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Excerpts From the New York Clipper - 1883, 1887
1860s
1870-71
1872-73
1874-76
1877-79
1880-1891
1900s
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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.
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.
New York Clipper, January 20, 1883. Not complete. Information should be checked with additional sources.
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 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. . . .
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 . . .
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.
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.
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.
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.”
1887
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.
1891
"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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