteen people in charge of the advance, and about one hundred people with the show. They also carry ten cages, one elephant, two camels and twenty horses.
Dr. Wheeler Comedy Co. closed its season at Franklin, Ky., April 13. Binny and Bliss, Elder and Newston, and Dr. Wheeler join Heffron’s Great Eastern Show, at Newport, Ky., 22, for the season.
The Tuttle Family Show will not start out until April 29.
New York Clipper, May 4, 1889. Information should be checked with additional sources. There will be typographical errors.
The “Wizard’s Annex” with Hunting’s New York Circus, consists of Griffin, the wonder worker; Olivia, the white witch; Mormon, broken glass dancer; Capt Gordiers, headless soldier; Bohemian Glass Blowers; Prof. Miller . . .
A Wild West Show has been added to Orton’s Circus. Chas. Ellis continues as the general agent.
New York Clipper, August 3, 1889. Information should be checked with additional sources. There will be typographical errors.
R. S. Dingess, the veteran agent and hero of the "Black Hawk War," is now with the Belmont Show, whose leading artist is Daisy Belmont, a most promising young equestrienne. This circus has been exhibiting in the outskirts of Chicago for several weeks, ten cent being the price of admission.
The tour of the Lowande Brazilian Circus and English Royal Menagerie is under the management of J. S. Hoffman, whose experience in the direction of the largest twenty-five cent circus will doubtless be found of much value in the new venture to be put on this coming winter season for the southern states, Mexico and Cuba. Nearly all the tour has already been prospected. The pictorial features will be gorgeous, and the company novel and complete, we are assured. Business has been big throughout New Jersey, and everybody is happy. Martinho Lowande is back again with the show after sojourning at Long Branch, N. J. for several days, and will get to work and proceed for a divorce from his wife, Rosina Lowande. Then he will be in his glory again. Earle and Ward are no longer with the show, and the same may be said of Troy Bosco and Valintin G. Gaylor. Bender has renewed his contract for the balance of the season. . . . One thing that gives necessarily a certain sameness to circus music has been much improved by our new leader, Max Schneider, and one and all say it’s the best circus music ever heard. Mr. Lowande can feel proud of his new band. George Roop and wife are with them, and will stay until the close of the season. Martinho Lowande has bought four new horses for his six horse act. J. Henry Rice, who is hard at work with his advance people, is one of the most energetic advance agents, and has done some excellent work this season with Lowande’s Circus. The show will not come to New York, as was intended, not being able to make satisfactory arrangements.
Denny Stirk, of Stirk and Zeno, left Irwin Bros.’ Show at Boston, Mass., and reports business good with that circus. He and Mr. Zeno join the Barnum Show at Utica, N. Y., for a year’s engagement.
King & Franklin are credited with running the “cleanest little show” on the road.
Pomeroy’s Western World Troupe is in the south eastern corner of Michigan, getting ready to go into Ohio. Over one hundred people and about one hundred and twenty five head of horses, ponies, mules, donkeys, etc. make up the show. Everybody is enjoying the best of health after having passed through five weeks of steady rain in the northern part of the state. Prof. Van De Mark joined July 22 with his band of ten pieces. Business is reported very good.
New York Clipper, August 17, 1889. Information should be checked with additional sources. There will be typographical errors.
Splinters from Gregory & D’Almas’s Circus. . . . Business, notwithstanding the fact that early in the Spring we played two weeks in the vicinity of Johnstown, and had rain for thirty-one successive days in Pennsylvania and Maryland, the show is away ahead on the season. The result during our thirty-two stands in Ohio and West Virginia, has been fair. Rain and floods played havoc in West Virginia. Owing to the floods the show lost two stands recently. Prof. Baker’s band is making a great hit. John N. Russell left the show at Jackson C. H. Otherwise there has been no changes in the company since the opening. We have only three more stands in West Virginia, and then back into Pennsylvania, where the show will be greatly increased in size. It is the intention of the management to do Dixie this winter, traveling by rail.
Wm. La Clede left the Holland & Gormley Show at Wabasha, Minn. He went to his home in St. Louis, Mo.
Notes from the Miles Orton Show. A. B. Scoville writes that they are doing a fair business, and are playing the river towns on the Ohio and its tributaries. The stock is in first class order, and all attaches are well. The show is touring on the steamer General Harris and a barge.
New York Clipper, September 14, 1889. Information should be checked with additional sources. There will be typographical errors.
The two La Rosas, Frank and Eddie, are still creating a great sensation with T. K. Burk’s Circus, this being their nineteenth week with that show, their double bar act and Spanish ring act being one of the principal features. They are now en route south with Burk’s Circus.
New York Clipper, September 21, 1889. Information should be checked with additional sources. There will be typographical errors.
Items from the Belmont Elite Circus. Mrs. Belmont, who got her foot badly mashed some time ago, is able to be in the ring once more. Mr. Belmont is making a big hit with his trained dogs. C. C. Matthews, slack rope performer, and Jessie Dair, gymnast and iron jaw lady, joined Sept. 6. We are having nice weather, and are doing big business. Have not decided about going South this winter. Daisy Belmont is receiving applause for her clever riding. The ghost does not miss a weekly round. Geo. Rice is the popular treasurer.
W. S. Wheeler, clown, is now with the Stone Bros. Wild West. He closed with the Ringling Bros. Circus on account of ill health.
New York Clipper, September 28, 1889. Information should be checked with additional sources. There will be typographical errors.
Notes from the Andress Shows. Mrs. Andress’ mother has returned to her home at Chicago, Ill., after visiting a week with her daughter. Walters and Gray and Louise Llewellyn have closed with the show, and are filling an engagement at Kansas City, Mo. Karoley Ordey has started a new enterprise in the shape of a lunch counter for the benefit of performers and musicians. He carries a fine stock of pie, sandwiches, cigars, cigarettes, tobacco and “mineral waters.” His “joint” is very popular.
Harry Osborn, orator, joined the Schiedell Bros. Show at St. Paul, Minn.
Fralando’s Great Fair Ground Show is playing the Iowa fairs. Business is reported big. Prof. Estes, the snake king, in a den of one hundred snakes and a large devil fish, is the principal feature.
New York Clipper, October 19, 1889. Information should be checked with additional sources. There will be typographical errors.
The Belmont Elite Show closed Oct. 8, with a happy event – the marriage of Wm. Showles, the rider of Sells Brothers’ Shows, and Daisy Belmont, of this show. After the evening performance, the friends of the couple assembled at their rooms in the hotel, where champagne flowed freely and a pleasant time was had until a late hour. The happy couple started in the morning for New York City, to join Barnum & Bailey for their tour across the water. The Belmont Show has had a successful season, the ghost walking regularly Saturday nights. Mrs. Belmont has had the confidence of all, and has worked for the welfare of her employes. She is making arrangements for her trip South. Most of the company go to Chicago to rest for a few weeks, and then get ready for their southern trip.
At Pittsburg, Pa., during the evening performance of Oct. 7, Robert Hunting, of Hunting’s Circus, was presented with a handsome gold chain and locket by the members of his company. Mr. Hunting had just finished his clown song when Treasurer Christie stepped into the ring and made the presentation. Mr. Hunting was taken by surprise, but responded in his usual happy way and banqueted the company after the show. They closed their season at Pittsburg 7, without an accident of any consequence. Most of the company will play dates during the winter.
W. S. Wheeler has been compelled to close with Stowe Bros.; Wild West Show, on account of ill health. He is now at Hot Springs, Ark.
New York Clipper, September 21, 1889. Information should be checked with additional sources. There will be typographical errors.
The following people join Charles Lee’s London Circus for the winter: the Human Snake, Louis Berious, high wire; Lavelita and wife, aerialists; Prof. Shaw, Prof Dooney, Willie the boy fire king; Bob Clark, clown; Mlle. Anneta, flying rings and Mlle. Mirinda, female juggler.
New York Clipper, November 2, 1889. Information should be checked with additional sources. There will be typographical errors.
Notes from the Andress Show. Doc. Miller, equestrian director, closed at Birmingham, Ala., and returned to his family.
Will E. Conkling is now with Holland & Gormley Show.
New York Clipper, December 14, 1889. Information should be checked with additional sources. There will be typographical errors.
A. N. King, one of the proprietors of the King & Franklin Circus, sailed Dec. 7 for England. Accompanied by his wife, he will make a winter tour of the British Isles, France, Germany and Italy.
Sam McFlinn writes that the McFlinn & Hall Show closed in good shape, and the horses sold were the baggage horses, and brought good prices. The show will be enlarged for the coming season, and will travel by rail.
Geo. Castello, who was ill with typhoid fever at West Plains, Mo., has entirely recovered and is now resting at his home, Norfolk, Va. The Three Castello Bros. are under contract for next season with John S. McMahon’s World’s Circus.
The Miles Orton Show report meeting with success in Louisiana. They play New Orleans Christmas week.
New York Clipper, December 21, 1889. Information should be checked with additional sources. There will be typographical errors.
The Bailey & Winans' Combined Shows, Circus Hippodrome and Wild West, will be the biggest wagon show on the road next season. We want . . . circus performers in all branches, ladies having new aerial acts, cowboys (long hair), concert people. . . . Would like to hear from the Irwins . . . For sale, side show privileges. Wilbert D. Winans, business manager. . . . Al. Dolson, general agent . . . Charles Ward ("Curley"), boss canvassman. Address and winter quarters, Newton Falls, Ohio.
1891
New York Clipper, May 16, 1891, pp. 166, 167, 169, 170, 171, 176, 178, 179. Information should be checked with additional sources. There will be typographical errors.
Cincinnati, Ohio. Tom Melneroey(?) and Billy Gibbs have signed with Stowe's Circus, to do wrestling bouts, pugilistic turns and statue acts. New York Clipper, May 16, 1891, p. 166.
Toledo, Ohio. Coup's Railroad Show was here 7, 8, 9, and did excellent business. Forepaugh Circus is billed for June 3.
William Edwards, tumbler and pyramid performer and Joseph Wilton(?), bar performer. . . . Mr. Edwards . . . will very likely join the Irwin Bros. Show in New England at an early date, having worked with that show for several consecutive seasons. Next fall he will practice a new act in conjunction with his brother. . . .
Terrell Bros.' Circus opened their season at Paducah, Ky., May 7 to tremendous business. The following is the roster of the show: Terrell Bros., proprietors; Fletcher Terrell, manager; Artie Shields, treasurer; J. D. De Alma, equestrian manager; James Flourney(?), boss hostler; John Kelly, boss canvasman; J. R. Williams, assistant, with twenty five canvasmen; Melrose Bros.; De Alma Family; Chas. H. Holland and wife; Marian and C???; James Welch; Bobby Raymond(?); Tommy Clark; Prof. Jas. De alma; the Chicks; The Raymonds; Josie Hall; Eada(?) and Smith; Prof. Harry Crigler(?); M. Johnson; R. E. Hodges; C. A. Clewell(?); Ray Crigler; James Malone; Chas. Canieal(?); J. Shields; W. S. Baum . . . ; Prof. M. Spear; . . . and Jubilee Singers.
Hunting's Circus happenings. At Alliance, O., April ??, a terrific wind and rain storm hurled every stitch of canvas to the ground except the side show. The performance was held at [the] Opera House that night to a large audience. Although poles were broken and the canvas torn, assistant manager Evans had everything up in time . . . and the show never missed a performance. At New Brighton(?) we heard with feelings of deep regret of the terrible death of Prof. D. P. Hurlburt, Mr. Hunting's old partner and one of the finest gentlemen that ever graced the circus. We hoped against hope that the rumor was an idle one, but when we read in the "Old Reliable" our worst fears were realized. Mr. and Mrs. Hunting were deeply effected by the sad news, and Mrs. Hurlburt has the heartfelt sympathy of our entire company. . . . Dan Bartholomew's Circus opened its season at Salt Lake City May 2. The business was very good. Two weeks were played there. This circus tours the inter-mountain region every summer, to good success. As this country is rarely or never visited by the big shows, this one has a fine field. H. Burton is the manager. It opened with the following people: Mazuz and Abacco; Dare Bros.; Wilson Bros.; El Dino Dinei; Lamontz; Mono Del Vago; G. Rice; D. Bartholomew and Tom Conklin. New York Clipper, May 16, 1891, p. 169.
Jackson Bros.' Circus was attached at Adel, Ia., recently for $8,000.
Ida Bailey Manning, of the Mannings, has entirely recovered from an attack of the grip, and has resumed work with C. L. Bailey's Circus.
Durell and Lennox, aerialists, were unable to join Washburn & Arlington’s Circus at Hoboken, N. J., May 8, owing to the illness of Mr. Lennox.
Notwithstanding the disagreeable weather experienced by McMahon's Circus since their opening in Oregon and Washington, business is reported to be entirely satisfactory, and everybody is well.
The hustling being done through the West by Peter Sells, of Sells Bros., P. S. Mattox of Forepaugh's, and Arthur W. Cole, of W. C. Coup's Shows, is keeping the press and contracting people on the jump. It is a lively season for the white tents, the opposition being greater and more pronounced than has occurred in any campaign of late years.
Roster of the advance of Butcher, Oram & Co.'s Congress of European Stars: Tully Strayer, contracting agent; . . . Chas. Whiting . . .
Roster of Clemen's European Shows: R. F. Clemens, proprietor and manager; Lee Howard, assistant manager and treasurer; Wm Morelo, equestrian director; J. W. Wallacker, general agent; Richard Timmons, boss bill poster, with six assistants; Lee Howard, Eugene Verona, R. V. Stinson, Max Morelo, Wm. Morelo, Jas. Devine, Signor Daudet, Walter Romalo, Jesse Fusner, Wm. Adams, F. De Vina, G. Marbs, Harry Hartsing, Ida Morelo, Laura Kelly, Adele Purvis, Alice Howard, Eva Howard; Ira S. Loos, leader of silver cornet band and orchestra; Fred E. Mills, G. M. Labbe, C. Freyermuth, Artie Wigham, C. Waters, S. Dangerfield . . . Geo. Simons, boss properties, with three assistants. The show travels by wagon, using a 100ft. round top, with two 40ft. middle pieces, a 60ft. sideshow top and two horse tents and forty-five head of horses.
Bailey's London Circus opened its season at Newton Falls, O., May 2(?), to immense crowds, both afternoon and night. The street parade made a striking ???, and the show gave great satisfaction. Geo. Rexford, equestrian director, is deserving of much praise for the smoothness and excellence of the performance. Frank Farrell(?) is working the sideshow openings and concert announcements, and holds big crowds right along. Manager Bailey recently ___ several head of fine ring stock and a number of performing horses at Chicago, and "Pop" McFarland is training them very nicely. . . . Everybody with the show is enjoying good health, and the management endeavors to make everything as comfortable as possible.
Eddie Turner, one of the most daring bareback riders in the circus profession, has turned Benedict, and is living a quiet life in the upper part of this city [New York].
Roster of Fred Locke’s Circus: Fred Locke, proprietor and manager; Herb B. Deal, general agent; Frank Austen, head billposter, with three men; Dick Kelley, boss canvasman with ten assistants; Prof. D. H. Hadderman, leader of band, with eight musicians; Wm. De Boe, Will Barnes, Douglas and Androus, Lon Brooks, Billy Sheppard, Clyde Le Blanche, Master Ernie Powers, Prof. Vergil Andre, Geo. Le Sage, Chas Butts, C. W. Curtis, J. D. Casy, Merrit Rector, Benj. Rose, Geo. Adams, Clint Hayden, Alonzo Birney, Banks Simmons, John Conley, Fred McKenzie, Burt Mathson, Eugene Bunfill, Wm. Alder, Prince Abraham, Ollie Locke, Mme. Mora and Lizzie Alder, performers. The show has been greatly enlarged and will use a 110ft. round top tent, with a 40 ft. middle piece. The wagons and chariots have been newly painted and decorated, and the entire outfit renovated. The season opens at Capac, Mich., May 16.
Hammond Bros. Circus opens its season May 21, the advance starting out seven days ahead under the direction of Max Rolley. Among the people engaged are Reves and La Barge, Freddie Maxwell, Daisy Raymond, Clara Bell, Sheriden and Mulligan, Prof. H. Snider’s Dog Circus, Robt. McCounkey, Prof. Sharp’s Silver Cornet Band, James Cullen, Etta Nathen, Al. Winship, Geo. Buckner and Benj. Clark.
Malcom and Theola have joined Hall's Circus. New York Clipper, May 16, 1891, p. 169.
Charles Forbes has been engaged as general agent for Chas. Bartine's Circus, which opens at Connersville, Ind., May 11.
Thomas E. Cooke, father of James E. Cooke and Mary Ann Cooke, and grandfather of Geo. H., James R., Samuel D. Adams, Jennie and Etta Clooston, passed his eighty-ninth birthday May 5, at Paterson, N.J. A family reunion was to have been held to celebrate the event, but the death of his son, Chas. H. Adams, which is recorded in our obituary columns, caused a postponement.
E. O. Rogers’ United States Circus, recently organized at Tacoma, Wash., came to grief at Seattle April 28, being unable to pay transportation charges.
Notes from Dan Costello’s Circus. The weather has been fine, and the show is doing a splendid business. Frank Le Roux sprained his ankle while leaping, May 4, and will be compelled to rest a few days. I. J. Masten, cornettist, joined 5. D. L. Nichols, high wire performer, was married at Louisville 6, to Priscillia Fontenilliatt, a non-professional of that city. The wedding ceremony was quietly held at the bride’s home, and the couple received the best wishes of all.
Edward Johnson has signed with Gollmar Bros.' United Shows. New York Clipper, May 16, 1891, p. 169.
Roster of Dick’s New Model Circus and Menagerie, which opened at Ottumwa, Ia., April 27: Dick P. Sutton, proprietor and manager; George Edgerton, assistant manager and equestrian director; C. C. Harpstrite, treasurer; J. W. Harpstrite, advance agent, with seven assistants; H. Blocker, leader of band; Herman Rohrs, leader of orchestra; James Norris, boss canvasman; Lee Henis, boss hostler; Ratlaw and Alton, Slackey, Ratiow, J. Roper, Cunningham and Lamont, Ellis Edwards, Stone Bros., Edgerton Sisters, Prof. Kennady, Thomas and Shrole(Shroie?), Prof. Jones, and Prof Bolstead, performers. Frank B. Hubin, manager sideshow; Capt. D. M. McIntosh, Prof. Fostello, Lillie De Vear, Thomas Eaton, Minnie Moore, Dot Eastman, Maurice Cathcart and others.
Troy, New York. Irwin Bros.' Circus comes 11, 12, 13. New York Clipper, May 16, 1891, p. 170.
Kansas City, Missouri. Wm. Sell's Circus exhibits 11-14. Lemen Bros. Circus opened its season here 8-10, and gave very creditable performances to good turnouts. Sells Bros. & Barrett's Circus and the Forepaugh Show will visit us this season. New York Clipper, May 16, 1891, p. 171.
Musicians wanted for Rentz & Astley's Circus. Trombone and alto to strengthen band. Also baritone to double ___ violin. P. J. Ward, bandmaster, Chicago, Ill.
Wanted, people in all branches of the circus business, riders with their own stock. Address Geo. Reichhold, 173 West Madison Street, Chicago, Ill.
Wanted, musicians for the Castello, Williamson & Oatman's Circus. Good musicians and strong players. Long engagement. . . .
Call. All people engaged for Hammond Bros. Mammoth Circus report for rehearsal at Janesville, Wis., May 30(?). Also want few more people for big show and concert. J. A. Hammond, manager, Janesville, Wis.
Wanted, for La Grand's Big Novelty Shows, a lady to do outside ascension and one or two turns in ___, also a few good people. Address Prof. La Grand, Middeford, Me.
Wanted, for the Markowits Circus, people in all branches of the circus business, except riders. Aerial people, contortionists, trick ponies, a brother act, to do bars; male and female aeiral act, to do two or more acts. Address Dave Marcowits [sic], 214(?) Market Street, Pittsburg, Pa.
Wanted, reliable close contractor, circus and concert people, who do more than one turn. Man to take charge and run cook tent. . . . Washburn & Arlington.
"White Tents," New York Clipper, June 6, 1891, p. 2. Information should be checked with additional sources.
Dan Rice Again in the Ring. Dan Rice's big one ring show gave its first performance night of May 28, at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Flushing, Brooklyn, to a tent filled with pleased spectators. The performance was of the highest order, and the applause with which each performer was received showed that Dan Rice had lost none of his popularity, but instead was as great a favorite with the pleasure seeking natives of Brooklyn as he has been at any time within the last sixty years. Gray bearded and partly bald headed, he entertained the audience with his ever funny sayings and doings. When he came into the ring he was received with a storm of applause that must have awakened pleasant recollections in his mind, for, when the large crowd insisted upon a speech, he recounted many anecdotes relating to happy days spent at Brooklyn long before the majority of the audience were able to steal under a tent. The performance itself was varied and excellent. It opened with some fine tumbling by the entire troupe, which elicited much applause. Prof. Herbert's trained geese, flve in number,walked the tightrope, shot off pistols and "carried on" generally. Annie Carroll was the equestrienne of the evening, and her bareback riding was far above the average. The strong act of the whole performance was accomplished by George Holloway, who ascended the ladder without support, and, balancing himself in mid air, played upon the melodeon and went through the actions of a fireman. He then climbed down, balancing the ladder with the greatest ease. The Davenport Bros, Cobello Bros. and the Bratz Bros, gave fine exhibitions of acrobatic work. The trained dogs carried off the honors by some fine jumping, hurdle race, tight rope walking and tricks of various kinds.
THE ADAM FOREPAUGH Show continues its remarkable business. One day at St. Louis the storm interfered with the afternoon house, but the night brought an immense attendance. Among the visitors during the week were R. C. Campbell, George Peck and M. Coyle, of the advance forces. They were evidently hard worked by the strong opposition. Restive under attacks, they begged for a chance to return the compliments showered upon them. The result was the issue, over the signature of Jas. E. Cooper, of the following special and important instructions to agents: "I believe in conducting our business in a legitimate and respectable way, and therefore issue these instructions for your government, and they must at all times be implicitly obeyed. I intend, and insist, that our exhibition shall be conducted in a clean, moral and honorable manner, and to that end these rules are instituted. All agents and employes are emphatically enjoined from engaging in any disgraceful or wordy broils with agents and employes of other shows regarding the merits or demerits of either our or their exhibition. You must not resort to low devices write, print or circulate any personal, libelous or other derogatory matter concerning other shows or their managers or agents. Nor must you cover up their paper, take down or disturb their lithographs, change their dates or otherwise mutilate their advertising matter. If other agents or their assistants, whom you meet in a legitimate discharge of your duties, see proper to resort to such disreputable devices, you must report the facts to me and await my decision. You must not degrade our character by retorting in kind. Our exhibition stands so high, is so powerful and strong, that we have no occasion to resort to illegitimate modes of advertising. The country is large enough for all, without wrangling in opposition. I will not permit any departure from these instructions. Our route is always arranged so far in advance that any show which desires it for honorable purposes and to avoid it, can obtain it upon application, thus avoiding all opposition." The circular is certainly worthy of being copied by other shows. As a rule, a circus has difficulty in keeping its name clean. When shows throw mud at each other, the public can hardly be blamed for noticing the stains. On the opening day at St. Louis, Peter Sells was the guest of Mr. Cooper. On the two succeeding days, Lewis Sells and wife were guests of the show. J. W. Randolph, of the Sells Bros.' Show, was also a visitor. The latest addition to the show is William Marks, the rider, who takes the place of Mr. Davenport, who remains behind for medical treatment. Mayor Noonan, after seeing Zazel do the jump into the fire net, invited her to visit the City Hall and explain it in detail, as he wished to adopt it at St. Louis. Manager McCaddon has congratulated Hugh Coyle and R. C. Campbell upon the successful issue of their fight for the Lake front in Chicago. Hugh Coyle has been quite ill from overwork and La Grippe, but he bravely kept at them until the object of the management was accomplished.
THE SIDESHOW PEOPLE with Gollmar Bros.' Show include: W. Golmar, R. Hunt, Geo. Patrick, E. W. Vermelo, Ina Vermelo, Mlle. Zanvia, Julia Gibbons, Mme. Inga and Vermelo's Punch and Judy.
WALLACE'S CIRCUS had a pretty rough time at Mahanoy City, Pa., May 26. Early in the evening a crowd of boys made an effort to get under the canvas, but were driven away by the tentmen in such a manner as to rouse their ire. They informed a crowd of roughs who were hanging about, and with them returned to the entrance and made a rush for admittance. The canvasmen fought them back as well as they could, being considerably outnumbered, and in consequence a number gained an entrance. Another rush was made, and several others succeeded in getting in. Several men then ran into the ring, and, seizing a female performer, dragged her from the platform. The canvasmen then opened fire upon the mob, wounding several. Over fifty shots were fired by the canvasmen. The mob closed in on them, and a hand to hand conflict ensued. Stakes were pulled out and used with telling effect. The fight lasted for several minutes, only ceasing when the large tent collapsed. The showmen ran in the direction of the Reading station, where their cars stood waiting for them. They were followed by the mob, who threw stones, clubs and other missiles at them. Many citizens were struck and received severe bruises. The circusmen leaped into the cars and immediately seized Winchester rifles, with which they kept the mob at bay. Had they not been able to board the train hardly one of the canvasmen would have escaped. The Chief Burgess, with a squad of men, also attempted to get aboard, but was also confronted with the Winchesters. The train started off and the crowd dispersed. It was impossible to ascertain which of the canvasmen did the shooting. An investigation is being made, however, and arrests will likely follow. The circus was at Tamaqua, 27.
NOTES FROM THE SELLS BROS. Shows. — We opened our fifth week May 25, at Lexington, Mo., to one of the largest crowds of the season. During the week Wm. Dutton was accidentally thrown from his horse, and sustained a number of severe bruises; and, as though to follow the example of her liege lord, Mrs. Effie Dutton, the next day, fell from her horse, and was carried to the dressing room in an insensible condition. At present both are doing as well as could be expected. Cyrene, the dancer, is still a sterling feature, and continues to win the plaudits of vast audiences. The weather is fine. All are cheerful.
COL. J. MELVIN ADAMS, of the Dan Rice Show, was a CLIPPER caller June 2. He is largely interested in the Rice enterprise, and is enthusiastic regarding the outcome of the venture. Sufficient capital is invested to cover two years of travel, which will include Australia and California.
PROF. CLARENCE ASBEY AND WIFE are with Charley Shay's New Quincumplexal Shows, producing their living models on a monster elevated revolving platform. It is one of the features of the show.
THE ADAM FOREPAUGH SHOWS' latest pamphlet, entitled "History," was printed by the Empire Printing Co., of Chicago, and issued in that city as a result of that great shows' victory there last month in having the court modify the injunctions, against the use of the Lake front, so as to permit the monster concern to give a week's exhibition there commencing June 15. It Is the product of James E. Cooper, proprietor; Whiting Allen, press agent; R. C. Campbell, general agent; Hugh Coyle, press agent, and others, and, judging from an advance set of proofs sent to us, it will be decidedly one of the most valuable circus documents ever issued by any concern of that character.
ROSTER of the Kickapoo Indian Medicine Co., No. 37: Fred Lexington, manager; Dr. Boughton and Dr. Duggen lecturers; John E. Brennan, Fred Lexington, Frank Leon, Dutch Kiermann, Red Jacket, Long Feather, White Beaver, Yellow Hawk and three performing dogs. Frank Lexington broke his knee cap, May 25, and is now at the hospital, Lawrence, Mass. Lew Crane Took his place till he gets well.
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