New York Clipper Excerpts - 1890s
New York Clipper, January 4, 1890, pp. 711, 713, 717, 718, 719, 720, 721. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Everybody connected with the Barnum & Bailey Shows ate his plum pudding in London on Christmas. As there was no performance on that day, an opportunity was afforded for a slight breathing spell, since is has been one continuous rush and hurrah from the day the show landed in London up to the present time. The doors open at 11:30 a.m., and it is with the greatest difficulty that the vast crowds are handled and gotten out of Olympia at 5 p.m., on account of the doorways being blocked by a still larger crowd trying to get in for the night performance. The doors open again at 5:30, and the rush for tickets is so great that it takes a score of police to control the mob. This procedure is followed day by day. Many thousands are turned away, and it is not unusual to have every one, two and three shilling seats sold within twenty minutes after the doors open, while the mascot sign, "House Full," is often displayed. Over 25,000 passengers were carried to Olympia by one railway, out of the several lines having at terminus at that point. Merritt F. Young and Benj. Fish, who handle all the mony, complain of the "surplus in the treasury." W. H. Gardner often gets a crick in the neck looking up at the four decked walls, which he has decorated with mammoth posters time and again, and Frank L. Perley has grown morose over midnight suppers at the Press Club, while Charles Stow wears a Duke of Argyle look as he coins adjectives with which to bewilder the brains of American people next Spring. Byron Rose says that he would rather load a circus train three times a day than endure one London fog, and Tom Kelly claims that Rahway, N. J. is Paradise in comparison with anything he has seen in the United Kingdom. Harvey Watkins, Mr. Bailey's stenographer, longs for the sunny banks of the Harlem river. . . . Wm. Showles is doing his best to capture the populace by his excellent riding and exquisite shape. Little Josie De Mott has electrified all England by her finished equestrainism. Willie Sells, surnamed the Duke of Topeka, has set the English dudines' heads in a whirl by his starling clothes and dashing jockey riding. Lilly Deavon, who is to arrive from America by the next steamer, will be seen in the new Christmas programme. Mrs. Showles, nee Daisy Belmont, rides just as well as ever. Stirk and Zeno and the Costagna Sisters, from the Paris Hippodrome, are spirited rivals on the trapeze. Mme. Maranetti, who drives the famous pack horse Woodlawn in harness to a Yankee buggy, is the envy of all lady ribbon holders in London. Jack Splan, who always drives the winners on American soil, often takes a spin through the parks, accompanied by Mrs. Splan, behind one of his 2:17 pacers. P. T. Barnum is driven around the hippodrome track behind a spanking team of prancing seal browns, previous to each performance. One of my English friends remarked it was worth a guinea to see the "Grand Old Man" take off his hat and throw that genial smile upon the royal box. Between performances the grand old showman is busied with invitations, letters and visitors, and is often compelled to read a dozen "prize poems" a day from every part of the world. . . . Mrs. J. A. Bailey and her young friend, Linda Cooper, of Philadelphia, are at Paris, purchasing treasures with which to regale themselves when they return home. Imre Kiralfy, who has out Neroed Nero, adds two more grand scenes to his production of the greatest spectacle, and then he proceeds to America, to look after matters in connection with his personal enterprises. Geo. O. Starr, who has charge of the foreign contingent, feels that life is not always what it seems, and his hair is turning gray in his endeavors to keep the ballet girls in line. . . .
Ashton Bros., of Nick Roberts' Pantomime Co., are engaged with the Ringling Bros.' Circus for next season.
The Cody-Salsbury Wild West Show opened at Barcelona, Spain, Dec. 22. It is to stay there six weeks.
The Miles Orton Show reports playing Louisiana to big business. Geo. Richards has started his advance to buck the Orton Show, and French & Price's Floating Opera Houses are all in the same bayou.
Notes from the Andress Shows. The Andress Circus showed at Savannah, Ga., Dec. 23 to 25, to good business. On Christmas morning many presents were exchanged among the members of the company. F. E. Davis, our advance agent, was presented with a gold watch, chain and locket by friends connected with the show. Mrs. F. E. Davis presented Chas. Andress with a pair of sleeve buttons of Roman gold, set with diamonds. Mrs. Andress was also the recipient of a dressing case, bracelets and fancy and toilet articles. Dinner was served at 4:30 p.m., and al the usual Christmans delicacies.
Charles E. Blanchette, who took Dr. Carver's troupe of cowboys and Indians to Europe, is back in town with the Indians. The troupe disbanded because business was poor. Dr. Carver and the cowboys remain in England, playing vaudeville shows in the provinces.
Ed. Fralando, Egyptian juggler, left the St. Germain Circus, at St. Louis, Mo., and is filling engagements there.
Notes from Stickney & Donovan's Circus in Venezuela. We landed at Trinidad, W. I., after nine days' sailing with everything ship shape except manager Stickney's pad horse, Gyp, who was so badly injured by the ___ of the boat that he has not been able to work since. The show has done fine business. We sustained quite a loss at Georgetown. The stables caught fire at night, and the leader of the black stallions, purchased from the Barnum Show last Fall and Bob Stickney's horse were killed, and old Gyp who was hurt on the steamer, was seriously burned. The show opens Christmas eve at Caracas, for five weeks. The citizens speak harshly of Sturgis for leaving Johnnie Saunders here penniless. His fare to New York has been raised by subscription. We met Philo Nathans at Trinidad. He is troubled very much with rheutamism.
Artie Burton, of the Burton Athletes, died Dec. 27, at Montpeiler, Ind., of paralysis, caused from taking cold while suffering with the measles. He was born at Forest Port, N. Y., and at the time of his demise was nineteen years, ten months and twenty-nine days old. He was a very clever acrobat, and had traveled with the principal circus troupes for the past three seasons. The Athletes had been engaged with Chas. Bartine's Circus, but were unable to travel last season, on account of the deceased's debility. He leaves a father, mother and one brother.
Eugene Lee, better known as Jack Lee, the old time circus performer, died at Penang, China, two months ago. Mr. Lee was fifty-four years old, and had been in the circus business since he was five years of age. His death was due to general debility. Jack Lee was an apprentice of the late H. C. Lee, and was best known in California, Mexico, South American and Asia. He appeared at the Old Bowery Theatre, this city, New Year's Eve, ___, as Master Eugene. He had been in Asia for the past eighteen years.
[Advertisement] Complete Railroad Circus For Sale. The following property will be sold at auction at New Orleans, La., Jan. 11, 1890, unless previously sold at private sale. Show complete in every particular; much of it new. Now en route and nearing the end of a successful season. Three Pullman sleeping cars, three stock and five flat cars, one advertising car, big show, menagerie, dressing rooms, cook and horse tents, seats, lights, properties, wardrobe, etc.; baggage wagons, cross cages, open dens, two band wagons, ticket wagon, etc.; performing lions, elephants, camels, small animals, etc.; fifty head of fine draft horses, ring, stock and ponies. L. B. French.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for season 1890, for Riddell & Atcherson's Big Railroad Shows, performers in all branches, including riders, gymnasts, aerial, swinging and flying acts, ladders, brothers and bar acts, specialties and features of all kinds, freaks, sideshow and concert attractions, bosses, laborers and billposters. Female specialties, novelties and feature acts preferred. Address Riddell & Atcherson, 82 North Front Street, Columbus, O.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for the second annual tour of the Markowits Circus (formerly White & Markowits). People in all branches of the circus business - aerial acts, tumblers, leapers, wire acts, riders with their own stock; also a few good concert people. All must do two or more acts. Address Dave Markowits, Market Street, Philadelphia. State lowest salary in first letter.
[Advertisement] Receiver's Sale. Hutchinson & Company's Circus. 1 round top, 1 middle piece. 1 130ft. round top, 3 middle pieces. 1 6ft. round top. 1 sideshow. 1 horse tent. 1 cook house tent. 1 small cook tent. 1 red candy top. 1 old dressing room top. 1 dressing room partition. 8 torches. 8 torch rods. 3 wardrobe trunks. 11 Milieary coats, 11 red coats. 1 lot red curtains for R seats. Red caps. 7 white property coats, 7 white property coats. 6 green jackets. 5 green leggings. 5 large chandelier tanks, Red stars for same. 2 beacon lights. 1 door light. 1 open den for bears. 3 gilly animal cages on wheels. Cages boxes. 1 band chariot. 2 parade Roman chariots. Large trunk wagons. Lengths of blue seats, eight and nine tiers high, complete. All side poles, centere poles, quarter poles, ropes, guys. Five flat cars, the same having been used with the Hutchinson & Co.'s show, now standing on the railroad tracks. Any track charges to be paid by the purchaser. One new run for loading cars. Bids for all or part of the above property will be received by Percival Steele, receiver, 90 La Salle Street, Chicago, Illinois, until Wednesday, Jan. 8, 1890.
[Advertisement] Wanted for Holland & Bowman's United Shows. People in all branches, circus, sideshow and concert. Musician, to double. Man to furnish balloon and make ascension. Also drivers and canvasmen. Address Holland & Bowman, Delavan, Wis. Billposter write to agent C. T. Kimball, Jesup, Iowa.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Heffron's Great Eastern Circus. Long engagement, sure salary, performers, also people for all branches of the circus business, and concert people. Would also like to hear from a few first class musicians. Address John Heffron, proprietor and manager, Thomasville, Ga.
[Advertisement] Wanted for Fulford Bros. & Co., road circus and menagerie. Riders and performers of all descriptions, those doing two or three acts preferred. Sideshow freaks, also band of __ pieces, for season of '90, and a first class advance agent. Please state lowest salary. Fulford Bros. & Co., West Fifth Street, Topeka, Kas.
New York Clipper, January 11, 1890, pp. 732, 734, 737, 738. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Joseph Alliston, of the defunct Great American Wild West, is threatened with a number of law suits from the Indians and cowboys of the show. Mr. Alliston, who is a Canadian, hired the Indians, of whom there are ten, including a woman and a boy, to go to Australia. His Australian partner is a man named Solomon. A third partner, Gaylord, and a fourth partner, Weston, are now at San Francisco, Cal., also, and it is said, threaten to sue Mr. Alliston for obtaining money under false pretences. The troupe engaged for the show included, besides the Indians, a number of cowboys and the wives of Texas Jack and J. H. Sutton, who are of the combination. Ever since the troupe arrived at San Francisco luck has been against them. In the first place, the advance agent who accompanied the performers did not do what was expected of him, and returned East without providing for the welfare of the troupe, or procuring them tickets to Australia, as had been agreed. When Mr. Gaylord arrived the paid about $200 in bills contracted by the troupe, and said that when Mr. Allison arrived everything would be all right. The combination was to have sailed on the last Australian steamer. Mr. Alliston went to San Francisco, and, the men say, not only did he do nothing for them on his arrival, but he has refused to do anything for them since. The Indians are living in a Mission Street lodging house, the landlord of which does not like to put them out, but as he had kept them for nothing for some time they expect to be soon asked to leave. They are utterly destitute. The British Benevolent Society did something for them, as they are Canadians. They have tried to get work, but only two have succeeded. The other can get nothing to do.
Wm. De Boe, wire walker, gymnast and head balancer, has signed with the Ringling Bros.' Circus for next season.
Arthur Westfall will be in advance of the Nickel Plate Circus next season, which opens at New Orleans, La., early in March. The show will be considerably enlarged for its coming eighth tenting season, and the managers have already engaged a number of features.
Note from the Dieffenbach Show. Manager Dieffenbach reports good business throughout the South. The only losing week that the show has had in five years was the week before Christmas at New Orleans. The show left New Orleans Dec. 28 and is now at Jackson. This is their third engagement there within nine weeks.
Roster of the Shields Show: J. H. Shields, proprietor and manager; J. Oliver, advance; Will Evans and six assistants, billposters; King Bros., acrobats; Artie Shields, tight wire; William Batcheller, principal leaper; the Ty Bells, balancing perch and ladders; Melvin and Trover, double bars; a line of eight leapers, two doing double bars. The following in the concert: Morris and Raymond, ___ Elliott and the Elliott Bros. A band of six is led by Prof. Smith. . . . Ben Parker attends the lights. The show opened Jan. 1 at Jacksonville, Fla.
Frank B. Hubin closed with French's Railroad Show at New Orleans, La., Jan. 3.
Frank A. Robbins will, it is said, manage the John Robinson Show during its next tenting season. It has been known for some time that Gil Robinson anxiously sought an opportunity to retire from active management, and the report is also current that John H. Havilin, of Cincinnati, O., contemplates leasing the show for a term.
Max L. Clayton, recently of the Herrman Trans-Atlantique Vaudevilles, sailed for Europe from this city Jan. 1, to join the Cody-Salsbury Wild West Show at Barcelona, Spain.
Frank Stookey has joined the advance of Chas. Andress' Circus, and will make a high rope ascension in all the cities visited in the South during the winter.
Wm. Irwin, late of the Irwin Bros.' Circus, and Mme. Irwin have signed with the Bailey & Winan Circus for the season of 1890. Mr. Irwin will bring out a new act next season that will overshadow his head balancing aerial trapeze act.
French's Circus closed its tour Jan. 1 at Baton Rouge, La., and shipped to winter quarters at New Orleans.
Mr. and Mrs. S. F. Cody, rifle and pistol shots, have signed with Washburn & Arlington's Circus for the coming season.
[Advertisement] Notice to managers holding time and contracts with the Adam Forepaugh Jr. Horse Show. Owing to circumstances which compel Adam Jr.'s return to Philadelphia at once, to assist his father in the refitting and organizing of the Great Forepaugh Show for 1890, all dates after Jan. 4 are hereby canceled. R. C. Campbell, Girard House, Philadelphia, Pa.
[Advertisement] Wanted for Tuttle Family Olympic Show for 1890, contortionist, bar performers, also variety people; those who play brass preferred. Have a good sideshow tent for sale, new last Spring. Wish to buy one 60x60 or 60x70 tent. Address Tuttle Family, Olympic Show, Selinagrove, Shyder Co., Pa.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Washburn & Arlington's Circus, Hippodrome, Museum, Menagerie and Wild West, for the season of 1890. Travel by rail, route from Maine to California, people in every branch of the circus profession, a good troupe of Arabs, Indians, cowboys, __ long haired men, 3 brass bands, Germans, Italians and colored; woman to do balloon ascensions and parachute jump; must furnish own apparatud; steam calliope player, sideshow attractions, 40 billposters, lithographers and programmers. Management run all privileges. Address Washburn & Arlington, Centre Street, New York. Agents and billposters address O. J. Boyd, general agent. Wanted to purchase sleepers, 4 stock cars, side show canvas and paintings, seats and baggage wagons, 4 camels, 3 elephants, pair performing lions.
New York Clipper, January 18, 1890, pp. 749, 751, 753. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Frank A. Robbins is in town again, and is busy preparing for another campaign on the road. His new show for 1890 will go out under such auspices as to insure success. His company will be entirely new, and will contain novelties seldom seen under canvas. Mr. Robbins has so arranged his financial affairs that he will start in the best manner possible.
News from Shipp's Winter Circus. Business is on the increase. A novelty act goes from our place next season. Mrs. Jordan has accomplished the feat of turning a double somersault from a trapeze, being caught by her husband on an opposite trapeze. Ed. Shipp and wife (Julia Lowande) go with the Ringling Bros.' Show next season; Toto Seigrist, rifer, with John McMahon; the Jordans, aerialists, with the Wallace & Anderson Shows; George Wilson, rider, with the Rogers Show.
Capt. Smith Cook, famous as the Kentucky Giant, has been elected doorkeeper of the Kentucky House of Representatives. The race was hotly contested, but the Captain is a "stayer," and came under the string first on the seventh ballot. Capt. Cook has traveled with some of the largest circuses in the country. He stands 6ft. 7in.
E. O. Rogers writes: "I was the guest of Adam Forepaugh at Philadelphia last week, and during my visit closed a contract for seven cages of fine animals and the elephant Bazal. This is my first purchase for my new show. I shall add some more cages of small animals. The season opens in May."
James Clifford, the contortionist, has signed with Holland & Bourman's United Shows for next season.
The Maginleys - Ed and Lotta - aerial performers, have signed with Bailey & Winans' Circus for next season.
Buffalo Bill's Wild West is now playing at Barcelona, Spain, to good business. The influenze has attacked nearly all the members. Col. Cody, Annie Oakley and the late Frank Richmond were the worst suffers. The company open at Naples, Italy, Jan. 25, for one month, and then go to Rome.
Barretta and West have signed with Ringling Bros.' Circus for the coming season.
Pete and Gussie Rogan closed with Heffron's Great Eastern Circus at Tampa, Fla., last week. They will rest at their home, Racine, Wis., until Feb. 3, and then open with a combination until the circus season opens.
Comstock and Eggleston have signed with Charles Lee's Circus for the coming season. They have secured the concert and reserved seat privileges.
Manager John F. Robinson, of the Robinson Circus, writes to the Clipper as follows from Terrace Park, O.: "With all due regard for the ability of Frank A. Robbins as a manager, he has not been engaged to manage the John Robinson Show. It will still be under my management, as it has been for the last twenty-seven years, as so successful I see no necessity for a change. Gil Robinson is now in Europe on a vacation, and will return in time to take his place as my assistant manager. I have not seen or had any communication with J. H. Havlin in three years. Your correspondent is entirely wrong, as the whole article is without foundation."
Bailey & Winan's advance forces for the coming circus season are: Al. Dobson, general advance manager; Lee Powell, contracting agent; Harry Davis, press agent; Fred Settler, chief bill poster and superintendent of advertising wagon No. 1; Ed ___, superintendent advertising wagon No. 2; Henry Settler, superintendent advertising wagon No. 3; M. C. Reed, superintendent skirmishing brigade; W. G. Boyd, superintendent herald and programmer wagon. The advance will consist of seventeen people, and will use twelve head of stock, five bill wagons and two agents' buggies. The printing will be entirely new.
Walter L. Main will next season be manager and proprietor of Van Amburgh & Co.'s Menagerie, which will be consolidated with his own circus, aquarium and hippodrome.
Chas. Lee has already engaged ten billposters for his show the coming season, and has had built a splendid bill wagon, to be used exclusively by them. The circus will be enlarged and will run sixty head of stock. There will also be new and original printing.
The Inman Bros., contortionists, have signed with Sig. Sautelle's Boat Shows for the coming season.
Notes from Dieffenbach's Show. Good business has been the rule all Winter. Handsome presents were exchanged by the members of the troupe on Christmas. Manage Dieffenbach was presented with a shaving set by John Seery, of the Seery Bros., and he returned the compliment by presenting Mr. Seery with a fine silk hat. Mr. Dieffenbach is making preparations for his Spring and Summer tour. Zamora is among those who have been engaged.
The Orrin Brothers' Show keeps in popular favor in Mexico, presenting a strong bill of attractions with a large company.
[Advertisement] L. H. French's Circus, Hippodrome and Menagerie, now wintering in New Orleans, having just closed its successful season, will open in New Orleans, March 15, 1890. Wanted, performers of all kinds. Musicians for three bands. Riders, male and female with or without stock. Boss canvasman and assistants, boss hostler, master of transportation, four and six horse drivers, chandelier men, animal men, etc. Address L. H. French, care Lafayette Hotel, New Orleans, La. Also want 30 first class billposters, no boozers wanted. Address H. W. Link, general agent, care Empire Printing Co., 75 Third Avenue, Chicago, Ill.
[Advertisement] For sale cheap, the followin show property: 1 50ft. palace stock car, with stalls; 1 55ft. advertising car, complete; 1 86ft. round top, with 3 38ft. middle pieces; 1 60ft. stock car; 4 60ft. flat cars; 2 40ft. flat cars; 1 pole wagon; 24 set good cage or baggage harness; 4 good 2 horse cages, all good as new; 1 lot parade wardrobe; also, 4 India elephants. Write Adam Forepaugh, No. 1, 603 Brandywine Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
[Advertisement] Wanted for European Show, Menagerie and Wild West Combined, cowboys and Indians, performing horses or ponies, performing dogs, lady trapeze performers, gymnasts of all kinds, sideshow curiosities, a boss canvasman, few billposters. Balloon man with parachute. Salaries sure. Must be reasonable. Wagon show. Open about the middle of April. Address, lowest salary, Samuel F. Givens, North Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
[Advertisement] Wanted for Frank A. Robbins' New Shows. People in every branch of the circus business, riders, gymnasts, acrobats, concert people, hippodrome riders, a general agent, a contractor, men to run advertising cars, etc., also __ ladies for the ballet. Address Frank A. Robbins, Box __, N. Y. City.
New York Clipper, January 25, 1890, pp. 759, 761, 765, 770. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Tony Ryder and wife recently closed a long season with the French Show. They are resting at Louisville, Ky.
Notes from Stowe Bros.' Shows. Business has been very good throughout the South. The Wild West features have proved a big card. The employees of the show recently presented manager John F. Stowe with a pure white solitaire diamond, the occasion being the anniversary of Mr. Stowe's birth. The show is now near the close of a most profitable season, and all arrangements for the season of 1890 are perfected. Several new cars will be added, and there will be a complete new tent outfit. The big top will be a 140ft. round top, with three 50ft. middle pieces. It is the intention of the management to give, in addition to the circus and wild west, hippodrome races on a 30ft. track. The death of A. N. King in London, was heard of with much sorrow, especially by Messrs. Stowe Bros., who had both in the past enjoyed close friendship with the deceased. John F. Stowe was for several years most intimately associated with Mr. King, and once served as equestrian director of the King & Franklin Show.
Hunting's New York Circus will open its coming season at New Castle, Pa., considerably enlarged. Manager ___ is now at New Castle, superintending the building of wagons and cars. Mack Evans will be the general agent and Prof. Chas. E. Griddin will manage the sideshow.
Frank Cook has signed with the John F. Robinson Circus for next season, his fifth year with that show.
With the advent of the three ring shows, the singing and talking clowns of the Dan Rice, Benj. Maginler and Bill Lake class were thrown out of employment, they being unable to make their audiences of the immense tents hear their voices. Since then the knockabout and acrobatic clown has had a clear field, and the old clown of the old time one ring show is today almost unknown, though his coic songs and jokes are remembered by the past generation of circus goers. The Inter State law has diminished the increaing number of big shows, and since it went into effect the wagon show has again made its appearance. Managers have learned that a well managed one or two ring show under lighter expenses is much more certain of running through the entire season with a greater certainty of paying salaries and allowing a fair return upon the capital invested than the big show, under the immense expenses, which is obliged to do a large business backed by immense capital, or quickly collapse. Some of these managers with smaller shows are already seeking first class talking and singing clowns, though very few of the old timers remain. Among those who were forced to submit to circumstances and obliged to seek other fields of employment, was Gus Shaw, who is probably as well known to all old time performers as anyone in the profession, he having traveled for six consecutive years as principal clown with old John Robinson, previous to which he was with Bill Lake, Cooper, Hemmings & Whitley, and subsequently with Andrew Haight and Geo. Middleton, with the Great Eastern and Great Southern Circuses. Mr. Shaw, since he left the ring, has been running a small but paying concert company, mainly through the Western and Southern States. He is much younger than most of his old associates, and is still in great singing voice. He now proposes to return to his old home in the ring, having received several flattering offers from parties with whom he is negotiating for the coming season.
Complaints of the unprofessional treatment received by the performers who went South with Sturgis' Circus, continue to reach us. The latest is from Robert Whittaker, the rider. Mr. Whittaker left the shoe at Curacao Dec. 23, and was confined to his bed by illness until Jan. 11, when he left for New York. Mr. Sturgis, he claims, tried to seize his horse and trunks, but an appeal to the U. S. Counsel settled the matter. Mr. Whittaker's horse and trunks are now in this city, but he is minus two weeks' salary. The show has closed, and has left for Port of Spain, Trinidad Island, W. I. Business has been poor, and the people are leaving for home. There are now only thirteen people with the show, including musicians, of whom there are four, the rest having left for New York.
Donavan & Stickney's Show is reported to be doing a good business in ___, S. A.
The following people have signed with Lee's London Show for next season: Chas. Lovell, Elliot Howard and ___, Queen Eve, Mille Laura, Prof. James Dolan . . .
The Martinetti Bros. have signed with Bailey & Winan's Circus for the coming season.
Frank B. Hubin has been engaged for French's Railroad Circus for the season of 1890.
Frank J. Pilling and W. C. Coup have united forces, and will direct the destinies of a miscellaneous tent show through New England, beginning in May. They will handle trained animals, present a circus performance and offer all the features usually seen in museums.
Robert Fisher, for many years connected with different circuses, and for the past two years the special detective of the Frank A. Robbins Show, died at Easton, Pa., week of Jan. 6-11. He was ill a short time, "La Grippe" being the primary trouble, but afterward pneumonia set in. He was favorably known among the profession, and leaves a wife to mourn his death. He was about forty-two years old, and had traveled with the John O'Brien and other circuses.
[Advertisement] Walter L. Main and Van Amburg's Mastodon Shows, consolidates. Wanted, wild west people and a boss animal man. Would buy pair young, sound lions, male and female, and other cage animals. Lots of show property for sale. Walter L. Main, Geneva, O.
New York Clipper, February 1, 1890, pp. 781, 782. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The reported sale of the Forepaugh Show has received confirmation, and an agent of the purchasing English syndicate is now on his way to this country to perfect the arrangements for the coming season. The late Adam Forepaugh persistently refused to part with the entire property, and stipulated in the contract that he should continue to manage the show. Six hundred thousand dollars is said to be the price paid by the syndicate for a three-fourths interest in the show, the remaining fourth being owned by the estate of the dead showman. Adam Forepaugh Jr. will manage the show.
These people have signed with the Chas. Bartine Show for next season: Prof. Joseph Worstner, band master, with twelve musicians; Clarence Burton and the Burton Athletes, Patterson Bros., C. P. Siebleson, the Belfords, Mlle. Molett, Billy Mincer, Prof. Angelo, Geo. Blatz . . . J. H. Miller will be in charge of advance brigade No. 1, and John McDonough in charge No. 2. Mr. Miller will carry six billposters; Mr. McDonough four billposters and two programmers. The first brigade will use a four horse bill wagon and one buggy; No. 2 will use a two horse bill wagon and three one horse skirmish wagons. The show will use eighty horses, ponies and mules, and carry about eighty-five people all told. Mr. Bartine and his family have all been suffering with "La Grippe" for nearly two weeks and none yet are able to venture outside the house, though all are now improving.
Lon Moore, clown, was compelled, on account of sickness, to leave the New York Circus at Newport, Ark. He is now at Defiance, O., almost entirely recovered.
Sam and Charlie Morris, after a successful season with French's Show, are at their home, Youngstown, O.
The La Role Bros. and Ed. Billinge, now with Andress' Circus, have signed with Ringling Bros.' Circus for next season.
W. S. Wheeler (clown) is with the S. H. McFlinn Circus at present. Next season he goes with Ringling Bros.' Show.
Albert Meredith, contortionist, and Marguerite, bicycle wire performer, have signed with Bailey & Winan's Circus for next season.
Notes from J. H. Shield's Great Southern Show. We opened at Jacksonville, Fla., Jan. 3, and turned them away every day for ten days. We have an 80ft. top, with two 30ft. centre pieces, sideshow 40x60, ten paintings and Prof. Allin's Golden Cornet Band of nine mouthpieces. W. H. Hopson joined at Fernandia, 14, as did the Diavola Bros. Bobby Raymond and Billy Batcheller returned 23, at Waldo. The Ty Bells' aerial act is a big bill everywhere. The King Brothers are doing some fine leaping. Melvin and Trover's grotesque Chinese table acts set the colored population wild. Artie Shield, on the tight rope, attracts large crowds to the lot. John Melvin has charge of the mails, W. H. Hopson of the dressing room and John B. Morris the concert. The little store is managed by Mrs. Shields, and is well patronized. Floyd Trover is organizing a fishing party for next week, and anticipates some fine sport along the coast. We sail from Port Tampa for Key West, where we stay three weeks. The ghost perambulates every Wednesday. The boys are all laying up a supply of cigars, manufactured here.
The Richards Combined Shows closed a successful season of ten months at Lathrope, Mo. The show will winter at Bucklin, Mo., and take the road again about April 15, much enlarged.
The Edwins, acrobats, and Steve ___, gymnast, have signed with Bailey & Winans' Circus for the coming season.
Demonto, contortionist, has signed to go with Belmont's Elite Circus for the coming season, his third season with that show.
[Advertisement] Circus wagons for sale. 4 platform spring four horse wagons, 2 platform spring two horse wagons, new; 2 passenger spring two horse wagons, 1 post express two horse wagon, 1 four horse bill wagon, 1 agent's buggy, new; 1 four horse property wagon, 1 four horse R. R. pole wagon. Centre and side poles, chains, bale rings, tools, entree pads and bridles, camp and candy stand fixtures, blocks ropes and wardrobe, etc. Hyatt Frost, Armenia, N. Y.
Wanted, for T. K. Burks' Big Railroad Shows. People in all branches of the circus business, concert people, musicians who double in orchestra; also billposters, lithographers, programmers. Boss hostler, grooms, chandelier men and canvas men. Sideshow is let on percentage. Candy stand and balloon privilege to let. Show opens early in April at South Lebanon, O. Want to hear form all of last year's people who closed with the show. Address T. K. Burk, South Lebanon, O.
[Advertisement] Wanted for the Great Wallace & Anderson All Feature Railroad Show, a few mor strong specialties. Must be first class. Also fifty practical billposters. None but experienced men need apply. Address Wallace & Anderson, winterquarters, Peru, Ind.
New York Clipper, February 8, 1890, pp. 788, 791, 797, 798, 799, 800, 801. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
On the Road
Charles Andress, New Orleans, La., Feb. 3-22.
Barnum-Bailey, London, Eng., Feb. 3-15.
Donovan's, South America, Feb. 3, indefinite.
Frank A. Gardiner's, South America, Feb. 3, indefinite.
Sam McFlinn's, Little Rock, Ark., Feb. 3, indefinite.
Orrin Bros., Mexico, Feb. 3, indefinite.
Pubillones, Cuba, Feb. 3, indefinite.
J. H. Shield's, Key West, Fla., Feb. 3-15.
Trevino's Mexican, Marlin, Tex., Feb. _, Waco, 8-11.
J. B. Swafford has signed to go in advance of Sig. Sautelle's Circus the coming season.
The Booths have signed with the Wm. Main & Co. Show for the coming season.
Thos. Boscoe, juggler and slack wire performer, now with Harry D'Esta's Unique Novelties, has signed with Given's Circus and Wild West Show for the coming tenting season.
Roster of Trevino's Mexican Circus: Nolberto Guzmao, Pedro Gomez, Leonicio Nava, Prof. Geo. Wambold and son, Daniel Mexa Jr., ___ Meza, Isidro de Trevino, Prof. Jesus Buitron, leader of band, composed of twelve pieces; Shorty Baker, boss canvasman and ten assistants; Anastasio Salas, boss hostler with four assistants; Ben Tompson, chandelier man, and Jesus Magais, property man and two assistants. Business through Texas is reported big.
E. O. Rogers writes: "Mrs. Rogers and myself have been down with "La Grippe," both being confined to bed at the same time. I am now convalescent, but Mrs. Rogers is still confined to her bed. I have engaged the following for my advance coming season: P. J. Morery, contracting, his ninth year with me; C. F. Miller, general agent, his fourteenth year with me; A. J. Dixon, press and excursion, his second year. I have just received a carload of cages from Hyatt Frost."
Eddie Martine's Winter Circus opened at Ringbarn, Ct., Jan. 30, and will continue the balance of the Winter, with Eddie Martine, general manager and equestrian director. The roster: Eddie Martine, Three Melrose Bros., Willie Akron, Tommy Barry, Clarie Lavinia, Barry Akron, and others.
Stowe Bros.' Circus Notes. The show closed at successful season of thirty-six weeks at Birmingham, Ala., Jan. 30, and shipped direct to their commodious winter quarters at Cincinnati, where they will go into extensive preparations for the coming year. A large force of men will be kept constantly employed building paraphernalia pertaining to a full fledged railroad show.
Louis Sells and A. K. Fulford & Co. consumated a large deal Jan. 28 for animals to place in the menagerie of Fulford & Co.'s new show. The people already signed are: Mme. Cordeli, Minnie Patterson, Will Dorr and wife, Harry Potter and wife, Lavan and Vidora, Harry Ringo and Nellie Zane, Geo. W. La Rosa, and Ed. L. Brannan, adance.
Among recent features engaged for Harrris' Circus may be mentioned Kennard, Brandon and Kennard in "The Trunk Mystery," their secons season with the show.
Texas Barry and the Austin Sisters have signed for the coming season with the Whitney Bros. Show.
R. F. Clements' Circus will open its coming season at Pittsburg, Pa., considerably enlarged. Manager Clements, although with Rice & Barton's Co., at present, is doing some fine work for his own show, and will have one of the most complete 25 cent circuses on the road next season. J. R. Emery is breaking two ponies for the ring. The show will travel in its own cars.
S. F. Cody Jr., cowboy pistol shot, has signed with Arlington & Washburn's Circus and Wild West for the next tenting season.
The Miles Orton Circus closed a satisfactory season Jan. 21, at Natchez, Miss., and shipped to winter quarters at Vicksburg. The steamboat Geo. Dawes, which had transported the show throughout the season, sailed for Cincinnati, O., Jan. 25, under the charge of Charles Ellis, agent.
Prof Wiley and his troupe of performing dogs have been engaged for the Wintermute Bros.' Circus for next season.
C. J. Sturgis, proprietor of the American Circus, now in South America, sends us a very complete and convincing refutation of the charges made against him by the Maynards and John Saunders, late of his show. The members of the circus declare that salaries have been paid in full.
[Advertisement] A few facts! I sailed from New York City, Oct. 18, for South America, with a circus company comprising some nineteen (19) performers. My season thus far has been a success, financially and artistically. Even my most sanguine expectations have been more than realized. My company are all healthy and contented, and I have each one's receipt for salaries up to date.
In organizing my company in New York I was so unfortunate as to engage a few performers whose ability and character were entirely unknown to me. My only salvation was to rid myself of them; but this I did in an honorable and manly way, as the following will prove. I am not a stranger in these countries, for this is my third trip, and I have had some of the very cream of the profession in my employ, and I challenge anyone to come forward and say a single word that would prove detrimental to my character as man or manager.
The above mentioned parties were of such a calibre that I did not try to seek redress for the wrongs they did me, but let them go while in my debt. However, my attention was called to an article in a late Clipper signed "The Maynards," and also another signed "John Saunders," which call for a plain statement.
These three artists were in New York and begged me to give them an engagement, which I did. The Maynards received their salaries and their fares home. Saunders I discharged, and returned to assist. I had given him money for board. He forgets to mention these facts and also that he is now in my debt. I am very lenient with these parties now, but should they try to injure my reputation I will be compelled to bring to light certian other things. Fraternally yours, C. J. Sturgis.
We, the undersigned, members of Sturgis' American Circus, wish to publicly state that we are happy and healthy, and satisfied in every way with our engagement. Salaries have been paid promptly and in full, and we all join in wishing him the success he so richly merits: Nelsonia, Mr. and Mrs. O Dale, Francois Kennebel, Miss Cordona, Fred O'Brien Jr., Steve La Mont, Paul Devine, Frank Devine, Rosina Venus, Matu Soraki, Mme. Soraki, Tino Soraki, Ariga Soraki.
[Advertisement] Wanted for Rich & Downie's United Shows, the finest equipped wagon show on the road. Circus performers in all branches (those doing two or more turns preferred), concert people, two bands; boss canvas and chandelier man. Give lowest salary in first letter. Sideshow and candy stands to let. Show opens in Greenville, Mich., in May. Permanent address Box 37, Greenville, Mich. Wanted to buy for cash, a good second hand horse tent.
[Advertisement] Wanted for Harper Bros.' Circus, summer season 1890, performers in all branches of the circus business. Would like trick donkey and educated horse. Also all kinds of educated animals. Would like a few more concert people. State lowest salary and full particulars in first letter. Address our agent, Mr. N. Shaw, Worcester, Mass. Wanted 30 billposters, also boss canvasman.
[Advertisement] A. J. White & Co.'s New York Circus and Museum, winter quarters, Burlington, Iowa. Wanted, for season of 1890, people in every branch of the circus profession - aerial acts, tumblers, leapers, wire acts, riders. All most do 2 or more acts. Boss canvasman, concert people, band leader, freaks of all kinds for museum. Salaries reasonable but sure. J. J. White & Co., Burlington, Iowa. Freaks, send photographs.
[Advertisement] Wanted, strong aerial act (lady); performers that double brass preferred; trick dogs, horses, and five billposters. Wagon show. Address Sparks Bros.' Show, East Brady, Pa.
New York Clipper, February 15, 1890, pp. 806, 807, 813, 814, 815, 817. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The Forepaugh English Deal. We give the following from a Philadelphia, Pa., newspaper dated Feb. 7: The sale to an English syndicate of a controlling interest in the great circus and menagerie built up by the late Adam Forepaugh was consummated today. Frederick W. Sutterlee, brother in law, and for a long time confidential agent of Mr. Forepaugh, and who has just returned from Europe, where he conducted the negotiations, last night met John A. Brown, one of the executors of Adam Forepaugh's will, and laid before him the plans and offers of the English syndicate for the great show property. Before the death of Adam Forepaugh Sr. the negotiations had proceeded so far that hno backward step could well be taken, Mr. Forepaugh practically agreed to the terms offered. This agreement was considered binding on the executors. Today all the papers were properly signed to make the transfer effective. It is now known that the Englishmen's original offer of $800,000 was merely a starter, and what was subsequently given is over three times that amount. The final terms were cheerfully agreed to by all parties interested. Nearly everybody in the show business doubted the acceptance of the first offer of the English syndicate of $600,000. It was known that the Forepaugh Circus had paid $180,000 a year, and many considerd the sale at that price a great sacrifice. But Mr. Forepaugh had no idea of selling it at such a low figure, and when the proposition was made to him, he laughed at it. He informed Mr. Sutterlee what his price was, and as that gentleman was going to Europe to see English capitalists on another scheme, Mr. Forepaugh placed the matter in his hands. He met the capitalists in London, who included a number of bankers. There was considerable difficulty in coming to terms. Finally, it was agreed to form a stock company, with a capital sotck of $1,900,000, the English capitalists agreeing to take two thirds of the stock, and the Forepaugh estate to retain one third interest. Owing to his intimate knowledge of the business, Adam Forepaugh Jr. has been selected as manager for a term of years, and Frederick Sutterlee will represent the syndicate in this country and look after their interests. The entire management of the show will remain in the Forepaugh family. Mr. Sutterlee is Mrs. Forepaugh's brother. The show will be officered and managed in the future just as it is now, and will continue to exhibit in this country. All contracts entered into and all dates made by Adam Forepaugh will be observed by the new corporation. As soon as copies of the agreement can be sent to England, the bankers who represent the syndicate will pay the money over to the English representatives of the executors of the estate, and it will be transmitted to the country, and invested under the provisions of the will.
Phil Gibbons has signed for the concert with the Adam Forepaugh Show for the coming season. This will amek the eleventh season Mr. Gibbons has been with that show.
The following is the complete roster of the Whitney Family New Amusement Enterprise for next season: Mrs. G. L. Whitney, sole owner and controller; Cal. M. Gillett, general manager; Chas. A. Whitney, treasurer; Byron Killmark equestrian manager; Prof. Floyd Whitney, band master and twelve musicians; Killmar and McPhee, Geo. Beckel, Sam Hardy, Geo. Scott, Michel Tude, Edgar Geyer, the Three Hunt Brothers - D. R., Al. and Eugene - Geo. Martine, D. S. Reimer, Texas Harry and wife, Sam Porser, John Nehman, Will Wilkins, Frank Beckwith, John O. Grinnell; H. A. Mann, in charge of advance with six billposters; Will Silver, master of properties with three assistants; ___, boss canvasman and ten assistants; Frank Stapleson, boss hostler and ten assitants; Fred Florida, candy privileges; Andy Hughes, sideshow; C. Silver, in charge of cook then and four assistanta; and ___ Eldred, steward. The show is being enlarged and remodeleds, and the wagons repainted. Several workmen are making new wagons, etc. The show will use six tents. The season will commence April 4, at Imlay City, Mich., traveling by wagon, and using about sixty head of horses and mules.
Notes from J. H. Shield's Southern Show. We arrived at Key West by steamer from Tampa, Fla., Feb. 4. The trip was pleasant and nobody was sick. We opened to the largest business of the season, having to close the doors half an hour before the performance. The tent was packed to the edge of the ring, and the show went unusually well. The King Bros., Melvin and Trover, and the Ty-Bells made hits. The "boys" are all enjoying the clear weed. Harry King is practicing a new dancing rope act for next season. Julian Ty-Bell was presented by his wife, Violetta Ty-Bell, with a diamond stud Feb. 6, and he reciprocated with a fine silk dress. Bristol's Museum and Sideshow is stationed here.
The Diefenbach Show closed its season at Columbus, Miss., Feb. 9, and shipped direct to winter quarters at Murphysboro, Ill. The entire company have been re-engaged for next season. Manager Diefenbach and wife, Chas. Huff, J. J. Zamora, John Seery, Frank Gillespie, Steve Rogers and the Scion Bros. are at Murphysboro, Ill.; Dave ___, Bob Anderson and Wm. Rutherford at Mount Vernon, Ill.; John Smith at New Orleans, La.; Chas. Borden at Boston, Mass., and Herbert Swift at Jackson, Miss. The company will open their next season at Murphysboro, Ill., early in April, with a complete new outfit of canvas, consisting of a ninety foot round top, with two fifty foot middle pieces.
J. Henry Rice, circus agent and manager, was in this city Feb. 10, on a flying trip from Philadelphia, Pa., where he has sent this Winter.
William St. Arno has signed with the Forepaugh Show.
Frank Appel has signed with Robert Hunting's Great New York Circus.
The Buffine Bros., aerialists, and Fred Kenno, contortionist, have signed with A. H. Reed's Circus for next season.
The Lundoreens have signed with John R. Robinson's Circus for next season, their fifth year.
C. L. O'Dell has secured the sideshow privileges with A. H. Reed's Circus.
Mlle. La Vard and Charles Bliss have signed with Sells Bros. & Barrett's Show.
C. L. ___, of the Bailey & Winans' Shows has been in the far West for the past month or so, securing Indians, squaws and paposes, cowboys, mustangs and bucking bronchos for the Wild West branch of their show. He returned to Newton Falls, O., last week, and also brought with him a novelty in the shape of an old time stage coach, formerly owned by the Southern Pacific Railroad Co., and used by them for transporting passengers from Demming, N. M., to Silver City, Cal., which will make a feature in the street parade and Wild West. The show will open the season at Newton Falls, O., on or about May 1 with an entire new outfit and paraphernalia.
The following have signed with Chas. Lee's London Circus as the advance: P. W. Schrader, contracting and general agent; Scanlon Bros., lithographers; billposters James Shay, Martin Rutter, John Royer, ___ Powell and Napolean C. Barrow. The show will have six head of stock, two bill wagons and one paint wagon. Jud Rogers will have charge of the stock. The show opens May 1.
Whiting Bros. & Co. Circus Notes. People so far engaged: Harry Harrison, Al. James McLee, Bert De Haven, Billy Black, May Waldron, Little Pansy, Three Whiting Bros., etc.
Fred Aymar is at Mountpieler, Ind., breaking ring stock for the Bartine Show for the coming season. Clarence Barton has signed as equestrian director, and Mr. Aymer will assume charge of the sideshow.
[Advertisement] Wanted for L. H. French's Big R. R. Show, glassblowers and curiosities. Address L. H. French, care of LaFayete Hotel, New Orleans, La.
[Advertisement] Whiting Bros. & Co. Colossal Wagon Show, winterquarters, Warrensburg, Mo. Wanted, circus peformers, those doing two or more acts; would like trick donkey, educated horses and troupe of dogs, concert team, musicians (or leader to furnish band) fo eight pieces. Also good agent. Whiting Bros. & Co., Lyceum Theatre, Chicago, Ill.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Fisher & Aiken's New Monster R. R. Shows, circus, wild west, hippodrome, side show and concert people, and performers in all branches. Band, trained horses, ponies, dogs. Address Fisher & Aiken, Madisonville, Hamilton Co., Ohio.
[Advertisement] Wanted, people in all branches of circus business, for the season of 1890, commencing March 1. Would like to hear from concert people and musicians. Address J. F. Woods, care of Woods' Circus, Austin, Tex.
New York Clipper, February 22, 1890, pp. 829, 830, 831, 833. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Will W. Brown has been engaged to do Punch and Judy with the T. K. Burk Show the coming season.
The Sturgis American Circus closed their season at Barbadoes, W. I., Jan. 23, and sailed for an extended tour of Brazil 24. The company have recently been reinforced by a native family of gymnasts.
The Melrose Family, bicyclists, are engaged with Wallace & Anderson's Circus.
Notes from Andress' Circus. We are now exhibiting in New Orleans to immense business, and arranging for our Spring opening. The show will be enlarged and strengthened by the addition of several cages of animals and the ring performance will be very strong. F. E. Davis has been engaged as general director of advance and railroad contractor, and A. J. Wildes as contracting agent.
Al. Millett and son have signed with Whiting Bros. & Co.'s Show for next season.
The following people have signed with Holland, Bowman & McLaughlin's United Shows for the coming season: C. T. Kimball as general agent and contractor; ___ Delmain, with her trick horse Glencoe and her manage horse; Ida ___, iwht her Spanish troupe of educated dogs; Minnie White with her performing goats; Prof. Worthington and wife, double trapeze and slack rope performers; Sam Bennett, four horse rider; Lon W. Moore, clown, with his trick mules; Maretta Bros., gymnasts; James Clifford, contortionist; George Delson, Prof. J. G. Scheidler, George Margo, George Sloman, George Sonders, Ed. E. Cooper, Minnie White, Lon W. Moore, Frank Cale, Charles Miller, Wm. Johnson, _. Robinson and others. The troupe will travel by wagon, and exhibit under a 110ft. canvas, with a 40x70ft. sideshow tent. E. G. Holland will be the equestrian director; B. L. Bowman, ring master, and J. McLaughlin, treasurer. The show will begin operations early in April at Delavan, Wis.
Grimaldi Hugo, singing and knockabout clown, has signed with the Sparks Bros. & Allen's Show for the coming tenting season.
Rio Grande Bill, fancy rifle shot and rider, will have charge of the Wild West with the Bailey & Winans Combined Shows next season.
Jess Worlan, Al. Worlen and Hud Farnum have signed with the King & Franklin Show for the season of 1890. It will be Mr. Worlen's fifth season with the show.
Jas. A. Crogan has closed with Sparks Brosl.' Circus for the coming season as general advance and contracting agent. Mr. Crogan has been identified with the Sparks Bros.' amusement enterprises in various business capacities for the past four years.
George W. Hall, popularly known as "Popcorn George," and one of the most celebrated Southern showmen, is undergoing trial at Memphis, Tenn., charged with illegal voting at the last Presidential election, owing to his uncertain abiding place. The defendant owns property at Memphis, and in many other cities in various States.
[Advertisement] Wanted, with Jas. T. Johnson & Co.'s Circus, people in all branches of the circus business to do two specialty turns in the ring and generally useful in the ring; good lady specialties, such as wire, trapeze, riding, outside wire and concert; dogs, goats and donkeys wanted; brass band of eight pieces; song and dance team; man who can furnish his own balloon; advance man who understands the wagon show business; also posters, boss canvasman. All privilges for sale, outside and inside show candy stands and concert and other privileges outside. Address Jas. T. Johnson & Co., Arkansas City, Kan.
[Advertisement] Wanted for W. L. Cole's Circus and Menagerie. One bareback rider (male), bar team that can do double traps, one contortionist, and ten billposters. ___, manager, Topeka, Kansas.
[Advertisement] Third season. F. J. Taylor's Great American 25 cent Circus and Menagerie will open about April __, and want billposters. Address Dick ___, general agent, Creston, Iowa.
[Advertisement] Stowe Bros.' Colossal R. R. Shows, World's Museum, Roman Hippodrome and Historical Wild West. Wanted, novel acts of every description, riders and drivers for hippodrome races, long haired cowboys and Indians, curious people and novel mechanical inventions for museum. Performing ponies, dogs and monkeys, and other performing animals; twenty billposters, chandelier amn. Four and six horse drivers, canvas men, property men. Privileges to let. Wanted to buy sleeping car and flat car. For sale, all kinds of show paraphernalia. Address John F. Stowe, Cincinnati, Ohio.
[Advertisement] Orton's Show wants performers in every branch. Musicians, concert people, sideshow people, boss canvas man, property man, boss butcher and reserve seat seller. Start from Vicksburg, Miss., March 15. Salaries must be low. Miles Orton, manager.
[Advertisement] Wanted, man to make balloon ascension and parachute jump. Frank A. Robbins, New York City. Also, canvas men, drivers, grooms, billposters, animal men, train men, cook house men, etc.
New York Clipper, March 1, 1890, pp. 845, 846, 847. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
W. H. Harris' Nickel Plate Shows will open its season at New Orleans, La., March 1. The following is the complete roster: W. H. Harris, proprietor and manager; Mrs. W. H. Harris and her trick horse, "Senator;" Callie Harris, principal bareback act; Master Frank Harris, double pony act; Lillie Harris, principal bareback act; F. H. Sparks, equestrian director; Claud Orton, four horse act, and Pete Jenkins; the Albion Family (William, Ellie and George); Kennard, Brandon and Kennard, in the trunk mystery; Chas. Kennard, knockabout clown; John Beers, contortionist; James Rourk, lion king; Chester Sparks, W. B. Jenkins, A. H. Westfall, advance agent and Wm. McKay, boss billposter with eight assistants; Jack Bourk, boss groom with five assistants; Sam Kahn, steward. The show will travel by steamboat on the Mississippi River and its tributaries. The towboat Reindeer and two barges will transport the show.
W. H. Quinnett, clown, and his dog "Dallas" have been engaged for the coming season for J. H. French's Show. Emma Quinett has also been engaged. The show opens March 10 at New Orleans, La. The Quinnetts have been wintering at St. Louis, Mo.
Charles Bartine, of Bartine's Circus and Menagerie, writes: "I have purchased from Dell Palmar, at Portland, Ind., his entire Equine Paradox, including the Arabian stallion Palmer, the horse Spider, the leaping horse Alexis Jr., two spotted ponies and the donkey Balem. This now gives me twelve performing horses and ponies. I have put them in charge of Fred Aymer, who is working with them every day. I am adding much more to my show than I had intendend for the coming season, and it will be one of the largest wagon shows on the road. I am going to Cincinnati to negotiate for some more animals from the manager of the "Zoo."
The Cliffords (Billy and family), the concert team, who have been with the Miles Orton Circus for the last four seasons, have signed with Ringling Bros.' Circus for the coming season. Billy wears a gold medal that was presented to him by his friends at New Orleans, La.
The managerial staff of Frank A. Robbins' Circus, Museums, Menagerie, Hippodrome and Spectacular Exhibitions for 1890 is as follows: Frank A. Robbins, proprietor and manager; Wm. Soper, assistant manager; Geo. A. Hill, secretary and treasurer; ___ Smith, assistant treasurer; H. W. Leonard, railroad contractor; H. Knapp, general advertising agent; Rodney Marr, press agent; F. E. Scott, superintendent car No. 1; John Lewis, superintendent car No. 2; W. H. Henderson, superintendent bugle brigade; James Warner, superintendent stereopticon exhibition; C. A. Andrews, press ageng; D. J. Fitzgerald, forage agent; Chas. Lowry, hotel agent; Ora Robbins, sideshow door tender; James Whalen, master of canvas; A. Abrams, master of stables; John Kent, master of transportation; John Kelly, superintendent of chandeliers; F. W. Hodges, manager downtown sideshow; C. C. Worall and E. Baylis, superintendents of balloon and parachutes. The hippodrome canvas is 180ft. round top, with three 50ft. middle pieces. The menagerie canvas is 80ft. round top with three 40ft. middle pieces; the sideshow canvas is 60ft. round top, with two 40ft. middle pieces, and with a dressing room canvas of ___ft. There will also be five horse, three dining, one cook, one blacksmith, one harness maker, one barber and one downtown sideshow tent. The canvas is all new. The hippodrome will introduce new races never before seen. The spectacular production of "Cinderella and the Glass Slipper" will introduce 200 people, including 100 ballet dancers. The museum will contain all the latest illusions, and entire kit of burglar and house breaker's tools, etc.
James E. Cooper Buys the Forepaugh Show. The syndicate of English capitalists who have been negotiating for several months past for the purchase of Forepaugh's Show have been completely routed from the field by a citizen of Philadelphia - James E. Cooper - to whom the executors of the Forepaugh estate, in consideration of a princely sum, have transferred the entire vast circus plant and title of the late Adam Forepaugh. More Yankee dollars were offered for the property than the Britishers could cover. The purchaser, Mr. Cooper, is a well known capitalist and and old resident of Philadelphia, and for many years has been engaged in conducting big tented exhibitions. He was the senior member of the firm of Cooper & Bailey, which enterprise gained a widespread fame from its daring and successful three years' tour of the world, the start being made at San Francisco in the Autumn of 1876, and the route including Australia, New Zealand, British India and the South American countries. Mr. Cooper's latest connection with the circus business was as a partner of P. T. Barnu. He is accounted one of the ablest managers in the country. The show will continue to be known as the Great Forepaugh Show, and will be managed by Adam Forepaugh Jr. and John A. Forepaugh, son and nephew, respectively, of the deceased Adam Forepaugh. It will open at Forepaugh's Park, Philadelphia, Pa., April 21. At the conclusion of the engagement here the show will make an extensive tour of the Eastern States.
Chas. E. McBride has signed with the Sparks Bros.' Circus for the coming season.
Pete Conklin, the veteran clown and showman, has signed with Bailey & Winans' Circus for the tenting season of 1890. Mr. Conklin will manager the sideshow and act as equestrian director. Other recent engagements include Prof. Darrow, aeronaut.
Chas. O. Morrison, contortionist, has signed with John F. Robinson's Circus for the coming season, his third year with that show.
Jas. H. Miller, manager of the Newark, O., Opera House, has signed with Chas. Bartine's Shows as contracting agent for season of 1890. Mrs. Miller will have charge of the Opera House during her husband's absence.
[Advertisement] Notice to Circus People. All engagements with the Riddell & Atchison R. R. Show are canceled from this date, Feb. 22, 1890, for this season. Riddell & Atchinson.
[Advertisement] For sale, circus property. One fine band wagon, one ticket wagon, on chandelier, jack, stringer and pole wagon, three baggage wagons. Also two stock cars, 40ft. long; wagon and stock runs, centre poles, seven lengths of seats. All newly painted for the road. Riddell & Atchison, North Front Street, Columubus, O.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Chas. Bartine's Circus and Menagerie, four property men, one wardrobe man, four and six horse drivers, and canvasmen. Want to buy, two Kidd Patent Lights. Chas. Bartine, Montpieler, Ind.
[Advertisement] Musicians wanted for Miles Orton's R. R. Shows, to double brass and string. Drummers who read, to do concert turn. Address, Joe L. Todd, Tivoli Theatre, New Orleans, La.
[Advertisement] McClellan's United Monster Shows and Wild West want people in every branch of the business; also, curiosities, freaks, features, concert people and startling attractions of every description. Want a balloon man, with or without parachute; advance agent, boss canvasmen, canvasmen, billposters. Last year people write. Want brass band. Want to buy sideshow canvas and eight paintings. Address W. J. McClellan, Ridgway, Pa.
New York Clipper, March 8, 1890, pp. 861, 863, 865. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Billy Zink, singing clown, and Prof. Caddy and his troupe of dogs and goats, have been engaged with Whiting Bros. Circus. Prof. Louis Roddy and his uniformed band have also been engaged.
The Three Melrose Bros., acrobats, have signed with T. K. Burk's United Shows for the tenting season of 1890.
Frank B. Hubin goes with the Andress Show the coming season.
The Orrin Brothers have engaged Chiarini's Royal Italian Circus Co. for four weeks and have arranged to show them in their amusement place in the City of Mexico, in conjunction with their own company. This will offer a big troupe, and at the same time help out Chiarini, who was unable to secure an exhibition lot in the city. The Orrin Bros. report a very prosperous season so far.
The Clipper has received W. H. Harris' interesting volume, "500 Ways to Get Rich." It is presented as a souvenir of the Harris Nickel Plate Circus, and is a book of nearly 200 pages.
Frank Cotton, clown, with his two performing donkeys, Tom and Jerry, has signed with the Great Western Olympian Shows.
Minnie Moulton, late of the Moultons, gymnasts, has signed with McMahon's Circus for the coming season.
It is reported that the Sam McFlinn Show has been meeting with success through Texas. The McFlinn & Hall Show has been enlarged, and now travels by rail.
The following people have signed with Rich & Downie's United Shows: Mons. Forber, Lee Melville, Ed. Carr, Lulu Eller, the Everetts, Dock Downie, Ingram and Hollis, and _. J. Hopper's dog and cat circus. D. S. Ward will have charge of the advance, and F. E. Smith will lead the band.
Rogers Bros. have signed with Irwin Bros.' Circus for the coming season.
Mead M. Werntz, Della M. Werntz, ___ M. De Coma and J. J. Zamora have signed with the R. T. Clement's Circus. The first named will manage the concert and sideshow, and also act as equestrian director.
Walter L. Main, circus proprietor, will make a feature of the Wild West and horse fair attachments.
Prof. C. Bartholomew has been engaged to make balloon ascensions and parachute jumps with Holland, Bowman & McLaughlin's United Shows the coming circus season.
[Advertisement] Sutton's New Model R. R. Shows. Wanted, performers in every branch except riders, a bar team who can do double trapeze; specialty people for concert, people who do two turns and double on brass preferred; leader and musicians. Dick P. Sutton, Ottumwa, Ia. For sale, cheap, Pullman sleeper, baggage car and complete circus outfit.
[Advertisement] 4th Season under the white tents, 1890. Irwin Bros.' Big R. R. Circus, Fred Irwin, manager. Wanted, female riders (must have own stock), all kinds of aerial acts, brother act, novelty acts for stage, talking clown. All must leap and tumble. State lowest salary in letter, remember there are no parades. Also want good hustling agent who has experience in contracting, must be able to write up paper and know country thoroughly. Good leader that can furnish band for circus business. Address letters to Jno. Winter, general business manager, Irwin Bros.' Attractions. 3d season, 1890-91, Irwin Bros.' Big Specialty Show. 1st season, Irwin Bros.' Burlesque Co., the "Woman in Red."
New York Clipper, March 15, 1890, pp. 4, 5, 7, 11, 13, 14, 15. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Chas. Bartine's Circus and Menagerie is now organized as follows: Chas. Bartine, sole proprietor and manger; John McDonough, assistant manger; E. P. Shull, treasurer; W. Fred Aymar, general superintendent; Clarence Burton, equestrian director; J. H. Miller, general contracting agent; L. H. McDugal, general advertising agent with ten billposters; Joseph Wurstner, musical director with twelve musicians; Jas. Kingsbury, superintendent of horses with twenty grooms; Jno. D. Robbinson, superintendent of lights; Chas. W. Ross, boss property man with six assistants; Chas. Derring, superintendent of wardrobe; Doc Horton and W. C. Conwell, managers of reserved seats and candy stands. All other privileges are run by the proprietor. Performers - the Three Burton Athletes, George and Mollie Belford, Frank M. Ross, Gay and Lavanion, Etta Leanora, Mlle. Marretta, Dart Bros., Patterson Bros., La Patute Nettie, C. Stebleton and troupe of dogs; Chas. Bartine Jr. and his troupe of educated horses and ponies, ten in number; Billy Mincer and his trained donkeys; Nellie Bartine, John Bartine, Charley Maddox, W. H. Hapson, Geo. W. Blitz, Prof. Angelo and his troupe of performing parrots, etc.; Billy Arnold, Will C. Young, Kuy Kepley, Chas. Tinkham, T. F. Fanning, Asher Cady, and others. The show will use a 120ft. round top with a 50ft. middle piece for the circus, an 80ft. round top with a _ft. middle for menagerie; a sideshow top, dressing room, two horse tents, sixteen baggage wagons, three passenger wagons, three carriages, two buggies and one hundred and ten head of horses and ponies.
Fitzgerald and King have been re-engaged with Wm. Main & Co.'s Circus.
The Costello Bros. closed with the Ogden Carnival of Novelties at Atlanta, Ga., March 1, and will leave shortly for Portland, Ore., to join J. S. McMahon's Circus.
Notes from the Sturgis Show. Business at Martinique was big, while the people of Barbadoes, W. I., turned out in very small numbers. We opened in Brazil, S. A., Feb. 1, to immense business which has continued ever since. We will keep on down the coast for some time, and will probably play Urguay, Paraguay and the Argentine Republic. Josie Limore, tight rope walker and equilibrist, joined us a Para. We have another death. Manuel Sarti, leader of our band, died of Bright's disease of the kidneys on board the French steamer Canada en route to Martinique, Dec. 20. He was buried at Curapano, Ven., the first stop we made. At last accounts Donovan & Stickney were in Venezuela.
Frank Wilson, one of Barnum & Bailey's drivers, was found to be intoxicated while driving six horses up Broadway, this city, March 7. A policeman arrested him and placed the six horses in a stable on Tenth Street until the driver recovered his equilibrium.
Markowit's Circus will include Dave Markowits, proprietor and manager; Chas. W. Parke, general agent; Geo. E. Austin, equestrian director; Eddie and Lotto Maginley, Falke and Semons, Geo. E. Austin and Zella, Conlon and Dougherty, Nick Hughes and Clara Farron, Brown Brothers, Blanche Le Clair and Prof. Paul Markwood, leader of band.
News of Wallace & Co.'s Circus. This aggregation is being greatly improved and increased to double its usual capacity in everything. Six cages, two open dens, two advertising cars, sleepers, a dining car 60ft. long (capable of seating eighty people at one time), and all new, have been added this season. Everything is life and busatle about the winter quarters at Peru, Ind., in preparation for their opening, Saturday, April 26. Among the familiar faces to be seen are Messrs. Wallace and Andrews, G. P. Campbell, general agent; Chas. Ewers, horseman and trainer.
Brazil and Alton, acrobats, have signed with the Forepaugh Show for the coming season.
Notes from Fisher & Aiken's Monster Show. This show will travel by railroad, using twelve cars, fifty-two head of horses, two brass bands and a drum and fife corps. We will have a 120ft. round top with three 50ft. middle pieces. The management will own and control its own sideshow, concert and reserved seats, candy stands, etc. The race stock is now being broken at Madisonville, O. In the hippodrome will be introduced some features never before used by any combination. The Wild West attraction has been engaged. Among the people engaged are: Geo. and Nellie Coupe, the three Hill Bros., Dening Bros., Coster Melvin, Trover and McDonnald, Anzo, Delvelde and Zolo, Taylor, Marx (the wrestler), McQuinn, Neatson, Zerarde and Zongo (Japs), Maj. Littlefinger, J. W. Kerepps and wife, two Vans, Murry and Cain. The show will be managed by Geo. T. Fisher, the advance by Geo. W. Aiken.
Little Willie Green has signed with the Ringling Bros. Circus for this season and with the Andress Circus for the Winter season of 1890-91.
The Blair Bros., musical sketch team, and J. Kayser, cornetist, have signed with King & Franklin's Circus.
Murray and Gibbs, acrobats, have signed for this season with S. K. Burke's Big Show. They have an entirely new act, and will start out with a new wardrobe.
The agreement between the Barnum and Forepaugh Shows, which was entered into four years ago, will continue for the present season, the Barnum & Bailey Show taking the Western, and the Forepaugh Show the Eastern territory.
Belmont's Elite Circus, Museum and Menagerie, newly equipped and enlarges, will begin its third season early next month, with a preliminary engagement at Chicago. The executive staff includes: Chas. Belmont, owner and proprietor; E. D. Colvin, general manager; R. S. Ingess, general agent; H. Millard, advance agent; C. C. Matthews, equestrian director; Daniel Fitzgerald department chief. Performers: Mons. Natalie, Jessie Dare, De Barr Family, Albert Richards and others. Topsy, clown elephant; Baby and __, trick ponies and a troupe of performing dogs have also been secured. The show will travel by wagons.
Bailey and Winans attended the recent Lexington, Ky., horse sale, where they purchased two carloads of thoroughbred stock to be used in the hippodrome races and for exhibition purposes with their show.
George M. Nagle, variety and circus performer, died of pneumonia, superinduced by "La Grippe," at Tuscon, Ari., Jan. 22. He had been in failing health for several months, and after rallying at Montrose, Col., he caught a severe cold at Denning, N. M., which terminated fatally. He was thirty-one years of age. The deceased had traveled a good deal thorough the South and West with Sig. Faranta. He leave a widow and three little children, the eldest being only six years of age, and two are known on the stage as La Petite Myrtle and __ Norma. His remains were interred at Tucson. [Advertisement] Wanted, for Belmont's Museum, Caravan and Circus, newly equipped and enlarged for 1890. People in all branches of the profession. Riders, gymansts, concert and sideshow people, and curiosities. Also billposters, boss canvasman. Address E. D. Colvin, business manager, Leland Hotel, Chicago, Ill.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Lemen Bros. Railroad Shows, people in all branches of the circus business. No. 1 band of seven mouthpieces that double string for concert, and other musicians. Advance agetns, boss canvasman. Want to buy baggage car and a sleeper. Also a lady snake charmer, must have her own snakes. Address Lemen Bros. Shows, Lamar Avenue, Denison, Tex.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Andress' Circus, season of 1890, glassblowers for sideshow on percentage or salary; also streetmen with good selling novelties. Address De Arley & O'Brien, managers of privileges, New Orleans, La., care Andress' Circus.
[Advertisement] Wanted for the Grand Circo De Pubillones, Havana, Cuba. Performers in every branch, musical acts, aerial actors, riders, gymnasts, acrobatic acts and all other class of performers in the circus business. Address Santiago Pubillones, Grand Cafe Central, Havana, Cuba.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Richards' Circus, Museum and Menagerie, performers in all branches. Long season. Sideshow and candy stand for sale. Address Geo. W. Richards, car of Richards' Circus, Greenville, Miss.
[Advertisement] Wanted for Lawler's Moral Exhibition and Trained Animal Shows, bar team that do brothers or double traps, lady performers for big show and concert band of six pieces that double. Must be able to do two turns. Show opens in Dallas, Texas, April 17. Address Frank De Beque, Pavilion St., Dallas, Tex.
[Advertisement] Bailey & Winans Combined Shows, wanted cook, chandelier man, and boss property man. For sale outside privileges (no ticket sellers0. Address Wilbert D. Winans, business manager, Newton Falls, Ohio.
New York Clipper, March 22, 1890, pp. 19, 23, 28, 29. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Sherman, Texas. Senor Trevino's Mexican Circus gave two performances here 11, 12. They have some of the smallest performers that your correspondent ever saw. The circus was joined here by Arthur Dunning, Tom Rooney and Ed Powers. On 12 the cooking tent caught fire, and was damaged some before the fire could be got under control.
The following people have signed with McClellan's United Shows and Wild West for this season: Prof. J. E. Burtine with his troupe of canaries; Nevarro, juggler; Mme. Lezetora, strong woman; J. W. Moore and Freeman, aerialists; Ned and Mrs. Hathway, balloon ascensions; Lucy ___, club swinger; Ed. M. and Ida Harman, double trapeze; Edie Toomley, contortionist; F. O'Neil [O'Nell?], drum major; Dollie Crosby, snake charmer; ___ and McBride, acrobats; Gilman and McFarlin, triple horizontal bar act; J. H. Fisher and band of twelve pieces; J. R. Tucker and eight men, advance; and E. H. Sells and sixteen canvas men. The sideshow is to be made up as follows: Sig. ___ and his troupe of birds; Buckskin Lew and his relics of the West; Mme. Del Monto, Circassian; Sig. Del Monto, lecturer; Nellie Parks, electric woman; ___, human pin cushion; Geo. Evereth, fire king, and others. The show expects to open early in May.
South American Circus News. A correspondent writes from Valparaiso, Chili, under date of Dec. __: Frank A. Gardner and his happy circus people are homeward bound, after perhaps the longest (one year and four months), and certainly the most successful season ever passed here. Mr. Gardner, with his wife, Mildred Gardner, and the following members of his company: Mr. and Mrs. Harry Carey, Mlle. Marietta and Nina Viloa, Frank Long, Louis Leslie and others, including Emma Lynden, whom Mr. Gardner secured to perform in conjunction with his company, on the Isthmus. Mr. Gardner informs me that he will immediately commence reorganizing, with headquarters at __ Centre Street, New York City. . . . Linda Jeal, Eleana Jeal, Mrs. Harry Carey, Nellie Ryland, Marieta, Nina Viola, Sallie Marks, James Murray, Harry Carey, Louis Leslie, Dan Ducrow, Harry Warner, Eugene Kennebel.
Eddie Martine, aerialist and gymnast, has signed with the King & Franklin Show.
J. Cunningham, contortionist, has signed with the Wintermute Bros. Show for the coming season.
The Milo Brothers - John and Francis - Lowery and ___, and John Price have signed with McClelland's United Shows.
The Bingley & Stevens Show was placed in the hands of a receiver at Atlanta, Ga., March __.
Manager Chas. Bartine has added an elephant, three camels, and other animals to his circus and menagerie.
Whiting Bros. & Co.'s Circus and menagerie is made up as follows: Whiting Bros. & Co., sole owners and proprietors; Harry Harrison, manager; G. S. Cole, general contracting agent; C. W. Odell, privileges; Jean Scott, chief hostler; Al Millette and son, Bert De Haven, three Amerian athletes, James McLee, William Link, William Slack, Fannie Dair, Prof. Caddy and his troupe of performing dogs and goats, three Whiting Bros., William Klee, May Waldron, mamie Sheperd, Little Pansy, and Professor Louis Hoddy and his military band. This show will travel by wagon, using eighty feet round top tent with two thirty foot middle pieces and will carry sixty head of horses.
Manager W. Mardell has refitted and reorganized his American Allied Shows for the Summer season, since the closing of its Winter tour at Natchez, Miss., several weeks ago. The opening date is fixed for March 31, and the route will lay through the South. The show will travel in its own cars.
The Whitney Family and Wild West Supplement sailed for Europe March __.
Joseph Semon has secured the programme privilege with the new Washburn & Arlington Show. He also goes two weeks ahead, in charge of the first brigade.
[Advertisement] Main & Van Amburg Shows. Wanted, talking and singing clown. Principal tumbler that does a specialty. Walter L. Main. Grooms. Charles Evans, canvasmen, H. Flatner. Animal men, Wm. Winner. Property men, John D. Alma. Address letters to Geneva, O.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Reed's Circus and Hippodrome. Trained ponies, slack wire, cornet and boss canvasman. Wagon show. Address A. H. Reed, Carrollton, Ill.
[Advertisement] Wanted for New York Circus and Museum. One lady or gentleman rider, with or without horse, trapeze, tumblers and leapers, freaks for museum. A. J. White, general manager, Burlington, Iowa.
New York Clipper, March 29, 1890, pp. 37, 46, 47. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Notes from the Antipodes. New Zealand is full of shows. Wirth Brothers' Circus, one of the finest small companies I have ever seen, has several Americans with them, viz." The Wallalla Bros., Gus St. Leon, Bob Johnson, Charley Deiz and P. Montgomery. They have been doing great business, as this is the first circus in four years. J. J. Wirth leaves on the Alameda for new attractions. The four brothers are all accomplished performers, and the stock is of the best. Harmston's Circus arrived on the Alameda from 'Frisco, and are doing well at Auckland.
Notes from the Fisher & Aiken's Shows. C. W. O'Dell will have charge of the hippodrome, and has already commenced to break a twenty-six horse team for the hippodrome track, and with James Quinlan is working on the standing races. Jockeys Charles Gray and Wm. Watson have signed. ___ Watson and Jennie Shautry have been engaged to ride in the hippodrome races. A handsome fourteen foot band wagon has arrived. O'Dell and Quinlan are busy working on a novelty for the races. Squire, McCary and Jones, leapers and tumblers, have signed. The Roman chariots are well on the twy, and a new ticket wagon is now in the paint shop. Colorado Frank and wife (Pearl of Nebraska), champion shots and all 'round Wild West people, will be here April __, with six bronchos.
Claude La Verne, swinging perch and trapeze performer, has signed with the Wintermute Bros.' Show for this season.
The Leonhardt Bros., and Nellie and Flora Leonard have signed with the Ringling Bros.' Show for this season.
The following have signed to go with the Washburn & Arlington Shows this season: O. J. Boyd, general agent; Claude Williams, press agent; P. B. Rhoades, contracting agent; S. F. ___ troupe of cowboys and sharpshooters; Wichita Jack, Hasson and wife, Wild Horse Jack, Yellow Stone Bill, Oklahoma Bill, the Leon Family, the Marietta Bros., Harry De Forest, J. T. Fiorenti, Dan Chaver's colored band, and White Cloud's troupe of Indians. The show opens May 1, at Bristol, Pa.
Notes from Holland, Bowman & McLaughlin's Show. E. G. Holland has recently purchased sixteen horses and is touring the country for more. Bob Wentendorf is to have the candy stand and dining tent.
Chas. E. McBride has canceled his engagement with the Sparks Bros.' Show, and has signed with McClellan's Shows.
The La Barr Bros. - Dave and George - contortionists, have signed for the coming season with the Great Western Olympic Circus.
William Irwin, late of the Irwin Bros., has signed with the Bailey & Winans Circus for the tenting season. Mr. Irwin will bring out a new act this season. The Irwins have been playing the past Winter in the high class vaudeville theatres.
Scott & Fralando's Australian Circus and Royal British Menagerie will begin their Northwestern travels early in May. Mme. Bromo, female clown, has signed with Scott & Fralando's Shows, her first in America.
[Advertisement] Gran Circo Gardner, Frank A. Gardner, champion leaper and rider of the world, sole proprietor. Seventh annual tour of South America. Now organizing for two years' tour of the world. Wanted, artists in every branch of the circus and variety profession, male and female riders, with or without stock (without horses preferred), acrobats, gymnasts, bar performers, bicycle riders, roller skaters, musical teams, a three brother ace, a clown that can speak Spanish, or any act suitable for stage or ring, not dependent on the English language for success. Want a band of ten pieces. Want a boss canvasman. Would buy a number of trained stallions or broncho horses and a troupe of dogs. Also a somersault dog or any kind of performing animals doing acts. Frank A. Gardener, proprietor and manager. Address Booth's Printing House, 201 Centre Street, New York City.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Atkins, Manson & Culbertson's Consolidated Railroad Shows. Performers in all branches of circus business except riding. Those who play brass preferred. Band fo six to double in orchestra. Ten band uniforms in good condition. Will take party who plays brass as property man, also one as porter. Side show, candy stand and other legitimate privileges to let. Address Port Jervis, N. Y.
New York Clipper, April 5, 1890, pp. 55, 59. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Charles Forbes has been engaged as general agent for Chas. Bartine's Circus.
George Whitley, leaper and tumbler, goes with McClellan's Circus and Wild West this season.
Mexican Billy (W. D. Ament) has just closed a satisfactory engagement with W. H. Harris' Nickle Plate Shows, and with his wife, has been engaged for the Barnum & Bailey Circus for this season.
Notes from the King & Franklin Show. The show will open its tour April 7, at Chattanooga, Tenn., under the management of W. E. Franklin. . . . The stock is undergoing a rigid course of training, under the direction of Prof. Andy Showers and Edward Franklin (brother of W. E. Franklin). The show will make a fine parade, carrying sixty head of stock and two brass bands. The following is a list of the people: W. E. Franklin and wife, Mrs. A. N. King, Edward Franklin, John Hamilton, Jess Worlen, Prof. Andy Showers and daughter, Prof. Punch Irwin and wife, Marie De Barre, Annie Dare, Lillian King, Mrs. St. Elmo, Miss De Alma, ___ and Bentley, Eddie Martine, John Gilroy, the three De Almas, the Three St. Elmos, J. P. Fagan, John Irwin, Clarence Yorker, Wm. Bullock, Frank Parcell, Lew Wallace, Al. Worlen, W. Hoffey, Herbert Field, Albert Milletta and son, Robert Hodge, Bud Farnam, Blair Bros., John Kayner, Chas. Crosby, Harry Nelson, Samuel Albright, Fred Ellis, Frank Crowe, Milton Spanogle, J. A. Halloway, Jas. Foster, Tom Carter, Frank Bernardo, Thomas Fey, Henry Richards, Frank Collins, Johnnie Block, Sharwood Mosher, Edward Jones, Chas. Elrick, for jockeys and many others.
The Wintermute Bros.' Show for this season is made up as follows: Wintermute Bros., proprietors; Halsey Wintermute, general agent; Wm. Hall, boss canvasman; Jas. Masterson, boss hostler; Prof. Wiley and his troupe of dogs, the Gilmore Bros., J. Cunningham, Claude La Verne, Louis Frierberg, Thos. Wintermute, Wm. Wirig, Harry Wintermute, Frank Hall and the Crow Bros. Walter R. Hinman will furnish the band. The show will take the road April 30, and will use a 95ft. top and about forty head of horses.
John Price, motto and topical vocalist, has signed with McClellan's Circus this season, to do principal singing and talking clown.
Edwin De Coursey has signed with the advertising forces of the Black Bros. He goes with Vreeland & Middaugh's Show next season as general agent.
The complete make up of Bailey & Winans' Circus, Museum, Hippodrome and Wild West is as follows: Executive staff - Curtis L. Bailey and Wilbert D. Winans, proprietors and managers; Geo. E. Bailey, treasurer and ticket seller; Pete Conklin Jr., assistant ticket seller; Al Dolson, general agent and director; Lee Powell, contracting agent; Henry E. Davis, press agent; Fred Kettler, boss billposter with ten assistants; F. A. Davenport and Eugene Fleming, lithographers; Diamond Joe and Yankee Jenkins, advance agents; Edward Dorman, manager sideshow; Ed. Robinson, director reserved seats; Wallace Fillmen, manager candy stands; Budd Winger, manager outside privileges; "Curley" Ward, boss canvasman; John E. Hadley, boss hostler; Doc Hammond, in charge of ring and racing stock; Max Hayman boss property man; Dave Walton, in charge of wardrobe; W. C. Reed, chief chandelier man; Geo. O'Brien, steward; Prof. Darrow, aeronaut; Prof. Geo. Sanghan, calliope player; Prof. Harry Armstrong, bandmaster with ten musicians; Lillian Cole's female silver cornet band and Denver Dan's cowboy brass band. Performers - Edwin Martinnettia, equestrian director; The Cordellos (Pierre, Leona and Angelo), principal bareback, somersault and four horse riders; W. D. Winans Jr. and ten performing stallions; ___ troupe of Japanese performers; Pete Conklin and Billy Lee, principal clowns; William Irwin, Mme. Irwin, Mlle Lotta, Eddie Maginley, the three Mardnnette Bros., Albert Meredith, Marguerite Meredith, Don Franck, Henry Baker, Bertha Lee, Loretta Armstrong, Louis De Forest, ___ and Randall, Rio Grande Bill (manager of Wild West) with ten cowboys and female riders; Chief Red Cloud, Princess Prairie Flower and eight Indians, squaws and pappooses. Nellie Coleman, Jennie Griffin, ___ Alvera, Dan Cooper, Ed. O'Neil. The show will travel by wagons . . . dressing room top, spectacular and illusion (black) tent, sideshow canvas, for horse tents, three cook tents, twenty baggage wagons, five tableau wagons, one steam calliope, two band wagons, one Japanese pagoda wagon, one Wild West stage, two tally-ho coaches, thirty canvasmen, thirty grooms, five property men, eight cooks and waiters, and others. The show will tour the West and South.
Notes from Sam McFlinn's Circus. Business through Texas continues very good and the weather fine. The Patterson Brothers and Minnie Patterson joined at Gainesville. ___ Durand, of Rogan and Durand, and ___ Dee, of Johnson and Dee, have joined forces, and hereafter will work together. Lon Moore will join shortly. The show is on its way to the Pacific Coast. Tony Ashton has left for the East.
Prof. Harry Roddy will furnish the band for Whiting Bros.' Shows this season.
New York Clipper, April 12, 1890, pp. 75, 76, 79. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Andrew Downie and wife, and Lee Melville arrived at Greenville, Mich., March 26, and are now preparing for the opening of Rich & Downie's United Shows. The show will carry forty-five people all told, and a new outfit. The canvas is 110ft. with a __ft. middle piece. Sixty head of horses and twenty wagons, with two advance wagons, will carry the show.
A dispatch from Paducah, Ky., dated April 1, says: "Geo. W. Richards' Circus is reported to be on a sawdust bank at Shotwells Fields, a few miles below Cairo, Ill., without shelter of any kind, and not a spot of dry land within twelve miles. There are six women with the party. the City of St. Paul, their steamer, is sunk, and all of their show fixtures are lost. Aid has been sent them." A later dispatch says: "No additional news has been received from the Richards Circus. At last accounts they were safely on board of a steamer. Their show and boat are wrecked and most of their animals drowned. No lives were lost."
Notes from J. H. Shields' Southern Show. We are touring South Carolina on our way North. The weather continues cool and business is good. Senator Frank Le Ray, juggler and equilibrist, joined at Augusta, Ga., March 25, and does a fine act. Gay Boone joined at Savannah, and W. H. Hopson resigned at Augusta. Trover and Kings still delight the colored contingent with their grotesque table act. Anzola, contortionist, comes in for a goodly share of applause. he has doubled with Eddie McDonald for the coming season. The Ty-Bells are as popular as ever, and have a strong line of leaps. Prof. Riley and his troupe of performing dogs will be added about April 15. Everybody is well, the the "white German" sneaks around regularly.
Wm. Ahern, his wife and his little brother, have been engaged for the Lemen Bros.' Circus. They will open with the show at Denison, Tex., late this month, in their acrobatic act.
The Orrins gave a special performance of their show in the City of Mexico, in honor of the Railroad Agents' Association, March 24. They had a big bill and a big attendance. The guests of the evening insisted upon paying for their seats, and that the money should go to the American Hospital in the City of Mexico. They gave up $142, to which Edward Orrin, with his usual generosity, added $58 to make an even two hundred. G. W. Orrin, wife and boy, are at St. Augustine, Fla.
Signor Casler, magician, ventriloquist and slack wire performer, has signed with Fisher & Aiken's Circus.
The followin is the complete roster of Chas. Lee's London Shows: Four Howards, Lee Roberts, Queen Eve and Howel, Chas. J. Gregory, Louis Beauvis, Philip Miller, Chas. Lovell, Comstock and Eggleston, Parson Hoy, Mrs. Chas. Lee, Hattie Lee, Harry L. Rogers, Prof. Schlien, E. K. ___, Albert Yoder, Chas. Stabler, Chas. Owens, Prof. Geo. Galt, Chris Wilson, Gon Long, Thomas Craven, Hank Johnson, Joe Hewitt, Sig. La Cardo, Jerry Wilson, Pete Jenning, Wilson Maning, Bert Salsman, Lou West, Willie Ferris, John Thorn, Frank Devere, Prof. H. C. Wallace, Lorretta Bros., band of ten musicians, twenty Indians, ten cowboys. James B. Master, Sandy Rockwell and P. W. Schroeder, in charge of advance brigade. The show opens May 3, at Canton, Pa.
Great Western Olympian Show: S. Alexander, proprietor; Prof. Lorenzo, manager; George Closson, general agent; Wm. Johns, boss property man; Wm. Scanlan, boss canvas man; Frank Cotton and his two performing donkeys, Tom and Jerry; Robert Lawrell, Master Eddie Bard, Jennie Roletta, Billy Stevens, Hamilton Bros., Lorenzo and his dogs; Billy Johnson. The show will travel by rail and will take the road about May 7.
[Advertisement] Wanted, with Great European Wagon Show, one or two performing or trick horses or ponies. Will rent candy stands. Open April 28. Samuel F. Givens, North Broad Street, Philadelphia.
[Advertisement] Call. All people engaged with Sautelle's New Boat Show, report to Syracuse, N. Y., May 5. Want a man to break and work ponies. Sig. Sautelle, Syracuse, N. Y.
[Advertisement] Wanted. Atkins, Manson & Culbertson Consolidated Railroad Shows. Few more all around people in circus business (except riding); singing and knockabout clown with specialty; concert team who go in leap and tumbling; agent experienced with railroad shows. Boss canvasman. Cook for private car. Address Port Jervis, N. Y.
New York Clipper, April 19, 1890, pp. 91, 92, 95. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
F. J. Taylor's Great American Circus, Museum and Menagerie. Roster: F. J. Taylor, Chas. Taylor, Bertie Taylor, Walt. McCafferty; Dick Hunter, general advance agent; Wm. Haight, chief billposter with ten assistants; Dick Farnum, Jas. Farnum, Jno. Nelson and wife, W. E. Rolland, the Bishop Bros., Jno. Ruth, Sig. Harris, C. P. Watson, Marj. Fred Wilson, Fred Harris, Mrs. Ferguson and boys, Mrs. D. Farnum, G. W. Young, Alf. Rider, A. Vaughn, E. Compton, Y. C. Westland, Tom Waldrip, J. J. Cooke master of canvas with twelve assistants, and Geo. Rickett, boss hostler with twenty grooms and drivers. The show is enlarged to twice its former size, and everything is new.
Will E. Conkling and W. Gilmore are working together with W. H. Harris' Nickel Plate Show.
Agnes Davis, wife of Edward Davis, Barnum & Bailey's advance agent, applied to Judge Barrett, of the Supreme Court, this city, for alimony and counsel fee in her suit for divorce. The application was opposed on the ground that the court had no juristiction, as the alleged abandonment took place at Baltimore, and the plaintiff is a resident of Easton, Pa. Mr. Davis denies that he abandonded his wife, and says that she deserted him. She left him Feb. 26 last, saying she would not return again. She asked for money to pay her fare to Philadelphia, and he gave her $_. Judge Barrett held that he did not have jurisdiction, and dismissed the motion.
Chas. G. ("Punch") Williams, lecturer of the Eden Musee, Omaha, Neb., left April 7 to join Forepaugh's Circus. Manager Will Lawler presented him with a silk umbrella before leaving.
Mark L. Kilbourne has signed with White & Co.'s Circus as clown.
These people have been engaged for the New York Circus and Museum: Frank Miller, Mona Lewis, Mme. Lottie Lewis, Wm. Garton and wife, Viola Vinen, Mme. Duchack with her trained horse Empress; Master Harry Brandon, three La Clair Bros, Mark L. Hilbourne, Willie Fowler, Col. Robinson (giant), Kalo Tula (Circassian prince and snake charmer, Prof. Morris, Zig Zag, Prof. Anderson, Mme. De Long, Prof. W. F. Kukhart, Miss Fenimore, Capt. W. C. Brainard, Prof. W. C. Ryan, leader of Winterset's Silver Cornet Band, and F. J. Royce, boss canvasman.
The Powers Family join the Forepaugh Circus for one week, and then go to Irwin Bros.' Circus for the Summer.
Notes from Fisher & Aiken's New Shows. Ten head of racing horses have been added in the last week, making a total of racing stoke nineteen head. Our train arrived April 8. Every car is new and equipped with automatic air and Jenny couplers. The advertising car is a beauty, finished inside in black walnut, with an upright piano in the office. Every sheet of paper, including programmes, window and wall work, is lithographed. C. W. Odell has his big team for the hippodrome track working splendidly. One of our features will be a three tandem hurdle. The new Roman chariots are beauties. Every working man with the show will be uniformed - canvas men in one kind, grooms in another, property men in another. Every centre pole, quarter pole and side pole will have a flag, and every quarter will have a banner on it. Roman standing races, hurdle, flat and ostrich races will be given. This will be the only twenty-five cent show giving a full and complete hippodrome. The parade will be unique and strong. The show opens at Madisonville, May 1, but begins rehearsals April 24.
Notes from Robinson's Show. All is activity around the winter quarters. A large corps of skilled workmen have been busy for the past eight weeks, painting an decorating under the trained eye of Dan Dale. Six tableau wagons of the very latests design and colors, present a pretty picture. A carload of ring stock arrived some three weeks ago, and have been put in shape by John Wilson, horse trainer. A string of Kentucky thoroughbreds are expected daily from Bowling Green, and they will be used in the flat races of the hippodrome. The menagerie will be large, and many new specimens have been added for this season. Many of last season's people have been retained, among them Frank Cook, athlete and John Lowlow, the jester.
Joseph Farnum signed with the Bartine Circus and Menagerie for this season. Almost forty new wagons and cages are now ready. Lew Williams will have charge of canvas, and John Hennessey the stock. Charles Forbes is already on the road with a large force, making contracts.
La Verne, juggler, has signed with the Howard Gibson Circus.
Notes about Washburn & Arlington's New United Shows. The season opens at Bristol, Pa., May 1, and the show will travel by rail by its own special train. . . . The train will consist of twelve cars and two advertising cars, and there will be seventy head of stock, two bands and a callipe. Among the people engaged are O. J. Boyd, general agent; eight Arabs, ten Indians, ten cowboys, ten Mexicans, Miramba Band, Guatamalan dwarf . . . Bryan Murphy, Deforest, Sampson and wife, Wendell H. Ordway . . .
The management of the Geo. W. Richards Circus sends the following account of the recent damage to that show by the recent Mississippi flood: "The steamer City of St. Paul, owned by Geo. W. Richards, and carrying the Richards Circus, was destroyed in the big storm of March 27, twenty miles below Hickman, Ky., on the Mississippi River. The boat, show and barges were a total loss, as there was not a cent of insurance. But fortunately no lives were lost, though the people suffered terribly. We were cast upon a sawdust pil more than a score of miles from land, and with the waters continually on the rise. The people were without food and shelter for three days and nights. The circus had just closed its season at Greenville, Miss., and was on its way to Paducah, Ky., to reorganize for the Summer season. The people on the boat included Geo. W. Richards and wife, Capt. Smith and wife, Joseph Parsons and wife, Clarinda Lumpkins, Sam Pinchart, Wm. Wright, Billy McIntyre, old Bob McCormick, Ed Lanter, William Abboil, Sam Wilson and P. Ferncen, all of whom lost their entire baggage, personal effects, etc., as the boat sunk in less than five minutes. Everything possible under the circumstances was don for the relief and comfort of the people, who have nearly all been re-engaged by manager Richards for his new circus, which is expected to be ready for the road in May."
[Advertisement] Wanted for Harper Bros.' Circus, performers in all branches of the circus business. Would like trick donkey and performing poney; also educated horse. Show takes the road May 12. Address our agent, Mr. N. Shaw, Worcester, Mass.
[Advertisement] Wanted for J. G. Foley's Big Ten Cent Circus, performers in all branches of circus business, except riders. People who can do two or more acts and double in concert or band. Side show, candy stand and other legitimate privileges to let. Would like to hear from agent, one who has had experience in ten cent circus. Show opens May 5, Columbus, O. Travel by rail, using three cars. Address J. G. Foley, Columbus, O., U. S. Hotel.
[Advertisement] Wanted for the Schiller New Shows, to open in Kansas City. Riders included. Riders owning their own stock given preference. Canvasmen, grooms, four and six horse drivers, animal men, troupe of trained dogs or horses, also a good agent. Show travels by wagon. Write Schiller & Holland, 112 E. Seventeenth St., Kansas City, Mo.
[Advertisement] The Greatest Horse and Dog Show Under Heaven. Prof. D. P. Hurlburt, proprietor, has joined hands with R. Leftwich, a showman of experience, and will open under canvas June 2, at Fargo, North Dakota and will want a few performers, in all branches of the business except riders. Also a few musicians, boss canvasman and chandelier man. Show will go by rail, short jumps, no big salaries, no travel expenses advances. Outfit entirely new. Sideshow and concert privileges to let. Address Hurlburt & Leftwich, Sioux Falls, North Dakota.
New York Clipper, April 26, 1890, pp. 103, 109, 110. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Notes from Heffron's Great Eastern Circus. We opened our season at Jacksonville, Fla. The following is our staff: M. S. Sarles, general manager; Wm. H. Cass, general agent, and John Melvin, equestrian director. We travel by rail. The people engaged so far are: John Melvin and wife, Kittie Clawson, Tom Hickey, Chas. Melvin, Geo. Stewart, . . . and Prof. Kotter's cornet band of twelve pieces.
Roster of the advance brigade of Irwin Bros.' Shows: J. Tucker, general agent; A. J. French, contracting agent; Geo. Houghtling, master of paper with five assistants; Harry Powell, chief lithographers with two assistants, and Floyd Lanspher, in charge of second brigade with three assistants.
Daniel Traver, for the past fourteen years connected with Sig. Sautelle's enterprises, was married April 14, at Syracuse, N. Y., to Addie Smith.
Dottie Pullman goes with Sautelle's Show this season. C. R. De Wolfe and J. W. Swafford have begun advance operations for the show.
Notes from the T. K. Burk Show. This show which has been wintering at South Lebanon, O., reopened there April 19, after a thorough refitting and enlargement. It has new cars, wagons, wardrobes and one of the finest band chariots on the road. A new 110ft. round top with two ))ft. middle pieces is now used. D. F. Davis is doing the railroad contracting, and Ralph Peckham has charge of advertising car No. 1 with sixteen men.
The circus companies visiting Kentucky this season are under many obligations to Capt. Smith Cook, the Kentucky giant, who is now doorkeeper of the House of Representatives, Kentucky Legislature. He has had defeated a law making it a fine of $50 for any circus not exhibiting everything they advertise. Capt. Cook has left the business and entered into politics, but it has not made him lose his love for the circus people.
Irwin Bros. Allied Shows open the season at Buffalo, N. Y., May 20. The show will travel by boat, everything being new. The people: Alex Wilson, Trebor, Chas. Debor, Fred Paul, Chas. Reach, H. Higgins, James J. Morton and wife, Mme. Irwin, May Trebor . . . and Prof. Woodward's band of ten men.
South Sea Island Joe has been engaged with Frank A. Robbins' Show for the season.
The Three Marvels go with Wm. McClellan's Circus this season.
John M. Sheppard, well known athlete, late with the Stickney & Donovan Circus, arrived in this city last week from South America. He brought with him the dog trainer, Francis Luna, who was paralyzed at Para, Brazil, last March. Mr. Luna is now in the Pennsylvania Hospital at Philadelphia, in very straightened circumstances. Mr. Sheppard, who kindly cared for him on their long trip from Brazil, intends remaining in the States, and will probably go out with a prominent show this season. He reports uniformly good results with the white tents through South America.
Colby, aeronaut, has left the Stickney & Donovan Circus in South America, and is on his way to this country.
Chas. Ellis has canceled his engagement with Miles Orton's Show, and has been engaged as contracting agent with Stowe Bros.' Circus.
Whiting Bros. & Co.'s Colossal Show opens at Warrensburg, Mo., for three days commencing April 17. The following people have arrived: Hugh C. Whiting and wife, Bert Whiting and wife, Harry Harriman, James McLee, Billy Black, Frank, Fred and William Bell, Billy Link, Fannie Dair, Bert De Haven, William Klee, Prof. Caddy, Frank Hall, May Waldron, Mamie Shepard, Little Pansy, Louis Hoddy, James Whiting, Frank Johnson, Chas. Mitchell, Will Wright, Dean Connors, Bob Weiss, James Woods, John Baldwin, Chas. Nevada, Jerry Kellum, R. W. Mullen, Wm. Wagner, George Hall Jr. and wife . . .
John J. and Florence Murray go with Hunting's New York Circus, their second season with that show.
Notes from Harris' Nickle Plate Circus. . . . We have the Albino Family, Lillie and Carrie Harris, Frank Sparks, Claude Orton, George La Ross, Conklin and Fillmore . . . Frank Sparks is equestrian manager.
Diefenbach's Circus opened their season at Murphysboro, Ill., April 14. Maretta Myers and Valvo have made special hits. The roster: P. Diefenbach, sole proprietor and manager; Ike Fellows, advance agent; Marietta Myers, Valvo, John Sexton, Bennie Sexton, John Seery, Frank Seery, Chas. W. Burch, Harry Morris, Frank Keeble, Steve Rogers . . . Concert: Frank Gillespie, Chas. W. Burch, E. H. Day, J. Sam Hogan, Chas. Winchester, George Prudy. R. W. Anderson, leader of band with six musicians; Q. Marshall, boss canvasman with seven assitants; Chas. Wesley, chandelier man; Lew ___, property man with two assistants, and Col. Doc. Austin, manager of privileges.
Jerry Kellum, formerly city billposter at Harvey, Ill., is now the boss of the paste brigade of Whiting Bros.' Shows.
Frank Hurst has signed with Walter L. Main and Van Amburg's Shows as contracting agent for the season of 1890.
The Ty-Bells closed with the Shields' Show at Augusta, Ga., and are at their Chicago home before opening for the season with Hunting's New York Circus.
[Advertisement] Railroad show wagons for sale. 10 cages, will go crossways on 60ft. car, steel bars, patent wheels (four open on both sides), 1 was figure wagon, 10ft. long, with busts of prominent men, 1 tableau museum wagon, carved and gilded, ticket wagon, 1 trunk or wardrobe wagon, 12ft. Used 2 seasons with the W. W. Cole Show, stored at Bridgeport. Address A. R. Richards, Proctor Theatre, Brooklyn, N. Y.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Belmont's New Shows, a three brother act team that can do bar act work on bars. Write E. D. Colvin, Leland Hotel, Chicago, Ill. For sale, one second hand 100ft. round top, two thirty foot middle pieces, also three baggage wagons, cheap. Address as above.
New York Clipper, May 3, 1890, p. 126. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Chas. Andress writes us as follows: "I have not closed the doors of my show since March 1, 1889, but found time during the ten weeks we played New Orleans this Winter to repair and decorate everything with the show and add ten new wagons and six cars. Our train consists of 18 cars, and we have 82 head of stock. The roster for this season: Chas. Andress, sole owner aand manager; Harry Curtiss, assistant manager and press agent; L. Andress, treasuer; A. J. Wildes, secretary; F. E. Davis, general agent and railroad contractor; W. W. Downing, contracting agent; J. B. Mitchell, superintendent car No. 1 with twelve assistants; H. J. Donnelly, superintendent car No. 2 with eight assistants; the Four Waltons, brother act and ladders; Lew F. Sunlin, two performing donkeys; Mlle. Jackson, menage act; Doc Miller, equilibrist; Joe Lewis, contortionist; Emma Lewis, juggler and slack wire act; Sig. A. Scafer, principal riding act; Clarence Robinson, jockey; Costello and Velvet, double trapeze; Ollie Maynard, iron jaw act; Harry O'Brien, contortionist; Harry Costello, balancing trapeze; Mme. L. Andress, double menage act; Geo. L. Wood's six educated Shetland ponies . . . The line of leaps is very strong, as there are six men doing double somersaults, headed by the champion, Wm. H. Batcheller. Doc Miller is equestrian director, Jack Braddoc superintendent of canvas with sixty assistants, Frank Scott, master of transportation, and Wm. __, master of stock with twenty assistants. In parade there are twenty cages, two elephants, two camels, three tableaux, a pony chariot and twenty mounted people. Mrs. Andress now appears in parade with her tandem team of thoroughbreds. In the concert are: Murphy and Mackin, musical act; Little Mollie, child song and dance; Jack Murphy, banjoist, and Campbell and Delaney, Irish comedians. O'Brien and De Arley manage the side show. George Murch and Samuel Doane are the ticket sellers, and William Busey has charge of the front entrance. In the museum department Spaf Hyman is lecturer, and the curiosities are: Col. Cordoza, tattooed man; Frank Hubin, Punch and Judy; the two Cavaliers, Albinos; Zip; Maj. Springer, midget; Lulu La Grande, Circassian snake charmer; Prof. Hirts' troupe of performing birds . . . and several illusions.
Notes from Fisher & Aiken's Show. Many people from the surrounding districts of Madisonville, Ind., and several experienced showmen flocked April 2 to see the new train of twelve cars, which arrived early that morning. Every car is new, and the Pullman sleeper is a beauty. The dining car is fitted inside with black walnut. The tables are walnut, with polished mahogany tops, and the lounges and chairs are upholstered with plush. Advertising car No. 2 is handsomer than No. 1. Wally Fisher was presented with a handsome piano by the ladies of Madisonville. Car No. 1 left 20 for Lebanon. Our calliope will arrive at Walnut Hills May 2. Two water buffaloes arrived 19. They are to be used in the races. There will be two trotting races by bronchos, and a four horse broncho race, the riders being O'Dell and Quinlan. The four-horse ladies' standing and the Roman standing races will be done by Nellie Coupe and Ida Rainer. The latter will also do the four horse chariot race. Mr. O'Dell deserves credit for the manner in which he has broken these horses in so short a time. W. E. McCoy and A. ___ will do the flying trapeze. The band will commence rehearsal 24, under the leadership of Geo. R. Coupe, cornet soloist. Coupe, the sprinter, will also run against a thoroughbred once around the track. George Cohan, John Lewis, Bob McGregor, W. E. McCoy and W. A. Wiehe arrive 19, and the canvas went up 21.
The Whitney Circus and Museum opened the season at Imlay City, Mich., April __, to good business. The roster: Mrs. G. L. Whitney, owner and controller; C. A. Whitney, treasurer; Cal. M. Gillette, general manager; Byron Killmer, equestrian manager; Prof. Floyd Whitney, bandmaster and ten musicians; Griff Van Scotts, master of canvas and ten assistants; Frank Stapleton, boss hostler and ten grooms; Will Silver, master of props and four assistants; C. M. Silver, in charge of cook tent with three assistants; Fred Florida, director of privileges; H. A. Mann, superintendent of advance with nine billposters; S. J. Hardy, Theo. Levanion, Geo. Scott, Geo. Martine, D. S. Helmer, Cal. Gillette, Edgar Geyer, Michael Tude, Texas Harry, Austin, Killmar and McPhee, La Dow Bros., Frank Healy, Wm. Downs, S. E. Porter, John Nehman, Eugene Hunt, Allan Hunt, Frank Beckwith, John Woods, John Grinnel, Prof. Barnello, Leon Whitney, Addie Whitney, Maude Holmes, Prof. Clark . . .
Stowe Bros.' roster: general managers, John P. and Burt Stowe; general advance representative, T. Long; contracting agent, Charles Ellis; assistant agent, A. O. ___; boss billposter, Fred Gilbert with ten assistants; equestrian manager, Fred H. Leslie; treasurer, George L. ___; assistant treasurer, John Keenan; master of canvas, M. J. Haley, with Ed. Kennedy and thirty men; master of stock, R. Ryal with ten men; manger of sideshow, C. A. Donaldson; superintendent of Wild West, Oregon Kit; Prof. P. Long's military band of fourteen pieces, and the sideshow band conducted by Prof. Kerdell. Performers: Jennier Family, Smith Brothers, Hickey and Bliss, Ed. Guthrie, Sig. Zalla, Al. Gaston, Master Welch, Mlle. Barton, Fred H. Leslie, Lawrence Sisters, Sergt. George, W. Labree, Mons. Jean Jacobs, . . . Chief White Cloud and Comanche Indians, Buckeye George and Kentucky Frank.
The following people have been engaged for John G. Foley's Ten Cent Circus: the Livingston Bros., La Rose Family, McVey and Ashton, Gaugero and ___, Farnum and Maynard, Nichols and Houston, John Misenger, Hill and Daly, Prof. Seigrist and troupe of fifty performing dogs, Gus Gun, the Gannon Bros. and Prof. Anderson's Military Band of fourteen pieces.
Tom Harper is spending a few weeks at the home of his parents, near Orchard Place, Ill. He is organizing a ten cent circus, to take the road early in June. The following people have thus far been engaged: Zilla, Sig. Linola, Harry Buckley, Mlle. Minnetta, Le Page Sisters, Jarvis Granville, Riley Bros., M. Manuel and Prof. William Riley's band and orchestra. The show will travel by rail through Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa.
The Chas. Bartine Circus and Menagerie opened its season April 24 at Montpelier, Ind., to splendid business. The parade employed two band chariots, nine cages, two pony chariots, fourteen mounted people, twenty head of lead stock, one elephant and two camels.
The Orrin Bros.' season will close in the City of Mexico about May 5.
Charini's Circus and Menagerie, which has been with the Orrin Bros. in the City of Mexico for two months, closed there April 25 and left for Havana, Cuba, where the show is to shortly open.
Prof. Harry ___, the aeronaut, and Will Stewart will go with the Jas. T. Johnson & Co.'s Circus this season, under the management of C. G. Eddy, of Quincy.
New York Clipper, May 10, 1890, pp. 139, 140. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Prof. Williams & Co.'s Show open their fourth season May 4. A new band wagon, a ticket wagon and two extra cars have been added this season. The following is the roster: Prof. E. Williams, proprietor and manager; Billy Kells, assistant manager; Red Wilder and Bob Kells, advance agents with four assistants; Lace Miggilan, principal cown; the Sherbeck Family, Culbertson and Webb, bar performers; James Heath, Chas. White, Prof. Dare's dog circus, Master Joseph, Mme. Antonnette, contortionist; Ada Booth, Clara Milligan, Prof Philip's band of eight pieces, and Tony Smith, boss canvasman with twelve assistatns. The show will travel by rail, using three cars, a 40ft. sleeper, a box and a flat car. They will tour north through the iron country. They have a new tent this season, an 80ft. round top with a 40ft. middle piece, a 40x60ft. sideshow top. Prof. Williams has just returned from a trip through Californai, and has added four fine head of ring stock, making eight head in all. Billy Kells, who has been South with the Hall & McFlinn Show all Winter, has returned to his old post, and will assist the Professor in handling the helm.
W. L. Cole's Circus opened its season April 24, at Topeka, Kas., and reports good business. The Summer tour lies through the North and Northwest. The roster: S. Kett's band of eight pieces, Lee Bros., Morhing Bros., Sam Grasburger, Jim Carrier, E. C. Murphy, Mrs. Frankie Ford, Jim Selber, Godfrey and Plamondon, Al. Seiber, boss canvasman; Ed. Freeman, chandelier man; Frank Wieman, boss property man; Cal Wagner, boss animal man; J. M. Barey, manager, and George Seiber, treasurer.
George T. Fisher and George W. Aiken, for a quarter of a century the able lieutenants of "Uncle" John Robinson, opened their season under favorable auspices at Madisonville, May 1. Our Cincinnati correspondent says: This is the roster of the new show: George T. Fisher, general manager; George W. Aiken, advance agent; Walter Fisher, general agent in charge of advertising car with ten men; George A. Gohen, treasurer and press representative; C. W. Odell, hippodrome manager; Chas. Howitt, equestrian director; John Lewis, sideshow manager; George Coupe, leader of band and concert manager; __ Goldstein and Peter Lyons, privilege managers; Robert McCormack, boss canvasman; Jas. Wilson, boss hostler; Jas. McGuire, director of show train. All privileges are owned by the proprietors of the show. The main tent is a 120ft. round top with two 50ft. middle pieces. The train consists of four flat cars, four stock cars, one dining coach, one advertising car and one Pullman sleeper. There are fifty head of stock, twenty of which are bronchos and thoroughbred race horses. Two separate and distinct acts will be on at all tiem. The features are sixteen hippodrome races, including Roman standing races, flat races, donkey races, pony express and stage coach robbery, barrel and obstacle, chariots races, ending with C. W. Odell riding and driving twenty-two horses. The features are Howiti, barrel and slack wire act; McCoy and Develde, flying bars; Denny Bros., lachelle bars and single trapeze; the three Hill Brothers, Roman ladders; ___, juggler and slack wire; Develde and Zola, double trapeze, flying rings and single trapeze; Profs. Marks and Schmidt, heavy weight lifters, wrestlers, sparrers and Roman statues; the Minot Family, bicyclists and skaters; Chas. Watson, pyramid of tables; Anzo, contortionist; Watson and Devine, high wire bicycle and ceiling walkers; and Prof. Ed. Long's troupe of trained dogs, goats and monkeys. In the concert are the Coupes, George and Nellie, Dick Rainer and wife, Murray and Kane, Blanche Fisher and Nellie Coupe menage riders and rolling globes, and George Sanders. In the sideshow are Wm. Krebbs, Mme. Philips (bearded lady), Major Littlefinger and wife (midgets), Miss Harr (long haired lady), Prof. Scott (fire king), Prof. Mack (Punch and Judy), zenoba (Circassian lady), Felicia (Albino), and Coldranc (living skeleton).
Capt. Harry Hicks (Texas Harry) takes exception to the party with Whitney's Circus using the title of Texas Harry. In a letter to us Capt. Hicks explains how he won the title at Fort Worth, and he thinks it a piece of imposition for anyone else to use it.
Lall Eggleston, of Comstock and Eggleston, has doubled with Billy Wilson, They have taken charge of the concert with Chas. Lee's Circus. The team will be known as Eggleston and Wilson.
Wm. Bryson, proprietor of the Great Eastern Circus, was married to Lizzie Hannan, a non-professional, of Philadelphia, April _.
Notes from J. H. Shields' Southern Show. We are playing to good business in Georgia. Anzola now has charge of our mail. Floy Trover, bar performer; Harry King, acrobat, and Frank Le Ray, juggler, have joined hands. They will be known as Trover, King and Le Ray, and are now practicing a new triple act. Julian Ty-Bell and wife were called home last month on account of the latter's mother. Floyd Trover has charge of the dressing room. The ghost makes its regular weekly appearance and all are well.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Prof. Morrison's Railroad Circus and Trained Animals, band of seven mouthpieces that double for concert, and other musicians that double. Address Ed Baldwin, equestrian director, Parsons, Kansas, May 12, after that Demonica Hotel, Kansas City, Mo.
New York Clipper, May 17, 1890, p. 155, 158. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Holland, Bowman & McLaughlin's United Circus, Museum and Trained Animal Show opened at Delavan, Wis., May 3, to big business. Prof. Bartholomew made a balloon ascension, with a parachute jump, at a distance of many thousand feet, landing safely about a half mile from the lot. The proprietors are busy buying more horses and wagons, to enlarge the show.
Notes from Schiller's Show. The season opened at Kansas City, Mo., May 1, for four days. The following is the roster: R. F. Schiller, proprietor; John J. Holland, manager; Joe Robb, equestrian director; Alpine Prince Celette, the Stone Bros., Tony De Loos, the Two Craigs, Al Ferney, Stephen Byrnes, Dollie Gazelle, and Del Fugowe and wife, . . . J. L. Thorpe, leader of band with ten musicians; E. M. Feldman, Bud Hyer, contracting agents; and Chas. Ryer, boss billposter with eight assistants. The show will travel by wagon, and carries ten cages, one ticket wagon, one tableau car, one band wagon and ten property wagons, with two wagons and a buggy in advance. The sideshow is managed by Prof. Eli, and the people are: Mongo Park, spotted boy; Miss Daniels, Circassian snake charmer, and the Eli Family, six in number. H. L. ___ and Wm. Mudd are the ticket sellers.
Fred Gilbert has taken charge of advertising car No. 1, Stowe Bros.' Shows, A. Class retiring to go into business at Covington, Ky. . . .
The Gannon Bros., Jno. and James, joined J. G. Foley's Circus at Columbus, O., May 12, for the season. The team contemplate taking out an Irish comedy next season.
Notes from the Walter L. Main & Van Amburg Circus. Business through the coal and coke regions of Pennsylvania continues good. We have experienced rain and mud in the various routes to our entire satisfaction, yet the stock looks as bright as a new dollar. Sam Scribner tells the funny sideshow opening to the people every day. Luke Rivers (Pete Jenkins), says there is nothing like good, cool mountain water. Geo. S. Cole is doing good work ahead.
Notes from Fisher & Aiken's Circus. The new circus, which many old showmen predicted would go under within one week, is a success. The show has been on the road now nine days, and though it rained nearly every day and mud was knee deep on the lot, the show drew a crowd and played to good business, everything considered. It has had one or two losing days, on account of very bad weather and poor lots, but taken all in all, the show has made money. Charley Murray, of Murray and Kane, is playing clown. Murray's partner, Kane, is ill with pneumonia, and left the show at Hillsboro. George Aiken spends most of his time ahead of the show, making railroad contracts, as he once did for John Robinson. Prof. Geo. Wood and his troupe of twenty performing Shetland ponies will arrive May 26. Sig. __ twenty-two horse act is the hit of the show. Fisher & Aiken secured something of a prize in Geo. Gohen. He is treasurer, press agent, master of transportation and anything else that may be needed.
Washburn & Arlington's United Shows. . . . The street parade is under the personal direction of L. W. Washburn. The stock of forty wild broncho horses, brought from the plains by Charles and Elmer Vernon are unusually clever, and Mendoza and Maynard are doing fine double trapeze work. Lowell catches everyone with his new contortion business, and the Arabs, Indians, Mexicans and cowboys, with the annex features, help to make up an excellent programme.
Trevino's Mexican Show is still heading Eastward. The bad weather has not had very much effect on its business, said to be big.
Notes from Whitney's Circus. The company continues to do a nice business despite the rain and mud. Eugene Hunt, of the Hunt Bros., has been laying off for a few days with stomach troubles. Geo. L. Scott is making a hit in his new act, "The Flying Sailor."
The advance brigade No. 2 of Washburn & Arlington's United Shows includes Jos. Semon, chief; Frank Ward and W. S. Irving, billposters; Harry Stearns, lithographer; Harry Brooks, programmer, and the "Professor" and his stereopticon.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Cardello & Vidella's Circus, leapers and tumblers, a lady to do rings or single trapeze act; also triple brother act, and people in all branches of circus business. Address Cardello & Vidella, Palace Theater, Kansas City, Mo., season opens June 1.
New York Clipper, May 24, 1890, pp. 163, 167. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Providence, Rhode Island. P. N. and D. J. Harper are organizing a tent show to take the road early in June. They purchased a lot of circus property of manager Geo. M. Batcheller, of the Musee, last week, consisting of tent poles, seats, lights, flags, tools, etc., and the walls of an eighty foot tent.
Good business is reported from the R. F. Clements Show. A new band and baggage wagon and four horses have recently been added to the show.
Roster of R. F. Clements' New Railroad Shows: R. F. Clements, general manager and sole proprietor; John A. Long, assistant manager; Wm. Williamson, superintendent; Frank C. Cooper, advance manager; Wm. Werner, treasurer; ___ equestrian manager; Doc Freehold, layer out; Frank Mellwain, advertising agent with six assistants; Frank Long, press agent. Performers: Zamora (Mexican wonder), Werner and Burns, Meade and Della Werentz, the Da Coma Children, Frank and Ada Harmon, Avalo Bros., Lilly Seabert, Dickie Bros., and Long's troupe of goats, dogs and monkeys. Concert: Mead and ___ Werentz, Wm. Warner, Mlle. Solo, Frank Harmon and Mme. Paula. The candy stands are run by Frank Scribner. Jas. Williams is in charge of canvas. Chas. Carney is boss canvasman. The show will tour Pennsylvania and New York all season.
J. T. Johnson's New Circus gave its initial performance at Arkansas City, Kas., May 10. Prof. Frank Streif, who arose to an altitude of some 3,000ft. and landed from his parachute in the Indian Nations, some twelve miles south, was warmly welcomed by the Cherokees and unavoidable wire fences, the latter tearing some twelve holes in the 65ft. floater.
George Remley and Allie Maynard, iron jaw lady, both of Andress Circus, were married at St. Louis, May 11.
Charles Bartine's Circus will add two cages of lions and one of panthers at Sandusky, O.
According to a Biddeford, Me., correspondent, who wrote May 14, La Grand's Circus is packed in that city, and it is doubtful if he tries the road again this season. The dogs attached for a performer's wages are still in the keeping of Sheriff Stackpole, but Mr. La Grand is not alarmed, as he claims that they are his wife's property.
Albert Sylvester, contortionist, opened with the O'Brien & Connelly Circus May 5 for the season. Willie Kern is engaged to do principal horizontal bars.
Whiting Bros.' Show reports good business for its first three weeks, with salaries paid regularly and all hands well. The roster: Whiting Bros., Hugh and Bert, and Harry Harrison, sole proprietors; Hugh Whiting, manager; Harry Harrison, equestrian director; Prof. Lewis Hoddy, leader of band; William Johnson, master of properties; Billy Link, charge of concert; Whiting Bros., in their flying act; Harry Harrison, contortion; the Three Whitings, Hugh, Bert and Jennie, bar act; the Bells, Frank, Fred and Billy, brother act; Mlle. Dore and Fred Deharren, double trapeze; Billy Link, clown song; Harry Lanora, slack wire, Billy McKlee, burlesque manage act. Concert people: Billy Link and Frank Hall, Mamie Sheperd, Frank Cordell, May Waldon, Little Pansy, Lena Lenora, Frank Johnson and others.
The Whitney Circus reports satisfactory business through Michigan. Prof. Floyd Whitney's brass band has been made a feature.
Dan Castello's Circus opened the season at Chicago April __, and has been playing to good business. The roster: J. E. Noble, sole proprietor; George Murray, general manager; A. S. ___, general agent and treasurer; G. L. Eaton, advertising agent; T. Watson, equestrian director; Prof. ___ equine paradox; Gus Lee, Harry Wilson, Mons. Scaffar . . .
The Harper Bros. International show did not get started as expected. The opening date was May 17 at Clinton, Mass., but the performers who reported were sent home, the show not being able to put up the canvas, owning to various pecuinary troubles.
New York Clipper, May 31, 1890, pp. 179, 183, 191. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Topeka, Kansas. Cordelia Morrison, bareback rider, of Fulford & Co.'s Circus, has brought suit in the district court against them for $___. In her position she says she was hired for the season of 1890, and was to receive $50 a week. She was discharged, and now wants damages.
Notes from the O'Brien & Connolly Railroad Shows. We are now in our fifth week, playing to good business. The show tours Ohio for the next nine weeks, under the guidance of Chas. Parks. Manager Connolly has a good organization, and among the many performers may be mentioned: Harry Courtney, Mlle. Alberta, Marrieta Myers, Wm. Mitchell, "Old Ginger," ___ and Burns, singing clowns; Conlon and Dougherty, leapers and tumblers; Sterine Bros., bar performers; the Three Rexford Bros., Millie Kern, boneless wonder; Rob Roy, human dislocator; J. B. Becker, midget clown; Frank and Elmer, lilliputian clowns; the Acaris, knife throwers; ___, female Sampson; Prof. Long's troupe of performing dogs. Courtney and Alleda have introduced a novelty in their double trapeze act. Harry Grady is making the announcements. Claudian Lorrain, Biglow Lorrain, little Ida, baby George, Blockson and Burns, Conlon and Doughterty, Harry and George De Gray, ___ Halstead and Allie Courtney, under the direction of Wm. Mitchell, form the concert attractions. Prof. Zennora, triple jointed wonder; Rob Roy, Albion; Anna Grannara, Circassian; Eugene Feralto, giant skelton; Mos. Mattiro, Spanish bull fighter; Becker, midget; Senorita ___, trained birds; Egyptian snake enchantress and Prof. Tony White's royal marionettes are in the museum annex. Prof. D. Miller's silver cornet band of twelve pieces furnish the music. George Stinson, press agent.
Roster of Tilman George's Wagon Show and Trained Horse Exhibition: Tilman George, sole proprietor and manager; Bello and Le Roy, assistant managers; Wm. Moore, advance agent with four assistants; Wm. Dunlap, treasurer; Frank Scott, equestrian director; Willie ___, band master with eight pieces; Beasley and Baughman, James Butler, Jess Dickens, the Lavard Bros., Dora Della, Luis Cox, the Davis Sisters, . . . Dello and Le roy; Bert Johnson, boss hostler; Wess Carpenter, boss canvasman with fourteen assistants; T. B. Read, boss property man with three assistants. The show opened May 19
Under date of Mary 14, Charles W. Fish writes as follows from the City of Mexico: "This is the last week of our stay in this city. Chiarini's Circus played at Vera Cruz April 22, 23, 24 and 25, to big business, and on 26 sailed in one of the Ward Line steamers for Havana, Cuba. "Cinderella" has proved a drawing card for the past two weeks, as has alos Mr. Salvini's dog, goat, monkey and donkey circus. Mr. Salvini, about six months ago, was so unfortunate as to lose all his dogs and monkeys by fire. Since then he has been the the United States, bought new dogs and monkeys to replace the old ones, has broken and trained them, and is giving exhibitions as pleasing as ever. This week "Aladdin" is the strong feature. . . . Charles Petit and band concluded their engagement May 18."
Notes from Scott's Combined Shows. We opened the season at St. Marys, O. Roster: Chas. Braden, general manager; F. M. Farita, general agent; Frank Scott, equestrian director; Ernest Mills, Chas. Le Bar, Ed. Hakins, Jack Rendell, Harry Thayer, Frank Morton, W. Morton, Scottie Le Vard, Lulu Mya, Tom Delevanty and wifre, Frank Hoddy, Mart Kinner, Belle Braden, Will Peters, Chas. Mitchell, E. McCullough, the Three Le Reve Bros. . . . and Prof. Randell's band of eight pieces. We travel by rail, and have a 100ft. round top with a 40ft. middle piece.
Roster of J. G. Foley's Ten Cent Circus: J. Foley, sole proprietor; Frank E. Willis, manager; Gus Gun, treasurer; Nik Grapewin, assistant treasurer; Jo. Hepp, advance representative with two assistants; Texas ___, canvasman with fifteen assistants; Chas. Green, boss chandelier man with two assistants; Frank Rodgers, boss property man with three assistants. Prof. D. A. McDonald's band of twelve men as follows: D. A. McDonald, M. A. McAdams, _. W. Davis, P. A. Nichols . . . R. Wilson, Geo. Barnes, Geo. Billan, Chas. Powell, _. S. Davis, C. A. Crawford. The following performers are with the show: Gus Gun, Floyd Trover, Nix Grapewin, Harry King, James Gaunon, Frank Leray, Eddie Silbon, Charles Crawford, Dick Turner, Geo. Parents, W. A. Myers, Fred Donaldson, Billy Bryan, Maud Leon, Annie Dale, Lizzie Evans, Miss Castellan . . . The top is a 90ft. with two 40ft. middle pieces. They travel by rail, and make from three days to one week stands. J. Foley controls all the privileges.
Eddie McDonald, contortionist, opened with the Markowits Show May 8.
Howard Gibson's International Circus opened on May __ at Plain City, O. the tent, which is a 100ft. round top with two 30ft. middle pieces, was packed. The show is composed of the following people: Howard Gibson, proprietor; George Edgerton, business manager; ___, advance agent with four assistants; Prof. F. M. Williams is the leader of a brass band of twelve pieces, ___ Parlett is the leader of orchestra; Frank Thomas, boss canvasman; Adel is the manager of the sideshow; Worretta, ascensionist; Duray Bros., aerialists; Leonora, female contortionist; ___ Gonzales, Cuban wonder; Prof. Greeno's dog circus; the Gantz Bros., Roman ladder and bars; the ___ Sisters, aerialists; Byran, knockabout clown . . . Hickey's trained dog show. Concert people: May Edgerton's trained birds . . . and Annie Adel.
Roster of Dr. M. Campbell's Great American Circus: Dr. M. Campbell, proprietor and manager; James ___, treasurer; P. F. Mack, director; Frank Hill, advance agent; Lew Cole, ticket agent; Gillman Brothers, Orton Brothers, Lavelle Brothers, Geo. Watson, Mons. Lamonde, Lee La Vant, Prof. Geo. Dunbar, La Vant Family, Geo. Watson Jr., Harry Williams, Hattie Dunbar, J. D. Perkins . . . The show will travel through Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
[Advertisement] Bristol & Co.'s Circus, J. W. Burdette, proprietor. Wanted, a few more people in all branches of business, male and female band. Expert male and female bicycle riders. Season opens June 2. All privileges for sale. Address W. H. Bristol, manager, Worrester, Mass.
[Advertisement] Wanted, performers in all branches of circus business who can do two or more act and can double in concert or band. Would like to hear from reliable agent and boss canvasman; also want band of six mouthpieces. Address Terrell Bros., Paducah, Ky.
[Advertisement] Wanted, complete circus outfit, from canvas to stakes. Performers (no riding). Concert people who play brass preferred. Also musicians. Sideshow and other privileges to let. Write Wilkesboro, Pa., Atkins, Manson & Co. Railroad Show.
New York Clipper, June 7, 1890, pp. 195, 197, 198, 206, 207. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Providence, Rhode Island. It seems that the Harper Bros., who purchased a lot of circus paraphernalia of manager George H. Batcheller two weeks ago, got into financial difficulty before reaching their first stand, which was to have been Clinton, Mass. The property, which consisted of tent poles, twenty-five lengths of seats, lights, band uniforms, flags, chains, ropes, tools, the walls of an eighty foot tent, etc., was conveyed from this city to Worcester, Mass. by wagon. On his arrival in Worcester the teamster demanded the amount due him for transporting the property, and, the money not being paid, he started with his load to return to Providence. On reaching Woonsocket he was intercepted by an officer, who, in behalf of the attaches of the show, placed the property under attachment. Manager Batcheller says that he was paid $__ in cash, and a check for $75, which he finds to be uncollectable.
The Rich & Downie United Shows have had very bad weather, but they are reported to be doing a good business. They had a cyclone at Dowegiac, Mich. Everything blew down, but no one was hurt. The canvas was cut badly to get the people out. They have added five new teams since they started out, making twenty-five wagons in all. The roster: Downie and Melville, Ed Carr and Lulu Eiler, Prof. White and his trained dogs, monkeys, horses and mules, the Franklin Brothers, Holman and Wilson, Mrs. Downie and Gus Warren. They opened at Greenville, Mich., May 10. The sideshow is run by Rich & Downie. Mme. Naomi is the principal feature. Prof. Gus Warren does lecturing and magic in the sideshow, and Doc Downie manipulates his talking figures. Charles Baker, with his educated pig, is no small part of the sideshow.
Roster of Wm. Main & Co.'s Show. Main & Sargent, sole proprietors; C. W. Kidder, general advance manager; Geo. Stevens, master of canvas; Jack Shumate, boss hostler and animal trainer; John F. White, candy privileges; Prof. Annetti, leader of band. Performers: Booth Family, Andy Spear, Albert Meredith, Jas. Fitzgerald, Mlle. Meredith, John Leonard, James King, Harry Delamin, Prof. Shumate and his educated dogs, horses, ponies and mules, Mons. La Gerald, Sig. Martine and Mlle. La Nord. Concert people: Andy Spear, Mrs. Andy Spear, Lizzie ___, Frank Ross, Billy Cotton and Fitzgerald and King. The show opened at Union Bridge, Md., to large business.
Notes from Fisher & Aiken's Show. Business so far has been very good. At several Ohio towns the ticket wagon had to be closed just after the opening of the doors. New side show banners arrived from Cincinnati last week. Charley Murray is a hit with his clever clown act. The Marx Brothers in feats of heavy lifting and Roman statuary are pleasing the people. They also do a clever sparring turn in the concert. Fisher and Aiken purchased seven new wagons at Columbus. They are canvas, pole, stringer and plank wagons, and were built for the Riddle & Atcherson Show, which never took the road. Dick and Ida Rainer are doing a character sketch in the concert. The show exhibited at Mount Vernon on Decoration Day. It is expected that the show will leave Ohio within the next week. Boss hostler Charley Odell is doing some good work in the training a troupe of colts.
Notes from Diefenbach's Show. Good business is now the rule, but on our first four weeks out we gave only night performances, "all on account of rain." The Seery Bros. and Maretta Myers are making hits in the big show, and Charles W. ___ and Frank Gillespie are doing well in the concert.
Notes from Frank A. Robbins Circus. Contrary to telegraphic reports, our show was not totally wrecked in the railroad accident near Nashua, N. H., May 22. The loss to the show was heavy, but it was confined principally to cars, chariots, tableaux, and other wagons. We reached Epping, N. H., the same day in time to give an evening performance to a crowded canvas. Herbert and Bliss, Dilo Bros., Prince Pharoah and Laura Francis have recently joined. A dining car was added at Waterville. The hippodrome races and Maypole dance excite and please the people, and our grand entree now embraces many new features. The company numbers about one hundred performers.
Notes from Chas. Lee's London Shows. Business has been tip top. We have been putting our band wagon only in parade since losing all our trappings in the river at Troy, Pa. A new lot is almost completed, and we expect to resume full parade this week. The list will consist of band wagon, twelve mouth pieces, under the leadership of Prof. E. K. Force; fifty horses, mounted and trapped; trained dogs, riding dogs, donkeys, clowns, Zulua Circassian, cowboys, etc.
J. H. Gray, manager of the Loomer Opera House, Birmingham, Ct., joined Lee's London Circus at North Adams, Mass., June 2, as contracting agent, his fifth season with the show.
Frank La Veer is now the general agent of the Chas. Bartine Show, replacing Chas. Forbes.
[Advertisement] Wanted at once, with W. F. Mardell's New American Circus, aerial and bar team, juggler and wire act, knockabout and singing clown, six musicians for band No. 2. Address W. F. Mardell, Cairo, Ill., week of June _.
[Advertisement] A new departure. Sells & Andress' Combined Shows. Greatly enlarged and augmented, more anon. People in all branches of the business. William Sells, Chas. Andress, equal owners.
New York Clipper, June 14, 1890, pp. 215, 223, 224. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Roster of car No. 1 "The Cannon Ball," of the Forepaugh Show: Chas. Reed, manager; W. D. Green, W. Wombold, Geo. Hurst, Pete Hurst, Tom Allen, Ben Augie, Dave Carroll, Fred Jacobs, Jim Johnson, Ed. Murphy, Dan Vanarsdale, Jim Griffin, Tom Brown, Geo. Beckley . . .
French & Co's advance: H. W. Link, general agent; C. C. Wilson, general contracting agent; H. B. Hopgood, press agnet. On car No. 1 are Geo. Steele, manager; J. M. Buckner, in charge of paper; H. W. Moore, lithographer and programmer; Andy Hamilton, Harr Fisher, Monte Davidson, A. Franks, Jack Lewis, Frank Le Vere and ___ Evans, porter. On No. 2 (box brigade) are Otto Kastner, manager; W. L. Bird, J. B. Cook . . . N. D. Smith.
Roster of Hunting's New Railroad Shows. Robert L. Hunting, sole proprietor and manager; Mack Evans, in charge of advance car, with Hayes Evans, John Douds and Wm. Perrin as assistants; Arthur Christie, treasurer; Prof. Wheelhouse, leader and the following musicians: Prof. Sam Wolf, Joe Welch, Geo. Glidden, H. L. Morey, Harry Oliver, Will Herrick and Frank connery. Performers: R. L. Hunting and John J. Murray, clowns; Ricardo and Fitz, triple bars and acrobats; the Ty-Bells, perch and Mexican ladder acts; Lew Hunting, tight wire; Hollis, contortionist; Frank Appel, dancing rope and grotesque juggler; Annie Austin, aerial artist; and Prof. C. W. Austin's troupe of educated dogs and ponies. Concert: Arthur and Frank Christie, John J. and Florence Murray, Two Australian Macs, and May Oliver. Griffin's Wizard's Annex: Prof. Chas. Griffin, wonder worker; Olivia, snake charmer and mind reader; Zan Zuma, glass dancer; Prof. Young, glass blower; Geo. Hays, lecturer; J. L. Fitz, solicitor, and a collectionof inanimate curios. Gonyers and Rodgens, managers of refreshment stands; Conroy and Murray, programme advertisers; Paddy Killick, chandelier man; Frank Smith, steward and master of transportation with six assistants; Harry Smith, master of properties with two assistants; Harry Williams, master of stock with three assistants; and Ed. Clark, master of canvas with two assistants. Main canvas is 90x130; Wizard's Annex, 30x60, dressing tent 40ft. round; horse tent ___; cook tent, 20x40. Our 40ft bill car, 50ft. sleeping car, 60ft. stock car and two 60ft. flat cars transport this show, which opened at New Castle, Pa., May 3, and will tour New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Ben Hammond, late of Reilly & Wood's Show, is now in charge of properties with the Forepaugh Circus.
The E. O. Rogers Circus is said to have stranded at Hamilton, N. Y., May __, on account of bad business and rainy weather.
Roster of advance department of Chas. Bartine's Circus and Menagerie: F. R. Le Vere, general agent; Chas. Schleiger, boss billposter; Wm. Conrad, lithographer and programmer; Fred Kettler . . . Frank Jennings and Ed. Somers.
The Whiting Bros. & Co.'s Circus closed at Kansas City, May _, and shipped to Warrensburg, Mo. The Whiting Bros. have dissolved their partnership and Hugh C. Whiting has joined Harry Harrison. Another and later report of the closing makes known that all salaries were paid with the exception of the musicians under Prof. Louis Hoddy, who suddenly left for Kansas to join ___, taking with him the last week's salaries.
Good business is still reported with Chas. Lee's London Shows through New England. John Mack, sideshow orator, joined at North Adams.
The members of the Gran Circo Gardner sailed June 10 for Colon, where they take the rail for Panama, and thence by steamer to Guayaquil, Ecuador, their first stand. The list of people: Frank A. Gardner, Mildred Gardner, William Marks, Josie Marks, Harry Carey, Mlle. Marietta, Louis Leslie, Kitty Leslie, Emily Zora, French Family (five in number), Arthur Nelson, Birdie Nelson, Mamie ___, Frank Long Will Karl, the Three Martinetta Brothers, Marvel Trio, Fred Ronaldo and David ___. Manager Gardner has presented his wife, Mildred, with the jumping horse, Salisbury.
Bernie Atwood states that he is not with the Foley Bros. Show as stated in their roster.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Wm. B. Merriman R. R. Show. People in all branches of circus business but riding, that can do two or more turns. Also musicians, a leader that plays cornet. Address Tony White, manager, 123 Cherry Alley, Pittsburg, Pa.
[Advertisement] Wm. W. Davis & Co.'s R. R. Shows, Circus, Museum and Menagerie. Wanted strong ring specialites, male and female riders, lady gymnasts, sideshow freaks and concert people. Must be good dressers in and out of ring. Two bands of ten pieces, white and colored. Address Wm. Davis & Co., North Main Street, Cincinnati, Ohio.
New York Clipper, June 21, 1890, pp. 231, 240, 252, 254, 255, 256. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Roster of Sells Bros. & Barrett's advance car No. 1: S. H. Barrett, manager; J. A. Davis, programme agent; E. M. Cake, boss billposter; Ike Potts and Jimmie Fay, lithographers; H. Barnard and R. Whitney, programmers; W. H. Alvertha, Geo. Flynn, Wm. Shea, Geo. Waddy, W. M. Franklin, J. White, J. Jinkins, J. Williamson, John Alvertha, W. J. Merts, J. Stephenson, A. Sippes, T. Sippes, Eph Thorp . . . and Chas. Grubb, porter.
Notes from W. H. Harris' Nickel Plate Show. We have entered our third week here to splendid business. Dave Castello joined last week, riding a hurdle act. W. D. Ament and his little gun are doing good work in the concert. Ed Willis is still hustling on the outside. Prof. Will Church and his band have resigned, and Prof. Sam De Coursey is to the front again with a band of ten pieces. In spite of the new 30ft. middle piece, it keeps the boys moving to find seats for the multitudes, and often the big door is closed.
Dave Markowitz closed his circus at Cleveland, O., June 14 and will reorganize it at Pittsburg, Pa., July 19. John Whitman and Hughes and Farron have been re-engaged.
Notes from the E. O. Rogers Show. The show has not closed as has been reported. E. O. Rogers has been quite ill but is about again, and attending to business. The management reports good business.
Sig. Sautelle's New Shows will be equipped with new canvas at Brockport, N. Y., June 18. The show reports good business.
[Advertisement] Now with Irwin Bros. Big Show. Larose Bros., Harry, Joe, trick tumblers,
[Advertisement] Now with Irwin Bros. Big Show. 3 Melvilles, acrobats, season '89 and '90 with Barnum & Bailey, London, Eng. Second season with Irwin Bros.
[Advertisement] Now with Irwin Bros. Big Show. W. E. Murdell, novel aerial acts, now meeting with success with his aerial novelty hoop, a patent apparatus.
[Advertisements]
Now with Irwin Bros. Big Show. Geo. M. Jackson, "American Dude," season 1889-90 with Barnum-Bailey, London, Eng. Fancy trick burlesque and stilt skater, general knockabout clown and novelty trick leaper. Fourth season with Irwin Bros.
George Wilton, triple horizontal bar expert. Now with Irwin Bros. Big Show.
Mignani Family, original Parisian musicat street pavers. Now with Irwin Bros. Big Show.
John J. Powers, double drummer and xylophone player. Now with Irwin Bros. Big Show.
Miss Rosaline Stickney, lady dog trainer, dogs that do an aerial act. Three somersault dogs. Now with Irwin Bros. Big Show.
Geo. Gregory and Fred Elmer, triple horizontal bar. Now with Irwin Bros. Big Show.
Mr. Chas. Clark, splash leaper. P. S. Would have done a double but missed my run. Now with Irwin Bros. Big Show.
Fred Scarlet. Now with Irwin Bros. Big Show.
Loretta Bros., Otis and Chas., aerialists and gymnasts. Now with Irwin Bros. Big Show.
Joseph Madden, Irish comedian. Now with Irwin Bros. Big Show.
Blubbenheimer Quartet, from Barnum's Big Show in London. Now with Irwin Bros. Big Show.
Mlle. Pauline Carre, equestrienne. Now with Irwin Bros. Big Show.
Stanton, juggling act. Now with Irwin Bros. Big Show.
Otis Loretta, double somersault leaper. Now with Irwin Bros. Big Show.
Sankey Bros., contortionist. Now with Irwin Bros. Big Show.
Gordon and Lick, sixth season with Irwin Bros. Now with Irwin Bros. Big Show.
Geo. Gregory, double somersault leaper. Now with Irwin Bros. Big Show.
Joe Larose, principal double somersault leaper and clown, especially engaged for leaps with Barnum-Bailey, London, Eng. season (1889-90) Now with Irwin Bros. Big Show.
Fritz Paul, double somersault leaper and swinging perch. Fourth season with Irwin Bros. Now with Irwin Bros. Big Show.
New York Clipper, June 28, 1890, p. 243. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Ike Fellows has left Diefenbach's Shows on account of sickness.
Archie Royer is still manager of Davis & Co.'s Great Western Show. He expects to take a specialty show on the road in September.
Washburn & Arlington have purchased four large, black mules and an old time Western Concord coach for the parade. The press agent will utilize the coach in his daily calls on the newspapers. Phil Gibbons, Rod Harris and Jas. Kincade recently joined the shows. The managers have purchased ___ Smith's performing dogs.
Advance of R. F. Clements' New Railroad Show: Frank C. Cooper, general agent; Frank Meliwain, advertising agent and general contractor; Jess Clarke, boss lithographer and George Lincoln, Frank Gray, Ed Pardee, ___, and Wm. Robbins, billposters, lithographers and programmers.
Notes from Welsh Bros. & Dock's Show. Business with this show has been first class ever since we opened at Lancaster, Pa., May 1. Although the weather has been bad and the roads terribly muddy, our stock is in the pink of condition. We have added three new baggage and our new pole wagon since we started out, and on July 2 we will add a new striped 90ft. round top. Joe Kearney is making a hit as singing and talking clown. We are now heading for the East.
E. O. Rogers' Show is reported as doing a uniform paying business since the opening. They have had a great deal of trouble with the stock, having had thirty head on the sick list, but now all are well. Mr. Rogers, from his home at Friendship, N. Y., writes: "For five weeks I have been ill, and at present can only walk with the aid of two canes. My wife is also very ill. I hope to rejoin the show soon. P. J. Morey, my business manager, is running the circus, and they have not missed a stand."
A. B. Stewart, lecturer last season at Huber's Palace Museum, this city, is at present publisher and proprietor of the Forepaugh advertising programme. He returns to the museum in his old position at the close of the tenting season.
Notes from Fisher & Aiken's Show. This is our eighth week on the road. All the Ohio stands turned out better than we expected and now we are in Indiana. H. F. Hecker joined at Cleveland. He brought with him ten illusions, which the management intend to put in a canvas in front of the hippodrome tent. In this tent will be the Indians in their tepee ___, with appropriate surroundings, the cowboys, glassblowers and two Japanese women doing Japanese needle work. Thorn, juggler, Apache Frank and Montana Jim's troupe of cowboys and Indians, with their bronchos, also joined at Cleveland, which now gives us a full Wild West. The show now gives three acts at a time, sixteen hippodrome acts and ten Wild West performances. Peter Lyons is assistant manager now. George Cohen, formerly of The Cincinnati Enquirer, is press agent and ticket seller. Everyone said we could not give a hippodrome in a canvas the size of our, but it goes in every day just the same. Mr. Aiken spends most of his tiem with the show now. He and Mr. Fisher will go to Chicago to look after things, as the show goes there. Tom Flinn has charge of everything on the lost, and "Frenchy" Haley is boss canvasman. Charley O'Dell has shown his ability as a trainer with two horses names "Allen" and "Lizette." The horses were green when he got them, but after a month's work he has made treasurers of them. He is also doing a twenty horse act. The show makes nine stands in Indiana, then goes to Chicago.
Notes from Diefenbach's Trans-Atlantic Show. We are doing good business through the rural districts of Illinois. Pete Conklin joined us June 16 at Richmond, Ind. He appeared in the ring with Mr. Diefenbach. As the approached the entrance after an absence of fourteen years, the were greeted with storms of applause. The two Sexton Bros. are doing a fine double contortion act. Frank Gillespie, the knockabout clown, never fails to make a hit. Our band of eighteen pieces is one of the leading features. The man in white appears jsut the same, whether it rains or shines.
Hunting's Circus Happenings. Olivia received new snakes June 7, and in breaking them in was badly bitten on the hand by a python. Prof. Griffin put up a new __ft. "Wizard's Annex" at Niagara Falls 9. Prof. Glidden, cornettist, left us 10. Mile Loretta, aerialist, recently of the Bristol Show, joined us at Danville, N. Y., 19. Frank Convers, of the candy stands, has introduced a new era in clowning, and his funny falls off the seats with a basket of peanuts, while the band plays "Down Went McGinty," receives shouts of applause and laughter. Ed. Clark, master of canvas, left us 10.
Schiller's Ten Cent Cirus was billed for Clinton, Mo., June 14, but on account of a severe wind and rain storm the show could not give a performance. A dispatch from Clinton says: "About forty of his laborers are suffering torture in not having enough food and clothing. Several are going around barefooted. His tent is at the show grounds torn to pieces. Mr. Schiller says he has no money, but is reported to be the proprietor of a large hotel at Sioux City, Ia. Entertainments were given __, to provide for the wants of the performers only, hence the laborers are left in destitute condition. The town will probably provide for them."
Notes from Harris' Nickel Plate Shows. On June __ manager Harris tendered the children of Father Sullivan's school, Chicago, a benefit. Frank H. Sparks, equestrian manager, is breaking a new trick poney, which he will soon have working in the ring. Jack Dorsey, "Sailor Jack," has charge of the canvas. Cooney Bowers joined __, taking charge of the advertising, recently vacated by W. B. Jenkins. Doty Hender is also an added feature to the concert.
The Holland, Bowman & McLaughlin United Shows changed hands last week. E. G. Holland and James McLaughlin buying B. L. Bowman's interest. The name is now changed to Holland & McLaughlin's International Circus, Museum and Trained Animal Exhibition, touring through Minnesota and Iowa with good business, in spite of rain.
The suit of Marretta Van Zandt against the Sells Bros. was resumed June 10 at Leavenworth, Kas., and resulted in a verdict for $700 for Mlle. Van Zandt.
The band and some of the people of the disbanded Markowithz Circus have signed with Baily & Winans' Show.
James Leonard, of Leonard and Watson, now with the Washburn & Arlington Show, received a severe fall from the bars and is now at Boston seriously hurt.
D. Z. Nichols closed with the Andress Show and is resting at St. Louis.
J. G. Foley's Show is traveling through Pennsyvania and Ohio with satisfactory results. Gus Gun has his hands always busy juggling the coin at the "wagon." Everybody is contented, even to "Happy Dick" Turner. Frank Leroy is making a hit with his newest act. Silbon and King have secured a new top mounter.
The Washburn & Arlington Show recently added a goodly number of performing and draught horses. James Kincade, Phil Gibbons, Rod Harris, __ Crosby and Nell [Neil?] Smith's Dog Circus are the recent acquisitions to the show.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Richard's 3 Big Shows, brother team who can work on bars, tumbling and leaps, or any novel act. Want six good animal cages, with or without animals. Sideshow people and musicians. Show runs eleven months a year. Address Dick P. Sutton, Topeka, Kan., until July 1, then Ottumwa, Iowa.
[Advertisement] Sideshow privileges for rent, and also a 50 or 60ft. box car. Would like to have a lady to do an outside ascension, and a good act in the ring. Prof. Williams & Co.'s R. R. Shows, per route.
[Advertisement] Bristol & Co.'s Circus. J. H. Burdette, sole proprietor. Wanted, bar team, black face knockabout team, to go in leaps and tumble, and a few more people in all branches, especially ladies; performing monkeys; also band leader and a few musicians. Side show and other privileges for sale. Play big towns and travel by rail. W. H. Bristol, manager, Worcester, Mass.
[Advertisement] Wanted for Lemen Bros.' Railroad Shows, people in all branches of the circus business; also musicians. Parties having circus cars for sale please write. We also want to buy cross cages. Sideshow and candy stand privileges for sale. Address Lemen Bros.' Shows, Pacific Hotel, Kansas City, Mo., until July 1.
[Advertisement] Warning for the last time. There is some ___ from Indian using my partner's name, Zamora. There are only two Zamoras in this country, John D. and J. J., the latter a partner of mine. Mead M. Werntz, of Werntz and Zamora.
New York Clipper, July 5, 1890, pp. 261, 262, 270. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The Bonheur Bros. Art Show of Photo-Spectacular Views is now touring Illinois.
Roster of Lawlor's Moral Show and Train Animal Exhibition: Frank De Beque, manager; Rank Beatty, treasurer; H. E. Bowers, general agent; Louis Fox, equestrian director; Chas. Huffley, boss canvasman with sixteen assistants; Bob Perkins, boss hostler with twelve assistants. Band: Harry Britian, leader; Jink Lee, Henry Kruger, Geo. Marshall, H. Taylor, Oscar Kemmelling, S. Wright, M. Riley, and J. W. Scory. Candy butcher, W. Stanton, Albert Krause and Chas. Doty. Privileges, Frank Beatty. Chief de cuisine, Dave Johnson with four assistants. Performers: Marietta Brothers, Louis Fox, Sam C. Wright, Joe Boggs, Gus Bennett, Mel Rielly, Joe Page, Tom Hardy, Harry De Graw, Maggie Lawlor, Poly Revell, Jerry Scanlan and M. Riley. Jerry Scanlan introduces a troupe of performing Brazilian goats; the iron jawed horse, Spot, trick horse, Colonel, introduced by his trainer, Frank De Beque; riding dog, Trix; rope walking and riding goat, Nellie, and manege horse, Duke. This show uses an eighty foot top with a forty foot middle piece, and dressing room, cook and horse tents. This show travels by rail, using four cars and sleeping cars.
Notes from Clements' Circus. This show has been doing good business since the opening at Pittsburg, Pa. Salaries are paid regularly every Tuesday night. B. A. Bergman left for his home June 23, on account of sickness. At Brookville, 22, R. F. Clements (proprietor and manager) was the recipient of a gold watch chain and an initial ring from the members of his company. The twenty-fourth of June was the twenty-eighth birthday of J. J. Zamora, the Mexican wonder. Mead M. Werntz, the Mexican's partner, furnished the refreshments. Mr. Zamora received some valuable presents, viz., gold watch frome the members of the company, gold watch chain from R. A. Bergman and Oscar Puckett . . . John Long, of Pittsburg, made the presentation, and Mead Werntz answered on behalf of the Mexican.
New from Frank A. Robbins Show. The immense hippodrome canvas, with over seventy lengths of seats and rigging for twenty-one aerial acts, is often inadequate to meet the demands for seating capacity. Forty-seven minutes after the concert was over the trains were loaded and started from Fredericton, N. B., for a run of one hundred and thirty-five miles. Everything moves like clockwork under the supervision of Mr. Robbins, assisted by Wm. P. Loper and Geo. A. Hill, assistant mangers; Wm. J. ___, manager of sideshow and concert; John Purvis, equestrian manager; C. E. Allen, secretary and treasurer; Lucine Foster, master of canvas; A. Abrams, master of horses; John Beck, superintendent of transportation; Thomas McGowan, musical director; N. H. Brooks, press agent. Mlle. Ida is at present an invalid, confined to her bed from a bad fall while riding a race on the hippodrome track.
Zoe denies that he is with Bristol & Co.'s Circus. He has been touring the Pacific Coast.
Prof. Woodall, aeronaut, made a balloon ascension at Oakdale, Wash., with McMahon's Circus last week. When about two hundred feet from the ground the balloon burst, and a rapid descent was made. Prof. Woodall had both legs broken, and internal injuries. He is slowly improving.
Notes from the Whitney Shwo. Business the past four weeks has been big. June 21, while the show was driving into Reading, Mich., Griff Van Scotee, four horse driver, fell from the seat of the band wagon, breaking two ribs and dislocating his shoulder. He is recovering slowly.
Advance of Fulton & Co.'s New London Shows: Ed. L. Brannan, general agent; J. F. Thompson, contractor; H. M. Robbins, lithographer; Lew Martin, programmer; W. ___, boss billposter with W. M. Bird, Don Reese, J. G. Fielding. S. E. Davis, Ed. Lewis and Frank Kittering, assistants.
Business with Bartine's Show has been light for the past three weeks on account of bad weather. Millie Marrata joined June 8. Mr. Bartine is ahead for awhile.
Roster of Prof. D. P. Hurlburt and R. R. Leftwich's Combined Shows: Prof. D. P. Hurlburt and R. R. Leftwich, proprietors; Prof. D. P. Hurlburt, manager; W. F. McKee and _. H. Gouldman, advance representatives with four assistants; W. Wren, equestrian director; J. B. Cahoon, treasurer; Prof. J. B. Rhinolds, leader of orchestra; Prof. J. B. Cahoon, leader of band; G. L. Dibble, Chas. Handlin, John O'Connell, Lew Palmer, C. S. Payne, C. P. Wilson, Fred Corey, Sam Holland, M. Carroll, musicians; W. G. Wren, Chas. S. Payne, W. G. Wren and wife, C. Wilson and Sam Holland, performers. Max Zimmerman, manager sideshow; Jim Senator Palmer, Millie Le Leta, Tennessee Jubilee Singers, Elk's Quartette, sideshow features. Sam Zimmerman, ticket agent; Lew Palmer, concert director. Vivian De Monto, W. G. Wren, Nellie Payne and Jo-Jo, concert people. Winfield McLaughlin, boss hostler with four assistants; Sam Holland, boss canvasman with five assistants.
Good business prevails in Jersey with the Main & Van Amburg Shows. The weather is very warm, and the farmers are harvesting, yet at night they come in crowds. James and John Deer and Georgia Osborne closed __ to fill an engagement at Boston. They expect to return in September. Mr. Main's new black team and silver plated harness made a splendid showing. Tony Richardson, treasurer, will close with the show about the first of August, in order to assume the management of Frank S. Davidson's Dramatic Co.
W. H. Bristol's Circus closed its traveling season, and opens July _, under Lawrence's Summer Pavilion, at Newport, R. I. They use a stage, scenery, and a 40ft. ring, and will change their programme weekly.
Elma J. Ryland sends the following correction of a statement published in the Clipper of May 3, regarding her husband's death: He never was of a specialty team. He was an old California manager and performer, of the firm of Lee & Ryland. He came from England about 1854, for Dan Rice, traveled several seasons with him, and then went to California for Lee & Marshall, afterwards Lee & Ryland. He was one of the best performers in his line - juggler on horseback and stilt vaulter. He belonged to the Masonic Order, have joined them in 1859, at Lima, Peru, but had neglected to pay his dues for many years. He leaves one sone, Geo. H. Ryland, now in Australia, by his first wife, Rosaline Lee, a sister of the late H. C. Lee, and one daughter by his surviving widow, Elma Jeal, now touring South America.
[Advertisement] For sale, complete circus outfit, 80ft. round top with 30ft. middle piece; 5 pole horse tent; cook tent, 30ft. dressing room tent (only used six weeks); sixteen lenghts of seat, 8 tiers high; 2 large Kidd lights; 1 Beacon light; 1 band stand light; 1 Gale (star) dressing room light; 8 band uniforms, bass and snare drum, 1 band wagon, 1 advance wagon, poles, stakes, etc. Whitney & Harrison, Warrensburg, Mo.
New York Clipper, July 12, 1890, pp. 274, 275, 285, 286, 287. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
San Francisco, July 8. Harry Wirth and manager Alexander, of Wirth Bros.' Circus, are here securing attractions for a Wild West show, which they intend taking to Australia late in August. They have engaged some twenty-eight Indians and fourteen cowboys, and have been compelled to furnish bonds that they will provide return tickets in this city from Australia at the termination of the engagement.
On July 1, Chas. Lee was presented by Prof. Geo. Golt and wife with a gold Elk's badge, Mr. Lee being a member of Baltimore Lodge, No. 7. Mr. Golt is a member of the same lodge, and is manager of the annex of Chas. Lee's London Shows. Harry Rogers, assistant manager, and who has charge of the door, was presented by Mrs. Chas. Lee with a gold charm, emblamatic of his lodge of Odd Fellows, July 1. It was the birthday of both. Mr. Lee bought four bay horses last week, and will add two cages at Concord, N. H. They are being built there by the Concord Coach Manufactory. Prof. Geo. Golt also received another lot of snakes this week. He aims to have the largest den in America by Fall.
Billy Clifford, of the Cliffords, concert team with the Ringling Bros.' Circus, presented his wife, Fanny Clifford, with a gold watch and diamond setting, at Blair, Neb., in rememberance of her birthday.
Ralph A. Ward has joined the advance brigade of Irwin Bros.' Circus for the Summer.
Roster of the advance of Fisher & Aiken's Railroad Shows: George W. Aiken, railroad contractor; Walter Fisher, general agent in charge of car No. 1, with the following men: Cap Taylor, boss billposter; E. O. Redman, lithographer; Will ___, Thad Titus, Will Horton, Rold. Wilson, Henry Taylor, Sam Sherier, billposter; Charles Riley, cook; James Parker, porter. The second brigade is in charge of Wm. Sherman, with Chas. Roland, Harry Preston and Geo. Parmenton, billposters. E. J. Baker has charge of the advertising programme, and is in car No. 1. We are now up in the Northwest, and going farther West. The upright piano presented to Walter Fisher by his friends at home is attracting much attention on the road.
Prof. Dave Haddermann has taken charge of the No. 1 band of Bartine's Circus, consisting of fourteen pieces. The band has been newly formed. The orchestra is under the leadership of Prof. Will Young.
Holland, McLaughlin & Co.'s United Circus, Museum and Trained Animal Show are touring Iowa. They are adding a small menagerie that will join in a few days. Everything is nice and new, with sixty head of horses and twenty head of ponies, one buggy and one bill wagon, an agent and six billposters, and one middle wagon with two programmers.
Wm. Castello, of the Castello Bros., and Miss Moulton were married June 9 at Sprague, Washn. They are now with McMahon's Circus.
The following people are with the W. L. Cole's Circus and Menagerie: J. M. Barry, manager; Geo. ___, treasurer; Albert Lee, equestrian director; Millie Franke Ford, Prof. Bowman and wife, Mohring Bros., Sam Glassburger, Lew Cole, Lee Bros., J. T. Currier, Master Willie Lieber, Louis Plamonda, Prof. Skeets, leader of band with six musicians. The show is traveling through Nebraska doing good business. The ghost walks regularly every Thursday.
Thayer's Circus is made up as follows: Harry Thayer & Co., proprietors; H. Thayer, business manager; J. W. Jones, treasurer; George Edgerson, equestrian director; Frank McFarland, advance and contracting agent with five assistatns; Frank A. Morton, leader of band of eight musicians; George, Edward and Lou ___, brother act; Richard Dupe and Mabel Sproule, contortionists; H. Roper, C. Edwards, Geo. Height and P. Montgomery, horizontal bars; Lebar, O'Brien and Van ___, Roman ladder; Melrose, outside ascensionist; May and Lillie Edgerton, aerialists and bird show; Charles Casey, knockabout clown; Kentucky Frank, sharp shooter; James O. Kennedy, singling clown; Geo. and Laura Lucas, sketch team; C. Casey, comedian; _. Kennedy, song and dance; _. Edgerton, ventriloquist; J. Thorpe, manager of sideshow. Pillman and Thayer ahve the candy privileges. They use a 100ft. round towp with two 40ft. middle pieces.
Notes from Trevino's Mexican Circus. We have been doing good business in Ohio, and the "White Spectre" has been regular in his walks. Fred Harkley is doing a principal and other riding acts. Prof. Geo. Wambold and his son continue to be strong cards. Frank Artiago is doing a menage act. Lafayette Milley joined us at St. Louis, doing principal bars and doubles in the leaps. Prof. John Lacomba is leading the band, consisting of Harry Earl, Will Larrison, Dorming and Ferrelta, James Sanveinett, Dell Hutton, Paul Catron and Art Deavenport. Our new band wagon looks "out of sight." Deming, Powers and Denny are running the concert.
Notes from T. K. Burk's Show. Business continues big. We opened at Barry, Vt., July 4, and turned people away. Ed. Burk is on the sick list. His wife and baby joined at Canton, N. Y. Willie Akron joined at Brandon, Vt. The Gilmore Bros. joined at Barry.
E. O. Rogers is still in attendance at the bedside of his wife at Friendship, N. Y. Mr. Rogers has not been able to visit his show in seven weeks, but his manager reports excellent business. A new middle piece has been added to the canvas, and a pair of panthers are recent additions to the menagerie.
Good business prevails with the Washburn & Arlington Shows. Charles Vernon of the Vernon Bros., has been on the sick list for several past days and the aerial act performed by the brothers has necessarily been omitted. George Arlington's son, Eddie, is now with the show, and will remain his father's guest until September, when he returns to school in New York.
[Advertisement] 3 Ducrows, Mlle. Belotts, Dan and Louise, gymnasts, will arrive from South America about August 1. Can be engaged for circus or combinations for Winter season. Address Dan Ducrow, Murray & Ducrow Circus, Panama, Isthmus Panama.
[Advertisement] Sheriff's Sale. By virtue of writ issued Court of Common Pleas and to the Sheriff of Crawford County, Pa., there will be a public sale on Friday, the 11th day of July, 1890, at Titusville, Pa., at 1 o'clock p.m., the following property: A __ft. round top tent, two 30ft. middle pieces, 40 length seats, __ft. dressing tent, jacks and stringers, seat planks, 6 Gale light chandeliers and all attachments, 3 bale rings, seat carpets, tent poles, and all other property belonging to the defendant, which was seized and taken in execution as the property of John G. Foley at the suit of D. A. McDonald and others, July 5, 1890, and is to be sold by S. C. McDowell. M. R. Rouse, Deputy Sheriff.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for the Brazilian Triple Equestrian Arena and New York and London Colossal Shows, musicians to enlarge the band, also canvasmen, 4 and 6 horse drivers. Address A. De Pass, Hoboken, N. J.
New York Clipper, July 19, 1890, pp. 291, 294, 295, 301, 304. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Hoboken, New Jersey. Lowanda's Brazilian Circus opened here 14 for a two night's stay. Business was fair. J. S. Hoffman is treasurer with the Lowanda Show.
Frank La Mondue closes with Irwin Bros. Circus July 19, and joins George Thatcher's Minstrels. Manager Irwin has added several new wagons and flat cars to his show. Joseph Madden and John F. Leonard have joined hands, and are doing an Irish turn in the concert.
Notes form the E. O. Rogers Show. Business continues satisfactory. The company presented manager P. J. Morey with a locket as a birthday token last week. Mlle. Mardyne has added a yellow dog to her troupe. Dan Malcom is making the people fall off their seats with his new "Peter Jenkins" act. The Morello Brothers are doing likewise with their crazy Chinese ___. Mr. Rogers will join the show in a few days.
Hugh C. Whitney and Harry Harrison, aerialists, and May Waldon join the Stowe Bros.' Circus at Detroit for the remainder of the season.
Business staff of the Washburn & Arlington Shows: Washburn & Arlington, proprietors; Lou ___, treasurer; Claude Williams, press agent; Chas. Vernon, equestrian director; P. Hannagan, private secretary to L. W. Washburn; Jack Kent, master of transportation; Andy Abendorf, master of canvas; M. Reed, purchasing agent; F. Farally, leader Italian band; D. Chavers, leader colord band; Irene Washburn, steam calliope player; H. A. Pratt, steward; Sig. Logrenia, superintendent side shows; Lewis Carr, side show orator; Geo. E. Hackett, superintendent sleeping cars; O. J. Boyd, general director in advance; P. H. Rhoads, contracting agent; George Skeding, general agent and superintendent advertising car No. 1; Joseph Simon, steropticon and chief of car No. 2. Charles Vernon has recovered and is again doing a splendid aerial act with his brother Benjamin.
Notes from Bailey & Winans' Show. Ten head of stock have been added to the show. Two more cars, one stock and a flat car were recently added and making in all seven flats, three stock cars, two sleeping coaches and one dining car. We also have one advance car, with Al. Dolson ahead with ten assistants. The roster: Bailey & Winans, sole proprietors and managers; H. J. Ewing, treasurer; Frank Farrell, equestrian director; Harry Emmett, concert manager; Prof. Shaw's band with ten musicians; the Devino Bros., triple bars; Eddie and Lotta McGinley, double trapeze and aerial trick ladders; the Medero Bros., brother act; Anzola and McDonald, contortionists; Sig. Arcaris and sister, knife throwers; Hadji Cheriff, Arabian gun juggler; the Three Kemmer Bros., flying trapeze, carrying perch and jugglers; Prof. Harry White's trained dogs and ponies, and Hugh Dougherty, double somersault leaper and tumbler. Concert: Harry and Mamie Emmett, Frank Farrell, the Arcarises and Smith and Roy. Prof. Shaw's band includes: J. Baker, Mr. Dougherty, John Barkell, Frank Farrell, Thos. Griffin, Geo. Carlisle, J. E. Smith, M. E. Roy, A. Baird and Jeff Seigrist. The Wild West consists of Omaha Clates with ten cowboys. Four jockeys ride in the hippodrome races, and we also have two chariot races.
Notes from the Charles Lee Show. Business continues big. One of our property men fell off a wagon at Pittsfield July 9, and was run over and had his leg broken. A subscription was taken up by Prof. Geo. T. Golt, and e was left at London, Ct., with $73.75 to defray his expenses. Philip Miller is out again, umbrella and all.
D. F. Davis, general agent of the T. K. Burk Show, paid us a call July 9. He reports good business through Vermont and Massachusetta. Master mechanics Paige and Hitchcock, of the Connecticut River Railroad, have just turned out a magnificent bill car for the show. They anticipate touching a portion of Eastern Pennsylvania soon, and the car has been painted green.
"Punch" Irvin has temporarily closed his engagement with the King & Franklin Circus, owing to the serious illness of his wife, at their home, Haverhill, Mass.
Notes from W. H. Harris' Nickel Plate Shows. Saturday night, July 12, completed our 112th performance at Chicago, and business has been good. Manager Harris has arranged for the erection of a four story and basement brick barn, to be built in the rear of his residence at Chicago. The upper stories will be devoted exclusively storage of stock, cages, and paraphernalia, while the first floor will contain an arena, in which ring stock will be broken in during the Winter months. Uncle Dan Costello was a visitor last week, and for several nights assumed his former position in the ring. O. F. Gould, our treasurer is back from Eaton Rapids, Mich., where he had a short vacation with friends and relative.
News from the Frank A. Robbins Show. John Beck, mentioned in a former letter as master of transportation, is not engaged in that capacity, but is (as he has been all season) general contracting agent. The past week has been an eventful one with the show. On July 8 a heavy gale of wind struck us at Norway, Med. The dressing room tope was badly damaged, and the hippodrome canvas was laid flat, but it went down with such ease that not a plank or pole was broken. The menagerie canvas withstood the gale. The blow down occurred at 6:15. An hour later people began to pour into the main tent from the menagerie, and at 8 o'clock (our usual hour) the evening performance was commenced. Much credit is due to Messrs. Foster and Purvis, master of canvas and equestrian director, for the rapidity with the damage was repaired. T. J. Forde will discontinue his business relations with the show the latter part of August. He goes to Philadelpha, where he will assume management of the "Southern Cross" Co.
Notes from the Rich & Downie United Shows. Gus Warren and wife left the show at Fairbury, and Jerry Campbell joined to bill the former's place for two weeks. Business through Illinois continues good, but on account of the bad roads and weather, quite a number of afternoon performances have been missed. Ralph Rich has purchased the interests of his brother, Frank Rich, in the show. Le Melville has left the company and Ed. Carr has replaced him, doing the catching for Andrew Downie in their new trapeze act.
The Gamon Bros., John and James, write from Cleveland, O., that they obtained an attachment against J. G. Foley's Show July _, for salaries due.
Notes from the Whitney Bros. Circus. Business in the Hoosier State still proves satisfactory. George Scott is laying off at his home at Addison, on account of sickness. He is getting along and expects to rejoin the show again at La Grange. Frank Beckwith, one of the musicians with the show, was quietly married at Pleasant Lake to Allie Stewart, of Angola, Ind.
The Bartine Show has been doing an excellent business all season, with the exception of about one week or so. B. W. Marshall now has charge of the advance, with six assistants.
Archie Royer writes that Davis & Co.'s Great Western Show went to pieces at Elkland, Pa., June 16.
Walter Main paid the Brazilian Circus a visit at Stapleton, S. I. He made a big offer for the fourteen Congo Zulus, which J. S. Hoffman secured last week. Good business prevails with the show.
Gus Gun, Frank Leroy, Nix Grapevine, Victoria Castellan, Dick Turner Eddie Silbon, Harry King and Floyd Trover forward from Titusville, Pa., a letter, bearing their signatures, in which they complain that J. G. Foley, with whose ten cent circus they started out from Columbus, O., May 12, left his performers and employes at that place last week, with four weeks' salaries and board bills unpaid. They also state that, under a promise from Mr. Foley that he would keep the show on the road, they were induced to sign an agreement whereby he obtained full ownership of the canvas, properties, etc. But, they added, immediately upon the conveyance of the fixtures, Mr. Foley informed them that he would not continue the tour, and "the people would have to shift for themselves." Several members of the company are said to be in very straitened circumstances.
[Advertisement] Wanted for the Great New York Circus, Museum, Menagerie and Western World, people in all branches of circus business. Wire or write, Sam MacFlynn, Sydney, Neb.
[Advertisements] Chas. Lee's Great London Shows. Chas. Lee, sole proprietor; H. L. Rogers, assistant manager; J. H. Hewitt, treasurer; J. H. Gray, general agent.
Comstock and Eggleston, exponents of African comedy, eccentric comedians, talking and singing acts. With Chas. Lee's London Shows.
Mrs. Chas. Lee, only lady horse trainer in America, $5,000 troupe of performing ponies. With Chas. Lee's London Shows.
R. V. Stinson, aerial wonder, daring feats on flying trapeze. With Chas. Lee's London Shows.
Mlle. Elnora, French invisible silver wire artist. With Chas. Lee's London Shows.
M. F. Owens, clarionet and trombone; Albert Yoder, tuba soloist. Edward Schlein, 1st or 2nd violin, alto in brass. Chas. S. Stahler, solo B flat cornettist. Elmer Sutliff, trombone and baritone. With Chas. Lee's London Shows.
Parson Hoy, comedian and vocalist. With Chas. Lee's London Shows.
Prof. Geo. Golt, lecturer, magician, fire king, sword swallower. With Chas. Lee's London Shows.
Hazel, queen of the floating wire. With Chas. Lee's London Shows.
J. H. Hewitt, treasurer and lightning ticket seller. With Chas. Lee's London Shows.
Queen Eva, child wonder, refined song and dance artist. With Chas. Lee's London Shows.
Harry Rogers, assistant manager. With Chas. Lee's London Shows.
Howard Bros., Lee and Bob, Mexican ladder act. With Chas. Lee's London Shows.
Mrs. Geo. Golt with her den of African snakes. With Chas. Lee's London Shows.
Lee Howard, the Herculean wonder, man with the iron jaw. With Chas. Lee's London Shows.
Mlle. Leonetta, Indian clubs and lady gymnast. With Chas. Lee's London Shows.
[Advertisement] Wirth Brothers' Australian Circus, Wild West and Hippodrome. Our company is complete and will sail from San Francisco, Saturday, Aug. 23, next. We can find room for a bareback rider, able to do somersault and jockey act. Long engagement. All expenses paid. Mr. H. Wirth, San Francisco.
New York Clipper, July 26, 1890, pp. 307, 319, 320. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Hunting's Circus Happenings. Corning, N. Y., July 4, was our banner day of the season so far. John J. Murray presented Arthur Christie with a silver headed umbrella, and Frank Christie with a gold headed cane. Mr. Hunting left us 24, for a week's business trip East. The Ty-Bells have introduced several new tricks in their balancing.
This is the twelfth week of the Lemen Bros.' Show this season. Business has been big. The "Royal Spectre" appears every Sunday morning. The show is composed of the following: . . . twelve cages, two elephants, three riding dogs, etc. Lemen Bros., proprietors and managers; Ed. Baldwin, equestrian director; Prof. Fred Morrison, trainer of animals; Dave Howard, boss hostler; Ed Scott, master of canvas; Dave Biglow, master of transportation; ___ Burkhardt, John Holland, John Gilbert, Ike Porter and ten assistants in advance. rome Emery and Ed Baldwin, Herman ___, the Brothers Cole, Dolph Enlow, the Three Hoddy Brothers, Peter ___, Carl Charles, Celeste, Albert W. West, Prof. Warren, Tommy Mack, Wm. Mack, Sam McKinley, Dan Brown . . . Billy Chace, talking and singing clown; Al Ferney, principal knockabout and riding clown; May Chitlendon, Lillie Loyal, Jennie Pearl, Frankie Clifton, Irene Hymes. Prof. Lemen and ten musicians in the band. We travel by rail, and have seven flat cars, three stock cars, and two sleepers. We have twenty head of horses and forty working men.
Nat Comstock, acrobat and high wire performer, has joined hands with Eddie McDonald, contortionist, to do a new act. Under the team name of Comstock and McDonald, they are now traveling with Thayer's Circus.
Hugh C. Whiting, Harry Harrison and May Waldon joined the King & Franklin Show at London, O., July 16.
The Sells & Andress' Circus and Menagerie will be sold at public auction Aug. _, at St. Joseph, Mo., by order of the court.
Business with Washburn & Arlington Shows is reported good through Northern New York. Phil Gillespie and Rod Harris, who recently joined, are working up a succession of large concerts.
[Advertisement] All people engaged for Overton's One Ring Circus will please report at Owensboro, Ky., July 28, for rehearsal. Wanted, 4 horse rider. W. L. Collins, manager.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Lake, Raymond & Co.'s Circus, Menagerie, Museum & Balloon Show, performers in all branches of the circus business, riders with or without their own stock; also band and orchestra. Sideshow and candy stand for sale. Geo. W. Richards, manager, Third Street, Louisville, Ky.
New York Clipper, August 2, 1890, pp. 323, 335, 342, 349, 350, 351. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Right from the Spring Board. The King & Franklin Show, which has had a fairly successful tour so far, will probably know a new name in the near future.
French & Co.'s Circus is also likely to fall into the hands of a well known showman of means.
John Robinson's "Old Reliable" is wending its way to the Pacific Coast, and is meeting with a fair reward for its long runs and expensive railway fares.
Sells Brothers & Barrett have confined themselves to the "off stands" in the Barnum territory, and as a result have made some money. The Sells' compass now points toward the South, and later they will undoubtedly be seen in Dixie's Land.
Frank A. Robbins has crossed the St. Lawrence, and is now in the Queen's Dominion.
Fisher & Aiken have effected a satisfactory deal with the Chicago and Northwestern Railway for sixty runs.
The Sells & Andress Show virtually closed its brief career at St. Joseph, Mo., July 15, when a receiver was appointed and the outfit safely housed until it can be legally sold. A number of complications led up to the result. "Add" Sells, one of the most financially sound of the famous Sells Brothers, holds a mortgage on the show in the sum of $10,000, which interest he intended to eventually assign to his son, Wm. Sells, the well known jockety rider. Everything has not been as calm as a May morning since the new proprietorship was formed, and it looked as though the final day of settlement would come when the show reached Topeka, Kas., the home of the financial backers. Hence Mr. Andress and his advisors thought best to suddenly change the route, and ship the show into Missouri, regardless of the stands that had already been advertised in another direction. Consequently, Mr. Sells argued that it would be best to ask for a receiver, and, if possible, find out just what the future of the show would be.
Suspender Jack (John Clinton McGee) was made a New York policeman July 22. Jack was born near New Orleans, twenty-eight years ago, and has been a cowboy and frontierman ever since he was big enough to sit in a saddle. He has been traveling lately with circuses and Wild West shows.
Wm. E. Backett writes the Clipper as to why he and his wife, Almina Backett, left the Irwin Bros.' Show: "We were not closed by the manager on account of our business. Our act was a good card with the show, but we were compelled to close on account of my wife's health failing her."
Notes from Chas. Lee's London Shows. A new and large museum top was added at Hampton, Mass., also a new main entrance to the show. Parson Hoy, comedian, has purchased the old top, and will tour the Southern States this Winter as Signor De Hoy's Carnival of Novelties and Specialty Co. A new passenger wagon was added at Georgetown. The show now has eighty head of stock, not including ring stock, all in fine condition.
Frank A. Gardner's Circus has combined with Murray & Ducrow's and Quiroz & Williams' and are making a successful tour of South America.
Notes from the Main & Van Amburg Shows. Acaris and his sister joined last week, to fill the vacancy of Mixus and daughter. Tony Richardson, treasurer, closed July 27, to assume the management of Davidson's Musical Comedy Co. Henry Gilbertson is now in charge of the ticket wagon.
Col. John F. Tyler, wealthy citizen of St. Joseph, Mo., was recently appointed receiver for the Sells & Andress Circus and Menagerie, which closed in that city a few weeks ago, on account of disagreement between the two proprietors. Col. Tyler kept the elephants, two camels and five ring horses on one of his vacant lots in the south part of the city, and employed the old keeper of the elephants to take charge of them until he could dispose of the menagerie. On the night for July 28 the animals were stolen, and their whereabouts have not yet been discovered. Mr. Andress claimed this portion of the menagerie, and he and the elephant keeper are said to be missing. It has sicne been learned that the menagerie was taken across the river at ___, Neb., 27. The property is valued at $7,000.
Prof. Williams celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of his birth July 19. Prof. Williams' circus employees enjoyed a nice banquet given by him. The circus is reported to be doing a fine business through Michigan. The roster: Prof. Williams, sole owner; J. W. Fletcher, general manager; Frank Sherbeck, treasurer; Richard Mack, master of canvas; P. Lent, boss hostler; Prof. Williams' school of educated equines, Skerbeck Family, Millie Antoinete, Lace Milligan and Billy Lee, Frank Selcotte, Winkleman Bros., Thompson and Loyal, John Golder and his band and orchestra, late of the Standard Theatre, Milwaukee.
Terrell Bros.' Equine Show opens under canvas Aug. 4, at Paducah, Ky.
Roster of Reed's Twenty-five Cent Shows: A. H. Reed, proprietor and manager; Louis Brooks, Lon Brooks, Master Freddy, Mary and Elsie Page, Mrs. Viola Reed, Mons. Lafner, Frazier and Rarey . . . M. Richmond, leader of band of ten musicians; Bart Bennett, advance and contracting agent with three assistants; A. M. Reed, manager of privileges; George Page, boss hostler with eight assistants; John ___, boss canvasman with ten assistants. The company opened their season at Carrollton, Ill, April 26, will close at Vernon, Ind., Oct. 25. Business is reported good.
[Advertisement] For sale, a complete boat show as follows: passenger boat, baggage and stock boat, tent, dressing rooms, seats, lights, wagons, horses. Trick pony and donkey, troupe of dogs. Now doing a good business. All the property is free and clear from all incumbrances. Sautelle's New Show. Address Mrs. George C. Satterlee, sole owner, per route, Sautelle's Circus.
[Advertisement] The Sells & Andress Circus and Menagerie will be sold at private sale Aug. 4, 1890, in St. Joseph, Mo., by order of Circuit Court. All bids sealed. Bid on elephant, two camels and five good horses separate. John F. Tyler, receiver.
New York Clipper, August 9, 1890, p. 340. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Washburn & Arlington's Show reports big business. The latest additions to the compnay comprise the "Whirlwinds of the Desert," Hadj Tahar Ben Mohamed, Sei Hassan Ben Ali ___ and ___, famed for their gun twirling, sword contests, acrobatic feats, etc., and Eddie Martien, slack wire and rope slide.
Three Indians of the Carver Wild West arrived on the Aller at this port Aug. 2. They left the show at St. Petersburg, Rus., on account of illness. Thomas Dawson came back with them. The Indians complained of the treatment they had received, but Mr. Dawson denied this, and Charles E. Blanchette also denied it. The party left for Detroit.
Chas. A. Davis, press agent, is in this city enjoying a rest. He closed his engagement with the Forepaugh Circus recently, and will join his brother, Thomas H., in advancing the interests of "The Hustler."
Billy Grace writes as follows from Fair Bank, Ia., under date of July 28: "I wish to inform the profession of the marriage of Sam Rossey Bennett, hurdle rider and acrobat, to Gracie Thomas, vocalist and dancer. The above parties are with Holland & McLaughlin's United Circus."
Elena Jeal, of the Jeal Sisters, has returned from a successful season in South America. She will leave for the West Indies to join F. A. Gardner's Circus.
Notes from R. F. Clements' Shows. Jas. Irwin and wife, the Milo Bros., Courtney and ___, and the Delmont Bros. joined recently. Jas. Moran is making a hit with his club swinging act. Werentz and Zamora close Aug. 4 to prepare for their winter campaign. Business through New York State has run the scale of good, bad and indifferent.
Uniformly good business through Pennsylvania is the report from Allen's Great Eastern Circus, of which John H. Sparks is proprietor and manager.
Notes from E. O. Rogers Show. Business continues good. Three baby tigers are an addition to the menagerie. Mr. Rogers is now with the show, having recoverd from his recent illness.
A. H. Reed, proprietor of Reed's Twenty-five Cent Shows, was last week presented with a diamond pin by members of the company, it being his birthday.
John A. Forepaugh left the Forepaugh Cooper Show July 26, and returned to Philadelphia to devote all his time to the affairs of his theatre in that city.
Providence, Rhode Island. Bristol & Co.'s Circus, which had been in this State for over a month, came to grief at Olneyville 4. On the afternoon of the above date Deputy Sheriff Arnold served a writ of attachment on the property for salary amounting to $214 due the Davene Bros., three of the performers. The parties who had the action brought against the owners agreed to allow the show to go on evening of 4 for the benefit of all the performers. The matter not being settled the next day, the tent was pulled down, and, with all the paraphernalia of the show, taken to the city, where it is now stored until a settlement is arrived at. Mr. Bristol tells us that the show was well equipped, and started out with a prospect of a good season, and had he taken the route over which he traveled last season, he would undoubtedly done a good business. His season at Newport was a failure, in fact the daily expenses of the show have been far in excess of the receipts ever since it started out. The management does not appear at all dismayed at its misfortunes, but assures me that it will have the show on the road again in the course of a week, when it will make a tour of Southern Massachusetts.
Charles Hall has closed the sideshow with the T. K. Burk's Circus, and is now at Pottstown, Pa., making preparations for the Fairs.
[Advertisement] Wanted for Southern tour, R. F. Clements' New Show. Musicians, tuba and baritone; song and dance team for concert. R. F. Clements, Scranton, Pa. Can use contracting agent. Frank C. Cooper, Scranton, Pa.
[Advertisement] Wanted for Chas. Bartine's Consolidated Shows, two brother act that do two turns, tumble and leap. Also musicians. Show going South for the Winter. Chas. Bartine, proprietor. Wanted, two horse cages, with or without animals.
[Advertisement] Wanted for Overton's One Ring Circus, aerial team, slack wire bar team and lady gymnast. Address W. S. Collins, manager, Owensboro, Ky.
[Advertisement] The Original Ducrow Four (us four and no more), Mlle. Bellota, Dan, Louie and Romeo, aerialists and equestrians. Re-engaged with Frank A. Gardner's Circus. Now en route on a five years' tour through South and Central America and Brazil.
New York Clipper, August 16, 1890, pp. 355, 356. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
George and Nellie Coupe and Anzo, contortionist, have joined Ringling Bros. Circus.
Chas. L. Van Deventer, slide trombone, closed with the Main & Van Amburg Circus, to join Barlow Bros.' Minstrels, his fourth season with that company.
W. D. Ament closed with W. H. Harris' Nickle Plate Circus Aug. __.
The Fisher & Aiken Circus stranded at Baraboo, Wis., July 31. Nearly all the people were left in very straited circumstances, and it is even told that cruel treatment and the privations were experienced by several members of the troupe, while the management lived in comparative luxury. The troupe was organized at Cincinnati in May, and the proprietors were formerly members of the Robinson Show. George R. Edgeley secured a third interest in the circus after it ahd been on the road a few weeks, but he soon found it necessary to attach the show for money advanced. This seemed to be the beginning of the end, for, what with bad business and a series of attachments for salaries, hotel bill and other debts, the show soon reached such a condition that for three days the troupe traveled without horses. All kinds of promises were make, only to be broken day after day. Several times it was only with the greatest difficulty that trouble with the unpaid canvasmen was averted. On Thursday night, July 31, the latter refused to take down the canvas unless salaries were forthcoming. Manager Fisher failed to produce any money. Early next morning George R. Coupe, leader of the band; George A. Gohan, press agent; Anzo, contortionist; Dick and Ida Rainer and others levied on the show for their wages. The trouble was adjusted for a few days, however, and manager Fisher, with six performers - Albert De Velde and wife, William Link and wife, William McCoy and Prof. Long and his dogs - made their way to La Crosse, where the latter went their separate ways as best they could. The performers who remained at Baraboo gave an entertainment in the G. A. R. Hall the first of last week, in order to raise sufficient funds to transport them to Chicago. John and George Pfeiffer, George Sanders, Charles Howitt, Thomas Flynn and Dick and Ida Rainer were among the principal people placed in a truly pitiable condition. With death and sickness in their families, they were repeatedly refused money, it is said, with which to buy medicine and food,and attend the death beds of dear one.
The baby girl of Dick and Ida Rainer died recently at Baraboo, Wis.
Bert Leslie writes us from Milwaukee under date Aug. 10, as follows: "I suppose you have already received a full account of the riot and destruction of the Baldwin Balloon Co. and Royal & Rough's Circus, so I will say that we are now waiting for the city to settle with us. We gave two benefit performances, but did not get much out of them. The following are the names of the performers who suffered, losing everything: Leslie and Parker, James Lee, the Dolans (James and Mamie), Maud Leslie, Frank Royal & E. D. Rough, proprietors, and Ed. Reilly, treasurer. Emerson and Cook's names appear on the bills. They were expected to join but did not reach here when looked for. Also a band of eight pieces.
The season of Stickney & Donovan's Circus unexpectedly closed Aug. 9. The company left Rio De Janeiro for Martinique and the West Indies Island, but being quarantined against the Brazils, were forced to come to New York. Those arriving Aug. 12 were: Robert Stickney, Jas. Donovan, Viola Rivers, Emma Lake, Emma Noble, Lucy Davene, Blanche Edwards, Rosina Lownade, Geo. Caron, Lewis Mette and family, Wm. Davene, Wm. Edwards, Wash Phalon, John Deland, Fred O'Brien and Devine Bros.
Notes from Fulford & Co.'s New London Shows. This show opened at Topeka, Kas., May 2, 3, where it did a large business, and has had a successful career this season. It was built entirely new at Topeka, by self made capitalists of that city. They have lately purchased twenty-seven head of dapple grey horses, making in all one hundred and twenty-two head, with seven ring horses. They had the misforture to lose their principal horse, Prince, purchased from Louis Sells last Spring, but have replaced him with a bright bay which, under the handling and training of Will Dorr, is now giving a first class performance. They have also purchased two more cages of animals from the Schiller Show which increases their menagerie to ten cages. They have a new 100ft round top purchased a few weeks ago, also a new sideshow top. The performers are so well pleased with the management that they have had only to make but two changes so far this season. Agent Ed. L. Brannan (with his seven assistants) has routed the show well, he having completed twelve stands in Iowa. They are once more in the show State of Missouri. A. K. Fulford is at present in Topeka, attending to business. It was his intention to take in the sale of Sells & Andress Show at St. Joseph 4, and he counted on securing all that was worth carrying away. The roster constist of A. K. Fulford & Co., sole owners; W. M. Lyttle, treasurer and manager; Jesse C. Elliott, ticket seller; J. Fulford, door keeper; Jas. B. Stowe, equestrian director, and four horse and hurdle rider; Mrs. Jas. B. Stowe, Will Dorr and wife, Harry Potter and wife, Dill and wife, Lavan and Vidora, Juggler Delano, Frank Taylor, leader of band with 18 pieces; S. B. Howe, manipulator of refreshments with five assistants; T. McGrath, concert and reserved seats with six assistants; Prof. ___, manager of sideshow with three assistants. In all the show carries ninety people, and the ghost walks every Monday.
The roster of the Miles Orton Circus: Miles Orton, Norma and Gordon Orton, Bernard Dooley, J. H. Bean, the Bell Bros., Harry Wilson, F. H. Hopkins, Buck Toner, Martin and ___, Albert Orton, Chas. Carroll and wife, Al Armer, Kay Cooper, Sam ___, Prof. F. H De Miller, leader of band; Bert Coafer, Wm. Hines, J. Kyle and J. Bamburg. The show reports good business and the ghost walks every Sunday.
Frank B. Hubin recently joined Holland & McLaughlin, to run the sideshow.
Nelsonia writes from Brazil, S. A., under date of July 14, as follows: "I left the Sturgis Co. at Sao Paulo May 20, and joined the Silbons on 21. The Silbons have been meeting with success. They are playing theatres only. Donovan & Stickney's American Circus ahve been doing the interior. They consolidated with the Silbons at Rio Janeiro, and have just closed three weeks' at the ___. D. & S. have left for the West Indies, while the Silbons proceed to Buenos Ayres. Fred Carlo, Mr. Dockrill and Frank Brown occupied boxes during one of the performances recently. Latest advices from the Sturgis Show are that they have stranded in the interior and everything attached."
The Rixfords, acrobats, have closed with the Barnum-Bailey Show to join "Kajanka."
Roster of advertising car No. 3, of Wallace & Co.'s Circus: W. S. Dunnington, manager; Fred Dennis, boss billposter; Harry Dennis, lithographer; Thos. Kelly, programmer; O. Litton, Chas. Vernerder, Martin Shier, John Maloney, Geo. W. Wilson, R. Dunning and Geo. Devere, billposters.
Comstock and Eggleston, now with Chas. Lee's London Shows, will open at the Bijou Theater, Boston, Oct. __ in a new act written especially for them by Frank Dumont.
Notes from the Sells Bros. & S. H. Barrett Circus. Business through Missouri and Illinois has been greater than expected. "Doc" Freeman left at Louisiana, Mo., Aug. 2. Col. Chas. Seely is now doing our press work. Chas. Sivalls, our advance railroad contractor, and his wife are on a short visit to the show. "Todd" Judge, of the Three Judges, accomplished the feat of leaping over five large elephants put in squarely side by side Aug. 5. He alighted fairly on is feet and received the congratulations of all. Indiana will be our next field of operations.
Bertie Nelson (Dashing Berti) has returned from South American, where she had been with the Frank A. Gardner Show. Miss Nelson does not speak very well of the show business in South America. Several American performers are down with yellow fever.
Rhode Island. J. L. Hutchinson, formerly a partner with Barnum & Bailey, is at Newport with his steam yacht. He will remain in this vicinity several weeks.
New York Clipper, August 23, 1890, pp. 373, 374, 380. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Fred H. Gellen, general agent of the Teets Bros.' Show, has a new four horse advance wagon. This show is to continue in the South the entire Summer.
Hunting's Circus Happenings. Our boss hostler, Albert Baker, was last seen by any of our company at Callicoon, N. Y., July 24. Word has just reached us that the body of an unknown man was found in a pond a few days after we left. It is thought by some that he may have committed suicide. Frank Griffin (not Frank S.), formerly of the Barnum Show, now has charge of the stock. F. M. Conyers and wife left us 7, for Philadelphia, to organize their "My Sister" Co. James Wilson took charge of the canvas 9. Florence Murray was presented by her husbanc a gold thimble with a gold watch, and a gold thimble by Mlle. Olivia, 6, the occasion being her twentieth birthday. Viletta Ty-Bell presented her husband, Julian Ty-Bell, with a diamond ring 11. Hollis is doing two clever acts this season - contortion and grotesque juggleing - besides clowning "bars" during Mr. Hunting's absence. Prof. Griffin is now at work on his route book, a novel feature of which will be short stories by different members of the company, with an appendix, "How to Join a Circus."
Harris' Nickel Plate Shows are still doing a big business, and will remain in Chicago at least six weeks longer - a record of seventeen weeks in Chicago. Mr. Harris will travel by boats to New Orleans, playing there about six weeks. Cooney Bowers has been promoted to general agent, Mr. Jenkins having charge of the paper. Ed Willis, our lecturer, will leave Sept. 1, occupying the same position with Prof. Blitz.
Roster of the Frank A. Gardner Circus, as it played at Kingston, Jamaica, recently: Nellie Ryland, Master Romeo, Manvel Bros., Ducrow Bros., Josie Marks, Louis Leslie, Harry Carey, Linda Jeal, Harry French, Jas. Murray, Frank Long, Mrs. Mildred Gardner, Wm. Marks, Belotta Gardner, etc.
Agent George S. Cole and Sam Scribner were Clipper callers Aug. 14. Mr. Scribner closed with the Main & Van Amburg Circus 9, and on 25 will open the tour of his "Uncle Tom's Cabin" Co. Mr. Cole was making the metropolis a hasty visit. He reports very good business.
Notes from Sells Bros. & Barrett's Circus. We have been in the heart of the natural gas region of Indiana, and business has bee wonderful. Col. Chas. Seeley has taken charge of the hippodrome. Mrs. Thorp, wife of our treasurer,; Mrs. ___, Emphram Sells' daughter, and Esther Orr, Mr. Sells' grand daughter, have arrived for a short visit to the show. Allen Sells Jr. is progressing with his white stallions, and will son have a splendid act ready for the ring. Our menagerie was increased last week by the addition of a baby camel and three lions cubs. Mme. Turpin, long haired lady, joined at Muncie, Aug. 10. Mrs. Effie Dutton, wife of the rider, Wm. Dutton, is doing well with her principal equestrian act.
Notes from Rich & Downie's Show. Aug. 14 being Andrew Downie's (the manager) birthday, he was presented with a pen by Mrs. Downie, and a cane by the company. Business has been big for the last two months.
Frank B. Hubin joined Holland & McLaughlin's Circus at Sumner, Ia., to manage the sideshow.
T. K. Burk, of Burk's Trans-Atlantic Shows, was a Clipper caller Aug. 16. Business continues good with the Little Giant. Mr. Burk has purchased a complete new sideshow outfit - a new canvas __ft., and twenty-four new double deck paintings. Donald Burns has furnished a large number of animals, birds, snakes, etc.
Chas. Lee's Show reports everything running smoothly, business good. The Rexford Bros. joined the show at Pawtucket, R. I.
Terrell Bros. Arabian Wonders opened their tenting season Aug. 4, at Paducah, and are traveling on the steamer J. J. Odil up the Ohio River. Business thus far has been good. The route takes in all the principal towns as far up as Cincinnati, when they start South, going as far as New Orleans. The roster: Fletcher Farrell, manager; E. Z. Mitchell, assistant manager; Ben J. Settle, treasurer; Bob Mack, advance representative; Pete Rogers, boss canvasman with twenty assistants; R. A. Boylan, chandelier man; Hop Little, ring master. Prof. Jack Ryan has charge of a band of ten pieces, consisting of Jim Reynolds, Hughey George, W. D. Roark, C. K. Lester, Ed Warmeling, Ed Dillon, George McGray, Ellis ___ and Ben T. Settle. They carry a one hundred piece middle piece, all new. Under the charge of Prof. Pat Clancey are twenty-six fine horses, and beside these are twenty head of working horses. They carry no performers at present, but contracts have been sent several people with a view of enlarging the show. W. H. Quinnen signed as clow recently, and is making quite a hit with his dog Dallas.
Roster of R. F. Clements' New Show: R. F. Clements, manager; Frank C. Cooper, general manager; Frank Conway, treasurer; Frank Scribner, layer out and manager of privileges; Chas. ___, general agent; Wm. Williams, advertising agent; Jas. Moran, advertising programme and equestrian director; Pat O'Neil, steward; G. W. McDonald, leader of ban and orchestra. Band: Claty Alexander, Oscar Peckett, Chas. Dewitt, Ralph Bailey, E. Applegarth, W. W. ___ and Geo. Smith. Performers: Jas. Irwin, Dora Irwin, Harry courtney, Mlle. Alda, J. J. Wolf, Harry Burns, Geo. Belmont, Harry Belmont, John Kelly . . . and Jas. Moran. Concert: Mlle. Alda, Deda De Coma, Wm. Belmont, Burns and Warner and Frank Gray. John Carney is in charge of canvas; Chas. Andrews, master of properties; Frank ___, master of transportation. Business has been great since we struck Pennsylvania. R. F. Clements leaves for Baltimore __, to arrange for Southern transportation. The show will be greatly increased in sizee at Baltimore, for the South. A twenty-four weeks' season will be run, our route extending to Key West, Fla. Notwithstanding this season has been a hard one on nearly all tented exhibitions, this show has done good business, except the three weeks we were in New York State.
Sinclair & Avolo's Evening Pavilion Show opened at Baltimore Aug. 11, with the following: Nelson Sinclair and George Avolo, proprietors; Nelson Sinclair, manager; Harry Peterson, equestrian director; Robert Wilson, advance agent; Prof. Bartholomew's Military Band of eight pieces. Performers: Miss Nellie ___'s dog circus, George Avolo's trained donkeys, ___ Leon, Fannie Bertell, Parrish and Scott, Prof. Harrison's performing bear, La Dare Family, Wambold Donaldson, Avolos Bros., George Haywood and ___ (juggler), clowns; John Shera, Pete Myers . . . and Joe Miller. The concert is in charge of Harry Le Roy; Charley Bulliard, boss canvasman; Frank Harris, boss property man, and Clarence St. Elmo in charge of the cook tent. This show travels by wagons. Fred Bertine has secured the sideshow privilege.
Notes from the Whitney Show. Business for the past fortnight or so has been good. At Hopkins Station, Mich., Aug. _, the worst calamity that ever befell the show happened. Just as the concert commenced a whirlwind struck the tent and ___ it to the ground. The canvas took fire from the gasoline lamps and was almost completely destroyed, the sides, seats and poles alone being saved. Fortunately no one was hurt. Performances were given the next afternoon and evening with the sides up only. On Monday morning a new 90ft. top, with a 40ft. middle piece was put up and everything mvoed as smoothly as ever. George Woods, musician, joined at Hastings, 17. Sam Porter is at home sick.
[Advertisement] J. A. Bennett & Co. Grand Circus Royal. Wanted performers in all branches of the circus business. Rider, male and female, with their own stock. Band of seven mouthpieces and two drums. Boss canvasman that can build seats, chandelier and property man. Wanted to buy, combination band wagon, cross cages and one heavy baggage wagon. Buy or rent. Sleeper, one stock and __ft. stock car. Address W. H. Pomery, manager, St. James Hotel, St. Louis, Mo.
New York Clipper, August 30, 1890, p. 387. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
John E. Lewis closed his Summer season, in charge of paper with the No. 1 advance brigade of the Irwin Bros.' Circus, Aug. 19, at Troy, N. Y., and resumed the position by him for the past ten seasons in advance of the Chas. L. Davis Co. Ralph A. Ward succeeded him in charge of the paper with the Irwin Bros.' show.
Note from the T. K. Burk Show. Mr. Burke has engaged Prof. Robert Burr, the stereopticanist, to illuminate the walls at the cities on their route in advance of his new Trans-Atlantic Shows.
The Fisher & Aiken Show are still moving, notwithstanding the report to the contrary. They take the side wheel steamer White Beaver from Rock Island, Ill. The performers include Wm. Batcheler, ___ and McCoy, Wm. Link and wife, Prof. Ed Long's educated dogs . . . Geo. Aiken is not connected with the show, Mr. Fisher having the full management.
New York Clipper, September 13, 1890, pp. 419, 420. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Burlington, Iowa. The Fisher & Aiken Hippodrome Circus succumbed to the inevitable 4. The collapse was superinduced by the sudden departure of Mr. Fisher, who went away with the horses, leaving the company in bad shape, as no salaries had been paid for weeks. A benefit was given, enabling most of the people to get out of town. Mr. Batchelor has possession of the remains.
Notes from Orrin Bros.' Circus in Mexico. This season has been more profitable of any during the ten years that Orrin Brothers have been catering to the Mexican public. "Cinderella" has proven a great card. Manager Ed. Orrin is now in the City of Mexico, busy with contractors and builders. The new Circo Teatro will be a handsome place. It is to be from the plans of the designer of the Nouveau Cirque, Paris, and will cost about double the amount that the Orrins first intended to expend. The new building will therefore cost between $78,000 and $100,000.
King & Franklin's Circus Notes. Although early for the Southern season, business the past three weeks has been beyond expected. At Memphis we gave four performances to "Standing Room Only," and hundreds were turned away. Carl Clair's Military Band received much praise for their overtures. Samuel Albright, saxophonist, was offered a position in Liberati's Military Band, he joined them at Little Rock, Ark., Aug. 31. He has been re-engaged by Carl Clair for next season. Robt. Hodge has also closed to accept a position at San Antonio, Tex. The Albion Bros. closed 29 to join Stewart's "Fat Men's Club" Co. Fred Aymer, Frank Delaney and La Rue Bros. have joined to fill vacancies. The Caveller Family of Albinos also joined recently. The show is carrying two brass bands, sixty-five head of stock, and in all about one hundred and twenty people.
Notes from Trevino's Mexican Show. The show shipped from St. Louis Aug. 17, and landed at Paris, Tex., 20. Prof. Geo. Wamboldt and son are doing a wonderful posturing act. Fred Harkley is now doing somersaults on his dapple bay horse steed. . . . Mrs. Georgia Powers joined her husband at St. Louis, having closed her engagement with the New London show. Arthur Davenport will soon have a little wife Zorelda.
Charles Andress, writing from Great Bend, Kas., Aug. 26, gives his version of the recent closing of the Sells & Andress' Circus as follows: When I left New Orleans with my show, April 7, it was considered to be complete, consisting of sixteen cars, two sleepers, two stock, one elephant car, one baggage car, one ____ and eight flats, nine cages, forty head of horses and ponies and a fine ring performance. The company consisted of over one hundred people. The first four days and our afternoon houses were light, but our night houses were very large. This prompted us all with the belief that the show was a sure winner. But dismay seemed to cross our path from that time until the present. At Shreveport, La., the fifth stand, we struck rain, and from that time on we were in the floods of Texas and Arkansas, losing from three to five days, and on some occasions we were completely overflowed. This state of affairs lasted until we opened at St. Louis (Exposition Building), May 12, where we did a good business for one week. Notwithstanding the fact that I had exhausted all my ready finances and had drawn several thousands of dollars from Great Bend, and my friends aided me more than I asked for, I found the receipts insufficient to meet the pressing demands. From St. Louis we had two weeks of one day stands to Kansas City, and only for bad weather would have undoubtedly done a fair business; but as it was, we only paid our current expneses. Here Allen Sells, of Topeka, and his son, William, came to visit the show, with views of buying. The first I knew of their intentions was when I met them on the lot. Mr. Sells explained his views, that he wished to put his son in business with me, and we finally came to an agreement. I began to find out, when too late, that my troubles had only begun. I was told by friends that I should be cautious, and that if Mr. Sells wanted his son in the business, he could easily start him. I know you would not print the personal difficulties we had from that time on, under the new title of Sells & Andress, but will say from it seemed as if my trouble had only fairly begun. The show, for some unknown reason, was very badly handled. No salaries were paid, and in less than five weeks it was in the hands of a receiver. Mr. Sells bonded his son's horse and some other stuff out, and nothing but my personal property remained to be sold to satisfy my share of the firm debts, which amounted to $1,000, and the property sold Aug. 4 brought $___, with very few bidders, who were bent on seeing it go for almost nothing. Lew Sells (or Sells Bros.) was by the side of Allen Sells, and bid in a large portion of stuff which afterwards was shipped to Topeka. Some of the property sill remains unsold, and is held by the receiver. The above did not include any cages or animals. The show complete cost me over $___, and I have nothing to show for it. As to my future, I hardly know what I shall do yet. I have many offers from friends to start me out again, and I also have offers from different companies for opera house engagements, but I think I shall start out agin with a small opera house show for the Winter. I will now explain the sequel of the stolen elephant (as the press had it): When we concluded to dissolve partnership, I owed Allen Sells $___, and gave him, as security, a contract bill of sale of the big elephant "Zip" and two camels, with stipulations setting forth the fact that when the amount had been paid to him he should relinquish his claim. My brother, J. T. Andress, came on from Great Bend, and paid the amount. He took from Mr. Sells a legal transfer of the property, ordained by the Court as his without recourse, and accordingly J. T. took possession of his property. After a few days had passed it occurred to Wm. Sells that it would be a good thing to sell the elephant and camels at auction anyhow, so he seized the animals and placed them in the hands of the receiver. The Judge, while in chambers, could not order them released, but some of the best legal advise in St. Joseph said that my brother could get possession of his property - he had a right to them. Mr. Tyler, the receiver, while he made every effort to find them, was entirely unable to do so, and, after he found out that they were safely landed in Great Bend, he was free in remarking that he was glad of it - that the animals belonged to J. T. Andress, and he hoped he had them safe. Not caring to have an elephant on his hands, my brother sold the animals to the First National Band of Great Bend, and what disposition they will make of them I don't know.
Andrew Downie has purchased the interest of Ralph Rich in the Rich & Downie United Shows, and is now sole owner and manager of the same. The show remained at Grand Rapids, Mich., two weeks to excellent business. The show closes for its season Oct. 10, at Greenville, Mich.
Uniformly business is the report from the Diefenbach Show in Illinois.
The addition two new tents, larger in size than the old ones, is one proof of the success of the Holland & McLaughlin Circus through Minnesota and Iowa. Jessie Dair and C. C. Matthews joined, and Frank B. Hubin closed, recently. The company closes its season about the middle of October.
B. L. Bowman, of the Holland, Bowman & McLaughlin Circus, has sold his interest in that show and entered into partnership with Prof. W. Young. They now have a museum playing the fairs, and doing well.
Notes from Harris' Nickel Plate Shows. We leave Chicago early in October, going direct to Cairo, Ill. Business at Chicago is great. Ed Willis will not join Prof. Blitz, as stated in the last Clipper, left for Creston, Ia., Aug. 26, to join Phil ___ Grand Congress of Wonders. The Harris Shows will steam down the Mississippi in a new boat. The advance brigade of five will leave Chicago in about two weeks.
Hunting's Circus Happenings. We have had lost of wind and rain during the past two weeks. Harry Oliver left us Aug. 20, to join Hi Henry's Minstrels. At Reading, 21, "Patsy" Griffin was thrown from the band wagon and sustained internal injuries. Mack Evans, of the advance, was with us 25. He will be intrested in Prof. Griffin & Co.'s Glassblowers and Wizard's Annes.
J. A. Bennett & Co.'s Grand Circus Royal will soon take the road for a trip through the Southern States during the Winter, starting from St. Louis, about the middle of September. W. H. Pomeroy is the manager. Miles Bury and Harry Overton are at St. Louis engaged on the preparatory work. The company will be a one ring show, and of the old time order. Everything will be new, and of a carmine hue. We have also received some of the best fair dates. We will use all our own special cars. A troupe of trained stallions and two trick donkeys will be chief features, performed under the direction of Mr. Bennett.
Notes from the E. O. Rogers Circus. We are playing through Pennsylvania to big business, and the "Ghost" walks every Tuesday. Max Blankenstein, professionally known as Max Morello, and Jennie Harris, professionally known as Mlle. Meydino, were married at Scranton, Pa., Aug. __. Max and Will Morelle have separated, and Max is running a saloon at Scranton. Will Morelle is still with us. E. O. Rogers has returned to the show after an absence of two weeks. Carlotta Levera joined us at Pittston, Aug. 15.
Washburn & Arlington's New United Shows report first class business through Maryland and Virginia. They give two performances daily.
New York Clipper, October 4, 1890, p. 468. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Main & Van Amburg Gleanings. George Irving is now manager of the annex. Mons. Leopold closed Sept. 6, and Barney Ducrow joined in his place. We are now en route for winter quarters, Geneva, O., where we close Oct. 25 Geo. Castor, of Castor and Carren, and George Irving are to put out a minstrel company in November. Manager W. L. Main will spend the Winter in the South. Geo. S. Cole, assistant manager, will retire to his home, Potsdam, N. Y. Frank Flowers, bandmaster, who also owns a half interest in a dramatic company in the West, reports them as doing finely, and will join his company at the close of his present engagement.
Notes from Chas. Bartine's Circus. Our first Indiana stand was at Covinton, Aug. 28, to splendid business. Indiana has turned out better than Illinois, which is saying a good deal, the latter State was productive of very fair business. Our first Ohio stand was made at Oxford, Sept. 12. Only a few places will be visited in Ohio, after which we take in Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia and the South. Mr. Bartine has been ahead of the show for several days, on a prospecting tour. John McDonough, assistant manager with the show, has gone ahead to succeed agent Marshall. A lion den has been added to the menagerie. The schedule of prices has been raised a few points, and seems to give satisfaciton.
Notes from the Sautelle Show. We are playing through New York State to big business, and are now traveling by wagons, using thirty-two head of stock, having closed the boat show some three weeks ago. Manager Sautelle has added two stallions to his troupe of trained ponies, donkeys and dogs, which are the main feature. The company closes about the middle of October. Al Dolson, ticket seller and press agent, was the recipient of a diamond cluster pin and gold headed cane from manager Sautelle and Mrs. Sautelle at Lee Centre, N. Y., Sept. 14, in commoration of his birthday.
The Lemen Bros.' Shows has nearly doubled in size since its opening. Nine cages of animals, twenty head of horses, a new menageries tent, 65ft. round top, with three 30ft. middle pieces are recent additions.
Max Morello denies that he was married at Scranton, Pa., Aug. __, to Jennie Harris. Mr. Morello informs us that he was married to Miss Harris six years ago. He also denies that he is keeping a saloon at Scranton, but is still with the E. O. Rogers Show.
W. Fred Aymar has joined the King & Franklin Show as general announcer.
J. A. Bennett & Co.'s Grand Circus Royal will open its season at San Antonio, Tex., Sept. 27. It will be a old fashioned one ring circus. Among the people engaged are old Pete Conklin, Mlle. Rosana Venue, Field and Bowen, Alexis Scafar, Arthur Gill, Bennett and Boynton and their troupe of educated bronchos, including the leaping horses, Wichita, Daisy and Blondin. The show will be transported by a train of six cars, remain out all Winter, exhibiting in the principal cities of the South.
Roster of Clark Bros.' Circus and Menagerie: Clark Bros., proprietors and managers; Harry De Vere, assistant manger; John Shellhamer, leader with six assistants; Pop Hays [Mays?], boss canvasman with ten assistants; Will Childers, boss hostler with fifteen assistants; Louis Bartelman, Jerry Walker, J. J. Green Fred Thatcher, Willis Clark, Lupon Bros., Allie Clark, Frits Mayer, Harry Bryant, Will Harris, Fann Clark, Chas. Pyle . . . The company uses a 70ft. menagerie tent and a __ft. exhibition tent. Good business is reported through Arkansas.
Daniel Mesa Jr., child clown with Tony Hermore Mexican Circus, died at Harrisburg, Pa., Sept. 21, aged three years.
W. W. Cole, circus manager, now retired, is on his way home after a year's absences in foreign climes. His wife accompanies him. They are expected to arrive from England next week, and will resume their former quarters in the Osborne apartments, this city.
Dan M. Kelly, formerly of Frank A. Robbins Show, but now of the Forepaugh Show, left that circus to run three races at Cleveland, O., and returned to the show at Rome, N. Y., Sept. 10, having won two out of three races at 100yds against a horse.
Frank A. Robbins Show has closed, to the regret of Mr. Robbins' friends.
J. R. Tucker has closd with the Irwin Bros. Circus and joined Washburn & Arlington's Shows as contracting agent.
Gibbon's Circus collapsed at Corry, Pa., Sept. 21. All of the effects were seized by creditors and stored away. The circus had only one elephant, and that belonged to the Forepaugh Show. No salaries had been paid for a number of weeks, and the company is in very destitute circumstances. At last account the canvasman and some of the performers were camping on the circus lot at Corry and living on the charity of the residents. The show is said to be a complete wreck.
Fred Lyman, cornetist, writes the following, dated at Nevada, Ia., Sept. 4: "Clarence G. Beckhart, formerly a performer with one of the Kickapoo Indian Medicine Co., in partnership with C. R. Williams, organized a small circus early last August. Business at first was rather discouraging, but the last two weeks it had been good, playing to packed houses at almost every stand. All the people who remained with the show had not received a cent of salary from the time of opening, and on Thursday, Sept. 4, the day when everybody expected to be paid, and all financial affairs were to be balanced up, Manager Eckhart decreed otherwise, and left for parts unknown, taking with him all the earnings of the show, a hundred dollars or more. He was accompanied by H. E. Mitchell, a song and dance performer, and Mead Satterlee, an amateur. Manage Eckhart left a not to the effect that it would be no use to look for him, as by the time they read it both himself and the boys would be many miles away. The tent and fixtures were left at Nevada, but he had placed a mortgaged upon it, and we could not help ourselves that way. Mr. Williams, his partner, is in as bad a fix as the rest of us - that is to say, penniless and destitute."
New York Clipper, October 11, 1890, p. 487. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Chas. Andress' Gift Show will take the road this month.
The Cathcarts, Maurice and Jessie, are touring the South with the O'Brien, French & De Arley Railroad Circus. The team have signed with Dick Sutton's Circus for next season, joining in April.
Wirth Bros.' Wild West reports good business in Australia. The show, under the care of Harry Wirth, arrived at Auckland, Sept. 13. The show carried a 200ft. round top, with four 50ft. middle pieces for the Wild West and circus; a 120ft. museum tent, 90ft. horse tent, 96ft. and 80ft. dressing tents, four side show tents, __ft. and 80ft.
James Ford has succeeded James Wilson as boss canvasman with Hunting's Circus. Mlle. Loretta presented Richardo and Fritz, of this show, with new satin suits Sept. 25. Frank Conroy was entertained by the company 29.
The Ty-Bells have finished their engagement with Hunting's Circus, and will shortly join the Gaiety Burlesque Co. They have been re-engaged for Hunting's Circus next season.
New York Clipper, October 18, 1890, p. 503. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
J. A. Bennett & Co.'s Grand Circus Royal opened at San Antonio, Tex., Sept. 27, to excellent business. The audience was composed mainly of the aristocracy of the city. Promptly at eight o'clock Miles Berry, general agent, stepped into the sawdust circle and delivered a brief inaugural speech, also introducing manager Bennett. The latter made a few remarks, after which the programme commenced with the old time eight horse entree and grand tournament around the hippodrome track. The next ovation occurred when "Old Pete" Conklin, veteran clown, made his appearance. He made his first appearance before them over thirty-two years ago. Baby Venus, child aerialist, proved a feature, accomplishing feats on the trapeze. Mm. Rosina Venus made a hit in her principal act, and Alexis Scafar, Russian bareback rider, in his bounding jockey act, gained applause. Eddys and Meeker also won commendation for their midair evolutions. Bennett's equine wonders were cheered, their military drill and parade rest pronounced the finest. Business has been phenomenal since our opening, and the show is conceded to be a great success. W. H. Pomeroy, business manager, and Miles Berry, general agent, deserve congratulations. The show remains at San Antonio until Oct. 13, when it starts on an extensive Southern tour.
Sells Bros. & Barnett's Circus train was wrecked at La Tour, Ark., Oct. 6. Five cars were ditched. Three valuable horses were killed, one elephant badly maimed, and the rolling stock was considerably damaged.
Notes from Diefenbach's Show. We have been playing to good business through Illinois, but have encountered considerable rain. We have made some changes in the company, strengthening it for the South. Seery Bros. left Sept. 27. Our roster: P. Diefenbach, proprietor and manager; Chas. W. Burch, equestrian director; Mrs. Diefenbach, Tony Ashton and his dog circus, Sexton Bros., Manuel and Ceclia Trevino, Roberto Trevino, Frank Gillespie, Lulu Snyder, Will J. Predmore, Steve Rogers, Ralph Bailey, Mat Parkhurst and C. H. Piermon, advance.
Clarence G. Eckhart denies that any salary was due his people when the Eckhart & Williams Circus closed at Nevada, Ia., Mr. Eckhart writes: "I have receipts in full from all the people engaged with the show."
W. C. Coup is now ___ plans for a novel enterprise in the way of a traveling aquarium and sensational exhibition which will be transported on telescopic cars. These cars are so arranged they can be run on tracks ___ by side and the whole performance given without unloading.
Geo. W. Aiken, of the lately disbanded Fisher & Aiken Shows, is now occupying a responsible position with the Sells & Barrett advance department.
The W. L. Cole Show closed a successful season of twenty-four weeks at Topeka, Kan., Oct. 4. The show will be enlarged next season.
Whitney's Circus closes its season Oct. 18. Success has attended its tour this year, and the show will be enlarged during the Winter.
Harry Courtney, of Courtney and ___, trapezists, writes from Pittsburg, Pa., that the R. F. Clements Show, with which the team had been traveling, disbanded at that place Oct. 10, with salaries and board bills in arrears.
New York Clipper, October 25, 1890, p. 523. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
A note dated San Antonio, Tex., Oct. 13, and signed "Musicians and Performers of this outfit," informs us that Trevino's Mexican Circus went to pieces at that city 12. The writer does not speak in very complimentary terms of Mr. Trevino.
Notes from Diefenbach's Circus. We have been across the river on our annual Southern tour just a week, and encountered good weather and fairly good business. We jumped from Murphysboro, Ill., to Union City, Tenn. The Seery Bros. left Oct. 1, and the Trevinos and Tony Ashton, with his dogs, joined, making the show stronger for the South. Our roster: P. Diefenbach, proprietor and manager; Chas. W. Burch, equestrian director; Tony Ashton and his school of dogs, Sexton Bros., Manuel and Cecilia Trevino, Robarto Trevino, Frank Gillespie, Lute Snyder, Will Predmore, Steve Rogers, Ralph Bailey, Mat Parkhurst, Sallie Lee and W. H. Mack. We now have a baggage car and coach of our own.
Tote Ducrow, dialect comedian, dancer and clown, has been engaged as the Spanish clown for Santiago Pubillone's Circus, in Havana. Mr. Ducrow, who is styled "El Toteto," in Cuba, left for his destination Oct. 20.
Tony Ryder joined the King & Frankling Show at Savannah, Ga., last week, to work with his old partner, Hugh Whiting, in their aerial and triple bar acts. Mrs. Ryder is visiting her parents at Lousiville, Ky.
New York Clipper, November 1, 1890, p. 533, 539, 543. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Bowman & Young's Museum and Aquarium has just closed a ten weeks' season at the Western Fairs, and has joined Washburn & Arlington's Circus for the Winter through the South.
Bartine's Circus has closed its Western tour, and is now reorganized for a Southern trip. Geo. Gohen has been made general advance agent, with John McDonough as assistant. The bill brigade is in charge of J. M. Kelly, former assistant boss canvasman of the show, with Chas. Schleiger, Geo. Whiteman, William Braden, Edward Wall . . . and W. M. Davis as assistants. Ed Corbay has charge of the lithographing, and Murray Allison of the programmes. Mr. Gohen will retire from the show about Nove. 15. J. M. Kelly is also to retire from the show.
Andrew Downie is now sole proprietor of Rich & Downie's Shows. Their season closed at Greenville, Mich., Oct. 11. Nearly all the performers and musicians have been re-engaged for next season. The show will be enlarged and will travel by rail.
Hurlburt & Leftwich's Combined Shows closed a successful season at Norfolk, Va., Oct. 18. Their tour was principally through the States of Dakots, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska. They open their hall season in November, at Sioux City, Ia.
Prof. D. M. Bristol's Equescurriculum has been in Maine and New Hampshire since the commencement of the season, and is now touring Massachusetts. Business is reported large. Denver, the clown mule, continues to be a drawing card. Two cars are used for the transportation of the show. John C. Patrick is manager.
The Stowe Bros. Circus has come to grief. Frank Reynolds, of Cincinnati, and a member of the firm, closed the show for debt. Salaries were due the agents, billposters and others, and Charles Ellis, contracting agent, and Fred Gilbert attached the advertising car at St. Louis for their unpaid salaries.
Another circus is to start for South America shortly. James Donovan & Co., are the sole proprietors and they will have the services, as general agent, of Jesse W. Foster. Fifteen horses, two donkeys, snakes, dogs, etc. will be carried, and the performers includes Martino Lowande, Willie Lowande, Nellie Lowande, ___ Lowande, and Mlle. Lowande, W. M. and Lotta ___, Emma Noble, Joseph Haris, Robert Nelson, Oscar ___, Brothers Aubert, the Costello Troupe, etc. The sail from this city on or about Nov. 10.
George S. Cole and his son, Bert, are engaged for Walter L. Main's Show for 1891, their fourth consecutive season with that circus.
[Advertisement] New Grand Circus, James Donovan & Co., sole proprietors. Touring South America. 27 artists, 15 horses, 2 donkeys, den of snakes, troupe of dogs and monkeys. Roman chariot, flat and hurdle races, 2 ring and hippodrome show. Engaged, the Brazilian Martinho Lowande Family, Martinho, Willie, Nellie, Marti, and Mlle. Marrieta Lowande. The French Family Davene, William and Lottie Davene. Miss Emma Noble, Joseph Berris, Charles McCarty, Robert Nelson, Oscar Holt, the Brothers Aubert and the Troupe Costello. 11 ladies, 11 gentlemen, 5 children. Leave New York about Nov. 10. Address James Donovan, Centre Street, N. Y. Opening for a few more artists, especially ladies. Jesse W. Foster, general agent. Privileges for sale.
New York Clipper, November 8, 1890, p. 558. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The Whitney Family Circus were obliged, through continued bad weather, to curtail their season, and closed at ___, Mich., Oct. 16. They report a profitable tour during the twenty-five weeks' time.
Sautelle's Circus and Wild West closed its sixth annual tenting season, Oct. 18, and went into winter quarters at Syracuse, N. Y. Manager Sautelle has booked time and organized a hall show to take the road this Winter, to be known as Sautelle's Carnival of Wonders and Trained Animal Exposition, in which his troupe of trained horses, ponies, donkeys and dogs will be the main feature.
Sparks Bros. & Allen's Circus closed its season at Butler, Pa., Oct. 25, a prosperous tour of twenty-seven weeks. The show nearly doubled in size during its travels. Next season seven new cages of animals, a sideshow, new wagons and a calliope will be added to the outfit.
New York Clipper, November 15, 1890, p. 568. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Notes from Diefenbach's Show. We have been in Mississippi about four weeks, doing excellent business. We have made improvement in the programme by securing C. C. Mathews and Jessie Dare. At Jackson, Tenn., where we played one week, we turned people away the last three nights.
Notes from the Great Amerian Railroad Shwo. This show has twelve cars, thirty-five head of horses, one hundred and tne foot round top with three fifty foot midddle pieces, an eighty foot menagerie, with two thirty foot middle pieces, a sixty by eighty foot sideshow with ten cages, chariots and band wagons. Ever since Aug. 13 we have been doing a tremendous business. The man in white appears every Sunday. Pop De Arley handles the cash in his old time easy manner. F. E. Davis will handle the advance during the Winter season, as he has done since the show started out. He has as his assistant s. M. Felton, with fifteen billposters and lithographers.
Nearly all the performers and musicians of the Irwin Show have been re-engaged for next season.
Ed. L. Brannan has closed with Fulford & Co.'s New London Shows, and joined Mac Flinn & Hall's New York Circus and Menagerie, as general agent. The latter show is reported doing well in Texas, and a trip through Mexico is contemplated.
Mlle. Lotta and Eddie C. Maginley sailed for Mexico, Nov. 8, to join the Orrin Bros.' Shows in Mexico. In addition to their double trapeze act each will do a new aerial specialty.
New York Clipper, November 22, 1890, pp. 581, 587, 589, 590. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
French's Show will close season Nov. 30, at Eastman, Ga. They report a successful season. Cincinnati is the proposed winter quarters.
The John Robinson Show will close at Brunswick, Ga., about Nov. 22, and will winter at Cincinnati.
The King & Franklin Show closed Nov. 11 at Atlanta, Ga., and will winter at Chattanooga, Tenn. Their season has, from reports received, been successful.
John McDonnogh of Bartine's Circus, wishes us to state that Geo. A. Gohen is not, and never has been, the general agent of that show. Also that John Kelly has never been in charge of the paper brigade, as stated in a previous issue of this paper. Roster of the advance brigade: F. B. Long, railroad contractor; John McDonnogh, in charge of bill car; Chas. E. Schinger, boss billposter; William Braden, Walter O'Neil, John Kelly, Geo. Whitman, Ed Davis and Billy Wall. The show started by rail from Winston, N. C. Date of closing is indefinite.
W. S. Wheeler (clown) has closed with the Ringling Bros.' Circus, and opens with Shipp's Winter Circus, at Petersburg, Ill.
Prof. D. P. Hurlburt's Hippocynagon, in conjunction with Max Zimmerman's troupe of European gymnasts, opens its season at Creighton, Neb., Nov. 22. The organization is composed of trained horses, dogs and donkeys. They travel in their own cars, and make a special feature of their street parade. R. R. Leftwich is in advance.
George S. Cole telegraphs us that the deal made between Walter L. Main and himself for the tenting season of 1891 has been declared off, by mutual consent.
Manager C. L. Bailey, of the Bailey & Winans Circus, is spending the Winter with his family at Jacksonville, Fla. The show is stored away in winter quarters at Newton Falls, O. and next Spring will be shipped South for an early start.
McMahon's Circus closed its season in Oakland, Cal., Nov. 4.
[Advertisement] Having concluded to organize a new big railroad show for 1891, I now have for sale cheap, separately or together, the largest, best and most successful wagon show. Address Walter L. Main, sole owner, Geneva, Ohio.
[Advertisement] Cars for sale. Two passenger coaches, three flats, two stock, one box car, all in good condition. Also six large baggage wagons. Will exchange for animals. Address Washburn & Arlington, 201 Centre Street, New York City.
New York Clipper, December 6, 1890, pp. 613, 619, 622. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The Cathcarts, Maurice and Jessie, left the Great American Circus at Savannah, Ga., Nov. __. They will make New Orleans their winter home. Maurice opened at Eugene Robinson's Museum, New Orleans, 20, then go to Weinger's Garden for the balance of the season.
Ritchie's Circus and Menagerie, which was attached for debt several weeks ago at Pine Bluffs, Ark., and had since been in the hands of the Sheriff, was sold at auction Nov. 24, at the stables on East Barraque Street, where the stock and animals have been quartered. The entire show, consisting of stock, animals, cages, band wagons, tents and all appurtenances, was big in by G. H. Barnum, of Barnum & Cooper, who went from Birmingham, Ala., for the purpose of bidding on the property. The Court fixed $2,000 as the lowest sum at which the show could be sold in its entirety. We are informed that Barnum & Cooper will place it on the road again, and retain the services of Mr. Ritchie, the former proprietor, as manager.
Notes from Wm. Main & Co.'s Circus. We are now in our twenty-eighth week through the South, and have done remarkable busines. We will close our season about Jan. 1. At Edinburg, Miss., Nov. 10, Prof Howard was taken ill. During his absence some of the boys did a parachute jump successfully. The company now includes: Main & Sargent, sole proprietors; C. W. Kidder, advance manager; Geo. Stevens, master of canvas; Jim Doris, boss hostler; Jack Shumate, animal trainer; Jno. White, candy stand; Prof. Annitti, leader of band. Performers in the big show: Andy Spear, Albert Meredith, Marguerite Meredith, Chas. Langard, Lillie Lingarad, Jos. Fitzgerald, Jos. King, Harry Delmain, Jno. Leonared, Capt. Jack Shumate and his educated dogs, horses, ponies and mules, Mons. La Gerald, Mlle. La Nord and Jos. Perenci. Concert people: Andy Spear, Mrs. Andy Spear, Mlle. La Nord, Frank Cotton, Geo. Ray and Fitzpatrick and King.
Walter L. Main will not include the name of Van Amburg in the title of his show next season. It will be known as the Walter L. Main Circus, Museum, Menagerie and Hippodrome.
Walter Southgate, late of the New London Shows, will go out with a new circus next season.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Washburn & Arlington's Circus and Menagerie, season of 1891, people in all branches. Show will open at Atlanta, Ga., March 25. 201 Centre Street, New York City. Billposters and lithographers, address P. H. Rhoads.
New York Clipper, December 13, 1890, p. 629. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Homer D. Hobson, bareback rider, son of Clay D. Hobson, ex-circus manager, has arrived at Texarkana, Tex., from the Pacific Coast, where he has been for the past three years with the John McMahon Show. He is breaking four dapple grays to run in a four horse act next season with Joe ___'s Show.
Notes from Stowe Bros.'s Circus, on board the steamer Rob Roy, plying the Mississippi and Yazoo Rivers. Our company consists of Mr. and Mrs. John T. Stowe, Brut Stowe, Tom Crowe, Wm. Sloman, advance; Lon Harrison, boss billposter with six assistants; Buckeye George, treasurer; Sig. Zano, equestrian director; Prof. Jake Michael, leader of band with eight musicians; Prof. Henry Eggar, leader of orchestra with six pieces; Jno. Keenan, assisted by Pete Schmeigal, handle the tickets and privileges, and Ed Williams, master of canvas. Performers: Hickey and Bliss, Sig. Zano, Fred Jinks, Eddie Harman, Ida Harman, Buckeye George, Harry White, Fred Wallace and Frank Watson. Our sideshow consists of Prof. Kerrigan's decapitation, living mermaids, magic, vertriloquism and his illustion, "Satan's Throne." Prof. Leno, up to the present, has made fifteen aerial flights, the most remarkable at Wilton's Landing. After he had ascended 500ft. high, he began to descend, and landed 300ft. from the furnace. Not being satisfied, he had his balloon carried back, while inflated, placed it over the furnace and refilled it. He went to the height of 5,000ft., alighting within 10ft. of the river band.
MacFlinn & Hall's New York Show reports excellent business through the South.
New York Clipper, December 20, 1890, p. 651. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Shipp's Winter Circus opened its season at Petersburg, Ill., Dec. 1. This is its fourth year in that city. The people are Josie Ashton, ___ Trio, Frank Ashton, W. S. Wheeler and others. Four shows a week are given.
The W. C. Coup Equescurriculum and Prof. E. C. Buckley's Educated Horses closed at Chicago Nov. 22, after a continuous season of over four years. Prof. Buckley and wife are at their home, Delevan, Wis. W. C. Coup is traveling with his new railway show.
New York Clipper, December 27, 1890, pp. 661, 667, 668, 671. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Harris' Nickel Plate Shows closed their ten months' season Dec. 14. Mr. Harris and his family will Winter at New Orleans. O. F. Gould, treasurer, has gone to his home, Eaton Rapids, Mich. Cooney Bowers, agent, will rest at Cincinnati, and Frank Sparks, equestrian director, remains at New Orleans to break in a five pony act and a new six horse act for the coming season. Kennard Branon and Kennard play the Texas circuit. John Beers (contortionist) goes with French's New Sensation. Frank Miller, four horse and hurdle rider, goes to his home at Kansas City. Geo. W. La Rosa returns to Long Island, N. Y. The others of the company remain at New Orleans for the present. The show opens again in March next, and will travel by rail, Mr. Harris having disposed of all his steamboat interests.
The T. K. Burk R. R. Shows will close a prosperous season of thirty-six weeks at Augusta, Ga., Dec. 31, having exhibiteed in nineteen different States, and traveled eight thousand miles without serious accident or missing a stand. The show will go into winter quarters at the Exposition Buildings, Augusta, and open early in March.
W. S. Wheeler has signed with Taylor's Circus and Menagerie of next season.
Buenos Ayres, S. A., Nov. 9: Frank Brown's Circus is due here this month.
Notes from Chas. Lee's London Shows. Chas. Comstock and Lall Eggleston have signed for the season of 1891, their second season with manager Lee. Mr. Eggleston will have charge of the concert, and Mr. Comstock will run the reserve seat privileges. Mr. Eggleston will also act as talking and singing clown. Jos. Hewitt will resume his former position of assistant manager and treasurer. Harry Rogers will hold his old position as general overseer of stock, ticket taker and manager of sideshow.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for season of 1891, with Sells Brothers & Barrett United Shows, curiosities of all kinds for sideshow, also two door talkers for long season. Address I. C. Shipley, manager of annex, Kewanee, Ill.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for the Harper Bros. European Circus, performers of all kinds, riders, leapers, bar performers, acrobats, aerial artists. Trained dogs, ponies, goats, team of performing donkeys. Address P. N. Harper, Worcester, Mass.
1891
New York Clipper, January 3, 1891, p. 677. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The following from Chas. Andress will explain itself: "I have finished augmenting my new opera house show, and will be ready for the road after the holidays. My show will be similar to my old time show before I embarked in the circus businesss - trained birds, dogs, mind reading, magic, etc. Dick Beemer will have the advance work to look after, and, with the exception of two people, myself and wife will give the entire show. The claims of Sells & Andress (defunct) are now being paid at St. Joseph, Mo. I have aided all I could to adjust all claims, and I understand that there is about $2,400 remaining from the sale of my personal property."
Wallace & Co. are adding new features and building new chariots and vans for their tour next season. The show will be enlarged to double its former size, requiring forty-four cars to transport it. Three advertising cars will be used, and the surroundings will be characteristic of its title, a model modern show. Fine horses will continue one of the show features. Two car loads of picked draught stock have already arrived at winter quarters, making a total of one hundred and seventy-five head of exhibition horses.
John Correia, of the American Japs, returned from Port Au Prince, Hayti, last week. He reports excellent business for Donovan & Lownade's Circus. Mr. Correia is here to negotiate with some more circus performers, and to engaged a band for Donovan & Lowande.
New York Clipper, January 10, 1891, pp. 694, n.p.n., 702 Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Dave Markowitz has been offered $2,500 for his circus, but thinks of taking it out again in the Spring.
Frank Cotton and his performing donkeys, Tom and Jerry, will go with Wallace & Co.'s Circus next season.
Sam Bennett and wife, riders, have signed with F. J. Taylor's American Circus for next season.
Chas. Lovell, contortionist, closed his third season with T. K. Burk's Show at Savannah, Ga.
These people have signed with Sautelle's Show for next season: Al. C. Dodson, general advance and contractor; Mlle. Cerito, Lottie Lewis, Clif. Lewis, Rowald Family, Lee, Hazel and Eva; Frank Leopold, Bert ___, Prof. M. L. Foster with his band and orchestra. The show will add a new ticket wagon, new band wagon and three new baggage wagons. The workmen at Mr. Sautelle's winter quarters, Syracuse, N. Y., are busy building, repairing, painting and ornamenting the entire outfit, regardless of expense.
New York Clipper, January 17, 1891, pp. 709, 711, 714, 715, 716. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Chas. Bartine and Fred Aymar, of Bartine's Shows, have purchased of G. A. Palmer, of Portland, Ind., the spotted stallion Palmer, the mathematician that performs fifty-four tricks, including telling time of day from a watch, solving problems in addition, subtraction, etc.; the leaping broncho Alexis, that does thirty-three clever acts; the trick donkey Balaam, two leaping grayhounds, one Pawnne, that leaps over eleven head of horses, and Clinker, who leaps and turn somersault over eight head. He offered what he considered fair sums for others, but the offers were not accepted. The large dun horse "Den," that King & Franklin offered a round sum for, is able to get around again, new feet having grown on him. This is the horse that was foundered last Winter. Although sick nearly a year, he never forgot a trick.
It is now definitely decided that Geo. A. Cole and son, Bert, will go with Walter L. Main's Show next season, their fourth with that circus.
Sturtevant & Holland's Mastodon United Shows will be one of the most complete wagon shows on the road next season. They have procured from Wallace & Co. an elephant and two camels, and are getting together a good menagerie. The show in its entirety (with the exception of the old Mabie Show) will be larger than any ever put out from their headquarters, Delavan, Wis.
Edward Bly and Louis Plamondon, wire walker, have joined hands, and will be known as Plamondon and Bly.
Wichita Jack, late with Chas. H. Thayer's Apache Wild West, at the Point of Pines, Boston, was married Dec. 17 to Adelaide M. Pike. The couple have returned to the groom's home at Kansas City, where they will remain for the winter.
The Patterson Bros. have signed with Walter L. Main's Circus for the coming tenting season.
Whiting and Ryder, triple bar performers, have signed with Wallace & Co.'s Circus for next season. Waldon and Baker have also been engaged.
Eaton Stone, the old time bareback rider, paid the Clipper his annual call last week. The veteran bears his seventy odd years with remarkable sprightliness. He remains on his New Jersey farm.
Frank A. Robbins' friends learn that the approaching tenting season will find him with one of the largest shows he has ever conducted. George A. Hill, George W. Fursman, John Burke, W. J. Doris, H. W. Leonard and several New York capitalists (clients of Mr. Leonard's) have organized the Frank A. Robbins' New Shows into a stock company. At the first annual meeting of the stockholders, Frank A. Robbins was elected president and general manager, and Geo. A. Hill, secretary and treasurer. Mr. Hill is the well known manager, while Messrs. Fursman, Doris and Burke are also prominent men in circus affairs. With this backing, Mr. Robbins ought to go out in excellent shape. He is now in this city, engaging people. The show will open at Astoria, L. I., May 2.
John F. Batcheller has arrived from Para, S. A., where he had been connected with the Spanish Circus. He reports that owing to political disturbances none of the circuses are doing very well in that country just now.
Bob Hunting, circus proprietor, was a Clipper caller Jan. __. His compact little show has for years preserved an excellent record as a money maker. Mr. Hunting is passing the Winter as usual at his Newcastle, Pa., home.
Manager John H. Sparks has purchased a lot of new cages for Sparks & Allen's Show. This promises to be one of the best wagon shows for the coming season, with new tents, wagons, etc., combined with an attractive spectacle.
Lewis Barry, contractor with W. _. Cole's Circus and Menagerie, and son of J. M. and ___ Barry, old time circus people, died at his home, Topeka, Kan., Dec. 31, aged twenty-five years, of consumption. Mr. Barry left the Cole show at Lexington, Neb., July 4 least, where he lingered until death relieved him of his sufferings. His remains were place in a mettalic casket and buried in his own backyard. They will be place in a vault next Spring. Mr. Barry was an excellent contractor, and leaves a widow, a father and mother, and four sisters.
[Advertisement] Wanted for MacFlinn & Hall's Great Railroad Shows, Circus, Museum, Menagerie, Wild East and Oriental Fair. Performers in all branches, band of six or ten people, performers of oriental or foreign nationalities preferred. Arab troupes, etc. Privileges - Cave Rock, Perfume Joint, Hobby Horse, Balloon, etc. - to let. Address MacFlinn & Hall, Houston, Texas.
New York Clipper, January 24, 1891, pp. 727, 731, 732, 735. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Mlle. Loretta, aerial performer, now with the Parisian Folly Co., has signed with Wallace & Anderson's Circus for the coming season.
Frank B. Miller, bareback rider, and Dollie [Dottie?] Hall, aerial performer, late of the Three Da Comas, were married at Key West, Fla., Jan. 2.
Sam McFlynn is at Burlington, Ia., with his family. The McFlynn Circus will begin its travels again in February, and will tour Texas.
The following have been engaged for the season of 1891 with the sideshow of Sells Bros. & Barrett's Shows: Capt. W. O. Robinson, giant; Brown Sisters, Albinos; South Sea Island Joe, Capt. Cardoza, tattooed man; C. E. Gorden, H. B. Everett (magician), and several others. I. C. Shipley is manager of the annex.
Bowman & Young's New York Museum Aquarium, since the closing of the Washburn & Arlington Circus, have been touring the South to good business. Mrs. B. C. Bowman recently lost by death one of her largest snakes, which she had handled for seven years. A lot of monkeys and birds have just been added to the museum. The company will join Washburn & Arlington's Circus for the season of 1891.
Col. J. W. Foster, agent of the Donovan & Lowande Circus, is at Kingston, Jamaica, preparing for the appearance of that show there at an early date.
George W. Fursman, of Peck & Fursman, proprietors of the Grand Museum, this city, and several railroad companies, well known in the circus business, denies that he is a dirctor or a stockholder in Frank A. Robbins' New Shows.
[Advertisement] For sale, cheap, one __ft. flat, with box on one end, which carries 10 head of stock. One _ft. flat, one 14ft. stock car, one bareback horse; also desire partner for wagon show. Address Jeannete DeBonnaire, circus manager, Pittsburg, Crawford Co., Kansas. Card - The circus manager J. Hunter, once the firm of C. & J. Hunter was restored to her maiden name, Jeannette DeBonnaire. Will be addressed as the same hereafter.
[Advertisement] Circus wagons for sale. Several platform spring wagons, 4 horse and 2 horse baggage wagons, 4 horse property and 4 horse bill wagons, 2 horse post, express and passenger wagons, in good repair. Address Hyatt Frost, Amenia, N. Y.
[Advertisement] Wanted for season of 1891, for Jackson Bros.' Great International Shows, people in all branches of circus business; performers who can do two or more specialties, leap and tumble; somersault bareback act - rider with stock preferred; a few concert people who can double in brass. Also boss canvasman, chandlier, billposters, drivers, property man. Address A. Jackson, manager, Fontanella, Iowa.
[Advertisement] Sturtevant & Holland Mastodon United Shows want people in all branches of circus business, performers (prefer lady trapeze, perch or other strong female acts). Musicians, male and female; boss hostlers, 4 and 6 horse drivers; boss property man, chandelier man, billposters, canvasmen, side show people - specialty talker - and snake woman with snakes. For sale: candy privileges, 4 pole horse tent, used two months. Want two 4 pole horse tent and side show outfit. Address Sturtevant & Holland, Delavan, Wis.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for McMahon's Circus, 25 billposters, for long season, commencing at San Francisco about March 1. Address Geo. Castello, Ahilborn House, Grant Ave., San Francisco, Cal.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Thos. C. Logan's Big One Ring Circus, people in all branches of the circus business. Also band of seven pieces, set of entree suits, small ticket wagon and pad horse suitable for children to ride. Address Thos. C. Logan, Carbondale, Ill.
New York Clipper, January 31, 1891, pp. 741, 743, 746, 747, 750, 752. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Louis Laclede, of the Laclede Bros., recently fell from his trapeze at the Bijou Theatre, Columbus, O., but he is now at workd again. The Laclede Bros. have signed with Wallace & Co.'s Circus for next season.
Prof. Gentry has purchased a Pullman car for his Equine and Canine Paradox. The car is 70ft. long, finished in walnut, with staterooms, bath and wash rooms.
Frank C. Cooper, at present business manager of the Henry Burlesque Co., will do the railroad contracting for Bob Hunting's Railroad Shows next season.
Circus Notes from South America. The Gran Circo Anglo-American (Quiroz's) is now working the westest coast southward, doing big business. Mr. Quiroz has hopes of a prosperous ten or twelve months' run. This show carries fourteen performers, a band of seven and the necessary working force. They have a 110ft. round top, 30 palcos (boxes), 200 ___, with the customary circus seats. They have seven horses. John Williams, of the Dockrill Circus, who has been with Mr. Quiroz for two years, left a few weeks ago for Valparaiso. The Gran Circo Italiano (Silbon's) opened at Valparaiso Jan. 1 for an indefinite period. Eugene Kenebel, of the Gardner Circus, and John Nelson have organized a strong company and opened at Valparaiso three months ago to big business. They are working the interior of Chili to good business. Frank A. Gardner is in Guatamala doing big business.
The Walter L. Main Show has commenced work in earnest. Thirteen new stock and flat cars, three coaches and two advertising cars are under way, and a dozen or so new cages have been completed. Two of the tableaux wagons and the ticket wagon have arrived from the East. New baggage wagons are being built at Toledo and two new band wagons have been ordered from Cincinnati. The hippodrome features are expected to be a big surprise. Lucius Foster is in charge of the repairs and paint shop. Col. Giles Pullman is at the head of the purchasing department. Mr. Main has furnished a handsome office, and each day sees him there bright and early. Geo. W. Aiken, general agent, arrived last week, and busy at work on his paper. Two lions and two tigers are among recent additions to the menagerie.
Notes from Harper Bros. Universal European Shows. We have booked some the the best people in the circus business, such as Horatio and Mille Zoyarowa, James Clifford, the French ___, expert head and hand balancer, Alex Buscoe, Louis ___ and Orion Springer. Prof. H. A. Bradford has full charge of the advance corps, and Wm. J. Nelson, the privileges. We have added twelve iron gray horses to our already large number, and are making six new wagons. Joe Daly has charge of stock. Everything will have a new coat of paint of a bright red color. The Donaldson Litho Co. are getting up special lithos.
J. P. Gallagher, of Medina, N. Y., has purchased from Andrew Downie a one half ___ in the Rich & Downie shows, which will hereafter be known at Downie & Gallagher's Railroad Shows. The circus will take the road at Greenville, Mich., early in May.
Lane and Verona, bicyclists, skaters and jugglers, recently at Tony Pastor's Theatre, this city, have been engaged for the Wallace & Anderson Circus for the coming tenting season.
Sig. Cappolo, of Cappolo and Oznolo, trapeze performers, died at Port Townsend, Wash., Jan. 14, from internal injuries. He was about forty-five years old, and had been in the profession all his life. Sig. Cappolo had been exhibiting at the Standard Theatre, Port Townsend. The second night of his performance he sustained a severe rupture, which obliged him to take to his bed. After lingering up to 14, the unfortunate man died, being due, not so much to the latest injury as to the consequent aggravation of an injury received several years ago. The deceased was an American by birth. He had been brought up in the circus business, having commenced that life when a mere child.
Daniel Driesbach died at his home White Pigeon, Mich., Dec. 13. He had been in poor health for the past three years, but there was nothing to cause apprehension that his death would come so suddenly. For many years he traveled as leader of circus orchestras. His four children early developed musical talent, and in 1879 he appeared with his family, known as the Driesbach Juvenile Female Band. He leaves a widow and four daughters.
George T. Castor died Jan. 20 of typhoid fever at his residence, Sailor Street, Frankford, Pa. He was of the team of Castor and Correia, known as the American Japs. He had been before the public nineteen years, for the last six years being with Walter L. Main's Circus. He had also served with Forepaugh, O'Brien, Doris and Batchellor Shows. At the time of his death he was under engagement to leave for Porto Rico with his partner, mr. Correia, who was on the point of sailing when news of Mr. Castor's illness reached him and brought him to his death bed. Mr. Castor was a cousin of manager Frank Castor, of the Frankford Opera House. George S. Cole writes as follows regarding Mr. Castor: "Castor and Correia did the best high perch act I ever saw. Mr. Correia held the thirty foot pole while Mr. Castor ascended it and went through a wonderful performance. They did a fine double trapeze, and Mr. Castor at times played ring master, and in . . . working performing dogs or trick horses. . . . we were roomates for three seasons, and rode together over the road. He was born at Philadelphia. His father for more than a quarter of a century carried on wagon and carriage factory there. He made a specialty of animal cages and show wagons. He died about three years ago. George was an only son, and when a boy learned the blacksmith trade in his father's shops. He was about thirty-five years of age."
[Advertisement] F. J. Taylor's Circus, Museum and Menagerie. Wanted, 10 musicians, 10 billposters, boss hostler, 10 four horse drivers, chandelier man, two animal men, one or two freaks, snare drummer that can do two turns in concert. Musicians address Marshall Bros., Portage, Wis. F. J. Taylor, Creston, Iowa.
[Advertisement] Wanted for Howard & Homer, Hobson Bros. Jr.'s Great Southern Railway Shows. Musicians, one E-flat cornetist or clarionet leader, one B flat corner, first and second altos, one tuba. Performers: two horizontal bars who do comics and brother acts, barrel kicker, knockabout singing clown. Man to take charge of sides show on shares or salary. Boss hostler and boss canvasman. Howard & Homer, Hobson Bros. Jr., Texarkana, Arkansas.
New York Clipper, February 7, 1891, pp. 759, 763, 765. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
John H. Sparks, of Sparks & Allen's Shows, has purchased of Walter L. Main five of the latters best wagons, including the advance wagon. It is the intention to have three advertising and property wagons ahead of the show next season.
Gaunier, juggler, has signed with the Washburn & Arlington Circus for the coming season.
H. A. Mann has signed as general agent in advance of Charles Lee's Great London Show for the coming season, which opens May 1 at Canton, Pa. Mr. Lee is managing La Cardo & Clifton's Big City Hall Show, which closes in March.
George Day (Alonzo), strong man, is engaged with Sells Bros. Circus.
Prof. Chas. E. Griffin will manage the sideshow with Hunting's New York Circus again next season, his sixth consecutive season with that show.
Geo. Sieber and J. M. Barry, of the Cole & Sieber Circus, have just returned to Topeka from the East, where they have been in search of curiosities for the coming season. They have closed a bargain with the Wallace & Anderson Shows, at Peru, Ind., whereby they receive an elephant, two camels, wardrobe cages and other properties. They are also breaking ring stock at their winter quarters at Topeka.
Charles W. Fish, the rider,writes as follows from Vera Cruz, Mex., under date of Jan. __: "Circus news here requires little space. The Orrins have been playing to good business. At present part of the company are here, waiting the arrival of the others, who were playing at Laguira in the theatre. We were to have opened here today, but a heavy "norther" since yesterday, they did not arrive, and our opening postponed. We were to have opened and inaugurated the new Circo-Teatro in the City of Mexico Jan. 1, but the contractors and builders have delayed the construction a couple more weeks. Mr. Moreno, general manager for the Orrin Brothers, has gone to Spain to settle up an estate to which he has fallen heir, estimated at from $40,000 to $100,000. I understand he is to return to fill his old position here. Frank Melville met with a serious accident doing the leaps Christmas Day, missing the bed and lighting on the ground, injuring his left ankle. Mr. Crowther, the skater and sword manipulator, a day or two later, sprained his right knee and incapacitated for several days. A week later George Wilton, brother of Joe Wilton, the horizontal bar performer, did a somersault from the bar, alighting easily on his feet. As he attempted to walk off the "tick" it was found that his right knee cap had broken in two. He will be laid up a long while. His brother did everything possible for him, and finally sent him to New York for treatment. The Brothers Gilfort are having a glorious time catching fish, shooting pelicans, etc. The Davignos Brothers returned home from Campechy."
Edward Shipp reports excellent business with his Winter Circus. Claude Le Valvoree, Adair Bros. and Dot Adair joined recently.
Prof. Woodward denies that an attachment was placed on his educated seals last week. The Professor says he paid off an attachment Dec. 31, at Atlanta, Ga.
T. K. Burk's Money Winning Mascot will soon be on the road. The agents and billposters are gathering, nearly ready to start. The cars have all be overhauled, and now out of the shops, fulling equipped and with new paint. The parade will be a feature this season, with two bands and several novelties. The show will go out with forty-six head of horses, and two new baggage wagons have been built during the Winter. The opening will take place at Augusta, Ga., where the show is wintered.
Samuel Nelson, of the English Circus in South America; Mr. Gale, calcium light man, and Sam Booth, printer, were Clipper callers Jan. 31. Mr. Nelson will sail for South America Feb. 12.
Sam MacFlynn was in the city last week, attending to the details of his show.
Notes from Walter L. Main's Circus. Three more tableaux wagons have arrived, making six in all. The calliope should be here Feb. 2. The cages are pretty well along, and Mr. Watson is getting his twenty horses out at the ring farm, so they begin to look and act right. He has had a hard time with them. Prof. Barris works each day with ten trained horses, and they do some clever trick. The standing race teams are beauties, two milk white and two coal blacks. They are run each day. The Roman chariot teams are driven each day out in a large lot at the farm. The five tandem team, which will be ridden by Prof. Barris, are ready to go before the public. The show has received a tapir, an emu, a sacred cow and a pair of leopards by express. Hugh Harrison is engaging sideshow people.
Al Dolson, agent, does not go with Sautelle's Circus next season, as has been wrongly reported. Mr. Dolson is at present doing the advance work for Barlow Bros.' Minstrels, and has not signed for 1891.
Frank Lemen, of the Lemen Brothers' Show, is in the East, looking up attractions and securing additions to his circus for the coming season.
Curtis L. Bailey, formerly of the firm of Bailey & Winans, will put a show of his own on the road this Spring, to be known as Bailey's Great London Circus. He will open the season at Newton Falls, O., May 2.
Lall Eggleston, of Comstock and Eggleston, joined Dayton's Latest Sensation at Westfield, Pa., Jan. 22, as banjoist and comedian. His partner, Charles Comstock, is still not able to work, owing to an affection of the eyes.
[Advertisement] Wanted for the Great American Circus, performers, riders, curiosities for sideshow, musicians, billposters, contractos, boss canvasman, master of transportation and train men and four and six horse drivers. Privileges and candy stands to let. Open at New Orleans Feb. 14. Take the road March 16. Address De Arley & O'Brien, Lafayette Hotel, New Orleans, La.
[Advertisement] Wanted for Hall, Hammond & Winship's Great Double Shows, Museum and Trained Animal Exhibition. People in all branches of the circus biz. Must do two or more acts. Musicians that do concert turns, curiosities for sideshow. Wagon show. Address G. W. Hall Jr., general manager, Evansville, Wis.
[Advertisement] Wanted for the Terrell Bros. Brand New Shows, Circus, Museum, Menagerie, Exhibition of Trained Animals and Kentucky Horses. Performers in all branches for the big show and concert, riders with or without stock, boss canvasman, boss hostler, chandelier man and animal man, four and six horse drivers, band of eight mouthpieces. Want to buy animals to complete menagerie. Also want advance agent and billposters. Sideshow, candy, balloon and other privileges for sale. Address Terrell Bros., Paducah, Ky.
[Advertisement] Chas. Bartine's Grand New Consolidated Wagon Shows, Museum, Aviary, Trained Animals, Gymnastic and Acrobatic Alliance, will open its season of 1891 at Connersville, Indiana, Mar. 4. Performers and musicians wanted. Address until March 1, Chas. Bartine, Charleston, S. C.; after that date to Connersville, Indiana.
New York Clipper, February 14, 1891, pp. 779, 780, 781. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Maj. Gordon W. Lillie (Pawnee Bill) recently purchased three __ft. circus cars from Forpaugh's Circus, to transport his Wild West Show next season. Maj. Lillie is the white chief of the Pawnee Tribe of Indians. His seventh season will open early in the Spring.
The following people have been engaged for Sturtevant & Holland's Mastodon Shows: W. C. Rolland, George Winfred, Wm. Grace and wife, the Lundgreens, Adair Bros., Mlle. Dollie, C. P. Maxwell and Wm. Rhodes.
The partnership between Curtis L. Bailey and Wilbert D. Winans has been dissolved by mutual consent. Bailey's New London Circus, and Wilbert D. Winans' Own Show will open respectively at Newton Falls, O., and Cleveland, O., May 2.
Sam McFlynn has returned to Houston, Tex., the headquarters of McFlynn & Hall's Circus. The show recently received a South American tapir and a hippopotamus, with two nursing cubs.
W. J. Dons will be manager of the sideshow and concert with Frank A. Robbins' New Shows. John Burke, better known as "Tony" Burke, will have charge of the downtown ticket office, and the buffet car under the supervision of W. S. Randolph.
De Forest Davis, or "Pop" Davis, as he is called, has signed with the John Robinson Show as general contracting agent.
Brut Saulsman will have charge of the concert with Sautelle's All Feature Shows this season.
The Chas. Bartine Shows will travel by wagon the coming season and will use a 110ft. round top tent, 80ft. museum and sideshow and 40ft. dressing room canvas. The show will carry sixty head of horses for baggage and passengers, and eight trick horses, ponies and mules, nine baggage wagons, two passenger wagons, one carriage, one band wagon, two buggies, three advance wagons, one cage of monkeys, two cages of birds and a den of snakes. The latter three features will be used in sideshow only, as the big tent will not have a menagerie, nor will there be any riding acts except riding dogs, goats and monkeys. The show will be run on strict principals, with no gaming adjuncts or "fakes" - not even the customary candy stands.
The Two Graces, Wm. and Lena, have signed with Sturtevant & Holland's Circus for the coming tenting season.
Malveno has signed for the coming season with Oliver & Co.'s Wagon Show.
[Advertisement] Wanted, a small steam calliope, about 21 whistles. Address, for two weeks, W. C. Coup, Jacksonville, Fla.
[Advertisement] Wintermute Brothers' New Colossal Shows. Wanted, a few more performers who can do more than one turn. Also advance agent, billposters, canvasmen, grooms, cooks, boss canvasman and working people of all kinds. Wagon show season will open April 30. Address Wintermute Bros., Hebron, Wis.
New York Clipper, February 21, 1891, pp. 795, 796. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
M. J. O'Neill and Michael Coyle have filed statements of claims, in the Philadelphia courts, against the estate of Adam Forepaugh. The former seeks to recover $485.73, as press agent for Forepaugh's Circus for 1890, and the latter claims $799.66, as due him as the railroad contractor for the circus for the same season.
Roster of Clark Bros.' Circus and Menagerie: W. C. and M. L. Clark, sole proprietors and managers; Jos. Ward, business manager; Harry Hunt, treasurer; Floyd Trover, equestrian director; John Henderson, general advance agent; Edward ___, billposter with seven assistants; Chas. Conway, boss canvasman with fourteen assistants; Otto Gaser, boss property man with three assistants; Thomas Everett, master of transportation; Geo. Brown, boss hostler with fifteen assistants; Prof. Schelhammer, leader of band and orchestra; Fanny Clark, Master Willie Clark, Tom Bryan, Doris and Green, Alf Darian, Trover, Richard and McDonald, Chas. Casey, Sam Wright, Neola Luna Clark, Rubie Clark, Divola Bros., Chas. Devlin, Chas. K. Burton, Ed. Foley, Florence Murrelia, Billy Barlow, Prof. Shelhammer, P. H. Mannis, Allie Clark, Fritz Meyer, Ed Bennet, Will Bishop, Ellis Rober, Chas. Powell, Jno. Powell, ___ and Ted Roberts. The show opens at Madisonville, Tex., Feb. 23, and will travel by wagon, using 120 head of stock, 90ft. main top with two 30ft. middle pieces, and 80ft. menagerie and a 60ft. sideshow.
The following people thus far engaged for King & Franklin's Circus: John Hamilton, manager; Prof. Andy Showers, Hughs and Kramer, La Van and Lamar, the Aldens, the Larue Bros., Al Millette, Harry Harrison, Herbert Freed, Chas. Orville, Louis DeBonnaire, Harry Leon, Bertie Moore, Emma Maynard, Sadie Norwood, Mollie Ragen, Mr. and Mrs. Mack, Mrs. Cavalier, Worlen and Farnum, Clarence Boyd, Charlie Mack, Willie Fox and Carl Clair's band and orchestra.
B. E. Wallace and Jas. Anderson, proprietors of the Wallace & Anderson Circus, spent last week in this city and on Feb. 16 were among the Clipper callers. They purchased while here a number of animals for their new show, among them being two Asiatic elephants.
Tony Lowande, while doing his principal somersault act with Pubillones' Circus at Havana, Cuba, Jan. 26, fell and broke his right hand. He will be compelled to lay off for a month or more. Mr. Lowande informs us of the recent sudden death at Havana of Leon De Leon, a once famous circus manager.
W. J. Doris will be manager of the sideshow at concert with Frank A. Robbins' New Shows, and not W. J. ___, as erroneously made it appear last week.
J. B. Swafford has been engaged as general agent for Sautelle's Shows, his second season with that circus.
Herbert Freed, juggler, has signed with King & Franklin's Circus for the coming season.
Will W. Brown has been re-engaged for Chas. Hall's New Shows.
The following have signed with Washburn & Arlington's Shows for the coming season: Grace Shannon, Annie Ashton, Bessie ___, Anzola, Zamura, the Merediths, Rexford Bros., Rod Harris, Colorado Charley, De Vere and wife, Rio Grande Bill, Chas. E. White, Jack Kent, Andy Abendorth, G. W. McConal, Valvo, P. B. Rhoades, J. H. Hannigan, Wm. Sivallow, Frank Leopold, T. Bowman, Chas. E. Young, J. B. Gagnier and G. L. Wood.
Alf. Dorian, contortionist, joine McFlynn & Hall's Circus Feb. 23 at Houston, Tex.
The following people have signed with Chas. Lee's London Circus for the season of 1891: Lewellyn Kern, Albert Sylvester, Philip Miller, Millie Alvero, Thomas Behringer, E. A. Searls, Prof. Johnson and Harry L. Rogers.
W. W. Randall goes with Sells Bros. & Barrett's Circus next season.
Leon De Leon, old time circus manager, suddenly fell dead on the street at Havana, Cuba, Feb. 4.
[Advertisement] Wanted, a few more circus and concert people, boss canvasman and entree suits for Thos. C. Logan's Big One Ring Circus. Address Thos. C. Logan, Murphysboro, Ill.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Chas. Hall's New Railroad Shows, people in all branches of the circus biz., band of 6 mouth pieces, concert people, chandelier man. Address Chas. Hall, Evansville, Rock Co., Wis.
New York Clipper, February 28, 1891, pp. 811, 814, 815. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Edward Shipp closed his Winter Circus at Petersburg, Ill., Feb. 3, and opened at Omaha, Neb., 12, with the company under the title of Shipp & Ashton's New York Circus. They are playing at the Coliseum, which will seat 8,000 people. The company: Julia Lowande and Josie Ashton, bareback equestriennes; Edward Shipp, bounding jockey; Herr Drayton, modern Hercules; Adair Bros., Cornalla Bros., Claude Laverne, Dot Adair and Frank Ashton. The company have five head of ring horses, and report business good. They will return to Petersburg, where they will play the balance of the season.
The Orrin Brothers' Shows have been playing in Vera Cruz for three weeks, from Jan. 31, awaiting the completion of the new amphitheatre in the City of Mexico. The Orrins have another company exhibiting in the city of Pueblo, and it was expected that both troupes would join and open in the capital city Feb. 21. Geo. W. Orrin and family were at Vera Cruz Feb. 14.
"Senator" Bowman is re-engaged to furnish the museum with the W. L. Cole's Circus for the season of 1891. The following are already engaged: "Senator" Bowman, lecturer, Punch and July and magic; Jennie Bowman, Hindoo snake charmer and lady patter; Cal. Stoddard, illusionist, and __, glass dancer. A big snake and a pair of living vampires are recent additions.
Lon Moore has joined McFlinn & Hall's Circus, resuming his former role of singing and talking clown, making his ___ season with that show. HIs wife and daugher will not travel the coming season. The latter is learning two new acts. Mrs. Moore has almost recovered from an accident which occured at Dodge City, Kan., about two years ago.
James A. Crogan will be associated with Sparks Bros. & Allen's Great Eastern Shows the coming tenting season, as general advance and contracting agent, his fifth season with manager Sparks' enterprises. Mr. Crogan is also arranging for the production, next season, of a melodrama of the anthracite coal rubes, entitled "The Shadows of Death," in which some mechanical effects heretofore unattempted on the American stage, will be introduced, including a realistic mine explosion, burning shaft, hospital ward, double engines in motion and several other effects dealing with coal mining in all its realism.
Fitzgerald and King have signed with Wm. Main & Co.'s Circus for next season, their fourth with that show.
The T. K. Burk Show, which has been wintering at Augusta, Ga., is ready for the circus season. A new menagerie top has been received. The advance will be under the direction of T. K. Burk. Walter Fisher has been engaged as contractor. Ralph W. Peckham will have charge of advertising car. E. M. Burk, who has handled the show for the past three seasons, is manager; Chas. Lovel, treasurer; Gus Fairbanks, sideshow manager; James Davis, boss canvasman, and Tom Brown, master of transportation.
Col. Boone and the ten lions who landed in the country Feb. 17, are for the Forepaugh Show, and not the Barnum-Bailey Show.
Notes from Clark Bros.' Circus. After laying up at Huntsville, Tex., for thirty days, we will start Feb. 23 with two 100ft. round tops, six cages, the elephant Empress, a looking glass band wagon, two tableau wagons, five ring horses and mules, and sixty-eight head of draft stock. People signed are: J. Greeo, A. Dorain, ___ and others. Geo. W. Roop takes all the privileges this season. We tour Texas.
Cliff Ingraham's Golden Cornet Band have signed with Fralando's Great British Shows the season of 1891. Several new features have been recently added. The tenting season opens at Mayville, N. D., April 30.
J. Gaylord will have charge of the advertising and advance business of Sturtevant & Holland Shows the coming season. They will carry fourteen horses and fifteen people. Fourteen cages of animals and three chariots are recent additions. ___ and Col. Geo. Brown have signed with the show.
The Gillmor Bros. have signed with T. K. Burk's Circus.
De Valde and Zola, aerialists, have signed with Frank A. Robbins' Circus for the coming season.
Downie & Gallagher's Show is undergoing a complete overhauling at winter quarters, Greenville, Mich. Four large new baggage wagons, two flat cars, one box car and one sleeper have been added. All the wagons and cars are painted in white and gold. The show will carry two bands, and travel through Michigan, Indiana and Illinois. Dapple grey horses have been purchased by Mr. Gallagher. Edward Carr and Wm. Ingram have signed for the season.
J. J> Zamora writes that neither himself nor any mameber of the Zamora Mexican Family have been engaged for Washburn & Arlington's Circus.
Eugene Mack has signed to lead Sparks & Allen's Circus band for the tenting season.
[Advertisement] Wanted for Fralando Bros.' Great British Shows. Performers in all branches of circus biz. Must do more than one turn. Also freaks for sideshow. We will pay spot cash for good second hand 80ft. round top, sideshow paintings, lights, etc. Privileges for sale. Address Ed Fralando, manager, Mayville, North Dakota.
[Advertisement] Performers and musicians wanted for T. Fanning's Pacific R. R. Shows, Circus and Menagerie. Performers in all branches; sideshow and concert people, musicians that double in string; boss canvasman, boss hostler and workmen of all kinds. Man with balloon and parachute. Candy stands for sale. T. F. Ganning, Travelers' Hotel, Jacksonville, Fla. Also want advance people, contracting agent, man to take charge of car, one for paper, and ten billposters. Agents and billposters address T. B. Long, general agent, Walnut Street House, Cincinnati, O.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Miller Bros.' American and German Allied Shows, man with trained horses, dog, monks, also people in all branches of the circus business. Show travels by wagon. Address Miller Bros., Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.
New York Clipper, March 7, 1891, pp. 826, 828. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The Adair Bros., balancing perch performers, and Mlle. Reads, slack wire and aerial artist, have signed with Sturtevant & Holland's Show for the coming season.
Harry Barsey, for the past four seasons with Lock & Long's and Fred Long's Circuses, has signed for the coming season with Oliver & Palmer's Show, which opens May 1 at Minneapolis.
J. R. Tucker has signed as contracting agent with the R. A. Robbins Show for the coming season.
The Chicks, John and Annie, have signed with Thomas C. Logan's Circus for the tenting season of 1891.
Notes from the Silbon Co. The Silbon Co. finished their tour of Brazil about the end of September and opened at Buenos Ayres, Argentine, early in October, where they played seven weeks to good business there and at Montevideo. We arrived at Chili about Dec. 10, via Straits of Magellan, and business was grand. Mons. Martinez, with his den of performing lions; Moreno, Italian clown, and Johnny Williams, formerly with Dockrill and the Livingston Shows, also joined. We are playing in circus buildings and theatres with improvised rings.
Smith and Roy go with Ringling Bros.' Circus next Summer, when they will do a new act. Eva Roy was presented with a fine water spaniel dog last week at Mt. Morris, N. Y.
Mrs. W. H. Gardner, wife of W. H. Gardner, of the Barnum & Bailey Show, died in this city Feb. 13, the funeral taking place 16. Among those present: Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Bailey, Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Hutchinson, Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Cole, R. F. Hamilton, A. A. Stewart, George Bleistein, R. G. Ball, O. G. Ferguson, A. Van Buren and others.
Willie Albion, late of the Albion Family, left Chicago Feb. 24 with the Brothers De Van, to play a forty weeks' engagement on the Pacific Coast, with John McMahon's Circus.
H. H. Bryson, proprietor of the Great Eastern Circus, on his return from California, was presented by his wife with a nine pound baby boy.
Frank Cotton, old time clown and animal trainer, writes: "I recently refused an offer of three thousand dollars, made by J. H. Eaton, owner of the great horse, Lioness, for my challenge pair of performing donkeys, Tom and Jerry."
Prof. J. Reparz's band and orchestra, of Baraboo, Wis., have signed with Thomas C. Logan Show, of Murphysboro, Ill., for the tenting season of 1891.
Charles and Albert Geyer send us the following notice: "If all the people who were eight years ago with the Great Eastern Circus, a wagon show that disbanded at Concordia, Mo., and was sold at Lexington, Mo., will send in their claims to ___ George Wilson, of Lexington, with instructions to collect for them, they may receive their claims in full. We have waited for a settlement seven or eight years, and now intend to push the matter."
Notes of the Diefenbach Show. Mr. Diefenbach has been very sick. He was taken with a chill at Meridan, Miss., but managed to reach Jackson, where he lay three weeks with typhoid pneumonia, but his constitution and Mrs. D.'s nursing brought him through O.K. Mrs. D. has been at Jackson for the last three months, on the sick list. The following is the company for season of 1891: P. Diefenbach, proprietor and manager; Chas. W. Burch, assistant manager and equestrian director; C. C. Mathews, Jessie Dare, Bennie Sexton, Johnnie Sexton, Frank Seery, John Seery, Tom Tandy, Steve Rogers, Ralph Bailey, Jim Parkhurst, Mrs. Sallie Parkhurst, C. W. Burch, Herbert Swift, Leona Woodward and a troupe of performing dogs and goats, Will J. Predmore's challenge cornte band and orchestra. Homer Davis has charge of the advance, R. W. Fisher of the privileges and Ed. Masters of all the tickets, reserved seats and concert.
Minnie Castello, of the Castello Family, left Portland, Ore., Feb. 23, for a short visit to her home, Bay City, Mich. Later she will join her husband, Wm. Castello, at Creston, Ia., where the family open with F. J. Taylor's Great American Circus April 23.
Last week Chas. Bartine shipped from various points South a lot of circus paraphernalia to the winter quarters of his show at Connersville, Ind. He proposes making a special feature of his printing this year. No "faking" will be allowed around the grounds at any place visited.
The Zamora engaged for Washburn & Arlington's Circus is Prof. Zamora, the triple jointed dwarf.
Lemen Bros. are fitting out their circus at Argentine, a suburb across the Kansas line. Their season opens at Kansas City, Mo., early in April.
Orrin Brothers' new theatre and circus building in the City of Mexico opened Feb. 22. Performers: Japanese Troupe of eight people; Frank Melville and wife, Wm. Gorman and wife, Edward Nelson and wife, Maginley and wife, Da Coma and wife, Jordan and wife, Richard Bell and family, Bannuck and family, Joseph Wilton, Albert Nelson, William Edwards, George Nash, O. L. Wood and ponies, C. Fredericks, T. H. Crowther, Clyde Phillips, the Gilfort Brothers, and the Three Melvelles. Richard Bell, clown, has been with them nine years. C. W. Fish, after an engagement of fifteen months, left Feb. 17 for New York.
Matt Flynn and Zitella join Barnum & Bailey's Show for the Summer season.
[Advertisement] Wanted for the W. C. Coup Equescurriculum and Andy McDonald's World's Fair Circus, a few specialty acts, no rider. Show in Chicago all Summer under canvas. Band of 6 or 7 pieces. A. McDonald, 263 South Desplaines Street, Chicago, Ill.
New York Clipper, March 21, 1891, pp. 22, 32. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Carl Clair's Military Band of eighteen pieces will be one of the features with the King & Franklin Circus the coming season, their sixth with this company. The band will include a well known lady cornet soloist, and the following musicians: Homer Wise, James Foster, Chas. Crosby, Frank Krowe, Fred Ellis, Harry Blair, Milton Spaungle, Samuel Albright, Bud Franum, Frank Farrell, Herbert Freed, _. N. Langley, Geo. Tipton, Robt. Anderson, E. T. Anderson, R. A. Roszelle and Julius Gass.
Josie DeMott (Mrs. Hines), who obtained a divorce from her husband in a Philadelphia court several months ago, on the plea that she was not a consenting party to the marriage ceremony, was privately married to Charles Robinson, the circus proprietor, by Rev. Alex. Henry, at Frankford, Pa., March 6. The couple left for Cincinnati, where the Robinson Show is wintering.
The Ty-Bells, Villetta and Julian, go with the Hunting Show next season, their second season with that show.
Mrs. William Ducrow, who met with a serious accident while performing with Markowitz's Circus last Summer, informs the Clipper that she is still unable to resume her professional work, and is in straited circumstances at Chicago. Her address is 1,439 South State Street.
The Whitney Circus, of which Miller & Hanly are the lessees, opens their season at Imlay City, Mich., May 2. Cal M. Gillette will be in advance, and Byron Killmar, equestrian manager; Prof. Floyd Whitney's silver cornet band, with the following musicians: _. B. Isenhart, Frank Moore, S. Hardell, Ed Hart, Al Hunt, H. Leslie, G Martin, ___, and E. Hunt; Frank Stapleton, boss hostler with eight assistants; Frank Watts, in charge of cook tent with four assistants. The show will carry about forty people, forty head of stock and sixteen wagons. The performers: Killmar and McPhee, Geo. L. Scott, Michael Tude, George Martin, Tom Cone, S. J. Hardy, Billy Frayley and the Three La Dows.
Frank A. Gardner's Circus is now playing in the Republic of Salvador, and said to be meeting with success. It opened in Guatemals about Feb. 4. David Traitel has been a month ahead of the company, and has received from the government more favors and better concessions for this circus than ever were known here. They remain at Guatemala about five or six weeks, and then play Costa Rica. The company: Mrs. Mildred Gardner, Linda Jeal, Eleana Ryland, Bella Ducrow, Nellie Ryland, Millie Belota, Frank A. Gardner, David Traitel, James Murray, Frank Long, William Karl, Dan Ducrow, Louis Ducrow, Harry Carey, Young ___, Master Freddy Gardner, Jose Hernandez, Jose Mendez, Richard Smith and a uniformed band of twelve pieces, led by Prof. James Griffiths.
Frank B. Hubin has signed with Sutton's Circus for the coming season, opening at Ottumwa, Ia., April 23.
De Castro and Le Mar have signed with the Lemen Bros. Shows.
Geo. Bearnard has signed to travel ahead of Wintermute Bros.' Circus.
Dick Alden's living statuary will be one of the features of King & Franklin's Circus this season.
Dwight Clapp, formerly of Walter Main's Circus, has signed as general agent of J. L. Jackson's Great Pacific Circus.
Girard Leon, one of the proprietors of the Great London Circus, was arrested at San Francisco last week on a charge of felony embezzlement. I. M. Van Sickle, one of the partners in the business, was the complaining witness. It appears that Leon perceived that the circus was going to result disastrously, and, in order to protect himself, he took three horses and a $__ organ as his share of the proceeds.
Mlle Ida Showers, wire walker, has signed with Frank A. Robbins' Circus, her second season with that show.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Butcher & Oram's Congress of European Stars and Pavilion Show, people in all branches of the circus biz, except riders; advance agent, clown who can sing and tumble. Show starts May 10 by wagon. People must do two or more turns. Salaries will be paid each week. Also leader and others for orchestra. Address Prof. Butch, Furnace Street, Akron, O.
New York Clipper, March 28, 1891, pp. 49, 51, 52, 54. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Lew Nichols will have the sideshow privilege with the Great United States Show next season, which will open at Tacoma, Wash., April 15.
The Wintermute Bros.' Show will be made up as follows for the season of 1891: Wintermute Bros., proprietors; Geo. C. Bearnard, contracing and press agent; Halsey Wintermute, in charge of paper; Jack Root, boss canvasman; Burt Cooley, boss hostler. Performers: James and Eddie Cunningham, Chester Roy, Thos. Wintermute, Frank Cushing and wife, Dan Merton and wife, Geo. C. Russell, Dick Saunders, Wm. Lowery and Harry Wintermute's troupe of ponies and dogs. Walter R. Hinman will furnish a band and orchestra of ten pieces. Sideshow attractions: Ella, mind reader and snake charmer; Boallus, magician and ventriloquist; two illusions, three cages of animals, etc. Concert people: Mack Owens, Roy and Taylor, Maud Cushing and Henry Hyke. All canvas will be new, consisting of a 100ft. round top, 40x60ft. sideshow, 30ft. dress tent, two four pole horse tents and one cook tent. A number of new wagons, including a band chariot, have been built during the Winter. The show will open at Whitewater, Wis., the latter part of April, and will tour Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota, traveling by wagon and using about forty head of horses.
Kitty Wet, the Three Indian Bros. and Prof. West are recent additions to the roster of Sautelle's Shows. Prof. West is doing some horse training, and a feature of it will be made in the show. Agent J. B. Swafford tells us that the tour will open in May, and that painters, decorators, etc., are at work on the wagons and boats.
Chas. Bartine's Circus will begin operations about May 1.
Roster of McMahon's International Hippodrome, Circus and Menagerie. John S. McMahon, proprietor; Joseph B. McMahon, manager; Geo. Castello, general agent; Frank R. Clifton, press agent; T. J. Brown, contracting agent; C. H. Hawbaker, manager of advertising car, Geo. Tinkham, boss billposter with fourteen assistants; Mike Cohen, calcium lights and stereopticon. Equestrians: John S. McMahon, Toto Siegrist, James Kincade, Sam Bennett, Wm. O'Dell, and Wm. Devan. Gymnasts, acrobats, aerialists, etc.: Three Devan Bros., John Quigley, William Romelli, Thomas Romelli, John Ruth, Julien Bennett, Mason and Zazel, Mlle. Alma, the Lanfiesta troupe of Spanish acrobats, Hash Meilke, and the Arab vaulters. The performing elephants, Romeo and Queen; trick horses, Pacific, Umatila and Jim, and the leaping horse Pomona. Clowns: Harry Emmerson, Chas. Morosco and Erastus Washington Lincoln. Bosses of departments: James Sullivan, master of canvas; Frank Rose, master of transportation; Jerry Washburn. Menagerie: Sam Lundig, master of horse tents, and E. A. Garland, steward dining car. Sideshow: Harry Heike, director; Will Salvina, Hi Henry, Frank Delaney, Mlle. Ada, A. Henderson, Garland, m. Feely, Ten Zeneganibian Serenaders and Three Headed Illusion, etc. Features: Two large performing elephants, Jo Jo, Unzie, a living Japanese salamander, and Prof. Ray's military band of twenty-two pieces. A new advance car, one 55 ft. elephant car, and a palace Pullman sleeper have been added to the organization. A 110ft. round top, with a 50ft. middle piece, a 60ft. menagerie top, with a 30ft. middle piece, and a sideshow top 50x75 will be used.
George W. Rentz's Circus and Menagerie, the Miles Orton Show and O'Brien & De Arley's Great American Circus and Menagerie have joined hands, and from now on will be known as George W. Rentz & Co.'s Circus and Menagerie. They opened at New Orleans, La., March 9, for two weeks, and on 21 they took the road. George W. Rentz is managing the venture, and with H. W. Link, and general agent. They have eighteen cars to carry the show, and two advertising cars with four cages of animals, two elephants, three camels, eighty head of horses and ponies, two bands and one calliope. There are ninteen wagons in the parade, fourteen mounted people, elephants, camels, chariots, etc. The canvas is a 110ft. round top with three 50ft. middle pieces. The menagerie top is 100ft., and side show is 70x130ft.
J. H. Hewitt closed as general advance manager of Lacardo's Big City Show to make preparations for the Summer season with Chas. Lee's London Circus, Museum and Menagerie as treasurer and assistant manager. Mr. Lee's show will be enlarged this season.
Little Ella Whiting will be one of the features of Wallace & Anderson's Shows this season.
At the winter quarters of Thos. C. Logan's Circus, Murphysboro, Ill., the red wagons are bright as a new penny, the the little army of horses, ponies, mules, dogs, etc. are in shape for the opening early in April.
Notes from the E. O. Rogers' Show. Manager Rogers has just returned from Chicago, where he purchased one elephant, one camel, a pair of lions, a zebra, and onyx antilope, a tiger and some small animals. This, with our other stock, will give us a fine managerie. Frank Edwards, of old time circus fame, has been engaged as assistant manager. F. R. Blitz will have charge of the annex. Geo. D. McIntosh will act as contracting agent and Chas. F. Miller will superintend the bill posting brigade of ten men. The following performers have been engaged: the Leons, Wm. Francis, Carlotta Severne, Pauline Deboise, Mlle. Retta [Retia?], Frank Dever, Fred Brock and Frank P. Murray. We have added a new band chariot and six new cages.
Hunting's New Railroad Shows will begin their annual tour at New Castle, Pa., the latter part of April. Capt. Mack Evans has arrived at the winter quarters. Hays Evans will have charge of advance car No. 1, Frank Cooper will do the contracting, Capt. Mack Evans will be assistant manager and Prof. Chas. E. Griffin will manage the sideshow.
J. H. Davis, an advance agent of Sells Brothers' Shows, and Ida Potter, of this city, were married at Arlington Hall, March 17, by the Rev. De. Hast.
Zimmermann Bros.' Circus and Menagerie will open the season at Davenport, Ia., early next month. The show will travel by wagon, and will carry 150 head of horses, two elephants, five camels, eight cages and a hippodrome track.
Whiting and Geyer have signed with Bartine's Show for the season of 1891.
Manager Edward Shipp writes from Petersburg, Ill.: "I will close my Winter circus here March 28. This is my fourth season running a Winter circus here in my ring barn, and business has been larger than during any previous season. Myself and wife (Julia Lowande) are engaged with the Sturtevant & Holland Show for the coming season. I have two well broken bareback horses which we will use in our several acts next season."
J. Leon has signed with the Barnum & Bailey Shows to do his original specialty of the silent clown.
Roster of Chas. Hall's New Railroad Shows: Chas. Hall, proprietor and manager; D. H. Gillspie, treasurer; Frank Wilder, advance with three assistants; Prof. E. G. Ogden's band of eight pieces, Will W. Brown, Castello and Lorette, Geo. Wilson and wife, Roberta and Condon, Geo. Daventry, Chas. Leslie, Will Weren, Frank Burns, Geo. Motz, clown and manager of concert; Charles Watson, boss canvasman with eight assistants, and Frank L. Lewis, chandelier man. The canvas: main tent 80ft. round top with a 40ft. middle piece; sideshow 30x65ft. with 12 paintings. The management runs all privileges. The show opens at Evansville, Wis., April 30.
Paducah, Kentucky. In spite of the fact that the Terrell Bros. are advertising their circus property for sale, they are making every preparation to start out early in April. There has been trouble brewing for some time among the owners of the show, and the sale of property will be made in order to satisfy the dissatistfied. members of the company. It is an open fact that the property will be bought in by the present officers, who will then enlarge and otherwise increase the show.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Rich's Horseshoe Circus. Boss canvasman, clown, bar team doing two or three turns. Haven't closed in five years; only stop a few weeks to enlarge. I travel in my own cars, board and sleep all people in my cars. Will take a good manager with $900 and give him one half interest in my show. Sideshow and concert privileges to let. Also want agent and three billposters. Prof. G. B. Rich, Mechanicstown, Md.
[Advertisement] Wanted, equilibrist and juggler, brother act, concert people, man and wife for concert. Leader of band, double violin. E flat preferred. Also tuba player. Address C. G. Phillips' Cricus, Mecca, O.
[Advertisement] To the people who never close. Please take warning. You are merely a lot of old women when you say you never close. It's only because we people whom you term fakirs, etc, have kept you up. I paid my people like a man, and hold receipts for the same, while you owe them one year's salary. We will travel through Minnesota, North and South Dakots and Iowa. We will have the finest wagon show on earth. Open at Davenport, Iowa, about May 1. Wanted, all kinds of curiosities for Museum department; for circus, riders and people in all kinds of the circus business. Our admission is but 25 cents. Wanted, outside attractions. Zimmerman Bros. Circus, Meangerie and Trained Animal Exposition. Wanted, band. Jette, Mose, Max and Sam Zimmerman, sole proprietors. Address Quincy, Ill.
[Advertisement] Wanted, people for Chas. Ogden's Show in all lines of circus business except riding. Concert people also. Sideshow and other privileges to let. Address Chas. Ogden, Odgen's Show, Newberry, S. Carolina.
New York Clipper, April 4, 1891, pp. 59, 70, 72. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Notes from the Downie & Gallagher Headquarters. Prof. John White, with his trained dogs, goats, ponies and monkey, has signed with the show, his second season. Howard and Doyle have been engaged for the concert. The show travels by rail on our own cars, making one and two day stands through Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and New York. Four new baggage wagons, one tableau band wagon and one stick car have been added to the outfit.
The people are getting together for the Smith & Robinson Circus. Frank Norris, general advance; Edward Conklin, juggler; Joseph Krag, aeronaut, are among the latest to join the show.
Oliver Lester, manager Delavan's assistant, is booked for Forepaugh's advance car No. 2. Mr. Lester has been at Meriden, Ct., all Winter.
The Two Vernelos, Edward and Ina, jugglers, magicians, Punch and Judy, and trained birds, have signed with Walter L. Main's sideshow for next season.
The Christie Bros. closed their tour at the Buckingham Theater, Louisville, Ky., March 28, and will take a vacation at Mt. Clemens, Mich. prior to assuming control of the concert with Hunting's Circus, their fourth year with that show.
De Hollis, contortionist and juggler, has been re-engaged for Hunting's New York Circus.
Roster of Hunting's Railroad Shows for tenting season of 1891: Robt. Hunting, proprietor and manager; Capt. Mack Evans, assistant manager; Hays Evans, general agent with eight men; Frank C. Cooper, railroad contractor; Prof. Wolf and his band of twelve pieces; Arthur Christie, treasurer; Prof. Charles E. Griffin, press agent; M. J. Ricardo, equestrian director; Harry Meehan, master of circle; the Hunting Family, aerialists; Ricardo and Fitz, triple bars; the Ty-Bells, ladder performers; El Nino, tight rope walker; Normale and Livingstone, trapezeists; Nanie Tatalia, contortionist and trapezist; De Hollis, grotesque juggler; Mlle. Inez, French juggler; Prof. Meehan's educated dogs and ponies; the Brothers Zatzan, acrobats; Bob Hunting, Lew Hunting and Frank Christie, clowns; the Christie Bros., Girard and Earl McCoy and Wilson, and May Weldon, concert performers; Prof. Chas. E. Griffin, manager of annex; Olivia, Zan Zuma, Prof. Young and George Hays, Jocko and a gallery of illusions, annex attractions; James Wilson, chief steward; Peter Hilliard, master of canvas; Harry Smith, master of properties, and others.
T. K. Burk's Circus opened at its winter quarters, Augusta, Ga., last week. The street parade, with two bands and the Cinderella coach and performing horses, made a creditable display. The roster includes: T. K. Burk, proprietor; E. M. Burke, general manager; Jas. Davis, boss canvasman; Larry Moore, boss hostler; the Marietto Bros., Gilmore Bros., Prof. Jno. Lovelace, Bertie Fairbanks, Jeney Alward, Jas. Dilks, John Cormack, Ferd. Clymer, Chas. Lovell and others.
W. H. Hopson, ringmaster and Arthur W. Cole, privilege manager, are preparing for their engagement with Chas. Bartine's Circus. They have purchased a combination wagon, built after the fashion used with English road circuses, to be utilized as a sleeper as well as a means of transportation.
[Advertisement] Wanted for Terrell Bros. Brand New Shows, a few more performers, concert people who can play brass or drums for band No. 2, boss canvasman and chandelier man, also a few more billposters and buglers. Side show, candy and other small privileges for sale. Travel by wagon. Address Terrell Bros.' Co., Paducah, Ky.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Dick's Model Circus, Museum, Menagerie, Oriental Village and American Horse Fair, singing clown that can do a good single turn. Novelty for sideshow, band leader and musicians, man to ride Pete Jenkins, hurdle sailor or Indian, bar team that can do single turns and brother act. Show opens April __. For sale, baggage car, has carried sixty thousand pounds last three seasons. I ask six hundred, will grab at four if takes quick. Address Dick P. Sutton, Ottumwa, Iowa.
New York Clipper, April 11, 1891, pp. 74, 76, 79. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Master Joseph La Rose has signed with the Harper Bros. Show for the season.
Prof. C. P. Maxwell has signed as bandmaster with the Sturtevant & Holland Shows. His band: F. F. Earl, D. E. Walker, Albert Nix, H. J. Maxwell, J. M. Stout, Fred Sayers, S. S. Langdale, F. J. Jones, Jas. Schmidt E. Greissinger and D. Boyd. The show opens at Delavan, Wis., May 9.
Little Mack's Pytrian Circus is now in preparation. An adjustable ring and stage will be among the special features.
Notes from Taylor's Great American Circus. During the Winter new features have been added. Three new advance wagons, three new cages of animals, a new ticket wagon, and elephant, two camels, and other additions will make the show about twice its former size. The roster: F. J. Taylor, proprietor and manager; C. A. and Bert Taylor, assistant managers; Chas. Snyder, treasurer; Dick Hunter, general agent and contractor; Park Kelly, Grant White, Oliver Burr, D. S. Allen, D. Blag, J. Smith and W. Moore, advance corps; J. L. Davenport, Stick Davenport, Castello Bros., Minnie Castello, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Bennett, J. Abbey, Don ___, W. S. Wheeler, _. W. Myers, Clyde Inderham, W. McCafferty, T. P. Ambrose, John Schieldler and wife, J. Boyd Clayton and Daly, J. Marshall, T. Marshall, H. Marshall, C. B. Reed, Phil Scharth, C. McChuchman, Millard Neff, J. Ward, W. Coon, Chas. Raymond, Chas. Bauldin, John Smith, Ike Sieber, J. Jones, J. M. Cullett, W. Benson, W. P. ___, Jos. Hunnsetter, J. Snyder, S. C. Griffith, Walter Scott, D. Goin, W. Cartes, John Smiley, W. Ogg, Jerry Sullin, G. F. Brady, C. Coleman, S. Grover, C. F. Markham, Peter Wade, T. Kelly, J. Leamon, G. F. Beard, Robert Hughes, Jack ___ and Andy Dooley.
A. H. Reed's Circus will open its season at Vernon, Ind., May 4. The show will carry seventy people, fifty head of stock and 110ft. round top with a __ft. middle piece will be used. The show will travel by wagon.
Al. Dolson closes his engagement of thirty-six weeks as agent of Barlow Bros. Minstrels April 12, and will join C. L. Bailey's London Circus as railroad contractor. Mrs. Dolson has be re-engaged for season of 1891-92 as general agent with the Bartlow Bros. Minstrels.
Geo. Sieber & Co.'s Shows headquarters at Topeka, Kan. The elephant, two camels, tableaux wagons and wardrobe arrived last week. The ring stock is under the management of Prof. Wm. Dorr. The show will probably open at Topeka April 11.
Hurlburt & Leftwich's Hippocynagon closed its opera house season at Yankton, S. D., April 4, and shipped to Norfolk, Neb., where everything will be overhauled, repainted for the tenting season. The show opens at Norfolk, Neb., April 25.
Notes of Rice & Mettie's Circus and Trained Animal Exhibition. All is hustle around the winter quarters at Mechanicstown, Md. Prof. Rich is at work getting everything ship shape. In addition to two palace cars, he is fitting up two more for horses, ponies, etc. He is also getting his troupe of trained dogs and goats in working order. Several men have been busy making seats, and now there are enough for two thousand people. The new 100ft. round top, with two 40ft. middle pieces, is expected daily. The dressing room tent is 45x60ft., and the lecture tent is 40x80ft. The show will carry a uniformed band of eight pieces and twenty performers. J. M. Rich, brother of Prof. Rich, will have charge of the advance with three assistants.
Thos. C. Logan's Circus includes the following people: the Mayo Family, Harry Moore, Chas. Lowe, Wm. Smead, De Veldean and Bolz, Sinclair and ___, Hill Bros., Feyer and Whiting, John Chicks, Annie Chicks, Frank Burns, Dollie Booth, Gaylord Family, Jos. Wood, Mollie Johnson, Emma Fish, Josie Fish, Bart Thurman, Chas. Jones, C. A. Howard and Prof. Repasz and band. The first stand will be Murphysboro, Ill., April 25.
The following is the complete make up of Charles Lee's Great London Shows: Charles Lee, proprietor and manager; J. H. Hewitt, assistant manager and treasurer; H. L. Rogers, master of transportation and sideshow manager; H. A. Mann, general agent; Thomas Behrenger, boss billposter with fourteen assistants; Wm. S. Cooper, boss canvasman; Jas. Ellsworth, assistant boss canvasman with twenty assistants; Walter Rockwell, boss hostler with twenty-five grooms and drivers; Cal. Hines, master of ring stock; Doc Powers, chandlier man with two assistants; James Downing, head cook with three assistants; W. Watts, boss props with three assistants; J. Collins, ringmaster; Thosmas Craven, seatman; Sam Black, dog boy; W. H. Clifton, candy privileges; Professor Del ___, Alma Thorn, Ed Cary, Prince Chananga, Mlle. Kalanka, Major White and wife, Prof. R. M. Johnson's band of ten pieces; Comstock and Eggleston, Billy and Jessie Clifton, Lulu Miller, Parson Hoy, Lizzie Booth, Mrs. Charles Lee's troupe of trained dogs and ponies, Master Willie Howard, John Thorn, the Booths, Sylvester and Kern, Lall Eggleston, Charles Comstock, Mlle. Elnora, the Millers, Philip and Lulu, Japanese perch performers and others. The show opens May 2 in Canton, Pa.
M. D. Rodger's Big U. S. Show opens its season April 16, at Tacoma, Wash. The roster: M. D. Rodgers, proprietor and manager; Blower Brown, equestrian director. Performers: Senor A. Gonfalles, Dot Melville, Marsala, Walter and Charles Dinnie, the Four Nichols, Ward Bros., St. Clair and Rajan, two Leondor Bros., Zella, with Master Rodgers troupe of trained ponies. Annex: Lew Nichols in charge. The big show top will be a one hundred foot with a forty foot middle piece. James Willis in charge, with sixteen assistants. Andy Nelson, leader of band, with ten musicians.
Wallace & Anderson's Circus will open its season April 18 at Peru, Ind.
Walter L. Main's New Monster R. R. Shows, Double Circus, Roman Hippodrome, Elevated Stage, Menagerie, Museum, Aquarium and Free Horse Show will open at Geneva, O., April 25. The show will use fifteen cars, equipped with automatic air brakes, and all new. The flats and stock cars are 60ft. long, the circus and hippodrome top, 150ft. round top with four 50ft. middle pieces. The menagerie top is 90ft. round top with five __ft. middle pieces. The sideshow tent is a 90ft. round top with __ft. middle piece, dressing rooms and 60ft. round top with a 30ft. middle piece, five stables tents, three cook house tents, and all brand new. One hundred head of horses, twenty ponies, six trick mules, six tableaux wagons, two band wagons, fifteen cages and dens, two floats, two Roman chariots, pony tableaux wagons, calliope and bill wagons, four separate brass bands, and a troupe of jubilee singers, a colored brass band, Continental Fife and Drum Corps, and the following people: Walter L. Main, sole proprietor and general manager; Geo. S. Cole, press and special agent; Henry Pullman, treasurer; Henry Gilbertson, superintendent; Hugh Harrison, manager sideshow; Geo. H. Irving, manager concert; E. Jones, sideshow doorkeeper; Lucius Foster, master of canvas; James Whalen, first assistant; John Weaver, second assistant; Chas. Evans, master of stock; Daniel Fowler, first assistant; Geo. Hathaway, charge horse tents; R. B. Smith, manager candy stands; Earnest Daley, manager Hotel De Main; Will Dempsey, manager of transporation; John Doyle, watchman; ___ Clark, head blacksmith; Henry Knox, harness maker; John Kelly, chandelier man; Mose Lowry, charge of ring stock; Joe Barrie, training and performing dogs, and Josie Marks, principal bareback, hurdle and carry act; Chas. Wertz, twenty horse and four horse act; Wm. Lowanda, principal somersault act; Mlle. Mallie Zeno, manage and juggling act; Gerty Lowanda, bareback trotting act; Luke Rivers, Pet Jenkins, Vernon Bros., Three Patterson Bros., Mattie Paterson, three Fills Bros., Blanch Pullman, Fred Rennells, Sig. Dawn, Anzo, Annie Sylvester, Archie Royer, Chas. Watts and Kelly and Wilson. Concert: Geo. H. Irving, Jennie Picket, Whippier Twins Bros., Blanch Pullman, Minnie Patterson, Annie Sylvester and Archie Royer.
Sideshow: Hugh Harrison and wife (second sight), E. M. Vernel (magician and ventriloquist), Chas. Scott (Zulu), Madam Harrison (mind reader), John Jennings (strong man), Geo. Still (lion claw wild man), Geo. Cordozia (tattooed man), Mattie Williams' den of performing alligators, Zano's performing snakes, Zenobia (fire king), Mattenazina's wrestling bears, May Milton (long haired lady), Ina Vernello's troupe of performing birds. Prof. ___'s Colored Minstrels, Jubilee's Brass Band and Orchestra, cape vampire (man eating gorilla), birds, monkeys, illusions, thirty double deck paintings. Frank O'Neill (drum major), F. M. Long (leader big show band), Bertie Cole (leader continental band), two advance cars and special brigade of thirty billposters, Geo. W. Aiken (general agent), W. N. Fink (agent car No. 1), John J. Sallade (agent car No. 2), Luke Miller (charge special brigade), P. M. Clark (manager and advance programmer).
Pat F. Young, trapeze and slack wire performer, joins Butcher & Oram's Show May 10. The above will travel by wagon.
Bailey's Great London Circus will be made up as follows: Curtis L. Bailey, sole manager; Al. Dolson, general agent; Frank McFarland, contracting and press agent; W. H. Harris, advertising agent; Geo. Rexford, equestrian director; Frank Farrell, manager of concert; Wallace Fillmen, manager of privileges; ___ Morton, musical director; T. J. Fouts, leader of orchestra; C. Ward, master of canvas; M. G. Hayman, master of transportation; W. C. Cox, chandeliers; _. E. Ryan, boss property man, and Chas. Davis, boss hostler. Performers: the Three Brothers Rexford, Dan C. Manning and wife, Mills Bros. Zeno Bros., Prof. Treat and wife, Prof. Treat's Dog Circus, Frank Farrell and Ida Bailey. The show will travel by rail, using four cars, and will open at manager Bailey's home, Newton Falls, O., May 2.
Mack Owen has been engaged as clown for the Wintermuth Bros.' Show the coming season.
W. C. Breen, late treasurer at Redmond's Grand, Detroit, Mich., leave to join Wallace & Anderson's Show at Peru, Ind.
The Oatman Show is arranging to start from New Albany, Ind., April 11. Uncle Dan Costello is interested in this venture with Joseph Oatman, an old river pilot, who has only recently entered the profession.
The Terrell Bros. Co. is the name of the new firm that takes out the Terrell Show this season. Leslie La Salle will have charge of the advance, assisted by Wm. Doris. Among the performers at Bob Raymond, Clarence Robinson and the De Almo Family.
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Allen W. Lynch's Great Western Circus starts from this city about May 1.
New York Clipper, April 18, 1891, pp. 92, 108. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
M. W. Murray joined the Diefenbach Show at Jackson, Tenn., for the season.
T. K. Burk's Show opened at Augusta, Ga., March 28. The street parade was made impressive by two bands of seventeen and twelve pieces, a calliope and chime bells. The concert, under the management of James Dilkes, did well. Jim Davis handles the canvas skillfully.
John Shugart, stage manager for years at the Chestnut Street Opera House, Lancaster, O., joins the advertising staff of Washburn & Arlington's Circus for the season.
Fred Howe and Geo. Moore, burlesque boxers, have been compelled to cancel their engagement with Wallace & Anderson's Circus, on account of illness.
Prof. Del Monto and his wife close with Bell's Museum and will join Lee's Circus.
Smith & Fralando's British Circus will open at LaCrosse, Wis., May _. The roster: Smith & Fralando, sole owners and managers; Ben De Peere, equestrian director; Emry H. Smith, assistant manager; Lew Nelson, advance agent with eight assistants; Fisher, Will Howard, W. C. Duffy, Nickel Sisters, Harry Wesley, Eddie Crosby, Hank White, Oregon Bros., Perez Bros., Master Charley, Millie ___, the French Family, De Levy, Prof. Egg, Sidona, Archie White, Prof. Fondoe, Alma, Millie Garnet, Hunt, John and Kitty Peres and Cliff Ingraham's band of ten pieces. The show will travel by wagons, touring Wisconsin, Minnesota and Dakota.
Manuel Trevino, Mexican trapeze performer, fell a distance of eighteen feet at Memphis, Tenn., April _, while doing his act with Smith & Robinson's Circus, breaking his left arm and his right arm. His wife will fill his place until he recovers. Business is reported good.
The veteran Dan Rice's Circus, an old time one ring show, will open its season May 15 at Jersey City, and will travel by rail through the East. The Brantz Bros., the Jeal Sisters, Walter Aymar, Robert Stickney, Henry Nichols and others are engaged. J. H. Allen will be Mr. Rice's business manager.
The Albion Family, five in number, will join Wallace & Anderson's Circus at Peru, Ind.
Zimmerman Bros. have contracted with C. J. Eddy, aeronaut, to give balloon ascensions and parachute jumps with their circus, which will open at Davenport, Ia., April 15. Prof. W. S. Stewart will be one of the cloud scrapers.
Arthur W. Cole has joined W. C. Coup's Circus at New Albany, Ind., having been released by Chas. Bartine from a prior engagements.
Sam Bennett and wife joined T. J. Taylor's Circus April 11.
St. Arno, slack wire performer, has signed with Butcher & Oram's Circus.
It is Prof. J. O. McNutt, and not I. O. Nutt, who is to furnish the colored brass band and jubilee singers for Walter L. Main's Show. Since the roster was published the following people have signed for the sideshow: M. Shidru's Japanese village, George Holman, Mrs. Lena Mortz and her midget daughter.
Notes from Robinson's Show. Everything is hustle at the winter quartesr on Poplar Street, Cincinnati. The painters, under Dan Dale, a putting the finishing touches on the cages, chariots, band wagons and tableaux vans. John Wilson is working the race stock every day. A new feature will be introduced in the hippodrome, in the first appearance of two water buffaloes, riding Roman standing, by two Zulus. This is one of Wilson's new ideas. The grandest feature of this season will be the production of "King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba," by John Rettig. Shipments of new wardrobe are received every week. Fifteen French and Spanish ballet girls will arrive from Europe about April 28. John Lowlow will look after the rings as usual, and make fun fast and furious. There are upward of six hundred people engaged. The grand opening takes place April 27. Frank Cook will fill his usual place as athlete and mail agent. Gill and Jack Robinson have returned from New York, where they saw the Barnum opening.
Butcher, Oram & Co.'s Congress of European Stars and Pavilion Show opens at Mecca, O., May 9, traveling by wagon. The roster: Prof. Butcher, manager; B. Millikan, treasurer; Wm. Maro, master of canvas; Thos. Wills, boss hostler; W. Wolcott, leader of band and orchestra; Tully Strayer, advance agent; Molly Welch, Susan Stevens, Ida Willis, Maud Wilson, Agnes Lewis, Frankie Trimble, Hattie Sadler, Jennie Jarman, Ida Pelmond, James Stitt, Pat F. Voung [Young?], Wm. St. Arno, C. Merrill, J. B. Morris, Ed O. Werner, Master F. Butcher, J. J. Williams, and Bro., Lew Seeker, Lew Sayers, Pat Welch and Bob Jarman.
[Advertisement] Wanted for the Clements Shows, people in all branches of the circus business. Also concert people and band. Also musicians for second band. Will hire or buy trick pony. Sideshow privilege for sale. Address R. F. Clements, business manager, East Edn, Pittsburg, Pa.
New York Clipper, April 25, 1891, pp. 117, 124, 126, 127. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Tully Strayer, late advance representative for Tony Lavely's New Floating Theatorium, has signed as general agent for Butcher & Oram's Congress of European Stars and Pavilion Shows.
Frank B. Hubin, sideshow orator, goes with Sutton's Big Circus next season.
Roster of Ashton's Big Ten Cent Circus: Tony Ashton, manager; L. B. Reames, assistant manager; M. E. Ashton, treasurer. Performers: Manne Miles, Chas., George and John Buffink, Harry Moran, Wm. Brown, Zaro Family (4), Millie May and Tony Ashton and his dogs. Band and orchestra: C. F. Adkins, leader; James Stumon, Harry King, Jos. Rhods, Luke Reed, Wm. White and L. H. Reamers. The show opens at Shelbyville, Ind., May 4, and travels by rail. They carry a 70ft. round top, with a 40ft. middle piece. Bert Ashton has the privileges. Wm. Young, with five assistants, will handle the canvas.
Doc Miller, hand and head balancer, joined Ringling Bros. Circus at Baraboo, Wis. He has greatly improved his pyramid act.
Zella, the human frog, does not go with Rogers' Circus.
Watson and Wilson have signed with Chas. Hall's Railroad Shows.
Dan Costello and C. Williams' United Shows, combined with J. T. Oatman's Equine Paradox, opened their season at New Albany, Ind., April 15. The roster: Dan Costello, C. Williams and J. T. Oatman, proprietors; J. T. Oatman, manager; C. Williams, treasurer; Dan Costello, equestrian director; Chas. McCuen, advance agent; W. M. Little, assistant agent; Al Walten, in charge of bill var No. 1 with ten men; Harry Stevenson, in charge of car No. 2 with eight men; Frank De Mora, D. L. Nichols, Murrell Bros., Harry Bowers, Albert De Velde, Jos. Belmont, Frank Le Raux, Louis Tremaine, Artie Ispanuel, May Sylvester, Mlle. Sgoia, Jessie Sutton, Nellie Bowen, Mme. Iza, Gus Lee, Harry Le Roy, Wm. Chestham, H. Belmont, Pearl Wardell, Mme. Bachtel and Nettie Bowers, performers; Chas. Bachtel, band leader with ten musicians; John B. Stevens, boss hostler with seven mane; Chi. Chank, boss canvasman; Chip Howard, assistant with fifty men; and John Booker, chandelier man with one assistant. The stock comprises forty-three head of picked horses. The canvas is a 125ft. round top with three 40ft. middle pieces. The show will travel by rail, having twelve new cars, comprising two sleepers, two stock and eight flat cars.
Roster of Washburn & Arlington's New United Shows, Wild East, Wild West, Circus, Menagerie, Hippodrome and Congress of Nations: L. W. Washburn and Geo. Arlington, proprietors; L. W. Washburn, general manager; Geo. Arlington, general advance director and railroad contractor; Oscar Rahn, contractor; P. B. Rhodes, agent, car No. 1 with fifteen men; J. W. Lee, head billposter; Wm. Irwin, agent, car No. 2 with eight men; R. James, head billposter; S. S. Walters, treasurer; Daniel B. Levis, uptown ticket office with six assistants on reserved seat and concert tickets; Ben Bowman, manager of annex; Wm. Young, manager illusion black tent; Carl Zimmer, head porter with three men; ___ Kentz, boss butcher with six men; Jack Bristol, boss hostler with sixteen men; Abe Fox, in charge of hippodrome stock; Andy Abendrath, boss canvasman with fifty men; Rhiny, assistant; Howard McCann, boss property man with eight men; Pete Shelby, chandeliers with two men; Chas. Miller, seat man; Jack Kent, master of transportation with ten train men; Joe Johnson, watchman.
Hassan Ben Said's troupe of twelve Arabs, eight men, two women and two children; Red Fox's band of ten Indians, six bucks, two squaws and two papooses; Tommy White, Willie Arthur, J. Sebastion, Mabel Stakes, Kate Masters, John Howe, Mmes. Hayes and Collins, Tom Stevens and Frank Gonzalez, Wichita Jack, in charge of Wild West; Rio Grande Bill, Colorado Charly, Nickel Jim, Mexican Rufus, Carlo Rodquez, Huntingdon and Alpine, Anzola, Lancaster, Hurley and Marcelina, Loretta, Wambold and Son, Mlle. Christine, Ross Pearl, Worley Sisters, Mlle. Aida, three Casselli Bros., Van Devente Family (five), Gagnier, Ed Hutchinson and Grace Shannon, Prof. McDonald and twelve men (white band), Prof. ___, eight men (colored band), Mme. Irene Washburn, Ike Hall's Drum Corps, Ben Bowman, Billy Young, Mlle. Nena Delmato and others in sideshow. An Arabian encampment and Indian village are features.
W. Fred Aymar has been engaged as ring master and equestrian director for Walter L. Main's Railroad Shows.
Zimmerman Bros. Shows will begin operations May 16, at St. Paul, Minn.
Topeka, Kansas. Seiber & Co.'s Circus had fair patronage, considering the weather, last week. Prof. Squire Bowman and wife have gone to Topeka to join Geo. Sieber & Co.'s Circus.
Topeka, Kansas. Will Sells' Show will give their initial performances here 30 - May 2. Col. Allen Sells has had charge of the organization and equipping of the circus.
[Advertisement] Wanted, circus people in all branches to do two or more turns. Leader and musicians that double. Want trick mule and pony acts. Stand privileges for rent. Horse tent and troughs for sale. Address J. H. La Pearl, Vandalia, Ill.
[Advertisement] Wanted quick, to complete Pomeroy & Sameul's Great International Shows, people in all branches of the circus business, rider, leapers, gymnasts, clowns, four and six horse drivers, chandelier men, contracting agent and ten billposters. Would like to hear from band that doubles in string, troupe of Arabs and troupe of "Japs." Show opens May 16 at San Antonio, Texas; Pullman sleepers and accommodations the best. Privileges for sale. C. C. Wilson, general agent, Nueva Street, San Antonio, Texas.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Hammond Bros. & Welch's Mammoth Circus and Pavilion Shows. A few more people in all branches of the circus biz, bar team and brother act, aerial team, concert people that play drums, ladies with acts for ring, band, dog, goat and pony show. Privileges for sale. Wagon show, opens May 15. Address manager J. A. Hammond, Academy Street, Janesville, Wis.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Oliver & Co.'s Wagon Show. lady or gent with troupe of dogs, ten more musicians, boss canvasman. Address Thos. Oliver, Minneapolis, Minn.
[Advertisement] Rich & Mettie Big Solid Ring Show and Trained Animal Exhibition. Wanted, performers in all branches of the circus business except riders. Also a few more concert people. Address Rich & Mettie, Mechanicstown, Md.
New York Clipper, May 2, 1891, pp. 134, 135, 144, 147, 148. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Rich & Mettie's Show. Lew Mettie returned from winter quarters, and since then he has shipped two more trick stallions and two riding goats and dogs. Among the people already engaged are Robert Stickney, who will have charge of the circle; John M. Rich and wife, May Harens, Phanlon Family, four in number; Valdare Bros., Seb Yelsaeb, Chas. H. Alpine, H. Henderson, Theo. Harvey, Sam Green, J. E. Remyar, Frank Carey, Frank Connors and Prof. W. H. Jacob's uniformed band. The show will travel by rail, and will open at Mechanicstown, Md., May 2.
Roster of the advance of the W. H. Harris New Nickel Plate Railroad Shows: F. E. Davis, railroad contractor; Cooney Bowers, agent; Joe Murray, boss billposter; Charley Hurd, lithographer and programmer; Joe Petty, P. Chapman, R. Rawlin, Joe Kennard, Henry Branden and Sky Clark, billposters.
Robinson and Brown, pole vaulters and high jumpers, and Mrs. Robinson have signed with the Forepaugh Show for this season.
C. G. Phillips' Colossal, Consolidated, Combined Shows: C. G. Phillips, manager; E. G. Phillips, treasurer; H. W. Mann, general agent; W. Baughman, boss billposter with eight assistants; Nelson Sinclair, equestrian director; Thomas Dedrick, boss canvasman with fifteen assistants; J. J. Hood, boss hostler with twelve assistants; Eugene Busbee, leader of band with ten men; J. L. Kelley, leader of orchestra, eight pieces.
Performers: Eckhardt Brothers, Hosterman and Rowe, Nelson Sinclair and Carlisle, Joe Earl and C. R. Lamont, Acker and Collins, F. M. Planck, F. Edmonds, Jas. H. Harding, Frank S. Baldwin, Lewis P. Baldwin, John Bayer, R. V. Stinson, Chas. Rolean, N. Sinclair's troupe of trained dogs. This show will carry sixty people and fifty head of stock, a new 100ft. round top tent, with a 40ft. middle piece; dressing room 40x60ft. The show will travel by wagon, touring Ohio and Pennsylvania. They carry one ring and an elevated stage. The opening will be at Mecca, O., May 2.
C. T. Taylor and W. D. Ament have secured the sideshow and concert privileges with the Hurlburt & Leftwich Show, which opened at Norfolk, Neb., April 25. The roster: C. T. Taylor, door talker and magician; W. D. Ament (Mexican Billy), rifle shot; Annie Taylor, mind reader; Gray Eagle, tattooed scout; Zazell, Circassian; Harry Morton, cowboy musical artist; Roda, half lady. They have a new tent, 40x80, with a 100ft. front of 10x12 oil paintings.
Miller Bros.' American and German Allied Shows open their season May 9, at Beaver Dam, Wis. They will travel by wagon, touring Wisconsin, Iowa and Nebraska. Peter Conklin has the sideshow privilege.
Notes from the Thomas S. Logan Circus. Nearly all the details are completed for the opening at Murphysboro, Ill., April 25. All the trappings and mountings used in the parade are new, as well as the wardrobe. Mr. Logan recently purchased a number of iron gray horses, which are in the parade. Prof. Mayo's trained equines are in working condition, a strong feature. The canvas is a 110ft. round top with two 40ft. middle pieces; entrance tent, 80ft., with marquet, and six cars will be used.
Little Hazel MacFlinn, the mascot of the MacFlinn & Hall Show, was the recipient of a gold locket with diamond setting, on the event of her second anniversary, April 17.
Fred Tuttle's Pavilion Show will open at West Hickery, Pa., May 1, with the following people: Fred, Annie, Nellie and Jessie Tuttle, Charley McBride, Val Leonzo, Franz Moras, James Neilson, John Titus, Bill Whalen, Geo. Lee and Harvey Binski. The show will carry twelve head of horses and a band and orchestra.
B. L. Bowman, manager of Washburn & Arlington's sideshow, has just received a lot of snakes from New York. Mr. Bowman now has a quarter of a hundred reptiles in his collection, the largest one over sixteen feet in length.
Roster of J. L. Jackson's Pacific Shows which open at West Mecca, O., May 7: Dwight Clapp, general agent with six billposters, one lithographer and one programmer in advance; J. L. Jackson, manager; P. J. Mory, assistant manager; Prof. F. T. Hahns, gold band of twelve pieces; Prof. Bigelow with his trick horses, Firefly and Mazippa; Leon Berry and wife, C. Bart, Smith and Roy, Wirette Bros., Michael Joseph, Combaig, Frank L. Tortro, Jack Mischin, Lotta Parks, Minnie Richards and others.
Dick's New Model Circus will open its tenting tour April 27 at Ottumwa, Ia.
Roster of Hurlburt & Leftwich's Circus, now touring Nebraska: Prof. D. P. Hurlburt and R. R. Leftwich, sole owners and managers; D. A. Ward, general agent with six billposters; J. P. Chesney, leader of band with ten people; the Levans, the Wrens, Chas. Payne, Cheatem Bros., C. T. Taylor, Annie Taylor, Mexican Billy, Harry Alpedo, W. D. Ament, Eve Sheppard, Henry Martin, W. S. Wren, Charles White, J. H. Nelson, Mlle ___, and others.
J. R. Tucker has been compelled to resign his position of contracting agent for Frank A. Robbins' Shows, on account of ill health. After one week's work he returned to his home at Canton, Pa.
Bailey's Great London Railroad Shows will inaugurate their second annual tour at Newton Falls, O., May 2. Roster: C. L. Bailey, sole manager; A. L. Dolson, general director and railroad contractor; Geo. E. Bailey, treasurer and ticket seller; Frank Bailey, contracting agent; W. H. Harris, agent of advertising car; Fred McGee, boss billposter with ten assistants; Fredy Smith and Ed Davenport, lithographers; W. G. Hayman, master of transportation; Dan ___, manager sideshow; Frank Ferrell, manager concert; Ed Robinson, director reserved seats; Wallace Tillmen, manager candy stands; Carly Ward, boss canvasman; John E. Davis, boss hostler; Doc Hammand, in charge of ring and racing stock; E. E. Ryan, boss property man; Dave Walton, in charge of wardrobe; W. C. Cox, chief chandelier man; Geo. O'Brien, steward; Prof. Merle Morton, bandmaster with twelve musicians; Prof. T. J. Fouts, leader of band No. 2; Geo. Rexford, equestrian director.
The Cordellos, C. L. Bailey Jr., Fusiyama troupe of Japanese performers, Dan Manning, Brothers Rexford, Sinclair Sisters, Zeno Brothers, Stever Marney, Pete Baker, Mills Bros., Prof. Treat's equine and canine paradox, Frank Farrell, Ida Bailey, Louise De Forrest, Queen and Randall, and ten cowboys and female riders, Chief Red Cloud, Princess Prairie Flower and six Indians, squaws and papooses, Denver Dan, Nellie Coleman, Jennie Griffin, Grace Lee, Dan Cooper, Ed O'Neil, Bill Hartney, Prof. Darrow and Prof. Langham.
The show will travel by rail and will use seven 60ft. cars, 40 head of stock, a 120ft. round top with two 50ft. middle pieces, a 50ft. dressing round top, a spectacular and illusion (black) tent, 80ft. round top with 40ft. middle piece, a sideshow canvas 50x30ft., three horse tents, two cook house tents, ten baggage wagons, five tableau wagons, one steam calliope, two band wagons, one Japanese pagoda wagon, two four horse chariots, and a Wild West stage.
The Edgerton Sisters, aerialists, have signed with Dick Sutton's Circus. George Edgerton has also been engaged as equestrian director and business manager with the same show.
Allen & Co.'s Great Eastern Shows opened their season April 25 at East Brady, Pa. The roster: Allen & Co., proprietors; John H. Sparks, manager; C. R. Dougherty, secretary; W. A. Baxter, general agent; Harry Alger, in charge of advance brigade with eight assistants; Prof. Chas. Gregory, equestrian director; Capt. B. A. Bartlett, wife an daughter; George and Mollie Belford, Seeman and Hall, Charles Gregory, Prof. Eugene Wacks' silver cornet band, Phil Apple, H. H. Wittier, ___ Rice, B. Bowen, E. Fuller, M. Wilder, G. Adams, G. C. Bodley, A. Todd, W. Stradley, H. L. Barnham, C. Sparks, Signor Nevarro, Mlle. Addie, Mlle. Edith, Wm. Turner, Tony White, Mlle. __, Zulie Zuleika, Chas. Badger, Charlie Sparks, George O'Hart, Seeman and Burke, George Hartzell, Wm. Mitchell, H. Plattner, Chas. Conway, Wm. Williamson, Alex Grant, Joe Sheridan and James Kelly. The show uses a 110ft. round top with a __ft. middle piece, 50ft. round top dressing room, three horse tents and cook tent, and travels by wagon, using 70 head of horses.
Horner and O'Toole have signed with Butcher, Oram & Co.'s Shows to do principal clowns and their specialties in concert.
Empress Olga, aerialist, has signed with F. A. Robbins Show for the tenting season.
[Advertisement] Wanted, circus performers of all kinds, also band, agent, canvas man and chandelier man. Privileges to let. Address Manager, Great Exposition Circus, Benton Harbor, Mich.
[Advertisement] Call. All people engaged with Rentz & Astley's Imperial Shows report at lot, ___ and Diversey Sts., Chicago, May 4. Can use few more gymnasts and aerial artists. Have for sale 30 lengths tier seats, sideshow outfit, light band wagon. Address E. D. Colvin, manager, Third Avenue, Chicago.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Grant's Monster Shows, people in all branches of the circus business, male and female riders with their own stock, female aerial acts, bar team, brother acts, clowns, concert people that can double drums, musicians that can double orchestra, troupes of performing horses or ponies, and dogs. Show opens in Chicago May 11. Would buy eight or ten band uniforms. Address J. W. Brownlee, manager, Clark St., Chicago, Ill.
New York Clipper, May 9, 1891, pp. 150, 152, 155, 161. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
During the exhibition of Sells Bros.' Show at Tiffin, O., April 20, the tents were struck by a heavy wind storm, and the entire outfit was demolished. In the menagerie department several cages were wrecked, but none of the animals escaped. In the main tent part of the audience has departed. Among the remainder a panic ensued, and a large number of persons were injured, one aldy fatally. Many of the injured were children, who were crushed and trampled on. The seriously hurt were struck by flying timbers.
Prof. Williams & Co.'s American and German R. R. Shows opened their season at Medford, Wis., May 4. Roster: Prof. Williams, manager; C. T. Kimball, general agent with ten billposters; Robert Whittaker, equestrian director; Frank R. Skerbeck, treasurer; Chas. Morrison, boss canvasman with twenty men; Prof. W. L. Vinton, leader of band with ten pieces; James Cranahan, boss hostler with twenty-five men and ninety head of stock. Performers: Robert Whittaker and Mme. Cordella, bareback riders; Mme. Williams, manege rider; Frank Siecrott and wife; Three Darb Bros., M. Fitzgerald, Three All Rights, Prof. Thomposn, O'Brien and Batchelder, Thorp and La Braza, Mlle. Lawrence and the Skerbeck Family, eight in number.
Tote Ducrow, of the Pubillones Circus, at Havana, under date of April 25, writes: "The show has been doing finely all over the Island of Cuba. We opened here last night (April 24) to a packed house, when the tent was blown away and almost everything destroyed. The losses will be heavy for Mr. Pubillones. His other show, the Salvani Dog and Monkey Show, is making good money and will not close this season. We will close some time in June. Roster: Faranta Family, Agnes Mora, Nana Adams, Jennie Adams, Tony Lowando, Karl Michels, Napa Lowando, Tony Larzello, Berhillio Arfen, the Senors Antino Pubillones, Orivlo Constantine, Palanco Rodrigas, Ramon Malanga, Pancho Victor, Conrado Madenga, with Little Tomasito, Cuban clown; Tote Ducrow, principal clown; Santiago Pubillones, proprietor and manager. Charles W. Fish closed last week and left to join the Barnum & Bailey Show."
The Wiretta Bros., aerial clowns, will open with Gollmar Bros. Circus at Baraboo, Wis., May 16.
Notes from the Hunting Show. We opened at Newcastle, Pa., April 25, to big business. Although our opening occurred on Friday and with thirteen acts, there were no mistakes to mar the occasion. Lew Hunting is clowning this season, his first as "Joey," and he proves to be a chip of the old block. Capt. Mack Evans has an efficient working force, among them being old time Tom McGovern (Deafy), James Wilson, Ed Clark, big Kline Watson, Chas. Sprucer, Harry Smith, Muggs McCleary and others.
Murphy & Fair's Ten Cent Show, now organizing at Cleveland, O., will make its appearance East in June.
Notes from Washburn & Arlington's Circus. The Leonhardt Family (4) have joined. G. G. Walters, treasurer, received an ovation at his home, Bethlehem, Pa. He runs the Opera House there. Dave B. Levis has been fighting the grip. A. E. Harvey has taken J. C. Cox's place at the uptown ticket office. Mme. Irene Washburn's calliope solos are a feature. Business has been good.
Sutton's Circus opened its season at Ottumwa, Ia., April 27, 28, to a crowded canvas. George Edgerton manages the ring, and the Edgerton Sisters, trapeze performers, are the features. The others are: Stowe Brothers, Retlaw and Allon, Kennedy, human bridge, and Epwell's educated horses. Frank Hubin presides over the annex. He also makes the announcements in the circus. Roster of the annex: Prof. Tostell, illusionist; Capt. McIntosh, tattooed man, and his tattooed dog; Hi Ki, Zulu warrior, and Mme. Zelba, mind reader.
Terrell Bros. Show opens the season at Paducah, Ky., May 7. Jack Shields will manage the sideshow.
Chas. McCurran goes in advance of the Costello-Oatman Show.
Advance force of Walter L. Main's Shows: Geo. W. Aiken, general agent and R. R. contractor; Walter Fisher, agent in charge of advance car No. 1 with fifteen men; John J. Sallade, agent in charge of advance car No. 2 with eight men; Col. Giles Pullman, contracting agent; Chas. Ramp, agent in charge of special brigade; Chas. Christie, agent in charge of buglers; Chas. Myers, route rider; Chas. ___, boss billposter car No. 1. The company use two advance cars and two extra brigades. Car No. 1 is red and gold, car No. 2 is green body, red trucks, and ornamented with gold and silver letters and scrolls.
Notes from the Allen Shows. Business for the first week has been more than satisfactory. Geo. Belford is making a hit in head balancing act on the trapeze. Chas. Gregory is catching the audience with his dancing barrel act. Capt. Bartlett is one of the features of the street parade, giving exhibitions of fancy rifle shooting on the street. Manager John H. Sparks is making a hit with his clarionet solo which preceded the big show. Lowery and Madden, song and dance performers, joined April 28, and are a feature of the concert.
Floyd Trover and Eddie McDonald have closed with Clark Bros. Circus Royal and joined Thomas C. Logans' Circus.
Notes from Robinson's Circus. They opened April 27, in a burst of sunshine. The street dispaly took place April __. The spectacle, "Solomon and Queen of Sheba," began the performance, Rettig's masterpiece. The costumes are elegant, the ballet well trained, and show the work of Constatine, the master. Over six hundred people take part in this performance. The hippodrome races, the bareback riding of the De Motts, Willie, Joie and Louisa, the daring feats of George Hollond, Young Hollis and others make hits. Johie De Mott never rode so well. Emma Lake (Mrs. Gil Robinson) was called upon at short notice to make her appearance with the show in the place of Mrs. George Holland, who was suddenly taken ill. Little Cad Robinson, manager John's six year old daughter, did a pretty manege act on her little spotted pony. John Lowlow looked after the rings. Dan Dale is handling the tickets in the wagon, as usual. The Robinson Show is just about half as big as it was one year ago. Then it required a train of thirty cars to carry their paraphernalia; now two trains are required and forty-five cars. "The Queen of Sheba" takes the place of the time honored grand entree. . . . three hundred people participate. There are one hundred girls in the ballet.
There are three rings, and the bareback act of Josie DeMott was one of the greatest on the program. One feature is an act from the life of Humpty Dumpty. There are a dozen races at the wind up. Roster: sole proprietor, John F. Robinson; nanagers, Gil N. and John G. Robinson; assistant manager, E. C. Cullen; treasurer, Charles M. Robinson; assistant treasurer, Dan Dale; general agent, Oliver Scott; advertising agent, Sam Joseph; assistant advertising agents, Nick Roberts and DeWitt Forrest Davis; press agent, Will E. Owens; programme agent, J. M. J. Kane; John Rategan, W. F. Adams and Ben Cook, managers of cars No. 1, 2 and 3, respectively; equestrian director, John Lowlow; director of hippodrome, John Wilson; manager of privileges, James Hutchings; assistant manager of privileges, Dennis F. Lynch.
Performers: Josie Demott, Louise DeMott, Mabel Reed, Millie Leon and Mme. Forepaugh, Millie DeMott, George Holland, Orrin Hollis, Dan Leon and Master Willie Forepaugh, the Lamont Bros., William Forepaugh, Frank Cook, Walter Kirley and wife, William and J. Batchelier, the Forepaugh Family, DaCommas, the Morrisons, the Seymoures, the Reeds, the Fisher Family. In the museum are Shields and his giant wife, Cad and Clara Claire, Zolala, Lillie Wray, Mr. and Mrs. Cornoms, Felix Wurlep, Daniel McKenzie and Madame Barmo. The second stand was made at Covington, Ky., May 4, the third at Newport, 5.
The advance brigade of the Sautelle Show commenced operations April 28 under the direction of J. B. Swafford, with Lewis Bennett and three assistants. The show opens May 15 at Fayetteville, N. Y.
Jackson Bros. Circus is reported to have collapsed at Adele, Ia., April 29, after being on the road less than a week.
The Hurlburt & Leftwich Combined Shows gave a dress rehearsal to invited guests at Norfolk, Va., April 24. During the evening it was noticed that one of the gasoline lamps was leaking badly around a set screw that regulates the supply of fluid to the burners. Charley Wilson attempted to stop the leakage, but, failing, wrapped a handkerchief around the break and left it. Not satisfied that this would answer, Prof. Hurlburt made a second attempt to stop the lead, through which the dangerous fluid was dropping steadily. He stood beneath the lamp and the gasoline from the pipe fell upon his clothing as he worked. Finally, in a desperate effort to tighten it, the threads of the set screw broke and the gasoline spurted out. In an instant the clothing of the professor was in a blaze. He stripped off his coat and ran to the entrance, where he picked up a large canvas and wrapped in around himself, but it, too, caught fire, and tailed to extinguish the flames that were roasting him to death. Quick as a flash, he was out of the canvas into the open air. He ran into the sideshow tent and out again in a vain endeavor to extinguish the flames. His movements were so rapid up to that time that nobody could get near him. As he came out of the smaller tent, he was caught and thrown to the ground. A carpet was thrown upon him, and after a hard struggle the flames were extinguished. The professor was taken to the Hotel Reno, where physicians dressed his wounds, relieving him as much as possible from suffering. His face and his arms, from the finger tips to the shoulder, were terribly burned. Mr. Leftwich's clothing also caught fire, but the flames were quickly extinguished, and he suffered but little injury. Several others had their hands badly burned in their endeavor to save Prof. Hurlburt. Some one had the presence of mind enough to cut the rope that held the blazing lamp, and thus undoubtedly saved the tent and show property from destruction. The fire department responded promptly to an alarm that was sent in, but their services were not necessary. Notwithstanding the deplorable accident that came so near to being a costly one in so many ways, the show gave its initial performance afternoon of 25. Although Prof. Hurlburt was not present to do his part, he had an excellent subsitute, and hopes to be back to duty in a short time. R. R. Leftwich writes under date of May 1: Prof Hurlburt died April 29, from the effects of the burns. The remains were embalmed and taken to Corning, N. Y., May 1, accompanied by Mrs. B. P. Hurlburt and her brother. The show will continue under the same name. Mrs. Hurlburt taking her husband's place in the firm, under the management of R. R. Leftwich.
Notes from Walter L. Main's Show. We have had big business. Mrs. Josie Marks fell and fractured her collar bone while riding at Apollo, Pa., May 1. The same day _. Patterson was internally injured while attempting a difficult feat on horizontal bars. A couple of weeks ago you stated that Archie Royer was to be first clown. That is a mistake. Fred Runnells, the son of Burnell Runnells, is the principal clown. Mr. Royer is second, and goes in the concert.
Notes from the Clements Shows. The show opened at East Liberty, Pa., April 25. At Bloomfield a cyclone struck us about 9 p.m. The canvas was packed, but no one was injured. The canvas was completely blown to shreds. There was no show the next afternoon, but the doors opened at 7 p.m. as usual, with a new round top. Business has been good so far.
Notes from Irwin Bros.' Circus. At Sing Sing, N. Y., May 2, about two o'clock a.m., fire was discovered in our __ft. stock car, which was burned to the trucks. We had just finished loading when the fire was discovered, and on account of the doors not being closed, it made quick headway. Inside of six minutes it had destroyed the entire car with the contents. On end was used for our working people, and the other end for ponies and donkeys. Prof. John White loses two donkeys, one Shetland pony and one broncho and his trained stallion. Lew Sunlin lost his trick donkey, Peanuts, while Pickles was pretty well scorched before we got him out of the car. The Irwin Bros. lose two Sheltland ponies, all the parade costumes which were bought from the Barnum & Bailey show this Spring. About $300 worth of costumes which were made during the Winter had never been used, twenty band uniforms, which were bought from Fred Waldmann about two weeks ago, besides all the bedding and the car. Irwing Bros.' loss will foot up to $4,000. William Scherer, who has charge of candy stand, lost his entire stock and personal wardrobe, which was stored in a trunk. Although the loss is heavy, it did not cripple us any in giving our show. Only one act was left out afternoon of 2, and that was replaced at night with Prof. White's troupe of dogs. A great many of our working people lost their clothes, as they did not have time to put them on. Fred Irwin is now in New York, negotiating with parties for a big car. We have a train of eight cars, and our business has been big since opening. Charles R. White is our only contracting agent, and Dave Gedd is advertising agent. John Winter, of general agent, is now back with the show, looking after things while Fred Irwin is away.
Frank A. Robbins Circus opened its season May 2, at Stapleton, L. I.
Jos. Garnell has signed with the Gollmar Bros. United Shows for the coming season. The show opened May 16 at Baraboo, Wis.
Pomeroy & Samuels' Circus will open its season May 16.
There is a war in progress between the Sells Bros. and Forepaugh's Circuses. At Toledo, O., last week, the advance men of the Forepaugh Show were arrested for tearing down the billboards of the Sells Bros., and throwing them in the river. The two shows are booked on the same date in a number of towns, and it is quite probable fights will be numerous. There is a bitter feeling between the management of both enterprises, which will undoubtedly be carried on by the men in their employ.
J. W. Harpetrite, one of the proprietors of Sutton's "U. T. C." Co., and also of Dick's Model Circus, was quietly married at Ottumwa, Ill., April 14, to Lillie Coleman, of Peoria, Ill. The bride is well known in the profession and has been with Sutton's "U. T. C." Co. for the past three seasons.
Mrs. Margaret Stowe, mother of the Stowe Bros. of circus fame, John and Burt, died April 29. She will be remembered as being one of the first, if not the first, lady magician in this country, who, forty years ago, in company with her husband, John Stowe, gave entertainments in school houses and dining halls in villages that are now large cities.
[Advertisement] Wanted, performers in every branch of the circus business, for Charley Shay's Quincuplexal Shows, Circus, Museum, Trained Animals, and pantomime of "Old Mother Goose." Pantomime and knockabout clowns, troupe of performing ponies, horses, donkeys, goats, dogs and monkeys, novelty acts. Also musicians for 2 bands. Would also buy 2 or 4 trick ponies. Charley Shay, 27 Pine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio.
New York Clipper, May 16, 1891, pp. 166, 167, 169, 170, 171, 176, 178, 179. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Cincinnati, Ohio. Tom McIneroey and Billy Gibbs have signed with Stowe's Circus, to do wrestling bouts, pugilistic turns and statue acts.
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, arrived in this city May 9 from the City of Mexico, where they recently ended a season with the Orrin Bros. Circus. 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 ___; James Welch; Bobby Raymond; Tommy Clark; Prof. Jas. De alma; the Chicks; The Raymonds; Josie Hall; Wada and Smith; Prof. Harry Crigler; M. Johnson; R. E. Hodges; C. A. Clewell; Ray Crigler; James Malone; Chas. Canieal; J. Shields; W. S. Baum and wife . . . J. R. Mooney and wife, Prof. M. Spear, Willis Vane 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 afternoon of May _, 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.
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; ___, chief billposter; Chas. Whiting, William Sylvas and Robert Marry, assistants. The advance took the road May 4, and the show opens 16.
Roster of Clements' European Shows: R. F. Clements, 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 impresson, 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 secured several head of fine ring stock and a number of performing horses at Chicago, and "Pop" McFarland is training them very nicely. The Cordellos (Pierre, ___ and Angelo), principal bareback, hurdle and four horse riders, are a clever trio. 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.
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.
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.
[Advertisement] Musicians wanted for Rentz & Astley's Circus. Trombone and alto to strengthen band. Also baritone to double ___ violin. P. J. Ward, bandmaster, Chicago, Ill.
[Advertisement] 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. . . .
[Advertisement] 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.
[Advertisement] 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.
[Advertisement] 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.
[Advertisement] Wanted, reliable close contractor, circus and concert people, who do more than one turn. Man to take charge and run cook tent. . . . Washburn & Arlington.
New York Clipper, May 23, 1891, pp. 182, 192. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Among the Big 'Uns. A great deal of interest is now centered in teh big triangle circus war going on in the West, between Forepaugh, Sells Bros. and Barnum & Bailey skirmishing cars. Sells will soon be out of reach of the Barnum-Bailey brigades, but where the battle between them and Forepaugh will end remains to be seen. It will be a struggle and doubtful if either will come out ahead financially.
Notwithstanding the hostilities so early in the season, all tent shows have so far met with fair success.
John Robinson has created unusual comment by branching out on a somewhat broader scale than heretofore, but knowing ones seem to think he is adhering too closely to small towns and the "old route" to make any great success with his new spectacular adjunct, "The Queen of Sheba."
King & Franklin have marched to the fore with a vastly improved outfit. Mme. Marantute, the long distance rider and race track heroine, has become a feature, and with her leaping horse proves a big card.
Again the rumor is current that an American syndicate is being formed to establish one of the most gigantic circus schemes yet projected.
Arlington & Washburn are wending their way East, and on several occasions they have had the temerity to jump right into some of the Barnum stands even after the big show was billed. They seemed to say, "Who's afraid."
Notes from the Lee Show. Chas. Lee's Great London Circus, Museum and Menagerie opened at Canton, Pa., May 2 to good business. We have a strong sideshow, making a feature of it. Prof. Delmonte and Alma Thorn head the bill. At Orangeville, Pa., a magnificent leopard died. On 6 we put up our canvas on a field,with fully one inch of snow on it, not expecting to show, but to our surprise we had a nice house. Lall Eggleston is doing the singing and talking clown. Billy and Jessie Clifton are closing the concert in a funny sketch, entitled "__'s Glass Eye." Mme. ___, skirt dancer is a feature of the concert. Mr. Lee purchased a splendid gray horse which he is breaking for Willie Howard's bounding jockey act.
The W. C. Coup Equescurriculum and Andy McDonald's World's Fair Circus opened its tenth season at Chicago May 4 to packed canvas. The roster: Andy McDonald, sole proprietor; Harry Murray, contracting agent; Prof. Buckley's educated horses, forty-five in number; Billy Moore, Nellie Moore, the Three Gilletts, Four Leons, LaClede Bros., De Dee Bros. and Harry Du Rand; Prof. H. A. Hoydon's Silver Cornet Band with the following members: C. Carroll, F. Shaffer, J. R. Scott, B. Brown, L. J. Hilger, W. S. Jones, L. J. Cowans, F. J. Burch, and Chas. Evans. Concert people: Wright and Burns, Nellie Moore, Kershaw Bros., Shanedare Bros., and Ben Hamilton. The show will play a six weeks' engagement at Chicago.
Manager J. H. Miller, of the Newark, O., Opera House, has engaged as contracting agent of Gollmar Bros. Show. The show opened at Baraboo, Wis. Ed Braddock recently joined the Gollmar show to do advance work.
The Whitney Circus report excellent business during their opening week. James McGraw has the canvas with eight assistants. W. Welsh has the sideshow, with Gus Warren and wife as the features. Chas. McPhee has the candy stand privilege.
N. D. Roberts is now assistant press agent of the John Robinson Circus.
Nat Comstock has joined hands with Floyd Trover and Eddie McDonald. They will now be known as Trover, Comstock and McDonald, and are with Logan's Circus.
Roster of Downie & Gallagher's United R. R. Shows: Downie & Gallagher, proprietors; Andrew Downie, manager; J. P. Gallagher, treasurer; Dock Downie, assistant treasurer; Ed Carr, Sherman Downie and wife, three Monroes, Fred Kling and son, Frank Bacon, Mlle. La Tena, Wm. Ingram, Bessie Doyle, Carrie Monroe, Geo. Howard, Lucie Monroe, Prof. Sherman with his herd of performing goats and school of educated dogs, Howard and Doyle, Monroe Sisters, Dock Downie, Miss Sherman and Dock filley. Hank Engelhardt, boss canvasman with twelve assistants; wm. Browne, boss property man with four assistants; L. Panglom, boss hostler with four assistants; Fred ___'s silver cornet band of 12 pieces; A. B. Butler, contractor; Wm. Stevenson, boss billposter with four assistants; Fred Monroe, steward and four assistants. They opened the season at Greenville, Mich., May 9.
A. F. Tuttle's Pavilion Show ran out of gasoline at Gusher, Pa., May __, and, as they showed near the gas line, they had it piped in the tent, and the night performance was illuminated with natural gas.
The Wintermute Bros. Circus opened their season in Wisconsin April 29 to good business. Everything is new, including the 100ft. round top, 50ft. dress tent, new horse tent, band wagon and cages. The show travels by wagon, and has forty head of horses. The roster: Harry, Thomas and Halsey Wintermute, proprietors; Thos. Mitchell, boss hostler with ten assistants; Jos. Eldenharten, boss canvasman with fifteen assistants; Walter R. Hinman, leader of band with ten musicians; Frank Cushing, Mrs. Cushing, Mack Owen, Kittie Murphy, Chester Roy, Jennie Cairns, James Cunningham, George Russell, Walter Taylor, Dick ___, Jos. Bullinger and Henry Huyke.
It was not the E. O. Rogers Great Pacific Show from Friendship, N. Y. that was recently closed and sold out in the West. The E. O. Rogers Show is now on the road and doing well.
Nelson Sinclair and Nellie Carlisle, aerialists, joined Bailey's London Circus at Toledo, O., May 11.
George E. Marrill has closed with Chas. Ogden's Circus and joined Dr. Tramaine's Co. May 14.
The De Soto Bros. have closed with Clark Bros. Circus Royal and joined Pomeroy & Samuels' Circus.
[Advertisement] For sale, a complete circus outfit, known as the Boston Pavilion Show, used only six weeks. One hundred and ten foot round top with forty foot middle piece, seat and pole wagon, one ticket and band wagon, poles and seats all complete. Reserved seats carpeted and with backs. One full set of scenery, twenty-five foot elevated stage, band uniforms, flags, sledges, all ready for the road. Address F. H. Fisher, Blake Street, Denver, Col.
New York Clipper, May 30, 1891, pp. 198, 209. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Notes from Hurlburt & Leftwich's Circus. The show is touring South Dakota with success. We have not lost a stand nor had a losing day since we opened. Mr. Hurlburt joined us last week at Iroquois, and has taken her late husband's place in the firm. The boys have great sport shooting snipes, Mexican Billy and Charlie Wren being the most fortunate hunters. Taylor & Ament, who have the sideshow and concert privilege, are great hustlers and catch a big percentage of the people. The show is patronized by tribes of Indians, who seem to have plenty of money, which they spend freely.
The Two Aherns, Wm. and Minnie, joined the Lemen Bros. Shows at Kansas City May 18, to do their new balancing ladder perch act.
Smith & Fralando's Great British Circus ahs done big business since opening. Jerry Keating and Ed Harrigan recently joined. Ajax, the contortionist, is knocking them out with his acts. While taking a long drive from Spring Grover, Minn., the band wagon was followed by a black bear, which was shot by one of the boys.
Lemen Bros.' Circus, which opened its season at Kansas City, Mo., May 1, has just concluded a profitable three weeks' engagement in that city, and began its tour of the Southwest. The roster: John J. Holland, general agent; Bud Hyer, contracting agent; Frank Rosenthal, boss billposter; Johhn Babcock, boss canvasman. Performers: Maretta Sisters, May Crittenden, Dayton Sisters, Lulu Wentworth, De Casto and Le Mar, Herman George, Dixon Bros., Ed Craig, Wm. Cummings, L. Mayo, Wm. Chase, Al Ferney, Gus Clarke, Fred ___, Burt Peters and Wyndam Church. The band of ten pieces is in charge of Prof. Al Parker.
Oliver's Great Eastern Shows opened to good business at Montevideo, Minn., May 16. Frank Fuller's silver cornet band is with the show.
Ashton's Big Ten Cent Show opened at Shelbyville, Ind., May 11, and report splendid business. Flint Barlow and Oat Butterfield have joined them.
Notes from the Hunting Show. Business continues good through Western Pennsylvania. At Wheeling, W. Va., May 12, Claude Meredith, a former member of the company, led the parade. S. R. Shepherd, another old timer, also visited the show. A troupe of jubilee singers have been added to Griffin's annex. At Washington 20, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children had Mr. Hunting arresed for allowing his son, Lew, to appear in the ring, but Lew was proven to be over the required age, and the Society had to pay the costs, etc. James Ford joined the company at Pittsburg. De Hollis is making a hit in his grotesque juggling act. We have had more sickness than usual among the company this season, but at present all are well.
The Le Moyne Bros. have joined Coup & McDonald's Show at Chicago.
Trover and McDonald have not taken another performer into their firm, all reports to the contrary.
Roster of Rich & Metties' Ring Show and Trained Animal Exhibition: Rich & Mettie, proprietors; Robert Stickney, equestrian manager; Mettie Family, Max Hugo, Samuel Dock, Minnie Roberts, Flora Smith, Samuel Greer, Laten Hertel, Max Hagerty, Prof. H. R. Jacobs, Bert Whitman, Chas. Higgins, Edwin Fox, Bill Jackson, Stever Buch . . . and J. M. Richard.
F. S. Moncayo and his daughter have joined Dick Sutton's Circus. Mrs. Moncayo remains at New Orleans three weeks longer.
[Advertisement] Wm. W. Davis & Co., Circus, Museum and Menagerie. Wanted immediately, performers in all branches of the circus business, museum novelties and concert people, trick ponies, troupe of dogs, twenty Shetland ponies - either to buy or hire - and a boss canvasman. Privileges are to let. Show to open on or about June 15. Address Wm. W. Davis & Co., East Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Md.
New York Clipper, June 6, 1891, pp. 214, 215. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
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 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.
Notes from Castello, Williamson & Oatman's Big U. S. Shows. We closed at Cincinnati May 23, to big business. We have had the "S. R. O." sign out for the last month. Frank Leroux's ankle is rapidly mending. Harry Murella sprained his wrist on the bars at Newport, 14. He has gone home to New Albany until it gets well. D. P. Nichols, the wire walker, was reported as married in last week's edition. D. P. was J. J. Nichols, the cannon ball man. Eddie Rarmen, equilibrist, joined, 22. "Shorty" Davis, musician, has gone to Tacoma, Wash., to instruct a cornet school. James T. Kenney, the Irish clown, has signed with Trask's Novelty Co. for season of 1891-2. Gus Lee has purchased another home at Chicago. Uncle Dan Castello was seized with an alarming attack of nervous prostation 23. For awhile his life was despaired of, but he is now rapidly convalescing.
[Butcher] & Oram's Shows opened at Mecca, O., May 16. List of performers: St. Arno, Harry Pink, Prof. J. L. Stitt, Homer and O'Toole, Capt. Jones, Three Racine Bros., the Misses Kersand, Reno and Jasper, Mabel Morris, Sisters De Love, Frank Vincent, James Barten, Myrtle Stewart, Mrs. Harry Pink, Ed O. Werner, and Prof. Goff's band of nine pieces. Tully Strayer is advance agent; Harry Pink, equestrian director; Hank Adams, boss canvasman with five assistants.
The Sheppards, Frank and Katie, closed a week's engagement at Kohl & Middleton's Museum, Cincinnati, and joined the Stowe Bros.' Circus May 25.
A. N. Davis, who has been in the stock at the Standard Theatre, Dallas, Tex., the past six months, closed May 21, to take charge of the Pomeroy & Samuels International R. R. Show band, that opened at San Antonio May 30. He will have the following people in his band: Harry Taylor, Joe Livingstone, Pedro Bravo, Francisco C. Anaya, Henry Lutrell, Chas. Trask, E. Long . . . and T. Rooney.
The W. C. Coup Rolling Palaces. The success of this most novel amusement enterprise is now assured. It consists of six palace coaches, eact 60ft. in lenght, richly decorated outside and in, heated by steam or cooled by electric fans, and illuminated by over 1,000 incandescent electric lights in various colors, to produce which it carries its own dynamo, besides several tons of storage batteries. The attractions consist of a Japanese villiage, wax groupings, Parisian automatons, scientific illustions, Prof. Juke's electric organ (60ft. in lenght), Prof. Madden's living talking dog, C. D. Hicks (ossified man), collection of rare tropical and other birds, monkeys, etc., devil fish, hammer headed and man eating sharks, stone from King Solomon's temple, sea anemones, porcupine fish, Morrell's whittlings, and a thousand and one wonders from all parts of the world. The W. C. Coup Rolling Palace Co. are sole proprietors, with W. C. Coupe, sole manager; Wes. Jukes, superintendent; A. A. Steel, treasurer; Arthur W. Cole, press agent; _. S. Rice, contracting agent; Harry Myers, railroad agent; Frank Hurst, general agent; Lew Curry, chief billposter with five assistants; _. F. Thompson, chief lithographer with two assistants; Leonard Hillmann, programmer; De ___, Bishop and Jasper, lecturers; Geo. Clark, electric engineer; Wm. Dyfus, calliope player. The show is making one, two and three day stands, and is rapidly moving East. Professional visitors cite his success as another inovation of Mr. Coup's which will undoubtedly have imitators. By a peculiar arrangement, the pressure of an electric button raises and lowers flaps and side pieces to each coach, thus enabling them to present an unbroken appearance, and at the same time eighteen flag poles are raised from the tops of the palaces, from which float the flags of all nations. It is undoubtedly the only show of the kind in existence.
The Bowers, Harry and Nellie, left the Dan Costello & Williamson's Circus and joined the Stowe Bros. Circus, at Cincinnati, May 15.
The Frank A. Robbins New Shows continue through Pennsylvania. New performers and new features are being constantly added. Baggensen's contortions are a mystery to the people. Geo. Nash, on his bicycle, catches all the wheelmen wherever we go. Geo. Austin, on the floating wire, is also a feature. Johnny Purvis and his donks still amuse. Jim Kidd's Wild West had another addition of six ponies and two genuine cow puchers last week. W. J. Doris still runs the privileges, and has a very attractive sideshow.
Barney Baldwin, Mason and Collins, H. C. Wall, Cleo Mendoza, Mollie Baldwin, La Petite Louise and the O'Brien Bros. are recent additions to the Washburn & Arlingtons Shows.
We have received from Prof. F. S. Rollinson the following letter, dated at Valparaiso, Chili, April 14: "The Silbon Congress of Wonders started from New Zealand (having done good business in all the towns and cities of Australia) engagement in South America. The company was well selected, but not strong enough for South American audiences. However, very good business was done at Rio de Janeiro and other cities and towns of Brazil. In Argentine business declined a little, so Mr. Silbon discharged the Hacker Family. They had a contract and had worked hard for him. They soon improved themselves by joining Frank Brown's Circus, which is a favorite here. Mr. Silbon joined with a local circus and jumped with his company to Chili, opening at Santiago (the capital). All went well for a few days, when his anticipations were not realized, and business began to be poor. On account of the writer having an accident which was rather serious, Mr. Silbon wrote a note to me saying that, as he could not see any prospects of may getting better quickly, he had no further use for me in the show; but, if I liked to let my wife and child remain, he would find her something to do, and he specially noted that if I did not clear out soon I might find myself ___ here. The wound to my leg was so bad (four inches long, two inches deep) that even after laying up for then days under the care of a good doctor, I was not sufficiently well enough for three weeks. The accident in question was done while practicing the three high on a bicycle, which was to be put on the next evening. However, I got well, but could not do anything with Mr. Silbon. He would not pay me my back salary or pay our passages to Europe. I went to the Consul, and he advised me to sue for breach of contract and salaries, and my contract, apparently a good one, called for a year's engagement in South American. Well, just as the suit started the civil war broke out, and it was very difficult to get anything done in the courts. But the judge gave me an order to attach the show for the amont, when the same day it was issued no show took place, and the next day they went on the steamer to Peru. I was willing to compromise, but he would not do anything. After staying over two months at Valparaiso and giving some performances with a scratch company, we are at last able to get away tomorrow on the ___ for Liverpool. In conclusion, I may say that I have had eighteen years' experience in the profession, and been in good and bad companies, and had companies of my own, but I have never seen anything to equal this treatment. However, it will be a bitter lesson to me not to go to a foreign country again without having in my possession a return ticket, no matter how rich the proprietor may be, or how well the prospects may look. Mr. Silbon was far from being "broke" when he left us at Valparaiso. I will also mention that an artist must need have double the salary in South America than what he is getting at home, or else he will be unable to save anything."
New York Clipper, June 13, 1891, pp. 230, 231, 240. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Terrell Bros. Brand New Shows opened the season at Paducah, Ky. (their permanent winter quarters) to packed tents May 7. They have a 100ft. round top, with two 50ft. middle pieces, a 30x60 dressing room and 80x110 menagerie, a 40x70 sideshow and four six pole horse tents, all new. They carry one hundred and twenty-five head of Kentucky horses, twelve cages, two tableaux and two band wagons, two chariots, four tandem teams and thirty educated horses, ponies and mules. The roster: Terrell Bros. & Co., proprietors; John B. Terrell, president; Ed C. Terrell, vice president; Sid Terrell, secretary; Fletcher Terrell, treasurer and general manager; Jas. E. Fleming and A. L. La Salle, assistant managers; John De Alma, equestrian director; Mrs. John, Maud and Myrtle De Alma, Mario and Castella, Lizzie Hall, Mr. and Mrs. John Chick, Billy Welseh, Bobby Raymond, Happy Little, Three Melrose Bros., Chas. Holland and Mr. and Mrs. John Parsons. Harry Crigler, band master with fourteen musicians, J. H. (Jack) Shields has charge of the annez; Chas. Kelly, boss canvasman with twenty assistants; Wm. Clark, chandelier man with two assistants; George Wartinbee, boss hostler with forty drivers and grooms; Mace Bordeuheimer, steward with seven assistants; Artie Shields, ticket seller; Geo. Knott, advance representative with two assistants; Morgan A. Hulsey, boss billposter with fourteen assistants, using five wagons. The show travels by wagon. Everything is brand new. They report big business since opening.
While the circus train of Gollmar Bros.' Show was en route between Muscody and Boscobell, Wis., the stringer wagon was struck by a passing train, and one of the horses was killed. The wagon was demolished, and several of the company had narrow escapes.
Notes from the Sautelle Show. Mr. Sautelle had a surprise in store for the boys at Clyde, N. Y. He was away from the show for a few days, and no one could account for his absence. When Clyde was reached, we found an elegant new boat, finely furnished and decorated, and four big dapple gray horses and four new wagons, handsomely painted. The boats were landed by the side of the new boat, and a more dumbfounded lot of people could not be imagined. The show is doing a big business. We are carrying an 80ft. round top, with two 40ft. middle pieces, and the show includes fifty-four people in its entirety. Frank Black recently joined the advance force.
Roster of Wm. Main & Co.'s Shows: Main & Sargeant, sole proprietors; C. W. Kidder, general advance agent; Dick Newton, excursion agent; Geo. Rowe, chief lithographer; Geo. Stevens, master of canvas; Ernest Holten, boss hostler; Prof. Sackith, leader of band, and Andy Spear, equestrian director. Performers: Mr. and Mrs. Andy Spear, Andy Burtch, Albert Meredith, Marguerite Meredith, Clarence Burton, Louis Burton, Charles Burton, James Fitzgerald, James King, Mlle. Lalo, Mons. La Gerald, James Carroll, ___ Bebinee, Sig. Florenzi, Charles Valanti, Geo. ___, F. R. Lardoia, Wm. Mains and his educated dogs, horses, ponies and mules, J. Fay, Fanny Fay, Laura La Rose and Fitzgerald and King. The show opened at Parkersburg, W. Va., May 9, to large business.
E. Richter, of the Park Theatre, Indianapolis, has joined John Robinson's Circus, as advertising agent.
George Seibert and J. J. Dolan joined the Washburn & Arlington Circus at Worcester, Mass., recently.
J. L. Hutchinson has recently been entertaining W. W. Cole, Al Hayman, Chas. W. Thomas, A. Stewart, Donnelly and Girard and Sam P. Cox on his yacht.
Notes from Smith & Fralando's Great British Circus. We showed at Morristown, Minn., May __, and after the afternoon performance we visited the grave of Daniel Scott, the old time showman, and decorated it with flowers. Ajax Jr. laid a beautiful wreath of lillies at the head of the grave. Ingraham's Golden Band played a dirge to the departed showman, and Jerry Keeting made a few appropriate remarks, after which the boys visited the old deserted ring barn and animal quarters. All wrote or cut their names on the walls. The show travels by wagon, using a 110ft. round top with two __ft. middle pieces. Business is good. The complete roster: Smith & Fralando, proprietors and managers; Ben De JPere, equestrian director; Emery Smith, treasurer; O. C. Olson, advance agent; Sidonia, Ajax Jr., Le Roys, Howard and Yount, Mons. Testo, Keeting and Harrigan, Kitty De Pere, Ellsworth Sisters, Mme. Fondo, Prof. Egg, F. B. Whitson, Geo. Rose, _. W. Ingraham, J. O. Wilson, E. S. Law, C. J. Carroll, M. D. Farnell, C. F. Ingraham, Hank Nelson, Ed Gilbert, Chas. Lane, Lew Drake . . . C. Jackson.
Notes from Gollmar Bros. Circus. We opened at Baraboo, Wis., to big business, and have met with prosperity ever since, despite the continual rains. We use a 110ft. round top, with two 50ft. middle pieces. We have fifty head of stock, six ponies, two trick mules, and five cages of animals. The roster: Gollmar Bros., sole proprietors and general managers; Chas. D. Barrett, boss canvasman with twenty assistants; A. P. McGill, boss hostler with eighteen assistants; ___, boss property man with four assistants; Chas. A. Gollmar's band of ten pieced, Fred Gollmar's trained dogs, Chas. A. Gollmar, B. F. Gollmar, F. C. Gollmar, W. S. Gollmar, Claud Gollmar, Frank Gay, Florence Levanion, James Bensley, E. Willie Bensley, Ed Vernelo, Ina Vernelo, Julia Gibson, John Harris, Gibson Sisters, Garnel Bros., Henry ___, Ed Johnson, E. M. Vernelo, Janvia, Mlle. Inez, Infa Veruelo, R. Hunt, Wm. Ross, Jasper Power and others.
Notes from Sturtevant, Holland & Co.'s Circus. Business continues big. The menagerie tent has been enlarged by the addition of another middle piece, and the big top will have a second 50ft. piece added next week. Harry Semon joined the advance at Marengo, Ia. The chief people with this show are J. B. Sturtevant and family, Ed Holland and family, D. J. Fitzgerald, John Motley, George Brown and wife, Edward Shipp and wife, George Jenier and family, Artie Adair and wife, W. C. Rollins, Billy Adair, Louis Adair, Al Gilmore, Nelson Spaulding, Harry Buckley, Prof. Maxwell, Charles Buckley, Richard Thompson, Wm. Rhodes, Ben Keyes . . . and others.
Samuel's Ten Cent Show opened at Camden, N. J., June 1, to good business. Roster: F. E. Samuels, proprietor and manager; S. E. Samuels, treasurer; Chas. Adams, business manager; the American Japs, Cleo and Hastings, Mons Valenteene, Hines and Colby, Master Willie, John Thomas, Lottie Thomas, Bates and Jeffries, Hall and Brown, J. Heron, Prof. A. Steinbaker . . . and others. The show carries a 60ft. round top with a 40ft. middle piece. The show will travel toward New England.
Charles Lee, proprietor and manager of Lee's Great London Shows, was a Clipper caller June _. He reported splendid business. At Perth Amoby, N. J., attendance more than tested the seating capacity of the big tent. Hyatt Frost and Mr. Gale visited the show at Passaic. The parade is a great attraction. Another painting for the sideshow has been added, with a new band wagon and other accessories.
Prof. DeCooper, well known balloon and parachute man, has entered into a new field. He has just purchased the Adams Pavilion Show, wintered at Youngstown, O., and will open with his own company at that place, June __. One of the new features to be introduced by Prof. Cooper will be a slide for life, on a single wire, suspended from the balloon. The show will travel by wagon. J. B. McPherson will travel ahead of the company, and the concert will be run by Harry ___. Prof. DeCooper will be sole proprietor.
Roster of Harper Bros. Circus; P. M. Harper, manager; Frank Zola, treasurer; Dick Farnum, equestrian director; Zola Family, Farnum Bros., ___ Farnum, Annie Farnum, Geo. Dunbar, Mary De Boe, Jos. Le Flour, George Eberton, John Kelly, Tony York, Fred ___, Prof. Bolotse and eight musicians. Business is reported very satisfactory.
Sparks & Allen's Circus is reported doing well in Pennsylvania.
Frank Demora, contortionist, has closed with the Stowe Bros. Circus, and will play over the Eden Musee Circuit.
Notes from Washburn & Arlington's Circus. John and Mamie Earle have joined for the concerts. Two spotted ponies were added to the Wild West outfit. Business has been good through Vermont.
[Advertisement] Wanted, circus, sideshow people, except riders, also troupe of trick dogs. All people must do two or more acts. Those playing brass preferred. Show opens June 20. Privileges for sale. Address Prof. De Cooper, proprietor and manager, King of the Road and Sail and Air Ship Co., 134 W. Federal Street, Youngstown, O. For sale, full set of scenery painted in oil.
New York Clipper, June 20, 1891, pp. 249, 251, 260, 261. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Roster of King & Frankling's advance: J. P. Fagan, general agent; John Irwin, agent in charge of car No. 2; William Bullock, boss billposter; Frank Purcell, Sheldon McMurry, Frank Johnson, Harry Fisher, Fred Clay, William Warner, Lee C. Maxey, C. M. Hafey, Lew Wallace, Dan Tracy and John Gluck.
Notes from Costello, Williamson & Oatman's United States Shows. We finished our date at Charleston, W. Va., June 10, to big business. Our boat looks more like a hospital than it does like a show boat, however. Nearly every one of the company is sick with malaria. D. L. Nichols was very ill, while Mlle. Zola could not work at Charleston on account of sickness. James T. Kenney says he is going to write for dates as a living skeleton. Mr. T. J. Oatman was presented, 8, with a floral harp and basket of flowers by the school children. She and her little mare, Topsy, are favorites everywhere. May Lee was also very sick last week, but is convalescing rapidly. Our prize band continue to create a furore everywhere. Joseph Belmont, principal leaper, closed 10. Mlle. Angus [sic?], flying trapeze performer, joined at Point Pleasant. We were caught in a cyclone at Huntington, 6, and the tent was blown to pieces; but we always carry a reserve top, and were thus able to fill all dates. The horses got loose and wandered all over town, but they were eventually recovered. The trick mule, Jerry, was the first one aboard, and he came of his own accord, too.
S. H. Semon, for many seasons with the Forepaugh Shows as contracting agent, is now back with the show in the business department.
The Stowe Bros.' Show has successfully inaugurated another season in the suburbs of Cincinnati. The weather spoiled business at Pendleton, but at Cumminsville and Camp Washington the attendance was large. The show is on the order of an olio under canvas. The Elliotts do a clever act. Tom McInerney and Billy Gibbs are taking cards. They appear in living statues and in the concert after the performance, spar for four rounds. John F. Stowe is the manager of the show; J. E. Elliott, treasurer; William Gibbs, equestrian director; Thomas J. Crowe, advance representative; William Ransom, master of canvas; and John Myers, master of stock. The performers include Frank Calbert, the Shephards, Courtney and Auda, Harry Alberti, Borrell, Harry Bowers, William Conrad, Harris and Rhodes, the Lee Sisters, William Sloman . . . and others.
Frank B. Hubin is managing the sideshow with Dick's Circus. The following people are with him: Capt. McIntosh (tattooed man), Mlle Zeica (snake charmer), Prof. Hubin (Punch and Judy and magic), Sig. Lewondia (stone breaker), an elephant, camels and ponies.
A. F. Tuttle, proprietor of Tuttle's Pavilion Circus, was presented with a Siberian bloodhound, weighing 190lb., at Salamanca, N. Y., recently.
The McDonalds, Walt and Lillie, have closed with Willie Sells' Show and are at their home in Chicago.
Morrel, the Yankee whittler, has joined W. C. Coup's Enchanted Rolling Palaces.
Profs. Fosdick and Vanderwaken joined Oliver's Great Eastern Shows at Redwood Falls, Minn., June 6.
Hunting's Circus continues on tour through Pennsylvania, showing to capacity of a new and enlarged canvas, which went up for the first time at Sharpsburg, Pa., May 27. At Butler, 30, we had the banner day up to date. Sam A. Scribner was a recent visitor. John L. Fitz has been on the sick list for the past week. Matt Ricardo is doing good work with Griffin's Annex. El Nino Eddie left at Kittaning, 10. The Ty-Bells are practicing a new act for next season. Our new band chariot is only excelled by Prof. Sam Wolf's musicians, who occupy it on parade. The Christie Bros. are managing the concert to satisfaction. Zat Zam is now doing his impalement act in the concert. Although this is Girard and Earl's first season under canvas, they stand the rains and blow downs like old timers, and are doing well.
Chas. Bartine's Circus is reported to be doing well in Ohio. The performers with the Whitney Circus visited the show in a body at Gibsonburg last week.
Frank A. Gardner's Circus is doing well in Costa Rica. The company had successful engagements at Savador, Guatemala, Nicaragua and San Jose. The next stand will be made at San Juan, in the island of Porto Rica, where agent David Traitel is now superintending the construction of a big amphitheatre. It will be 125ft. in diameter, and will be built of cedar wood, with a canvas roof. Manager Gardner is making several strong additions to his show for the engagement.
Frank A. Robbins' New Shows have no cause to complain of business. Prof. Myrtle and four trained ponies join this week. New acts are constantly being added, and the poor ones "bounced." W. J. Doris has a strong sideshow, which is coining money. His attractions are: Fatima Doris, snake charmer, with a den of boa constrictors, pythons, tec.; three fat women, Ada Briggs, Mary Morrison and Emma Fennimore; Kitty Franks, midget; Prof. ___, Albino musician; Oscar, Zulu; Maj. ___, midget; Prof. Gonzales and his trained dogs; a mermaid illusion, three wild men, demon child, six Indians and other small curios. Spaff Hyman, magician, Punch and Judy, etc., joined last week. Mr. Robbins will winter in New York City this season, as he intends to make many improvements and enlarge his show to its former size, carrying a large menagerie. We are playing at twenty-five cents, getting plenty of people and plenty of money.
The management of Wallace & Co.'s Circus make the following statement concerning the reported trouble they experienced at Mahanoy City, Pa., May 26: "During the evening performance a few boys, ranging in age from sixteen to twenty years, became very noisy and troublesome, and after the circus performance was over tried to force their way into the canvas to see the concert without putting up the required dime. In order to avoid trouble, they were let in. They then crowded around the stage and interferred with the performers to such an extent that the side walls were dropped and the concert declared over. They then interferred with the working men until patience ceased to be a virtue, and they were driven from the grounds. No one was shot, although a few initimidating shots were fired in the air byour men. No heads were broken on either side, no lady or other performer was tossed in the air; no officers tried to make any arrests, nor were there any held at bay with shot guns, etc. After the ___ of the show people, everything was quiet, and our train was loaded as if nothing had occurred out of the ordinary. These are the straight facts, without embellishments, though the press accounts made of it a horrible riot."
[Advertisement] $300.00. Partner wanted with the above amount with a Circus. Third interest and $25.00 per week salary. Address W. H. Rice, Plainfield, N. J.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for the Great Western Olympian Shows. Performers in all branches, band of six pieces, agent, boss canvasman, troupe of dogs, ponies, etc. All performers must double. Address W. H. Rice, Plainfield, N. J. Also wanted, complete set of lights, quick.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for La Pearl's Big American 10 and 20 cent Circus. Contortionist, talking and singing clown, song and dance team and other people who do two or more turns; also want clarionettist and other musicinas. Write us per route or wire quick.
[Advertisement] Circus people please notice. H. J. Ewing, of whom I leased the outfit which I have been successfully managing as Bailey's Great London Circus, took possession of my show on Friday, June 13, not because it was losing money, for the show never lost a dollar, but because he thought he coul "pinch" me. I no longer have any connection with the outfit and Ewing has no right to the use of my name in any manner. I will soon be "in it" again and want to buy a __ft. round top with one or two __ft. middle pieces. Also 60 or 70ft. round top, seats, lights, etc. Band wagon, ticket wagon, pole wagon and baggage wagons. Must be dirt cheap for cash. Want circus people who can do more than two turns. Wagon show. Address Curtis L. Bailey, care Russell & Morgan Printing Co., Cincinnati, Ohio.
New York Clipper, June 27, 1891, pp. 268, 269, 276. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Roster of the F. F. Fanning Pacific R. R. Shows: F. F. Fanning, proprietor; Theo. Long, general agent; Miles Berry, advance agent and eight assistants. The show carried six cars and two sleepers, 120ft. round top, with two 40ft. midddle pieces, eight cages and 40 head of horses. Col. Humphrey, with a band of ten mouthpieces, and Prof. Howard's Continental Band. Robert Hodge is equestrian director, with Hasamboura Sam and Mamie ___, Ida Showers, Mrs. R. Taylor, Mrs. R. Hodge, Little Johnny, Howard Beall, Master Cavanaugh, Henry J. Fowler, Mexello Bros. and Nat Comstock; Bob Taylor, boss canvasman with twenty-five assistants; Frank King, boss hostler and six assistants. Little Robert Dodge was run over by a wagon and badly injured, but is expected to soon be about again.
C. L. Bailey has no longer any connection with the show he has been managing as Bailey's London Circus.
Charley Shay's New Quincuplexal Shows, Oriental Circus and Spectacular Pantomime of "Old Mother Goose" opened its season June 8, at Cincinnati, O., to reported large audience. They have a 100ft. round top with three 50ft. middle pieces and 30x60 dressing room top, a large stage, handsomely fitted up with special trick scenery and all the latest inventions to produce the spectacular pantomime of "Old Mother Goose," introducing a fine ballet. Roster of the New Quincuplexal: Charley Shay, sole proprietor; Edward P. Boyd, treasurer; T. McDonald, advance representative with six assistants; Edwin Martinnetti, equestrian and general manager; Maurice Martinnetti, assistant director, Signor E. Panosa has charge of the ballet. Performers: Edwin Martinnetti, Maurice Martinnetti, Ralph Martinnetti, Marie Martinnetti, Edward Guthrie, Robert Peasley, Ida Guthrie, Harry Sparrow, Mr. and Mrs. Asbey, Dellia Clintop, Mr. and Mrs. Ashton, Maud Muller, Guthrie Bros., Mr. and Mrs. James Walker Frank De ___, Stella Shay, William Hart's dog and monkey circus, Juvlan and Pamplan, La Bell Helene, Flora De Leers and Sig. Es Panosa, Mons. Celeste, Prof. Freelander with his troupe of ten performing stallions and donkeys, and Prof. Williams' Silver Cornet Band of ten pieces. This show will travel by rail with its own special train, consisting of one 60ft. sleeper, three 40ft. flat cars, and two 40ft. box cars.
Dan C. Manning, principal clown; Ida Bailey and Manning and dogs, late of Bailey's London Circus, have signed with Prof. De Cooper's Circus.
The Three Rexford Bros. have joined Bartine's Circus.
It is reported that acute throat and lung troubles have forced Mlle. Barretta, the iron jaw lady, to retire from Grant's Circus.
Roster of Harper Bros. European Circus, now touring the New England States: P. N. Harper, manager; Frank Zola, treasurer; Dick Farnam, equestrian director; Mrs. Frank Zola, Winnie Zola, Jimmie Farnum, Carr and Tourgeo, Charles Long, James Clifford, Joe La Flower, Master Flagle, Fred Elmar and John Kelly. The annex consists of T. Farnam, manager; Flora La ___, Tony York, James Cleftenwell, Frank Myers and Anconio Frisk.
Judge Beach, of the Supreme Court, has issued an attachment against the property in this State of Dan Rice, in a suit by James Lynch to recover $528 for board and lodging. Mr. Lynch says that Mr. Rice, between May 20 and the present date, boarded and lodged at his place with twenty-five of his circus troupe. The bill was $528, but Mr. Rice has paid $200 of it. He had failed, however, to fulfill his promises to pay the balance, and Mr. Lynch alleged that he is about to leave the State to defraud creditors.
McFadden & Co.'s New World's Fair Pavilion Shows, Museum, Aquarium and Trained Animal Exposition includes: R. J. McFadden & Co., proprietors and managers; James Welsh, general manager; Clint M. Newton, director of amusements; Michael H. Welsh, contracting agent; Bob Williams, boss canvasman with twelve assistants; Wm. Kanther, master of transportation; Fannetto Bros., Sam Dock, Yin Kaminski, Nuland Bros., Alice Leotard, Francis Theodora, Joe Kearney, Gallagher and Franklin, Thos. Boscoe, Billy Sanders, Lulu Adams, Wm. Weidner, Leo Clark and Prof. J. R. Bingham's Equine Paradox and Dog Circus. Sideshow people: Prof. J. Vertelli, magician and ventriloquist; Mme. Vertelli, second sight and mystery; Master Harry Vertelli, fire king and Punch and Judy; Miss De coma, serpent enchantress; Big Minnie, Zulu Joe and Prof. Moriey's decapitation act. Concert people: Gallagher and Franklin, Master Floyd Gilham, Joe Kearney, Harry Vertelli (shadowgraphs), Wm. ___, Miss De Coma, and Prof. Dick Gilham's cornet band and ladies operatice orchestra of ten pieces. The show uses an 80 ft. round top with ojne 40ft. and one 30ft. middle pieces. A 60ft. round top for sideshow. They travel by rail, using one sleeper, one baggage and one flat car. The season opens at Manheim, Pa., June 6.
The Bartine Circus have for the past ten days been experiencing a series of heavy storms and bad roads, yet business has not been unsatisfactory. Chas. Morrison and M. T. Duffy, joined June 8 and the Rexfords 20.
James Washburn, manager of the Washburn & Arlington Circus, had an altercation at Syracuse, N. Y., June 17, with John Regreid, a blacksmith connectd with the show. The difficulty arose over an accident that occurred in loading one of the cars. The results were not serious.
The Costello, Williamson & Oatman Circus collapsed at Middleport, O., June 13. Dissension among the management is said to have been the chief cause. Manager T. J. Oatman will reorganize the show early in July.
Capt. W. H. Stewart is hard at work on his circus outfit for next season. His Gorilla Car, No. 1, is touring Pennsylvania; car No. 2 is touring Ohio, car No. 3 is touring Michigan, and next week car No. 4, with one hundred prairie dogs, starts out. His Palace of Illusions will take the road when the Fair season commences.
The Smith & Fralando Great British Circus showed at Morton, Minn., June 15. The afternoon audience was composed largely of Indians from a nearby reservation. A tribe under Chief Good Thunder dined with the boys in the mess tent. After the show the Indians gathered around the lot, selling charms, tomahawks and other curios in the Wild West line.
The Whitney Circus has been following their regular Ohio route for the past two weeks to reported good business. It has rained almost every day for the past three weeks. We have had the Bartine Show quite near us for several stands. On June 14 our route crossed. We were laying at Fremont, O., and our managers invited the entire Bartine Show to take dinner with us; they did so, and all enjoyed the cook tent and Hop Bitters annex, under the management of Kellmar & McFee.
Wm. De Boe, wire walker and head balancer, is doing well with Fred Locke's Circus.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for the Cleveland Consolidated Shows. Circus, museum, hippodrome and wild west performers in all branches, band of eight pieces, agent, troupe of dogs, performing ponies, circus cowboys, with outfits. Performers must be able to do more than two turns. Address M. C. Ewing, manager, Lyceum Theatre Building, Cleveland, Ohio.
New York Clipper, July 4, 1891, pp. 284, 285. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The Van Amburg Show, under the management of Sturtevant, Holland & Co., report the most prosperous season in the history of this old time organization. Many additions to the show, in the way of horses, cages of animals, etc..
Advance guards of Hurlburt & Leftwich's Combined Show: D. S. Ward, general agent; J. W. Sweeny, contractor; J. Donville, lithographer; C. Burdell, chief billposter with four assistants, two advance wagons and six horses. The show reports splendid business in the northern part of North Dakota.
The Bartine Circus is still doing good business. Manager Bartine recently purchased four span of young horses. At the afternoon performance June 23, Mlle. Theolo met with a severe accident. One of her flying rings hit her on the head, cutting a gash over two inches long. At the night performance, the same day, while attempting a somersault between bars, James Whiting got "cast" and came down square on his head. He was carried out of the ring and has been unable to go to work since. He is improving rapidly. The band, under the leadership of Geo. Tipton, is a feature. The Rexford Bros., Morrison and Mlle. Thelol are meeting with success, as is Master ___ Bartine with his trained ponies.
Harris' Nickel Plate Railroad Show will play Chicago all Summer at cheap prices.
W. C. Coup's Railroad Circus did a big business at Warren, Pa., June 27.
Queenie Scott, soubrette and dancer, and Master Len Lephart, Indian club swinger, late with F. A. Robbins' Circus, have joined hands to introduce a new act.
Notes from Gollmar Bros. Circus, Menagerie and Trained Animal Exposition. At last we have got out of the rainy belt and having fine weather. Fairbury, Ill., was our banner town of the season. The Edgerton Sisters, May and Lillie, aerialists, joined June 22, with Geo. Edgerton and Wm. Clark. The Vernelos, Ed and May, are making a hit with their second sight act.
The roster of Geary's Consolidated Shows and World's Musuem: James Geary, proprietor; E. K. Franklin, business manager; Max Rosenthal, treasurer; Milt Hogan, advance agent; Young Samson, Walters, Grey and Llewellyn, the Lehrs, Master Albert ___, Master Fred Kratz, Alexander Crentsburg, Theodore, Young Frederick, Master Harry White, Wilcox Family, Susie Conrad, Loleta, J. W. Culvy, Jos. Conner, James Stevens, Scot Anson, Fred Black and others.
New York Clipper, July 11, 1891, pp. 296, 301. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Fanning's Trained Animal Show is reported to have played to hard luck since its start from Jacksonville, Fla., several months ago. Salary day came with great infrequency, while fly by night moves to escape greedy constables were of frequent occurrence. Matters came to a crisis June 25, at St. Louis, Mo., when several of the performers visited Judge Hart's court, and filed attachments against the show for back salary. Constables Hyde and Bejorne placed a detail of watchmen to guard the property, and let the show continue. On 27, Mr. Fanning went to Judge Hart's court and deposited $200. This resulted in the withdrawl of the watchmen. Then he attempted to spirit away all the property under attachment. He had succeeded in getting four car loads of stuff down on the railroad tracks as far as Salisbury Street, when Constable Hyde, who had gotten wind of his movements, swooped down on him. On 28, some person who had an unsatisfied claim against the show succeeded in getting eleven trained horses, which he carried over to East St. Louis. These have not yet been recovered. When the collapse appeared inevitable, J. B. Long, the agent of the company, filed attachments amounting to $350. His example was followed by the other members of the company, and, as a reasult, $1,400 worth of attachments were registered. Constable Hyde now has a large sized circus on his hands.
The Stirk Family, bicyclists, sailed from Panama June 24 for this city, having completed a successful three years' tour of Australia and South America.
The first advertising car and the first circus bill boards ever in the Black Hills were recently introduced by King & Franklin's Show, which will exhibit at all the principal cities in the Hills.
Notes from Dick's Circus. We are now in our ninth week, and have had a prosperous season, but the roads have been something terrible. Our first blow down of the season occurred at Ogden, Ia. Everything went down just as the afternoon show was about to take place, but we hustled and gave a performance to big business. Our performers: Retlaw and Alton, Stone Bros., Cunningham and Moncayo, Prof. J. W. Kennedy, Lula Moncayo, and Prof. Myer's school of educated horses. Our sideshow is run by Senator Frank B. Hubin, with the following people: Capt. McIntosh, tattooed man; Mlle Jento, snake charmer; Sig Lewisden, strong man; jubliee singers and Prof. Hubin's Punch and magic.
Notes from Walter L. Main Shows. Our business has been big from the start. Wm. Doris, T. J. Ford and several people from the Robbins Show paid us a visit at Newburg. W. W. Cole, M. F. Gale and Mr. Kinkley and son came up from New York City to spend a day with the company. The following people have joined since the opening: Linda Jeal, lady rider; Tony Towanda, principal and four horse rider; Wm. Edwards, principal tumbler; John N. Russell and Murphy and MacMin, for the concert; Ben Vernon, of Vernon Bros. Paddy Patterson has met with a few injuries. Since our opening we have added three cars - one flat, one stock and one Pullman, making three sleepers altogether. John Kent joined June 29 and will take charge of the train.
John J. Murray is at present playing principal clown with Grant's Circus.
Hunting's Circus Happenings. Business continues top notch. Thos. McGovern left for New York June 27. Paul Reitchy has also left for Atlantic City. "Marvell," a new illusion, is a recent addition to Griffin's Wizard Annex.
The Orrin Bros.' Circus, now on a traveling tour through Mexico, is reported to be doing a poor business on account of the cold and wet weather.
Notes from Sparks & Allen's Circus. This show has been doing fine business since the opening. George Gregory joined June 9, at Mt. Holly Springs, Pa. He is working on the triple horizontal bars. His double from the bars make a big hit. He is working in connection with his brother, Charles. Seeman and Burke made their first appearance in their new perch act, at Marietta, June 15. The Fourth was Charles Gregory's birthday.
Sautelle's Show is still reaping a rich harvest. The show's boating season closes Aug. 22, when the company will begin a tour of nine weeks by wagon. Thompson and Ducios and Clarence Rummell closed at Syracuse, N. Y. Dot Blendenger joined July 4. Manager Sautelle is making arrangements to send out a specialty company and parlor circus early in October. James B. Swafford will continue as agent.
The Ducrows, Mlle Bellotta and Louie, arrive from South American July 6, after a successful tour with Frank A. Gardener's Circus.
Wichita Jack and his wife have left the Washburn & Arlington Show, and are employed at Point of Pine, getting their horses in shape for Chas. H. Thayer's Apache Show.
Cincinnati, Ohio. John Crawford, the hotel man, seized Shay's Circus last week to cover a debt of $97 due for board.
New York Clipper, July 18, 1891, pp. 312, 324, 325. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Clinton, Ia., July 14. During the afternoon performance of the Forepaugh Show yesterday the crane upon which Wm. Hanlon, of the Hanlon Bros., gymnasts, was performing, broke. He fell, missing the net, and, striking the ground head first, broke his neck. He only lived a few moments. He was thirty-one years old. Wm. Hanlon was born at London and had for twenty-four years been associated with the Hanlon Volters. Last August he had a similar accident at the Academy of Music, your city, falling from the dome of the house and breaking two parquet chairs. His work was upon a horizontal bar in the centre. Robert and James Hanlon doing a flying trapeze, Robert being considered the greatest of all gymnasts. Robert and James remain with the Forepaugh Show for the balance of the season. William left a wife, who is in your city, but he had no children.
Notes from the Lemen Bros. Show. The Lemen Bros. Show has been out eight weeks, and business so far is reported to be almost twice as large as any previous season. The show has been enlarged in every department since the opening. We put in a new 50ft. middle last week, making the main top 250ft. We also added fifteen dapple grey horses, and a new stock car July 2. Alburtus, juggler, and Wm. Phelps, trapeze performer, joined June 12. The Two Mazello Brothers, Prof. John Kimbell (Uncle John) and his two trained horses joine 29. Millie Marretta joined July 5. Rose Marretta has recovered from a severe illness, and made her first appearance in three weeks. Herrman Greiggs and Maud Dayton, of the Dayton Sisters, were married July 4, at Clinton, Ia.
Lew Brooks, comic jester, with Reed's Big Twenty-five Cent Shows, reports big business through Indiana and the man in white appears every Sunday.
Geo. Seiber & Co.'s Circus, Museum and Menagerie, now touring Missouri, report excellent business. The roster: G. M. Barry, manager; Wm. Dart and wife, Pete Rogan and wife, Prof. Bowman and wife, Mohring Bros., G. T. Carrier, James Woods, Dalzell Bros., Sam Grassburger, Fred Barker, Master Jimmy Sieber, Lew Cole and others. Prof. Rix [Bix?] is leader of band with seven musicians.
Roster of Mat Wixom's Circus, now on its seventeenth annual tour of Michigan, under a 100ft. round top with two 30ft. middle pieces; Mat Wixom, sole proprietor; F. I. Wixom, advance with three assistants; R. P. Wixom, equestrian director; Prof. Frank Roberts, leader of band and orchestra of fifteen pieces; Russel Bradley, boss canvasman with eight assistants; Walter Barton, property man with three assistants; Burt Wilson, chandliers; Homer Batch, boss hostler with five helpers; Wiretta Bros., Ortone Bros., M. Aldine, Wm. Mantell, Chas. Marlow, Jones Bros., A. M. Wilcox, Wm. Martin, Chas. Smith and Earnest and Van Wixom.
Notes from Dick's Circus. Business has been satisfactory. The company includes Retlaw and Alton, Stackey, the Moncayos, Stone Bros., Ed Cunningham and Kennedy. Prof. Blocker leads the band of eight pieces, while Frank B. Hubin manages the sideshow.
Notes from Chas. Hall's New Colossal Show. Business through the upper peninsula of Michigan and Wisconsin has been good. At Iron Mountain our manager, Chas. Hall, received a diamond ring and gold headed umbrella as birthday gifts. The roster: Chas. Hall, manager; W. W. Brown, treasurer; G. W. Beemer, advance manager; F. Bates, contractor with five assistants; Geo. ___, Ed Roberts, Castello and Johnson, Geo. Davenier, Ed Shafer, Will Skinner, Harry Bailey, Fred Howard, Carrie Howard, ___ Howe, Frank Macart and wife, Ada Long, Prof. Church, leader of band with ten musicians; Chas. Watson, in charge of canvas with fourteen assistants. We use three cars, and the gentleman in white never fails to appear on Sunday morning. Mr. Hall's father, known as Popcorn George, paid us a visit at Iron Mountain, and remained until after July 4. The show will be enlarged for a trip South.
Chas. Casey, of MacFlinn & Hall's Ciracus, joins Hardebeck & Truesdell's "Michael Strogoff" and "Inside Track" Co., July __ at St. Louis, Mo.
Joseph Chiarini Jr., of the Gran Circo Oriental, writes from Cuba, June 24, to inform us of the death of Frank G. Wilson. Mr. Wilson was well known in this country as an agent years ago, having been with all the large circuses. For the past ten years he has been traveling in China, Japan, India and Australia with the circus proprietor, Guiseppe Chiarini.
Chas. Shay's show has disbanded. Prof. Clarence Ashey writes from South Bend, Ind., complaining of a deal of unprofessional treatment at the hands of manager Shay. Salaries, board bills, etc., are said to remain unpaid.
Roster of La Pearl's Twenty-five Cent Shows: J. H. La Pearl, sole proprietor; W. Jones, equestrian director; Walter Staybaugh, treasurer; Ryan and Melville, the Hoddy Bros., the La Pearl Family, Mrs. A. C. Hoddy, Prof. Harner, Prof. Graupaer, Signor Parento, B. M. Mann, Burt Fisher, Mrs. Harry La Pearl, Rose Carman, Prof. W. R. Jones and his wife, R. H. Clair, H. Vandercook, Claude Ross, George Parker, Burt Confer, Fred Johnson, George Ferguson, _. E. Branson, Charles ___, M. Kelly, Wm. Now and Frank Dudler. The show is touring Illinois.
Notes from the E. O. Rogers Show. Business continues good. A male lion was born in the menagerie last week. On July 1 a new menagerie top was spread. P. J. Morey, for eight years Mr. Rogers' business manager, was a reecent visitor. He is enthusiastic about his stock farm in Trumble County, O.
Notes from Downie & Gallagher's Shows. We are in our ninth week and business has been very satisfactory. We have added a new flat and one stock cars. Prof. Hillard, John A. Drayer and the Redell Sisters joined at Mansfield, O. At Marson, O., July 3, as the afternoon performance was going on a cyclone hit the show. The big tops stood the gale in fine shape, but the dressing room tent, the cook tent and the horse tent were blown down, but with very little damage.
The property of the Frank A. Robbins Circus and Menagerie, which exhibited at Huntington, Pa., July __, was seized by the Sheriff 13, and has been advertised for sale 21. Besides local claims, there is $4,000 in labor claims, and $___ on a contested judgement.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Dan Cook's Circus, musicians and performers, people that can double and do two or more turns. Address Dan Cook, Brown's Valley, Minn.
[Advertisement] Wanted, an engagement with a reliable circus. Six horse acts, with clown and January act, lady working trick horses - for salary. Write or wire, T. J. Oatman, St. Albans, W. Va.
New York Clipper, July 25, 1891, pp. 328, 340, 342. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Notes from Hunting's Railroad Shows. J. Tucker, circus agent, visited us at Athens, Pa., July 11. At Waverly, 14, the plank wagon was overturned while loading it on the cars. John G. Wagner has taken Will Ritchey's place in the band. Our season is now about half over, and the far seeing are already seeking their Winter engagements. The Ty-Bells have engaged with the Mildred-Rouciere Co. Prof. Griffin will take his Bohemian Glass Blowers and Wizard's Annex on their third annual tour, with Capt. Mack Evans as manager. "Shorty" Wilson has been on the sick list for several days.
Arizona Jack and wife (Prairie Rose) are now with Capt. Nellie Little's Wild West. Roster: Capt. Nellie Little, proprietor; Nebraska Charlie, treasurer; Curly Ed, Apache George, Antelope Frank, Lone Star Harry, Arizona Jack and wife, Oklahoma Bill, Yellow Bill, with seven Indians, twelve horses and ten mustange.
Notes from Gollmar Bros.' Circus. We are now in our tenth week playing to big business. The Edgerton Sisters, aerialists, have proven a valuable addition to the show. Tom Doyle and Tom Carroll joined us July 1. All are well and waiting for the new dressing room top and horse tent, which are expected every day.
Billy Lee, talking and singing clown, and Pauline Carre, principal bareback and hurdle rider, joined Sautelle's Show recently. The show carries 64 people, 27 horses and a large contingent of mules, ponies, etc.
W. D. Ament writes: "I have sold my interest in the sideshow to my partner, C. T. Taylor, who will continue with Hurlburt & Leftwich's Circus for the balance of the season. We have had a prosperous season in the Northwest. I will organize at once and take out a new fair ground show, playing the principal fairs from Chicago to the Gulf of Mexico. Roster: W. D. Ament, sole proprietor and manager; Harry Brady, first door talker and assistant manager; Harry Alfredo, Kitty Alfredo, Mexican Billy, Nanna Bristow, Mlle. Zazell, Harry Morton, lecturer and door talker; Mrs. Harry Brady, the wild men o f Borneo and Roda (half lady).
Notes from Prof. G. E. Rich's Circus (formerly Rich & Mettie's). A change has taken place the last few days with our show. Prof. Rich has bought out Mr. Mettie's interest in the show, and Mr. Mettie has retired on account of sickness in his family. We travel in our own cars. This is the twelfth week, and we have been doing a profitable business. We carry fifty-three people, and adding new features. We recently put in a new 40ft. middle piece.
Notes from T. K. Burk's Circus. We are about to enter the fourth month of our season, and business is still satisfactory. We recently received our new big top, 210x110ft. Belle Tellfair was badly bitten by her largest snake at Kankana, but has kept at work. Deforrest Davis joined us July _ at Baraboo, Wis. Aug. Shultz closed at Watertown, and will join the musical forces at Lookout Mountain, Tenn. Landlord Riece is busy looking after the general interests of the aggregation, and attending to the needs of the culinary department.
James B. Swafford, of Sautelle's Circus, and Minnie Heindorf, of Syracuse, N. Y., are to be married in the Fall.
From Dick's Circus. We are now working our way Southward, and in a few days will be in Illinois. Business continues good. Slackey and Prof. Kennedy closed July 8. Mrs. Moncayo joined 18. The season will close about Oct. 15. Frank B. Hubin remains in charge of the sideshow, all reports to the contrary notwithstanding.
Prof. Williams & Co.'s Shows report continued good business through Minnesota. Return dates are the rule. Bob Whittaker left the show at Sioux City, Ia., where he will become a boniface. Murphy O'Shea has been compelled to retire to his home at Appleton, Wis., on account of sickness. Frank Skerbeck is now equestrian director, and Wm. Kells has assumed charge of the annex.
Notes from Walter L. Main's Show. We were visited last week by a number of New Yorkers, among whom were the wife and daughter of manager George S. Cole, Elena Jeal of the Jeal Sisters, and her daughter, Nellie, Mrs. Grace Aymar and little Neva. Linda Jeal, the hurdle and principal rider, is doing well with the show. Manager Main is making arrangements for the addition of a few more animals to his menagerie. The Vernons are again able to perform their flying act. Mr. Murry is able to again make the little folks laugh. The programme now numbers three kings of the tanbark - Murry, Runnels and Aymar.
W. C. Coup's Palace on Wheels has met with damaging reverses. The show has been doing a wretched business through Northern New York, and Syracuse has been made the last stand until the cars and property can be sold. A Chicago syndicate put the Palace on the road.
Fred Aymar has closed with Bailey's London Show and is at his home, Waterbury, Ct., preparing his new act.
The J. L. Jackson Show is traveling through Pennsylvania to reported good business. The Morello Bros., Park Daudet, J. Q. Fusner, Ida Austin, Jennie Morello, Babbie Mack, Master Jackson, Cap Murchin, Ida Morello and Wm. Adams are with the show.
Notes from Sparks & Allen's Shows. We are in our thirteenth week of prosperity. The fancy rifle shooting of Capt. H. A. Bartlett, wife and daughter, makes a hit, as does the Japanese juggling act of Harry Delmain. George and Mollie Belford, in their double trapeze act, come in for a large share of applause. The musical act of the Sparks Bros. and the burlesque boxing bout between Madden and Lowery continue special features of the concert.
Frank A. Robbins' Show ended its brief tour of nine weeks with its performance at Huntingdon, Pa., July 11. Sheriff Wilson, of that place, took charge of the outfit, by virtue of executions and attachments, amounting to nearly $4,000. Mr. Robbins' troubles began at Greensburg, Pa., where he was compelled to leave behind four horses to pay a debt. At Johnstown he was the victim of another attachment, and when he arrived at Huntington the climax was reached, as constable after constable, and finally the Sheriff, levied upon the animals and circus paraphernalia. The property was advertised to be sold at auction 21. The claims amount to about $8,000. George A. Hill and Mr. Robbins have returned to New York City, and the latter was a Clipper caller July 20. Mr. Robbins explains the show's failure on the ground that it was from the start handicapped by the lack of a parade and a menagerie. "On the lot" the outfit was excellent, and the company, he says, gave a good performance. But the expenses were heavy, and the business was not up to the anticipation of the projectors. About three or four weeks' salaries are due to the people, the musicians being more unfortunate than the others. Mr. Robbins expresses his determination to do all he can to square up the debts contracted. During the entire trip, he says, he drew only $150 for himself. He will probably join another circus soon, in an executive capacity, and when he resumes circus proprietorship ti will be under different auspices. At Trenton, N. J., July __, there was filed in the Court of Chancery a bill for an injunction in the case of John Sullivan, of Detroit, Mich., and Thomas R. Capithorn, of Rochester, N. Y., against the Frank A. Robbins Co., in that city; that the other rolling stock and property of the company is at Huntington, Pa., and is advertised for sale on the 21st of July; that the company owes Sullivan 430 for wages and Capithorn $20, and asked for an injunction enjoining and restraining the company from selling the car and prohibiting the Pennsylvania Railroad Co. from removing or permitting the car to be removed. Vice Chancellor Bird granted an order requiring the Frank A. Robbins Co. to show cause on July 21 why a receive should not be appointed.
The Hindley Bros., acrobats, have joined Vrooman's Circus.
Boston, Massachusetts. "Charlie" Whitney, old time circus man, and for many years with the Forepaugh Show, has been presented by his son-in-law, Chas. Cardello, with a complete one ring circus outfit, and on or about Aug. 15, will open a regular old fashioned one ring circus. The initiatory date will be at South Boston. Thence the show, which will be known at Whitney & Tremaine's Old Time Circus, will play the surrounding towns, and, if successful, will migrate southward. Bro. Whitney ahs had an experience of forty years in the business and knows the ropes pretty well. For the past two years he has been door tender at the World's Museum.
[Advertisement] Wanted for Grant's New Colossal Shows, performers in all branches. Also sideshow curiosities. Will buy for cash or rent, ten or more cages, elephant, camels, lions, tigers, etc. Also want sleeping, flat and box cars. Address J. W. Brownlee, care Central Printing Co., Monroe St., Chicago, Ill.
[Advertisement] Wanted, a few handy performers, doing two or more acts. Tickets advanced only to people we know. White & Hansoon's Circus, Hinton, W. Va.
New York Clipper, August 1, 1891, pp. 346, 357. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Notes from Downie & Gallagher's New United Shows. Business continues good. At Akron, July 9, 10, 11, we turned people away, and we will play a return engagement of three days. We have now decided to put on a stronger attraction the coming theatre season.
Fred Howe and Geo. Moore, the burlesque boxers, having had to cancel the Wallace & Co.'s Circus in the Spring on account of sickness, have recovered and are now playing dates en route East.
A bill of sale of W. C. Coup's Enchanted Palaces was filed in the Clerk's Office of Onondaga County, N. Y., July 22. It is entitled: "The Coup Museum Co., of Chicago, to Leonard C. Riggs," and the consideration mentioned is $10,000. The museum which is side tracked near the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Depot, and which has been kept there by reason of attachment by the Sheriff, consists of six cars, five of which and their contents were sold to Mr. Riggs. The sixth car was only rented, but its contents are included in the bill of sale. The document is signed by J. V. Skinner, president, and T. V. Jennison, secretary of the Coup Museum, Co., and is dated July 20.
During the performance of Mat Wixom's Circus July 18, the bale ring gave way while the Wiretta Bros. were doing their Mexican ladder act. Both landed on their feet, without a scratch. On the 19 the same bail ring gave way during the Wirettas' act, the crane striking Charles on the head, cutting his scalp in several places. Fred escaped with a small cut on the leg.
Notes from the Diefenbach Show. We opened the season at Seymour, Ind., July __, to good business. Billy Predmore has been on the sick list, but will take charge of the band soon. P. Diefenbach, proprietor; Ed Guthrey, equestrian director; W. W. Murray, Larry Murphy, Steve Rogers, Billy Predmore, Vic Anthony . . . Mrs. P. Diefenbach is enjoying good health with the show. Mrs. Ida Guthrie is resting at Cincinnati, O. John Bery, boss canvasman with seven assistants; William Hudson, boss property man with two assistants. Ed Guthrie, trapeze performer, was shaken up recently by falling from the bar to the ground. He was swinging at full length, suspended by a strap attached to his partner's hand, when the strap snapped, and he fell. Luckily he turned before striking the ground, thus saving his life.
Chas. Lee's Shows will be strengthened by the Howard Family (four in number) - Lee, Alice, Hazel and John - also a new top, one hundred foot, with a fifty foot middle piece, a new horse tent and new dressing room tops. The show has not played a losing stand since opening. Mr. Lee also bought six fine wagons of Hyatt Frost, and has had a new band wagon built. He will add two camels to the menagerie. We have sixty-five head now with the show, and Mr. Lee has gone West to buy twenty-five more. At Hosendale, N. Y., we turned people away. Mr. Hewitt, our treasurer, is banking the boys' money for them in his safe in the ticket wagon.
Notes from McFadden & Co.'s New World's Fair Pavilion Shows. Business has been first class. Frank Sanford, Grant Williams and the Belmont Sisters joined recently. The sideshow, under Clint M. Newton, is doing big business. We have added to this department four new paintings, some snakes and alligators, and Mlle. Bolton's educated cockatoos and mice.
The Orrin Brothers' Circus continues its road season in Mexico. Business is reported improved, especially when the fairy spectacles are on the bill.
The De Almo Family closed with the Terrell Bros. Show at Bushnell, Ind., last week. Leslie La Salle, having regained his health, is again traveling in advance of the show.
Jos. Oatman, who was one of the proprietors of the Castello & Oatman Show, which closed a few weeks ago, is organizing another company to take the road shortly. He is at New Albany, Ind., making final arrangements. "Uncle Dan" Castello has retired from circus life, and has decided to locate permanently at Chicago, Ill.
Notes from Walter L. Main's Show. We did a tremendous business at Flushing, L. I. Patterson Bros. are doing a splendid act. Billy Edwards is tumbling finely, and Linda Jeal is doing well considering the difficulty of not having her own horse. The little lady at the front door is the mother of our worthy manager.
Notes from Downie & Gallagher's United Shows. We are in our third week at Cleveland, and have played to capacity at each performance. Downie and Hall, in their flying act, are meeting with success. Managers Downie and Gallagher are busy booking time for their hall show for the season of 1891-92, which will open at a New York theatre about the middle of October.
Notes from the Van Amburg Show. Phenomenal business daily since the opening. The show travels by wagon, and carries one hundred and fifteen head of horses, two elephants, two camels and eleven cages of animals.
Notes from Wallace & Co.'s Circus. There was a change in the proprietorship of Wallace & Co.'s Show of the co-partnership heretofore exhisting between B. E. Wallace and James Anderson, being dissolved by mutual consent. Mr. Anderson retiring, and Mr. Wallace paying him a small fortune for his interest. Mr. Wallace has personally assumed the management of the show.
Notes from the Antipodes. Chas. B. Hicks writes us as follows from Cookstown, under date of May 10: "I have joined Harmston & Son's Circus and Wild West for a tour of Java and India as general manager, sailing from here in the British India mail steamer May 11. The Harmston Co. did a tremendous business through Queensland. The American horses they brought over have caused admiration in this famous horse country. Our compan has the following Americans: Sig. Hernandez, Mlle. Minnetta, J. Walhalla, Baretia, Wm. Clarke, Willie Hayes, Bartello, Baretta, Texas Jack, Mexican Bill, Arizona Charley, Buffalo Wright, Thos. Rees, leader of band, Chas. Bruce and Duprez. I have sold all interest in Australian shows, and my racing stock are leased until I return to Sydney. . . . Wirth Bros. started, but the people could not agree, so they abandoned the trip and are back fielding just now."
Reports from the Diefenbach Show announce business to be satisfactory through Indiana and the West. Chas. H. Pierson is again in advance.
Notes from Gollmar Bros.' Circus. We are playing to big business. Geo. Edgerton has purchased an Arabian stallion, and is having it broken for a trick horse. Ina Vernelo and Florence Levanion have been on the sick liest, but are better now. Afternoon of July 23, while Lillie Edgerton was making her ascension, one of the guy lines broke, and she fell about twenty feet. She will be able to work again in a day or two. We have received a new 45ft. dressing tent, and a new six pole horse tent. Doyle and Carrol have joined to strengthen the band and concert. Ina Vernelo received a present from her sister (Edna Mayler) in the shape of some new wardrobe.
J. F. Fanning's Circus and Menagerie were sold by the constable at St. Louis, 23. E. R. Campbell, on behalf of Lemen Bros., purchased part of the outfit for $580. The sale footed up $1,500, and the costs were $800. Mr. and Mrs. Love left for a two week's trip trough Southwest Missouri. They give musical sketches, and play twelve different instruments.
C. G. Phillips' Circus disbanded at Hillsboro, O.
Notes from Irwin Bros.' Circus. After a twenty-five days' stay in Maine, we are back in our old stamping grounds, Massachusetts. Business in the larger cities and towns has been enormous, but the smaller ones were only fair. Since the fire at Sing Sing, May 2, we have had no accident. Josie Ashton has had some wonderful press notices, Stirk and Zeno catch the audience with their daring act. The Three Melvelles are improving in their brother act. Charley Clarke, the "splash" leaper, is still with the troupe. Treasurer Winter leaves the show at the close of this season to go into partnership with M. Marin in the jewelry business out West. Manager Irwin has secured two good novelties for his specialty company.
George Arlington, of Washburn & Arlington, will start his No. 1 Minstrel Co. about Aug. __. Mr. Washburn will not be interested in the enterprise.
[Advertisement] For sale, the entire outfit of the Whitney Family's New Amusement Enterprise, consisting of tents, seats, lights, wagons, horses, mules and harness. Everything in good shape. Reasons for selling, poor health and the death of my husband. Address Mrs. G. L. Whitney, Imaly City, Mich. or per route.
New York Clipper, August 8, 1891, pp. 364, 365, 379. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The F. J. Taylor Show has been out thirteen weeks, and business has been prosperous. Many additions have been made to the various departments, notably the purchase of ten head of draft horses, making one hundred and thirty-two head all told; a new side show wagon and a new tableau wagon of the parade. The roster: Chas. Snyder, treasurer; John Davenport, equestrian director; John Marshall, musical director; Walt McCaffrey, master of privileges; Charles M. Baldwin, boss hostler; G. F. Brady, boss canvasman and G. H. Hahn, assistant; P. S. McPherson, steward; Shan Coleman, chandelier man; Harry St. Clair, boss canvasman of the Kid shwo and Billy Werms, animal man. The dressing room contains Tom Ambrose, ring master; Albert Davenport, principal rider; the Costello Bros., brother act and bars; William Costello, principal leaper and tumbler; Sam Bennett, jockey hurdle rider; Billy Wheeler, principal clown; Bishop Bros., trapeze and brother act; Chas. Meyers, slack wire and balancer; Jerome Abbey, barrell kicker and juggler; Don Divo, contortionist; Minnie Costello, aerialist; Mme. Davenport, vocalist; Bertie and May Davenport, vocalists and dancers; Lydie Bennett, soubrette, and Mlle. Soreita, second sight. The show consists of one hundred and ten people, one hundred and thirty-two head of horses, two elephants and six camels, including the baby camel, now five weeks old. The Costellos received a visit from their brother, Charles Costello, of Chicago. Dick Hunter and Charles Taylor have charge of the advance. We met Dick Sutton Show between Tipton and Mechanicsville, Ia., July 23.
The Links, Billy and Fannie, aerialists and general performers, joined the Burr Robbins Show at Chicago, Aug. 1.
Notes from the John Robinson Shows. The John Robinson's ten big shows combined are doing big business in Canada, as far as they have gone. The spectacular "King Solomon and the Queeen of Sheba" is a great feature. The riding on the bare steeds by Mrs. Chas. Robinson (Josie Demott) is worth going miles to see. William Demott, Orrin Hollis, Kate Holland, Emma Lake, George Holland, Mamie Forepaugh, Louise Demott and Mabel Reed represent some of the leading male and female equestrians. Robert Stickey Jr. and John Robinson Jr. have lately added to the hippodrome another race, that of driving horses tandem, a leading feature. Dan Dale and Ed Cullen are able assistants.
The Millikin & Cram Circus closed July 15 at Jackson Centre, Pa., owing to disagreement on the part of the owners. Fred Green, who was acting as business manager for the concern, has returned to Mantua Station, O., where he will organize a specialty company.
Ed Fralando, half owner of the Smith & Fralando Great British Circus, was married July 19 to ___ Wood, at Little Falls, Minn.
The Vernelos have joined the Whitney Family Circus.
Notes from Oliver's Great Eastern Shows. We are playing to fine business through Minnesota and Wisconsin. Manager Williams, of Williams' Circus, visited the show at Hammond, Wis. The Timmerman Family visited at Princeton, Minn. We are in our fourteenth week to good business.
Fred Runnells left the Walter L. Main Show at Greenport, L. I., July 27.
Alf Dorian, contortionist, joined the Pomeroy & Samuels' Circus at Pueblo, Col, July 27.
The Cleveland Consolidated Circus and Wild West will remain at Cleveland, O., until Aug. 15, when it takes the road.
Hunting's Circus Happenings. Proprietor Chas. Lee, Hall Egleston and Harry Moreland, of Lee's London Show, visited us at Middletown, July 23. Manager Hunting and Prof. Griffin visited the Lee Show at Goshen, on the same date. Washburn and Arlington visited us at Rutherford 29.
Notes from the Walter L. Main Show. Our run from Far Rockaway down to New London has been the longest and most tedious of the season. Sam E. Scribner, special advertising agent, has gone South on business connected with the show. A heavy fall of rain at Far Rockaway affected our Saturday night business. Manager Irwin has added three cages of animals from the F. A. Robbins Show to the menagerie, with one new flat car and one box car. Fred Aymar, our interview director, wishes a denial of the report that Fred Aymar is resting at his home, Waterbury, Ct. He claims to be the only Fred Aymer, and is son of one of the famous Aymar Family. Tony Lowande in his four horse act, and Willie Lowanda in his trotting principal act, are both doing excellent work. Charles Gardner is a late addition to the concert forces.
Notes from Sparks & Allen's Shows. We are in our fifteenth week of prosperity. The leaping over eight horses by our corps of leapers, led by George Gregory and ___ Millins, is one of the features. The Belford Bros. are making hits. George Hartzell contributes to the fun department. Prof. C. J. Gregory's trained horses, Prince and Dolly, are working finely. Red Eagle, Indian contortionist, closed July 14, at Bedford, Pa.
[Advertisement] Circus performers in all branches, novelties and trained animals are wanted for the Olympic Circus, Havana, Cuba. Address Francis Cortade, director and proprietor of the Olympic Circus.
New York Clipper, August 15, 1891, pp. 382, 395. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Notes from the F. J. Taylor Circus. The season for us is half over. J. L. Davenport is our dressing room director, while Stick Davenport is riding like a finished equestrian. His forward and back somersaults never fail to bring down the house. Billy Wheeler is repeating his former success as a popular clown. Sam Bennett deserves the hearty applause he receives for his daring hurdle act. The Castello Bros., acrobats, signed for twelve weeks, left at the expiration of their contract and joined the Wallace Show, agreeable to arrangements made last Winter. All privileges are doing well.
The members of A. H. Reed's Circus took an outing of one day recently. They chartered a train at Chrisney, Ind., and went to Rockport on the Ohio River, where the day was spent in boating and fishing.
Sieber & Co.'s Circus is touring Missouri. William Mohering, of the Mohering Bros., who left the show through illness, has rejoined it. Mrs. Sieber also joined recently.
Smith & Fralando's Great British Circus is reported doing big business in the Dakotas. It is showing in towns never before visited by a circus. William Curtice (Shakespearian clown), joined the show at Fargo, Dak.
Harry and Nellie Bower are with the Cleveland Consolidated Show, doing a new act.
F. P. Prescott, contracting agent for Oliver's Great Eastern Shows, reports good business through Wisconsin.
Notes from the Washburn & Arlington Show. B. L. Bowman, manager of our sideshow, just received another shipment of large snakes. Among them was a large anaconda. On their arrival at the canvas she gave birth to nine young ones. Mr. Bowman now has the largest den of snakes with any show, thirty-four in number. The largest is 16ft. long. Business has been good through Pennsylvania.
The tents of Prof. Williams' Circus were lifted by a tornado at Ashland, Wis., afternoon of Aug. _. A large crowd, drawn from Washburn, Ashland, and the surrounding country, was witnessing the performance when the first crash of thunder and rush of wind denoted the tornado's approach. The spectators supposed it would be nothing more than a slight storm, and the employes took no further precaution than to fasten down the loose ropes. During a performance on the trapeze the storm broke in all its fury. The tent became dark, poles and ropes snapped. A panic followed. Mingling with the shriek of women and children and yells of men came the roars of animals in their cages. Some burst through their bars and sprang into the tent which the audience and performers were leaving. The attendents were panic stricken and ran away. Some of the tents were demolished, and the horses and freed wild animals escaped.
From Clark Bros. Circus. We are doing a fair business and had three weddings the past week. Our roster: Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Clark, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Clark, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Richards, Mr. and Mrs. Otto Bleiser, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Wright, Ed Long and nine trained dogs, T. W. Bryan (clown), Chas. Means, Ed Foley, Dick Martin, Jim Smith, John Emerson, Helena Spencer, ___ Lewis, Willie Clark, Allie Clark and wife, Louise Clark and Lum Clark, the fifteen year old son of W. C. Clark, who works the trained elephant. We have a new 100ft. round top, with 40ft. middle piece and dressing room. M. L. Clark mourns the loss of his trick horse, Mack, who died last week of blind staggers, but he has another one in training. Kate Lee left Aug. 10 to spend a month with relatives in Philadelphia; also G. B. Parsons, our hobby horse man, goes to visit relatives. _. W. Bryan has a fine Indian pony in training. We have forty wagons and seventy head of stock. We go direct to Louisiana. We have a good band of fifteen pieces. Prof. Schelheimer, of St. Louis, is leader.
Notes from Downie & Gallagher's United Shows. We are now in our fifth week of success at Cleveland, O., despite strong opposition. We now open our show with eleven tumbling clowns, an act meeting with success. Mr. Downie is busy looking after the whole show during the absence of Mr. Gallagher, who accompanied his wife home from her visit to the show. He will remain away some time, looking after the business interests ahead. We will close Oct. 3, at Medina, N. Y., where we will go into winter quarters.
Notes from Harper Bros. Show. We opened May __ at Olneyville, R. I., and from the start we have had big houses. It is quite natural that our managers, the Harper Bros. should be confounded with the Harper Bros., of one legged song and dance fame, but this is an error, all the same. . . .
Notes from Prof. G. E. Rich's Circus. While at Lock Haven, Prof. Loper, with his cornet band of ten people joined. We also have several other new features, and have enlarged our show, adding curio people. Tunor and Roberts joined us at Lock Haven, as did Howard Williams. At Emporium, Aug. 3, T. J. Hurd joined us with his World's Museum, and consolidated the two shows in one. Features in the museum: Big Hattie Bowne, fat woman; Col. Picket Nelson, giant; John W. Coffey, skeleton dude; Prof. Bell, tattooed man; Margurete, Circassian snake charmer; Elexandra, fire king; Hurd's Punch and Judy, and Mons. Leona, strong man. Roster of our show: J. M. Rich and Wm. Berry, advance with six assistants; Prof. Lamont, equestrian manager; ___ and Gilbert, Tunor and Roberts, Joe Robie, O. Donaldson, Frank Cary, George Anderson, Howard M. Williams, clown; Billy Smith with two Arabian trick stallions; Robert Wilson with somersault dogs; Millie Rose, flying rings; Prof. Rich with his troupe of performing dogs; Harry Wan, chandeliers; Oscar Adams, boss canvasman with twelve assistants; Sam Green, property man with four assistants; Geo. Leidy, property man with two assistants in No. 2; Robert Brisdorph, boss cook with four assistants. Since organizing and consolidating Agu. 3, we have been doing big business, and were obliged to add another car to our train at Emporium. This show is en route for the South.
W. O. Rollins has closed with T. K. Burk's Circus, and is spending a few weeks with his mother at Rochester, N. Y.
Tully Strayer has signed as general agent for McCourt & Patman's Circus. He carries four billposters in advance. The show opens Aug. 10, at Louisville, Ky.
Notes from Walter L. Main's Show. We reached Lowell, Mass., after an all night run out of Fall River. Our business there was phenomenal. The canvas was packed to the ring curb, making it necessary for the band to vacate their seats and give them to people to get them off the track so the races could be run. At Newport one of the cages while coming down an incline, tipped over and was completely demolished. Is contained snakes and monkeys. One of the monkeys escaped. Manager Main has offered a liberal award for its return. The three cages added to the menagerie were bought by manager Main, instead of Irwin, as stated in your last issue. One contains a silver tipped bear. The Davines joined at Pawtucket, R. I. Most of the people of the Irwin Bros.' Show remained over Sunday with us. Manager Main and Fred Aymar were guests of J. L. Hutchinson at Newport, R. I.
Notes from the J. L. Jackson Shows. Business for the past few weeks has been very satisfactory, with the exception of one or two stands. J. L. Fusnet, assistant manager, returned Aug. _, from Mt. Clemens, Mich., where he went to be treated for inflammatory rheumatism. Frank Kelly and Wm. Day are recent additions. They do a wrestling act and a three round glove contest.
Notes from the Hunting Show. Business has been big through New Jersey. Edwards and Williams joined at Newark, Aug. 3. Mr. Edwards' backward dives from a pyramid of tables is one of the most sensational acts ever seen with this show. Hays Evans, of the advance, will manage Gordan Bros.' Minstrels during the Winter. Prof. Griffin will have two companies of glassblowers on the road this Winter. Capt. Mack Evans will manage the No. 2 show.
Notes from Washburn & Arlington's Circus. C. E. Klutz and wife have left, and Belmont and Bean have joined; also Jim Kid and wife, who have charge of the Wild West. John Lancaster is still doing "Pete Jenkins," and his kicking mule is the town talk. Prusman Free (fat boy) has joined the annex. Jas. Belmont recently cleared three camels and ten horses with a clear double.
The Cleveland Consolidated Shows and Wild West are now on their fourth week. New features are added every week, and they are buying new stock for the ring and new wagons preparatory for the road. A band of twelve pieces, under the leadership of Prof. Dugan, will be carried. G. A. Flinn has been engaged for advance with eight men.
The body of William Daly, an attache of Robinson's Circus, who had been missing since Aug. 7, was found in the canal basin at Green Island. Foul play was suspected, but no marks of violence were found on the body, except a cut on the nose, probably caused by coming in contact with the dock.
Carlisle & Morris', in its eighth season, opens at Baltimore, Md., Aug. 30. . . .
[Advertisement] Harper Bros.' Great European Shows. P. N. Harper, proprietor and manager; Frank Zola, treasurer; Dick Farnum, equestrian director; Edgar Hayes, advance representative. The Farnum Bros., Dick and James, pyramid act. John F. Batcheler, double somersault leaper. Emily Zola Troupe, wonders of the Pacific Slope, trapeze artists. Fred Elmer, late of Elmer and Gregory, triple horizontal bar performer. Fred Welcome, balancing trapeze, reposing on his head on the single trapeze bar. Miss Josie Farnu, slack wire, ascent to the dome of the canvas suspended by her teeth only. John F. Kelly, equilibrist and posturer on a pyramid of chairs and bottles at a height of forty feet. James Clifford, human enigma, serpentine wonder, contortionist. Harry DeBoe, tight wire, walks on a single wire. La Belle Winnie, child contortionist. George O. Egbertson, bar clown. Mons. Eugene Gertner, equestrian, six horse rider and bounding jockey act. Eddie Garvie and J. J. Powers, comedians, vocalists and dancers in concert. Tony York, Irish character. Prof. John F. Batchelder's five acting dogs, Grover, Basil, Jumbo double somersault dog, Fanny, Ben Bolt Irish jester. Henry Munroe, juvenile bar performer. Carr and Touriee, musical artists. Prof. Frank M. Myers, magician, ventriloquist and Punch and Judy. Mlle. Le Pruno, Hindoo snake charmer. Zoe Zublim, Circassian lady. Mons. Antonia, huge paving stones upon his head and chest. Sig. Carboni, juggler, fire eater. Sig. Castoletie, sword swallower. Prof. Thos. Free's Golden Band of 14 pieces. Arthur Flagie, manager of privileges.
New York Clipper, August 22, 1891, pp. 398, 410. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
T. K. Burk's Circus, so a correspondent writes, have been playing to splendid business the past three weeks. At St. Paul they could not seat the crowds. After four days in that city they visited Minneapolis for three days. Then a jump to West Superior and Duluth. By hard work, Mr. Burk succeeded in getting the show hauled over the Iron Range Railroad to Ely and Tower, towns of 4,000 and 6,000 respectively, where business was incredible, as this was the first show that had ever visited these places, the railroad always refusing to haul one to that country. Through Minnesota and Dakota a hearty welcome at every stand. They showed at Winnipeg, Man., Aug. 10, 11, the first circus there in four years. De Forrest Davis is piloting the show through good country, while Ralph Peckman superintends the paste brigade.
Notes from the E. O. Rogers Great Pacific Shows. Pauline De Boise received presents on her birthday, Aug. 3. On Aug. __ Mrs. Ed Leon presented her husband with a ten pound boy baby.
Notes from Main & Co.'s Show. We are in our fourteenth week of prosperous business. At Powhatan Court House, Va., Aug. 10, Andy Spear, equestrian manager and principal clown was called back into the ring and presented with a gold headed cane by members of the company. Clarence Burton made the presentation speech. Roster of the show: Main & Sargent, sole proprietors; C. W. Kidder in advance; Ernest Houghton, boss hostler; Geo. Stevens, master of canvas; Lancois Carpentar, chandelier man; Louis Schafer, concert privileges; A. Moreland, candy stands; Prof. Sarketo, leader of band. Performers: Jos. Fitzgerald, club juggler; the Merediths, Albert and Marguerite, double trapeze; Andy Spear, clown; Andy Burtsh, contortionist; Three Burtons, ladder act; Wm. Main, trick ponies; Marguerite Meredith, single trapeze; Burton Bros., brother act; King and Burtsh, knockabout clowns with their Christmas box; Wm. Main, trick horse; Burton Family, trapeze; the Fays, John and Fanny, Dutch comiques; Meredith, high wire act; Andy Spear, educated dogs, and Jas. King's trick mule. The concert people are Mr. and Mrs. Andy Spear, Jno. Fay, Fanny Fay, Rose La Rose, Geo. Rose, and Fitzgerald and King.
During the performance of the Harris Circus, July 31, at Cambridge City, Ind., a fatal accident was witnessed by a large audience. Willie Lauthan (Frank Manning) was attempting a double somersault. On springing from the board, it slipped and gave way under his feet. Instead of alighting on his feet, after turning one and one-half vaults, he fell on his neck and left shoulder, striding the spinal column at the base of the brain, from which ensued partial paralysis. A physician was called and the injured man was carried to his hotel. The show left for Shelbyville, and after their usual performance Aug. 1, a party of six of his friends boarded a freight train for Cambridge City, 2. They went to look after his needs, and left 3 to rejoin the show at Columbus, promising to return 8 from New Albany, when, if deemed proper to move, they would take him to a hospital. His home is at Meriden, Ct., where his two brothers reside. His only sister lives with a cousin in New York City. The two brothers have been notified of the accident by his fellow acrobats. On Aug. 11 the poor fellow died at New Albany, Ind.
From Lee's London Circus. Parson Hoy [Roy?], comedian, and Chas. Cameron, female impersonator, joined last week for the concert. Mr. Lee returned to Canton, Pa., last week from the West, and shipped to the show some fine gray horses and a pony, presented to Mrs. Lee.
Lee Howard, late of Howard Bros., and Frank Acton, late of Emerson and Acton, have joined hands, and will hereafter be known as the Howard Bros. They are now with Chas. Lee's Great London Shows in their new Mexican ladder act.
The Orrin Brothers' Circus, now on the road in Mexico, is reported to be doing only a fair business.
The Bowers (Harry and Nellie) leave the Cleveland Consolidated Show Aug. 15, and go West to fulfill their engagements.
C. E. Kinty and Barnet Baldwin have left the Washburn & Arlington Circus, and are running a fair ground company.
Bobby Carroll, comedian, joined the Van Amburg Circus as singing clown Aug. 1, at Deadwood, S. D.
Prof. Williams & Co.'s Circus, while giving an exhibition at Washburn, Wis., Aug. 8, was struck by a tornado, and the canvas was torn to shreds. Prof. Williams brought into requisition all the available help he could get to restore the fragments and wired for a new canvas, which arrived in forty-eight hours. He lost two stands, and will sustain a heavy loss. He spread his new canvas at Ashland, 11. Prof. Williams was going through the act with the trained horses when the tent fell flat. The horses, wild with fright, burst out through the mass of people. Two little children of Geo. Labelle and an unknown boy were taken out dead. They were blown a distance of 500ft. Miss Wilson had her right leg broken. The depot was turned into a hospital, and the dead and wounded carried there. . . . The animals escaped from their cages. The anacondas are still at large, and several other animals have not been captured. Mr. Williams writes: "The loss will in no way cripple the show, as the season has been a successful one."
Notes from the Gollmar Brothers' Circus. We are playing to big business in Iowa. The performers: the Bensleys, Garnello Bros., Gay Levanion, Kershaw Bros., Edgerton Sisters, J. Johnson, James Bensley and Willis Bensley. The Varnellos have left the show. May Edgerton had a bad fall Aug. 11 at Springville. The show is heading for Decatur. Tom Doyal has closed and gone to Chicago.
The Castellos joined the Wallace Show at Racine, Wis.
Notes from Hurlburt & Leftwich's Show. We have been out fifteen weeks. Business is good. The show has not played to a losing week. D. S. Ward, our agent, has gone home sick. Mr. Leftwich was ahead a few days. We had a big shipment of paper burned at Huron, in the North Western Depot. The horses are working well under the management of W. McLaughlin, who has been with the show a number of years. The show will play opera houses this Winter.
The niece of Mr. and Mrs. P. W. Donovan is visiting them at their home, Brooklyn, N. Y. Mrs. Donovan is known in the profession as Cleo Hernandez, the bareback equestrian.
Roster of the advance of Terrell Bros. Circus and Menagerie: A. L. La Salle, general agent; F. J. Sebree and Roy Nelson, assistants; M. A. Buisey, boss billposter with the following assistants: Frank Patterson, John Reid, Wm. Herron, Jas. Mahan, N. W. Haven, Jas. Hertlen, Jas. Stone, Jas. Moran, L. C. Mason, E. L. McDonald, Frank Johnson, Chas. Adams, Sam Dougan and Frank Malone.
Doings of Downie & Gallagher's New United Shows. We have finished our five weeks of continued success at Cleveland, O. We are at Akron for week of Aug. 16, and return to Cleveland 23 to play another long engagement at Forest City Park. We then start on our Eastern tour. On his birthday (2), members of the company presented manager Downie with a solid gold chain and charm. Ed Carr received an initial ring as a birthday token from the management and company. Gillette, contortionist, met with a painful accident while doing his difficult act. He strained himself, and when he reached the dressing room he was totally blind. Physicians were summoned and pronounced it hemorrhage of the brain. Mr. Gillett is slowly recovering.
Notes from the Walter L. Main Show. We pitched our tents at Lowell, Mass. and our business was top heavy. The ticket wagon was closed and hundreds turned away. Bert Vale, son of manager George Vale, was presented with a gold watch and chain by his father and mother. Tony Lowanda presents a "tony" and graceful figure on his horse, Prince. Our trick elephant, Jennie, has a history. She is a fine trick elephant, and was the bearer of such a precious burden as the Forepaugh ten thousand dollar beauty. At Portsmouth business was injured by the heavy rain. The baby monkey is still the feature in the menagerie. We have not named it yet. All are enjoying boating while we are showing along close to the bays.
Chas. Young, treasurer of Hunting's Circus, was assulted and nearly killed Aug. 14, at Asbury Park, N. Y., by George Glimm, one of the clowns with the show. The latter's wife is an albino snake charmer, traveling with the circus, and the assault was the result of her husband's jealousies. Glimm was arrested and fined, the injured treasuer refusing to make a complaint.
Notes from Smith & Fralando's British Circus. We closed our twelfth week at Fargo, N. D., Aug. 1. Ed Franlando was recently married to Nellie Woods, a professional, at Little Falls, Minn. Mr. Bargh succeeds Olson in advance. Joined since July 4: Fisher, contortionist; Curtis, song and dance man; W. Flow, clarionetist; Sylvester, knockabout clown; Johnston, trap drummer. Ajax Jr., contortionist, has closed on account of ill health.
The T. K. Burk Shows continue to do an immense business in the Northwest. We made a jump of 293 miles last Sunday to reach Winnipeg. . . .
Notes from Robinson's Circus. We are still doing land office business in Canada. "Kid" Hanna, the balloonist, took up a large Newfoundland dog with him last week. Both landed safely in a corn field. At Orillia, Sunday, Aug. 9, was veteran John Lowlow's fiftieth birthday. He was presented by his employers and associates with a silver tea service, and useful and valuable presents were made by Mr. and Mrs. G. N. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. Orrin Hollis, Frank Cook and D. W. Dale.
[Advertisement] Wanted, band, eight pieces, for the W. C. Coup New Rolling Palaces and Equescurriculum; would also like to hear from a sideshow man with outfit for sideshow. W. C. Coup, Central Show Printing Co., Chicago, Ill.
New York Clipper, August 29, 1891, pp. 416, 428. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Notes from Dick's Model Circus. We are now in our seventeenth week and business has been good. We are now in Illinois. Prof. W. W. Jones, the balloonist, joined us lately and has already made twenty ascensions. We have the following performers: Retlaw and Alton, Eddie Cunningham, the Three Moncayos, Little Maudie Sutton, Al White, the Two Stone Bros. and John Meyers' School of Educated Horses. Our sideshow is run by Senator Frank B. Hubin, with Mille Jenna, snake enchantress; midget pony; Sig. Dalvineo, strong man and Prof. Hubin, Punch and magic. Will H. Retlaw is principal clown. His wife, Annie Girard, has been visiting the show.
The advance brigade of Sautelle's Show consists of J. B. Swafford, general agent; John Toomey, contracting agent; E. H. Scofield, billposter with two assistants, and James Rodman in charge of programmes and lithographs.
Notes from Oliver's Great Eastern Shows. We have been touring the Dakotas, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Manitoba. Business is wonderful. Our black clown horse, Prince, died Aug. _. He was valued at $5,000, quite a loss to Mr. Oliver. Phil Stroebecker was the recipient of presents on his birthday, Aug. 9, as was also Harry Barney 12. C. F. Covell and Thos. Oliver sustained severe injuries 13 by a burr coming off of one of the cages upon which they were asleep. Harry Barney leaves 28 to fill other engagements. The roster: Thos. Oliver, sole proprietor; W. M. Prescott, representative in advance; Geo. ___, equestrian director; Geo. Oliver, treasurer; Harry Barney, Harry Brandon, Geo. Fastie, Dad Gibson, Leo Lane, Chip Slosson, Mons. Devalgia, Phil Stroebecker, Link Stroebecker, Charles Link, Glen ___, Ed Wilkins, C. F. Covell and Prof. Frank Fuller and band of twelve pieces.
Harper Bros. Circus stranded at Thompsonville, Mass., Aug. 22. The performers struck for back salaries, and it was announced that there would be no performance. The crowd became excited, cut the guy ropes, set the tent on fire, smuashed seats and wagons, cut up harness and wrecked things generally. Great pieces were cut out of the canvas. In all, about $2,500 damages were done. Manager H. N. Harper [sic P. N.?] attempted to refund the money, but when the crowd became unruly he took the receipts and went to Springfield, where he was arrested later in the night for obtaining money under false pretenses. The performers claim he owed none of them for more than three weeks' work, bht he has paid all other bills, and would have soon paid the performers. He is to have a hearing in court at Thompsonville.
Prof. Andy Showers, equestrian director of King & Franklin's Circus, has purchased a thoroughbred pure white Arabian stallion and is training him for a trick and menage horse. Frank Crowe, musician, closed with the show Aug. __. Fred Bates has signed to fill the vacancy.
Chas. Bartine's Circus reports excellent business. Dan Welcom and Theole close Aug. 30, to take out a Fair ground company of their own.
Doings of the Downie & Gallagher New United Shows. At Newburg, Aug. 14, a heavy wind and rain storm completely demolished things. We lost both shows that day, but with hard work on all sides we have everthing in readiness for the afternoon of 15. We immediately orderd a new top and entree, which are daily expected.
S. R. MacFlynn, besides having purchased the interest of Geo. Hall in the MacFlynn & Hall Show, has now bought out Ed. Holland, of the Van Amburg Show . . .
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Howard Gibson's Wagon Shows, aerial people that do two or more turns, and a clown that can go in leap and tumble. Howard Gibson, Columbus, O.
New York Clipper, September 5, 1891, pp. 432, 433. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Notes from the Terrell Bros.' Circus. Mrs. Annie Chick celebrated her birthday Aug. 18. Our drives are short ones, which tends to keep the boys lively.
The E. O. Rogers Great Pacific Shows are touring Illinois. Business is reported excellent. Nelson Sinclair and wife, Edward Len and wife have left the show. Houssaburo Sam and Mamie Cornella (Japs) joined recently. Prof. Will J. Kirker, ventriloquist and magician, is on the sick list but manages to do his work. Mrs. C. O. Rogers joined the show recently.
Notes from the Walter L. Main Show. The weather for the past week has been rather against us, injuring business to a certain extent. Dan O'Brien, leaper; Nettie Corlyn, the Four Walton Bros., Mat Millette and partner are additions.
Geo. Sieber & Co.'s Circus is said to be reaping a harvest in Missouri. The company cross the line into Arkansas this week.
During the evening performance of Chas. Lee's London Show, at Roxbury, N. Y., Aug. 18, Elnor, aerialist, had a narrow escape from injury while doing his perch act. The bail ring broke, and he fell from the top, but with the exception of a few bruises, he was unhurt.
Notes from Diefenbach Circus. Ed Guthrie, equestrian director, has recovered from his fall several weeks ago. Mrs. Ida Guthrie joined the show at Alexandria, Ind., Aug. _, after laying off eight weeks at her home, Cincinnati. M. W. Murray is making a hit with his bar act. Serry Bros. are favorites. John Max, who joined recently, is doing well in the concert. Manager Phil Diefenbach received bad news from his home Aug. 22, to the effect that his father was dying. Manager Diefenbach started for his home, Hamilton, O., immediately. Mrs. Diefenbach and Ed Guthrie will take charge of the show during Mr. Diefenbach's absence. The show is doing wonderful business through Illinois. We are heading for the South.
Josie Zamora, the little gymnast, is visiting her parents at Chicago. She will sail for South American in a few weeks with the Zamora Family to join the Gran Circo Gardner.
New York Clipper, September 12, 1891, p. 463. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Cooper & Carroll's New United Southern Shows. Riders, jugglers, brother act, Indians, cowboys, people in all branches of the circus business. Band of six or eight mouthpieces and musicians, must thoroughly understand circus music. A feature of the show is our band music. Also want trick dogs, ponies, goats and mules. All privileges for sale. Long season South. Would like to hear from first class agent, boss canvasman and chandelier man. Address Cooper & Carroll, Medon, Madison County, Tennessee. Performers, address Al Duray, equestrian director.
New York Clipper, September 19, 1891, p. 469. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
F. S. Moncayo and his wife and daughter are with Dick's Circus.
Notes from the Diefenbach Show. Mr. Diefenbach again joined the show at Pana, Ill. He had performed the sad duty of burying his father at Hamilton, Sept. 2, who had attained the age of eighty-one years. C. Pierson is doing good work in advance. John Smith and his banjo is still with us. Murray and Peasley's wrestling act is making a hit with the concert. C. H. Pierson was at Chicago last week, and purchased two cars, a sleepr and baggage car, each 60ft. long.
The Castellos (Georgie, Elmo, William and Minnie) left the Wallace Show to join the Sells Bros. Show at San Francisco, for the Australian tour.
J. B. Swafford joined the advance force of Irwin Bros. Show, at Syracuse, N. Y., Sept. 1. Mr. Swafford recently purchased an immense dog, which he has named The Clipper.
John Williams, the Spanish clown, has left the Hunting Show, and has signed with Frank A. Gardner's Circus for South America. Du Val, the contortionist, has signed with Mr. Gardner.
New York Clipper, September 26, 1891, p. 484. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Frank B. Hubin, sideshow manager, closes with Dick's Circus Sept. __, and joins the Van Amburg Show.
Notes from the Wixom Show. We close the season Sept. __. The Wiretta Bros. and Prof. Wilcox join Frank Ricke's Minstrels. M. Aldine will play dates, opening at the museum, Cincinnati, O. Frank Roberts goes South wil a circus. Prof. Wixom has added six head of horses to his ring stock, and will break them this Winter. Next season he will have a menage act of twelve horses. The show will go by rail next season, using four cars.
Hunting's Circus Happenings, Johnny Williams, the clever little performer, left Sept. 11 to join the Gran Circo Gardener for a tour of South American. After the big show is over in the afternoon the interior of our main canvas looks like one of the "big" shows, four and five acts being in at one time practicing. Frank Watson left 14.
J. Myers and Al White are now traveling with Dick's Big Twenty-five Circus, join Sutton's Monster "Uncle Tom's Cabin" Oct. 1.
Notes from Dick's Circus. After twenty-two weeks we close a successful season at Amboy, Sept. 26.
Doings of the Downie & Gallagher United Shows. The show will close its prosperous season at Medina, N. Y., Monday, Sept. 28. During the winter the show will be enlarged to double its present size. Sixty more head of stock, a Wild West, hippodrome and menagerie will be added.
Two cars belonging to John Robinson's Circus were wrecked on a side track near Washington, Pa., Sept. __. The cars were filled with employes of the show. A female performer was probably fatally injured and four men were badly hurt. The accident was caused by a broken brake beam.
Gollmar Bros.' Circus will close its season Oct. 1.
New York Clipper, October 3, 1891, p. 502. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The Zoyarows, aerial artists, joined the Washburn & Arlington Circus recently. They are doing a double trapeze act, making a hit through New York and New Jersey.
Whiting and Ryder, and Waldon and Baker, close with the Wallace Show Oct. 17, and open at the Olympic Theatre, Chicago.
Chas. Lee's Great London Circus, Museum and Menagerie will close one of the most successful seasons at Canton, Pa., Oct. 3, and will go into its new winter quarters. Several new cages will be added, and a new parade wardrobe will be made during the winter.
The Welch Bros., Frank and James, closed with T. K. Burk's Show at Kansas City, Mo.
Notes from Walter L. Main's Show. We jumped from Winchendon, Mass., to Housic Falls, N. Y. Everyone was worn out, still we did a tremendous business. The Jeal Sisters led the grand entry. Elena Jeal and daughter, Nellie Ryland, have been visiting Linda Jeal for a few days, as they were to sail for South America Sto. 23. Mme. Olga joined us at Troy, N. Y. Maurice Joyce also joined last week. Agnes Lowanada, wife of Tony Lowanda, is an addition to our list. Jos. Murry, husband of our equestrienne, Linda Jeal, is recovering from a severe illness at St. Luke's Hospital.
Notes from the Wheeler Show. Our season has been a good one. We close our season on or about Nov. 2, at Irwin, Ia. W. S. Wheeler and the Marshall Bros., with Dick Hunter in advance, will put out our big hall show as soon as this circus closes.
Notes from T. K. Burk's Show. T. K. Burk, our proprietor, arrived from Chicago, bringing with him two flat cars containing one large new canvas wagon and four cages of birds, animals and monkeys; also one large stock car, with eighteen head of ring and draught horses. This new addition fully equips us for the South. Dutch Reiss presented Miss Ethel, the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. _. M. Burk, with a road cart and pony, which she leads the parade every day with Dutch. Sig. Zano, in his principal riding act, is a feature, and his four horse riding act concludes the performance. At Lincoln, Neb., the crowd was thick for two days.
Wiley Ferris, Max Millette and Chas. Wertz joined the Van Amburg Show recently. Wiley Ferris' diamond pin was stolen from the dressing room. He offered a reward, but has not recovered it yet.
The Two Aherns, William and Minnie, did not join the Wallace Circus as reported Sept. 26, but are at home practicing a new balancing ladder perch act.
Sparks & Allen's Circus is reported to be meeting with success in Pennsylvania. Manager Sparks is now traveling ahead, while C. J. Gregory has charge of the show.
Prof. G. E. Rich's Circus will close its season Oct. 5 at Mechanicstown, Md., after being out twenty-three weeks to good business. The show will go into Winter quarters at Mechanicsville. Prof. Rich is organizing a specialty company, to take the road late in October.
The Three Gardener Bros. and John Morris have signed with Cooper & Carroll's United Southern Shows. Ed C. Abbey will have charge of the advance corps.
A correspondent at Greenville, O., states that Geo. O. Litt, alias Dr. Nevada Norton, of Fort Wayne, Ind., proprietor, manager and manufacturer of the Choctaw Indian remedies, and late proprietor of Norton's Ten Cent Circus, which opened at Winchester, Ind., July 4, suddenly disappeared at Winchester, Ind., leaving salaries and hotel bills unpaid.
New York Clipper, October 10, 1891, pp. 518, 529. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Roster of the E. O. Rogers Circus: E. O. Rogers, Walter Rogers, Harry Murry, Geo. Richards with his prairie dogs and ponies; Harry Reid, animal trainer; Steve Meaney, juggler; Phillip King, General Ed Holland, rings and perch; Frd Brock, contortionist; Houssaburo Sam and wife, Pauline De Boise, female sampson; Lillie Cole, trapeze artist; John B. Wright, singing clowns. Miss Cole made a successful balloon ascension and parachute jump since she joined the show. Business is reported good. In the concert: the Happy Three, King De Boise and Wright.
Frank B. Hubin closed with Dick's Circus on Sept. 26, and joined the Van Amburg Show 28, at Stewartsville, Nev.
Zella, the human frog, is with Harris' Circus.
Pauline Carre has been engaged for Cortada's Circus in Cuba, to do jockey and bareback. She takes her horses with her.
Dick's Model Show closed their season at Amboy, Ill., Sept. 26. Prof. Harry Streif, the balloonist, has made twenty-one successful ascensions. The Stone Bros. started for Denver, the Moncayos to Chicago and Retlaw and Alton to Cincinnati.
Doings of the Downie & Gallagher Show. We closed the season at Medina, N. Y., Sept. 28. Our most disastrous accident in the season occurred when we were only two miles from our last stand. The alarm of fire was sounded through the train. When the proprietors reached the train they found the canvas wagon wrapped in flames. The engineer tried hard to make the station, but the train was too heavy for fast time, and the burning car, which was next to the engine, had to be detached from the rest of the train, and a lively run for Medina was made, one and a half miles distant. On reaching there the water was turned on. By hard work all day Sunday, Sunday night and Monday morning, we finally roped the top together sufficient to hoist what was left of the peaks, and by substituting the cook tent side walls we got up one of the baddest looking canvases that ever covered a ring. But we played to one of the largest days of the season. The wagon was mostly destroyed. We lost all our reserve seat carpet, nets, tumbling ticks, ropes, etc. The loss is heavy. Thomas Murray, one of our employes, when returning home after finishing his season, was run over at Sanborn, N. Y., and lost a foot.
When Rentz's Circus was all loaded on the train at the freight depot at Salem, Va., last week, awaiting transportation to Christiansburg, a row occurred between some of the employes of the circus in the bar of the Revere House, and those who were engaged in it gradually moved out toward the railroad track. One of the men suddenly dropped, whether struck by a rock, beer bottle or brass knuckles, it is not positively known, though there are parties who say they saw Buck Toner strike the man before he fell. The man who was struck was Harry Evans, aged about forty, who filled the place of lecturer in the sideshow, which was owned by a man named De Arly. Buck Toner, is one of the principal performers in the circus. As soon as Harry Evans fell he was picked up and carried into the barroom, where it was found that his skull was badly fractured. Someone went into the sleeping car and awoke his wife, who went to the side of her husband, while all the circus and sideshow men boarded the train for Christiansburg, many of them thinking he would follow in the morning. Physicians were sent for and they saw that they had a desperately bad case, as there was a clean cut three inches long on the right side of the head above the temple, and a portion of the skull was so badly crushed that it was pressing on the brain, which had caused paralysis of the whole left side. About 10 a.m. Dr. Baird, assisted by Drs. Wiley and Dillard, performed the operation of trepanning, and removed two pieces of skull. The Commonwealth Attorney, Ballard, telegraphed Judge Junkins, of Christainsburg, to have Toner arrested, but could get no reply, so Sheriff Zurkle started to Christiansburg with a warrent for Buck Toner, charging hime with felonious wounding. It is thought that Mr. Evans will die.
The T. K. Burk Shows left the State of Kansas Sept. 29, at Fort Scott, having made nine stands in the State to good business except at Pana, where we had two shows in opposition, as well as the wild rumors regarding the Wallace Show and the Ringling Show. At Lawrence the canvas will filled to capacity. The success of the show has encouraged Mr. Burk to made several additions, the most notable being several flat cars and a stock car, doubling the hauling capacity. He has also added a number of cages of rare animals, as well as twenty head of horses, making nearly sixty in all. We now carry two bands and will undoubtedly have a continental band in the near future. At Lawrence, Theo. Marietto received a telegram announding the serious illness of his father at Chicago. He left for that city the same evening. The Welch Bros., Frank and Jimmie, quit the show at Lawrence, going to Cleveland. Several new people will join us at Memphis in a few days. The advance brigade consists of D. F. Davis, general contractor; R. W. Peckham, agent, in charge of car; R. McDaniels, head billposter with the following assistants: J. W. Kelley, Geo. Slade, F. Stone, Sam Hyatt, Geo. O'Neill, Dave Sammis,Root, Semple, "Kid" Dwight, Tony Hopkins, Chas. Blakesley, Tom Reynolds, Ed Hunter and Geo. Sims. E. O. Tress, lithographer; Jno. Dickson, programmer, and Prof. Linton, stereopticon.
W. J. and Mme. Irwin have closed a twenty-one weeks' season with the Irwin Bros. Show. They will play dates this Winter.
The Wintermute Bros. Circus closes the most prosperous season of its existence at Palmyra, Wis., Oct. 7. The roster remains the same as when we opened with a few exceptions. Thos. Wintermute was recently married at Nova Springs, Ia., to Ada Hall, a non-professional. Cunningham's contorion act is a big feature in the big show, and Owen and Roy are a big card in the concert. Nearly all this season's people are re-engaged, including Walter R. Hinman and his band. Next season's outfit will include a new 100ft. round top with a 50ft. middle piece and an 80ft. menagerie.
Notes from Lemen Bros. Show. In your issue of Sept. 19, you class the Lemen Bros.' Show as a 10, 20 and 30 cent show. That is a mistake, for we have not showed for less than 25 cents since we left Kansas City, Mo., last May, and only a very few stands at that price. Fifty cents has been the admission price in four-fifths of the stands we have made, and it will never be less. We are in our twenty-second week and business has been double any previous season. There are only two days in each week that there is any trouble with the show - one is Monday, when the boys are hustling for paper money to exchange for silver, and the other is Saturday when they are hunting for The Clipper. We have had only one wreck, and one blow down. Neither was serious.
The outfit as it stands today: Frank and Frost Lemen, sole proprietors; Edward Campbell, manager; Geo. H. Hines, assistant manager; John H. Holland, general contracting agent with twelve assistants; Harry Potter, boss billposter and brigade of fourteen; James Webb, boss canvasman; Wm. Bell, master of transportation; Geo. Johnson, boss hostler and twelve assistants; John Sells, feed contractor; Harry Smith, chandelier man; Chas. Jersey, boss property man with six assistants; Frank Pernardo [Fernardo?], equestrian director.
Maretta Sisters, Rose and May; Dayton Sisters, Maud and Gretta; Atwood Sisters, Blanche and Lulu; May Crittendon, Flossie Egbert, Mme. De Elno and twenty trained dogs, Rome, Emery and Wherman Greggs, Mazello Bros., Vic and William; the three Westland Brothers, De Castro and Lainar, Bernardo and Tyson, Chas. Holland, Carl Charles, Dolph Enlow, Wm. Phelps, Horace Copeland, Ed Monts, Mike Stevens, Ted Greeley, Master Arties, Billy Chase, Al Ferney, Jean Durand, Harry Easton, Geo. Gibbons, Wylie and Willis, Bertie Gayton, Ned Clancy, Debar and Holmes, Bessie Brown, Billy Morse, Harry Nelson, Madam Alberta, Zelina Zelingo, Prof. Herndon, Geo. Mile, Horace Zone and Frank Rosenthal. Prof. Al Parker and his twenty solo musicians furnish the music.
We have one 120ft. round top with two 50ft. middle pieces; one 80ft. round top with two 20ft. middle pieces for menagerie; one 50ft. round top with two 30ft. middle pieces for sideshow; one 50ft. round top with one 30ft. middle piece of the dressing room; one 40ft. oblong for cook tent; eleven cars, eleven cages of animals, eighty-two horses and mules, four Shetland ponies, two elephants, trained and handled by Prof. Fred Morrisson.
Neil Smith was a Clipper caller Oct. 5. He is to join Sam A. Scribner in taking out a wagon show next season, opening early in May.
Notes from Robinson's Show. We are in the Virginias now, doing a land office business. John F. Robinson has been away from the show a great deal of late, looking after his real estate interests at Cincinnati, but returned at Richmond, Va. Capt. Shields, the Texas giant, is the father of a young son. The youngster has been named John Robinson Shields. At Richmond we had the pleasure of meeting Del Fuego and wife, who traveled for many seasons with this show. Orrin Hollis, who has been sick a long time, has recovered, and is again doing his act.
Hunting's Circus closed its season Oct. 3, at New Castle, Va.
Walter L. Main's Circus will close its season Oct. 24, in Maryland, and will be shipped directly to Winter quarters.
Lawlor and Edwards closed a successful engagement with Bob Hunting's Circus Oct. 3, and they sail for South America to join Frank A. Gardner's Circus.
[Advertisement] Wanted immediately for Skiff's Allied Mastodon Shows, Circus, Museum, Menagerie, Hippodrome, Japanese Festival, Wild West and Pantomimic Spectacle. Performers in every branch of the circus business, riders with their own stock, trained horses, ponies, mules, dogs, goats and monkeys; knockabout clown, Japanese jugglers, Indians, cowboys, museum freaks, musicians for two bands, concert people, novelties and acts of all kinds; also boss canvasman, chandelier man, and four and six horse driveres. Show going South this Winter. Will buy trained animals of all kinds. Side show privilege for tent or share. Address Charley Shay, manager, Hotel Emery, Cincinnati, Ohio.
New York Clipper, October 17, 1891, pp. 535, 537, 547. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Dan O'Brien, formerly of the Hunting Show, is resting at New Castle, Pa.
News from the Great International Railroad Shows. We are now traveling through Texas to good business. Fred Harris, late top mounter for ___ Bros., joined the show at Groesbeck, Tex., to work with Tom Nichols. John Ortone, after one year retirement from the business, jumped from Detroit and joined the show at Hearne, Tex., to do middle man for Nichols and Harris. They will be known as Three Nichols Brothers, and are practicing a brother act. Mr. Samuels is away on a visit to San Antonio on business.
Roster of Cooper & Carroll's New United Southern R. R. Shows: Cooper & Carroll, sole proprietors; A. C. Murrelle, manager; Al Duray, equestrian director; Three Gardner Brothers, Leonota, Al Duray, Prof. Albert Hall, Decameron, John B. Morris, Bowen Bros., J. D. Wagar, leader of brass; Geo. E. Smart, leader of orchestra; Frank Ide, I. W. Watson, Frank Wagar, W. E. Collier, Oscar Willey, Bert Wittier, Baker and Bart, Morris and Oscar Willey. We opened at Medon, Tenn., Oct. 3. The band is a big feature in our parade. Oct. 10, at Jackson, Tenn., we had to turn people away. We have an elegant sleeper, one baggage and one flat car.
Walter L. Main Show will close at Havre De Grace, Md., Oct. 24, and go into winter quarters at Geneva, O. Adam Forepaugh Jr., it is said, recently tried to purchase Mr. Main's entire outfit.
Hurlburt & Leftwich's Show closed its season Oct. 5 at Blair, Neb., and will go into winter quarters at Norfolk. The performing horses will be taken on the road to play engagements in opera houses, commencing Nov. 15.
[Advertisement] Circus property at auction. The property of the Fulford & Co.'s Circus and Menagerie will be sold at auction for cash by the undersigned receiver, on the 28th day of October, 1891, at Topeka, Kansas. The property consists of on 100 foot round top tent; one __ foot round top tent with __ft. middle piece; two __ foot round top tents with 30 foot middle piece; one cook tent; one horse tent; one ticket wagon, one band wagon, one tableau wagon, six animal cage wagons, two advance wagons, property, chandelier, jack, canvas and other wagons used in the business; eight large boxes of show paper, posters, etc., together with seats, wardrobes, banners and other paraphernalia belonging to and used in a circus, and menagerie. Also five large Macaw bird, one cinnamon bear, etc. John ___, receiver, Topeka, Kansas.
New York Clipper, October 24, 1891, pp. 552, 565. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Notes from T. K. Burk's Circus. Western Tennessee has proven a gold mine for the T. K. Burk Circus. At Jackson we had strong opposition, worked up by an evangelist, but a few well directed and discreet "ads" packed the canvas to the ring, afternoon and night. At Union City, the home of John Lovelace, the capacity of the canvas was put to the test. John's horses worked perfectly and won the highest praise. Theo. Marietta rejoined the show at Jackson, his father having so far recovered from his illness as to admit of his leaving home. Charley Lovell is justly termed the human snake, as in his contortion act he squirms and twists himself into every conceivable shape. Inez Palmer, female Samson and iron jawed woman is a strong card. Gus Fairbanks appreciates the patronage on the "kid" show. He is making additions, having recently put in four cages of aniamls. At Jackson, several members of the Diefenbach show visited us. We exhibited at Nashville Oct. 16 to 19. D. F. Davis is piloting us through some fine show country. The Marletta Bros. are the feature of the show, next to the horses. Their bar and brother acts are loudly applauded. The Navans are doing a fine trapeze act. Tom Hunter, the old time clown, is doing a catchy one legged song and dance. Satro, fire king, bewilders the people, and James Dilks makes the audience howl at his musical moke novelties.
An unsigned communication has reached us stating that Smith & Fralando's Circus, under the management of C. J. Smith, collapsed at La Crosse, Wis., after an unprofitable two weeks' business. The letter also states that the manager left the town, leaving twenty or thirty men destitute, some of them five hundred miles from their home.
Notes from the Van Amburg Shows. We have been having a week of rest and recreation at Kansas City, Kan., during the past week, after traveling all season by wagon. There is rejoicing on account of taking our cars for our trip South by rail. Our executive staff: Sturtevant & McFlynn, proprietors; _. J. Fizgerald, manager; Chas. Buckley, treasurer. Performers: Ed. C. Skiff and wife, Julia Lowande, Max Millette, Chas. Wertz, Harry Potter and wife, Billy Grace and wife, and Wiley Ferris. Our sideshow is run by Senator Frank B. Hubin, with Mlle. Jenta, snake enchantress, Prof. Hurdem (Royal Marionettes), Sig. Frey (magician), Mlle. Sella, fire queen.
The Willie Sells Shows' troubles are fully treated in Topeka, Kan., newspapers dated Oct. 12 and 13. We make the following excerpts: "Between fifty and sixty of the employes of Wm. Sells' Shows are stranded in this city. The man have a tale of promises, too long depended upon, and hopes deferred. They say that for their entire Summer's work many of them have received but a mere pittance in cash, and the balance is yet due. The show came to Topeka Oct. 9, and the men were cared for at the Chesterfield Hotel until 10, when they were turned away with nothing to eat and amny of them without a cent in their pocket. They made frequent appeals to Willie Sells and Prof. Norris, the proprietors, for their wages, and also upon Col. Allen Sells, father of Willie; but all their demands were met with a refusal, Colonel Sells claiming that the show had lost money, and that he would not put any more into it. About 5:30 o'clock evening on 10 some fifty of the employes, comprising advance agents, ticket agents, actors, acrobats, band men and laborers, learning that the show was to be pulled out that night for Kansas City, to join the Sturtevant & McFlynn Show and there to be consolidated with it, and taken to Texas for a Winter's exhibition, consulted Lawyer Henry L. Call, as to what was the best course to pursue.
Mr. Call at once made arrangements with Justice Furry and his constable, to be present at the office of the former that evening. He then, together with his assistants, F. J. Lynch and W. A. Foster, prepared papers to bring suits and garanshee the railroad companies who had charge of the show property. By a little after seven o'clock the attorneys had papers ready to the some forty cases. The papers were issued by the justice, and placed in the hands of the constable, who served garnishment summons upon Maj. T. J. Anderson, assistant general passenger agent on the road, and also upon the ticket agent in charge of the Rock Island depot; and further made service of garnishment upon J. F. Gwinn, agent of the Union Pacific road. The papers were issued just in time, as the show cars had already left the Rock Island depot in South Topeka, and were caught at North Topeka, as they were leaving the city.
The suits brought were against W. A. Sells, Wm. Sells, and Andrew Norris, partners as Sells & Norris, and also against W. A. Sells, individually. Colonel Sells, it is claimed, is ___ by reason of his interest in the show, and also by reason of his having agreed to pay all outstanding indeptedness against the show. Mr. Norris, it was thought, had left the city, but he was seen 11, and stated that he had transferred his interest in the show property uon a promise and agreement in writing of Col. W. A. Sells to assume the indebtedness of the concern. Many of the men are in a destitute condition, and were taken care of by the city authorities Saturday and Sunday. They appealed to the county commissioners for help, but the law seems to have overlooked a case of this kind, and the commissioners say they have no authority to grant any relief to persons who have not an established residence in the county.
There are quite a number of boys among the employes, and also three or four sick men. They have been compelled to sleep on the door and on wooden benches without any protection or cover. The claims sued for average from $10 to $___, the majority being between $50 and $100. The clamis aggregate something between $2,500 and $3,000. Many of the employes . . . say they have only received money occasionally, and upon their persistently demanding payment. Mr. Norris claims that he has not a dollar left; that he paid $__ into the show when he started out, and that he has sunk money. He claims that the show has made money all along, and that most of the money was paid over to Colonel Allen Sells. Among the unfortunates is O. J. Boyd, who has for over twenty years been a showman. Speaking of the present difficulty, he said: 'In all my show experience I never saw a lot of men treated as bad as these. The men have all believed what was told them, or the show would never have reached Topeka.'"
J. B. Swafford is spending the Winter at Pittsburg. He goes out next season in advance of Sautelle's Show, his third with that company.
Doings at Downie & Gallagher's winter quarters. Mr. Downie, accompanied by his wife, has left for a trip through Canada, Manitoba and British Columbia. On his trip Mr. Downie will purchase heavy draught stock and secure the Wild West features for 1992. They will make a special effort in this department of their shows. Mr. Downie will make his future home at Median, having fitted up his new residence. Sty & Dillingwoth have already commenced to build our new wagons and band chariots.
Chas. Lee has purchased a farm about one mile out from the borough of Canton, Pa., and will commence immediately to build new winter quarters. He will put up one new building, 30x80ft., in which to store his cages and wagons, a new shop 24x34, a blacksmith shop 20x30 and a ring barn for the breaking and training of horses and animals. He received a young cinnamon bear from Colorado, and will add several new animals during the Winter to his menagerie. Mr. Lee is still confined to the house with erysipeias in his legs, but is slowly recovering.
The Sparks & Allen Shows closed their season of twenty-six weeks at Butler, Pa., Oct. 17, and at once shipped to East Brady, where the winter quarters are located. Nearly all the performers are engaged for the Gregory Bros.' Co., which opens at thw World's Museum, Pittsburg, this week. Manager Sparks will take out an "U. T. C." Co. duing the Winter season.
Notes from Terrell Bros.' Show. The show closed a satisfactory season of twenty-four weeks, Oct. 17, and then went to Paducah, Ky., where it will go into its new winter quarters.
[Advertisement] $500.00 reward for arrest and conviction of Buck Toner, gymnast, last two seasons with Rentz's Circus, for murder of Harry Evans. Zack Evans, care of ___, Lakeside Building, Chicago, Ill.
New York Clipper, October 31, 1891, pp. 569, 577. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Mrs. Inez A. Ragland, professionally known as Miss Inez, iron jawed woman, is reported to have left her husband, Fred G. Adkins, a musician with T. K. Burk's Circus, at Nashville, Tenn. They had lived together scarcely two weeks.
B. L. Bouman and wife, and Prof. W. Young have closed a successful season with the Washburn & Arlington's Circus, and have joined the Rentz Circus for the Winter season through the South.
Lall Eggleston, of Comstock and Eggleston, is now with Prof. Dayton's Show. His partner is trying the Arkansas Hot Springs for "rheumatiz," but expects to rejoin Mr. Eggleston soon.
Notes from the F. J. Taylor Shows. At Creston, Ia., Oct. 30, 1891, we will part after a six months' season, to go our different ways. Little May Davenport was called in the ring by T. P. Ambrose, who, on behalf of the workingmen, handed the little girl a gold watch and chain. Abbey Wheeler and Marshall will run their own company. Sam Roney Bennett has bought an interest in the Thoams Vaudevilles, the Farnims [Farnums?] will play dates, the Bishops, La Moynes and Don Divo will work theatres during the Winter. John L. Davenport and his family will occupy their home in the World's Fair city. Mrs. Sam Bennett will join her husband's company. Chas. Snider will return to Creston, Ia., and manager J. F. Taylor will spend the Winter at his home. Dick Hunter, the agent, will go in advance of Abbey, Wheeler and Marshall. Add Yale returns to his home, Milwaukee, Wis. Tom Ambrose will go South.
Frank A. Gardner's Circus closes a successful engagement at Martinique, Oct. 16. On 17 they sailed for Barbadoes, where they played a week, going from there to Caracas, Venezuela, S. A., to play a six weeks' engagement. By an agreement with the heads of the government, the circus will appear on the principal plaza. Frank L. Long and Willie Edwards joined at Martinique. The roster: Frank A. Gardner, sole proprietor; David Traitel, general business manager; Manuel ___, ticket seller; John La Salle, head billposter with five assistants; Harry Moreland, boss canvasman with ten assistants; John Cullen, chandelier man with four assistants; Edward Smith, property man with three assistants; David Jackson, boss hostler with two assistants.
Frank L. Long, bar performer and leaper; Willie Edwards, tumbler and leaper; Willie C. Rolland, rider; Charles Edwards, clown, tumbler and leaper; Johnny Williams, dialect clown; Duval, contortionist; the Mexican Zamora Family, Jose, Juan and Claud, aerialists, high rope walkers, perch and Mexican ladders; Mrs. Eleano Stevens, principal bareback rider; Nellie Ryland, principal bare back and hurdle rider; Mrs. Cora B. Gardner, high school riding; Minnie Patterson, aerialist and hair slide; Mlle. ___, Spanish dancer; Edith Craske, transformation dancer; May Livington, skirt dancer . . . Lissie Pierpont, Georgia Mayer, Ida Miller . . . and Frankie Inman, English gaiety dancers; Mlle. Rose, snake charmer; Arthur Barrett, band master with ten musicians. They have twenty-two horses and ponies, a troupe of performing stallions, dogs, monkeys and snakes. They carry a 120ft. round top with a 50ft. middle piece, new Gale lights, a portable 24x24ft. stage. David Traitel, general business manager.
Edward Shipp and his wife, Julia Lowande, upon closing with Van Amburg Circus, returned to their winter quarters at Petersburg, Ill.
The La Rue Bros. are still with King & Franklin's Circus.
Lon Moore, clown, late with the Van Amburg Show, is at his home, Defiance, O., preparing a new specialty for the Winter season. His wife and daughter will work with him under the name of the Three Moores, Lon, Fannie and Nellie [Nettie?].
Hoboken, New Jersey. Josie Forepaugh, trapeze performer, left the Walter L. Main Circus at Troy, N. Y., to visit her friends. When she arrived at Philadelphia to join the circus she learned of her dismissal. On making for her trunks she was informed they they had been left on the show lot in this city. A telegram to the police soon located the missing luggage, and everything was shipped to Miss Forepaugh 23.
New York Clipper, November 7, 1891, pp. 593, 596. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
A programme has reached us from far off Penang, China. It gives the features of Harmston & Son's Great London Olympic and American Wild West. Business is reported good. It is said to be the first Wild West to visit that country. Chas. B. Hicks is the manager; Chas. Woodward, equestrian director; Robert Love, representative, and Thos. Reese, band director.
Manager George S. Cole and his son Bert, of Walter L. Main's Circus, will be with Mr. Main again in 1892, their fifth season with that show.
Doings at Downie & Gallagher's winter quarters. Mr. Gallagher has returned from his trip, bringing with him Don Juan, the educated burro. It will be one of the features of the show next season. Bob Cunningham is breaking more riding monkeys and dogs. The dogs with monkey rider, on the hippodrome track, will be among the racers. Mr. and Mrs. Downie report a pleasant trip through the Northwest. They will remain on the road until about March.
The following have signed with Chas. Lee's Circus for season of 1892: H. A. Mann, general agent; J. H. Hewitt, assistant manager and treasurer; Harry Rogers, Thomas Bailey, Comstock and Eggleston, the Cliftons and the Howards. The new winter quarters are expected to be ready for occupancy about Nov. 10.
A. H. Reed's Circus closed its ninth season Oct. 24, at Carrollton, Ill.
The Orrin Brothers have engaged a large number of performers from this country and Europe, for Mexico, since January, 1881. Ricardo Bell, commonly called Dick Bell, heads the list, as October ended ten years that he has been with the Orrins. He has eight children, seven born in Mexico, while with the Orrins.
Notes from Cooper & Carroll's New United Southern Shows. This is our fifth week out and business has been good. At Columbus, Miss, the capacity of the tent was put to a test. We are heading for Mobile and then go into Florida for the Winter. Manager Murrelle left Oct. 30 for Meridan, to attend the Forepaugh Show. He intends buying an elephant, a band wagon, two baggage wagons and flat cars. I. N. Fisk has secured the sideshow and candy privileges.
John Rategan has just closed with John Robinson's Circus.
Tony Lowande sails for Hamilton, Bermuda, Nov. 25, to break horses for Donovan's Circus.
James Donovan was a Clipper caller Nov. 2, having just returned from a prosperous season of two months at Bermuda, West Indies. He is here to engage people to return for a season of three months.
Oliver's Great European Shows closed a season of twenty-four weeks at Montevideo, Minn., Oct. 17.
[Advertisement] Wanted, a partner in the circus and menagerie business, one who has not less than ten to fifteen thousand dollars. Mr. Geo. Arlington having retired from the firm known as Washburn & Arlington's United Shows. I have the following property all in good shape. Twelve cars, thirty-five head of stock, 3 camels, steam calliope, ticket, band 8 baggage wagons, racing chariots, new canvas, used only three weeks; big top 110 with two __ft. middle pieces; 2 horse tents and sideshow, cook, dining tents, seats, lights, harness and everything complete for a big 50 cent show. Partner wanted, for purpose of adding a menagerie. Address L. W. Washburn, 201 Centre Street, New York City.
New York Clipper, November 14, 1891, p. 609. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The Rentz Circus is doing a fine business, and will make a long season. Five billposters from the Forpaugh Show recently joined advertising car No. 1, with this show.
J. Henry Rice closed with the Forepaugh Show at Danville, Va., Oct. 31.
Notes from the Van Amburg Show. Weather through Texas has been delightful. J. B. Gaylord is visiting Frank Lemon. S. J. Dingess left for Chicago last week. W. A. Mahara, contracting agent; Charles King, press agent, and Frank ___, lithographer, have gone to Chicago. Lemen Bros., E. O Rodgers, Clark Bros. and the International Shows are playing to good business.
Frank Cook, of the Robinson Circus, has been presented with a baby boy. The show closed at Dayton, Tenn., Nov. 5.
Capt. A. H. Bogardus and his three sons, Edward, Peter and Henry, closed with Forepaugh's Circus, and retired to their home at Elkhart, Ind., for the Winter.
T. K. Burk's Show has completed its seventh successive month, and business is still way up.
The Famous Quaker City Flute and Drum Corps made a showing with the Forepaugh parade this season, one of the principal features. They also ushered in the performance of the show.
New York Clipper, November 21, 1891, pp. 616, 626, 627. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Charles Andress has postponed his plans for taking out the Skiff Circus from Cincinnati until next Spring.
Frank and Georgie Ashton sailed for Bermuda, Nov. 19, to join the Donovan Show.
David Traitel and five members of the Frank A. Gardner Show arrived in this city Nov. 12. Among those returning were Edith Craske and mother, Mlle. Ottahe, Frank Murray, Ida Miller, Georgie ___, and Addie Oakes.
Sam A. Scribner and Ned Smith are already engaging people and arranging details for the tour of their show next season. J. E. Burline has signed as equestrian director and will also add his dog circus. Mr. Burline will shortly sail for Cuba to fill an engagement with Cartada's Circus, Havana. Scribner & Smith's Show will begin operations at Youngstown, O., April 30.
The Livingstones have signed for a three months' season at Bermuda with James Donovan's Circus.
[Advertisement] Warning to intruders. I being the sole owner of the Great Van Amburgh title, hereby notify all persons not to use the title or any paper with the name or title on, without written contract from me, under penalty of the law. Title to rent for 1892, to responsible parties and first class shows only. Railroad shows preferred. Address Hyatt Frost, Amenia, N. Y.
[Advertisement] Scribner & Smith's All New Enormous United Shows, Sam A. Scribner & Neil Smith, proprietors and managers. Wanted, performers in all branches of circus business. Strong feature for big show and concert. Curios of all kinds. Concert people of every description. An experienced wagon show agent and boss canvasman and boss hostler. Address Scribner & Smith, Great Jones Street, New York City. Show opens at Youngstown, O., Saturday, April 30, 1892.
New York Clipper, November 28, 1891, pp. 632, 643. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Notes from the Great International R. R. Show. Roster: Pomeroy & Samuels, lessees; W. H. Pomeroy, manager; Max Samuels, treasurer and director; M. Burgower, general agent with eight assistants in advance; Alf Dorian, equestrian director; Dan Malcolm, Millie Theola, Jack Dempsey, Clara Dempsey, Octavia, Boyd and Ralston, Sig. Lagone, Delmore, W. Powell, Mlle. Rosa, T. J. Nichols, Fred Nichols . . . A. N. Davis, leader of band with ten mouthpieces; T. J. Clancy, boss canvasman with fourteen assistants; Brock Conners, master of transportation with eight assistants. W use a 100ft. round top with a 50ft. middle piece, dressing room, cook tents, horse tents, etc. Ten Norman horses are used on our band chariot. We travel exclusively by rail. Have been out thirty-eight weeks, and will make a long season South.
Notes from Diefenbach's Show. Our band of fourteen pieces furnished the music for the trade parade at Jackson, Miss. During the performance at Jackson a storm came up. The proprietors thought there was going to be a blow and storm, and made that announcement. A stampede was the result. The tent was packed with people. They just turned loose, fell backwards off the seats and made a rush for the open air. They didn't take time to go under the tent; they got out their knives and slit holes in the canvas in every direction, damaging the show property several hundred dollars.
The following have signed with Lee's London Circus: Seamon and Burk, French ___, Parson Hoy. Geo. Irvin will have charge of the sideshow, Mr. Irvin's second season. They have also added two new cages and a new bill wagon. A pair of wolves have arrived from Idaho.
Sieber & Co.'s Circus and Menagerie closed their season of thirty-one weeks at Huntington, Ark., Nov. 13. They will ship to winter quarters at Topeka, Kan.
H. A. Mann has not been re-engaged as general agent of Chas. Lee's London Shows for next season. Mr. Mann is at present editing the local page of The Optic, published at Imlay City, Mich.
Master Decameo has closed with Cooper & Carroll's Southern Shows and joined hands with Phil Allen. The team are doing a double trapeze Mexican ladder act with Nelson's Medicine Co.
The Howards, Alice, Lee and Eva, have signed with Charles Lee's London Shows for next season, their third consecutive engagement.
E. L. Brannan, after closng with William Zell's circus, joined Royal & Orton's Pacific Circus as general agent, and reports good business in the South. Professor Lowanda and his troupe of performing ponies and dogs are a recent addition to the show.
Wilton and Dashaway, pair of horizontal bar performers, have signed for a three months' season at Bermuda, West Indies, with James Donovan's New American Circus.
James Donovan is completing preparations for his new American Circus at Bermuda, West Indies. He has already secured performers who will sail for Bermuda Dec. 17 for a three months' season. Among those engaged are: Josie Ashton, Mrs. J. Wilton, Maude Livingstone, Emma Noble, Emma Rezac, the Sisters Fredericks, Tony Lowande, Frank Ashton, Ed Bard, James Taylor, John Correia, Prof. Laner, Chris Livingstone, Charlie Dashaway, and Joe Wilson.
[Advertisement] For sale at public auction, Louisville, Ky., Monday, Dec. 14, the King & Franklin Show. Consisting of sleeping cars, stock cars, flat cars and advertising car, band and baggage wagons, horses, ponies, mules, etc. Canvases, seats, lights and all property connected with the above show. Address W. E. Franklin Galt House, Louisville, Ky.
New York Clipper, December 5, 1891, p. 649. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The King & Franklin Circus closes the season at Jacksonville, Fla., Nov. 30. The advance closed __. J. P. Fagan, general agent, goes home to Seymour, Ind., for the Winter. John Erwin, in charge of cars, goes to Cincinnati, O.; Frank Purcell, to Cincinnati; Wm. Budock, to New Albany, Ind.; S. McMurry, to Birmingham, Ala.; H. Fisher, to Winchester, Ky.; J. M. Johnson to Louisville; G. Slivers to Cincinnati; J. Molee, to Johnstown, Pa.; O. M. Hofey, to Chicago, and Al Worlan to Columbus, O.
D. H. Kurtz sailed for Mexico Nov. 28, to join Orrin Bros. Circus.
Harry Delevanti (H. Ellis), the veteran English circus clown, asks the Clipper to assist him in obtaining news of his two sons, Henry and Alfred, who, fourteen years ago, came to America and performed with J. H. Murray's Circus, with the Leons. In the Fall of 1876 they were taken from Mr. Leon by the S. P. C. C. and sent to be educated. Subsequently, we believe, Mr. Leon obtained possession of them. They are now known as the Leon Bros.
W. E. Franklin, for many years one of the proprietors of King & Franklin's Circus, has been engaged as general railroad contractor and excursion agent with the Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth for season of 1891-92.
Frank A. Robbins is in his fifteenth week touring the fairs, doing quite well, according to reports.
Among the features of the Downie & Gallagher Shows next season will be Prof. Mathews with his pack of trained Russian wolves, a flock of educated sheep, a troupe of learned Rocky Mountain goats and trick donkeys.
New York Clipper, December 12, 1891, pp. 664, 674. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
John N. Russell goes with Walter L. Main next season taking charge of the concert, his fourth season with that show.
The advance car No. 1 of Lemen Bros.' Show, closed its season at Sherman, Tex., Nov. 18. The second brigade closed 25. The following were some of the people that represented the show: John J. Holland, general agent; C. W. Scott, railroad contracting agent; Harry Potter, local contractor; Wm. Hyre, in charge of car No. 1; Wm. Culter, boss billposter with the following billposters: J. W. Westbrook, Henry Smith, Al Merritt Joseph Hicks, Henry Spicer, Will Davis, John Reeve, Ed Huges, Wm. Polk and J. H. Palmer. _. Young had charge of the second brigade, with four billposters; Geo. Danes, James Brown, A. C. Dunbar and Alex Clark. The general agent went on from the show, paid all the boys and gave all free transportation to their respective homes. A good many of the boys have already signed contracts to be with the big show next season. The season closed Dec. 3, after which the show will make a run of seven hundred miles to their own winter quarters at Argentine, Kas. Next season the show will be enlarged to twenty cars and two advance cars. A hippodrome will be put on, instead of the spectacular. Mr. Lemen is going to send two of his representatives to Kentucky to look for blooded race stock. He is also going to send to foreign climes for animals.
Roster of sideshow with Rentz & Co.'s R. R. Show: B. L. Bowman, manager and orator; Mr. H. L. Bowman, snake charmer with twelve large snakes; Nena Delmato, mind reader; Agnes May, mermaid illusion; Prof. W. Young, illusionist, magician, Punch and Judy; Wm. Sunch, ventriloquist; Joe Wilbur, Kentucky giant boy; Yellowstone Vic, fire king; Charley Scott, Mowry chief; Little Bear, Indian chief; J. J. Hunter, assistant door talker and lecturer; John Winenow, sideshow boss canvasman with five assistants.
Carl Clair and his concert orchestra are at the Ocala Hotel, Ocala, Fla., for the Winter. The orchestra includes Homer Wise, Elmer Parlett, Fred Bates, Chas. Crosby, Carl Clair and Jas. Foster. All were members of Carl Clair's Military Band, which closed a season of thirty-five weeks with King & Franklin's Circus at Jacksonville, Nov. 30.
The Vanderwackie Bros. have signed with Oliver's Great Eastern Show for next season, their second with that company.
Dewell and Burchin, aerialists, have signed with Charles Lee's London Shows for 1892.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Erb's New Sensation Wagon Show, circus people of all kinds, except riders. Sideshow and other privileges for sale. Show opens May 1, 1892. Would like to hear frome a reliable advance agent. Address R. T. Gilbam, assistant manager, Philipsburg, Centre County, Pa.
New York Clipper, December 19, 1891, pp. 683, 692. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The following bandmen have engaged for the season of 1892 with Chas. Lee's London Circus: A. F. Hagar, leader; Geo. Lester, Fred Knapp, Oscar Jones, Michael Owens, Geo. Jones, Chas. Seamon, Ed Burk, Lall Eggleston, Parson Hoy, Howard Wilson, Joe Hewitt and Albert Yoder. Among the performers signed are: the Howard Family, Lee, Allace and Queen Eve, Burell and Burchin, Louis Beawions, French Raino, Michal Yude, Polly Wilson, Jessie Clifton and Blanch Cammeron.
Wm. and Mme. Irwin will shortly leave for Orrin Bros.' Circus, City of Mexico.
The Lemen Bros.' Show arrived at winter quarters, Argentine, Kan., Dec. 5. It was one of the coldest days of the season. Snow was falling and the thermometer registred one degree above zero, but, with the help of four big stoves, the quarters were kept comfortable. The elephants came near getting chilled, but are doing well. L. C. Dessert and his two assistants left for San Francisco 3. They sail from there 15 for India to bring back a cargo of animals and some sideshow freaks.
J. B. Gaylord, circus agent, is on his way to India and adjacent countries to fill orders for animals for various shows, and for the New York and St. Louis Zoological Gardens. He is accompanied by L. C. Dessert, agent for the Lemen Brothers' Circus. Mr. Dessert goes with Mr. Gaylord in the interest of his employers. He will return to this country in March, and proposes to have his menagerie open the coming season. Mr. Gaylord will probably remain longer.
Notes from T. K. Burk's Imperial Shows. We have just completed our thirty-sixth week, having shown in two hundred and three towns, nineteen States and traveling 10,500 miles, doing good business.
Sparks from Hurlburt & Leftwich's Combined Shows. D. S. Ward has been engaged for general agent. The advance will have two bill wagons with six billposters. A. Holland, chief billposter, and G. Joslyn, programme agent. The show opens at Norfolk, Neb., April 23. R. R. Leftwich, our manager, is at Norfork, repainting and enlarging the show. Mr. Wise is working the trained stock which will be one of the leading features.
Hunting's Circus Notes. The winter quarters at New Castle, Pa., are lively, getting things in shape for next season. Manager Hunting recently returned from the West with a complete menagerie, ten cages of animals, an elephant, two camels, thirty head of stock and five new 60ft. cars. He will add a street parade. The decorating of the cages, etc., will be done in white and gold. Prof. Griffin will put on a new sideshow, his seventh consecutive season as manager of that department.
[Advertisement] For sale, cheap, one 60ft. flat car, one __ft., two bareback horses, two elephant covers, a lot of other wardrobe. Also desire a partner for a wagon show for the coming season of '92. Address Jeannette De Bonnaire, Pittsburg, Crawford County, Kansas.
New York Clipper, December 26, 1891, pp. 696, 699, 707. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Nichols, high wire performer, joined Stowe's Circus, Dec. 16, C. Powell closed 14. Good business is reported through the South.
The members of the Great Pacific Circus write that E. O. Rogers used them badly in the way of non-payment of salaries. Of course Mr. Rogers will deny.
The Great International R. R. Shows (Pomery & Samuels, lessees), closed without notice Dec. _, owing, it is stated, all the people back salary. Many are in destitute condition. The following musicians have gone to work at Riche's Houston Street Theater, San Antonio, Tex.: A. N. Davis, Pedro Bravo, Jos. Livingstone, Tom Fallon, D. Van Cook and Chas. Le Bounty.
Harry Strief, balloonist, joined the Rentz Circus at Greenville, Miss.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for McMahon's World Circus, to open at San Francisco early in March. Riders, leapers and tumblers, female gymnasts, three acrobats that can leap and tumble, leader of band, agent and billposters. Address John S. McMahon, El Paso, Tex.
1892
New York Clipper, January 2, 1892, p. 712, 715. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The Moores, Lew and Fannie, have signed with the F. J. Taylor Circus for next season to furnish several acts and principal clowning.
H. A. Vandercook, leader of La Pearl's Circus band, has located at Pana, Ill., for the Winter.
The Vernon Bros., gymnasts, dispute the claim of Stirk and Zeno to originality in certain features of a swinging trapeze act. The Vernons assert that for the past two years they have performed all the feats save one (a dive over the bar and pirouteet back) credited to Stirk and Zeno.
Marveno has signed with Oliver's Great Eastern Circus for next season.
Ed Guthrie, of the Diefenbach Show, made a flying visit to Cincinnati last week, to spend the holidays with his wife, Mrs. Ida Guthrie, who recently presented him with a baby boy.
Chas. B. Hicks, manager of Harmston's Circus and Wild West, sends greetings of the season from Burma, Inida, where that show is now exhibiting.
New York Clipper, January 9, 1892, pp. 728, 731, 740. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Notes fro the Robinson Winter Quarters. A large force of workmen are engaged under Dan Dale. The small cages have been dispensed with, the handsome six and eight horse ones have replaced them. Eight new tableau cars are being built. Twelve miles from Cincinnati is a little town called Terrace Park. Here Mr. Robinson owns a place and a home where he spends much of his time. Herds of stock here rest during the Winter months, under the care of James Eagles. Mr. Robinson has erected a ring or practicing building where John G. Robinson and young Robert Stickney perfect new acts for next season. John Robinson has returned from his trip South, one of business and pleasure. Ed Cullen, who has charge of the downtown office has been under the weather, but is improving and attending to business. Gill Robinson is in New York City. "King Solomon" is receiving the lion's share of the touching up.
The Bennetts, riders and gymnasts, have been re-engaged with Taylor's American Circus for 1892.
Notes from the Frank A. Gardner Show. The dancers brought down by Mr. Gardner were a failure, so they were returned from Brabadoes. The present company includes, besides Mr. Gardner: Mrs. Cora Gardner, Mrs. Elena Stevens, Mrs. Jose Zamora, Nellie Ryland, May Lorington, Gussie Alfene, Mlle. Amie, Minnie Patterson, Lillie Reynolds, Frank L. Long, Willie Edwards, Jose Zamora, John Williams, J. Zamora, Neil Edwards, Joe Gonzales, James Duval, ___ Rolland, Julie Mendozes, Freddy Gardner . . . and a band of ten pieces. Before leaving New York Mr. Gardner purchased a good sized monkey, which he has taught to ride. He is doing somersaults over objects, while riding bareback. Long and Edwards are making a hit. The Zamora Family are favorites. James Duval, contortionist, is a big card. W. C. Rolland, on the wire, is also a hit. Minnie Patterson is making the Spainards stand up with her single trapeze. Mr. Gardener is riding in his old style. A snake 19 1/2ft. long and 1ft. thick has been added.
Harry Moreland, late boss canvasman of Frank A. Gardner's Circus, left that show at Caracas, Venezuela, Dec. 26. Jose Zamora, of the show, presented his wife with $1,000 of diamonds while at Caracas.
The Lowande Show is now playing through the interior of South America. The Lowande Troupe did encounter severe weather on the voyage from Trinidad to South America, but all hands reached shore safely.
F. J. Taylor's Great American Circus, Museum and Menagerie, in winter quarters at Creston, Ia., is to be enlarged with everything new for next season. There will be a 100ft. round top tent with two 50ft. middle pieces, two elephants, five camels and eleven cages of animals. The executive staff: F. J. Taylor, sole owner and manager; Dick Hunter, general advance agent and contractor; Chas. A. Taylor, director of advance No. 1; L. A. Taylor, treasurer; F. A. Taylor, door keeper; John G. Scheidler, manager sideshow; W. McCafferty, master of privileges; G. Brady, master of canvas. The show will open the season at Creston about April 25.
The Cooper & Carroll Circus collapsed at La Grange, Tex., Dec. 23, after a very turbulent season, under the direction of manager Murrelle. The usual story of delayed salaries, unpaid board bills, etc., is told by the stranded company.
Orrin Brothers' Amphitheatre, City of Mexico. Edward Shipp, one of the bareback riders (we have six), fell during his act and fractured his leg about four weeks ago, but is getting along nicely. Wm. J. Irwin and wife are expected in a few days.
Running Elk and Wanna have signed with Chas. Lee's London Circus, to take charge of the Wild West department next season.
The winter quarters of Downie & Gallagher's Show were completely destroyed by fire on Dec. 26. The building was 80x100ft., with basement, first and second floors, and loft in which the canvas was stored. In the basement were horses, harnesses and a cow. On the first and second floors were wagons and other show properties, together with fifty tons of hay. The fire was caused by the explosion of a lantern during the feeding of the stock. Mr. Mead, who was attending to that duty, had a narrow escape, within barely five minutes of the time of the explosion entirely surrounded by flames. He escaped with some bad burns.
[Advertisement] Circus managers take notice, for lease or will sell one half interest in complete circus, with my own and brother's service, who have our own stock, and do the following acts, viz.: principal hurdle, Indian and four horse acts. Show consists of 100ft. circus top; two 30ft. middle pieces; one menagerie top; seats complete; dressing room; full set lights; one band and one ticket wagon; four animal cages in good order. All newly painted. We are also open for engagement with any reasonable manager. Address Hobson Bros.' Shows, Texarkana, Ark.
New York Clipper, January 16, 1892, pp. 745, 747, 755, 756. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
C. C. Matthews and wife (Jessie Dair) are at home, Naperville, Ill. Miss Dair is practicing her two aerial acts for the coming season.
Young Bros. & Baldwin's Circus and Trained Animal Exhibit will open its season early in May at Des Moines, Ia., with a new wagon outfit. The spread of canvas will include a 100ft. round top with a __ft. middle piece, a 40ft. dressing tent and a 50ft. sideshow. There will be over thirty head of stock, and the chief feature of the entry will be a new clown and mule specialty. Bruce L. Baldwin, of the firm, will double with ___ Johnston in a novel aerial act.
Downie & Gallagher's Doings. The burning of our winter quarters will in no way delay or effect the opening of the show. The regular season will commence at Medina, N. Y. All property lost in the fire is being replaces as fast as possible. New wagons are well under way, and property has been purchased in the western part of the town, bordering on the N. Y. C. R. R., where new quarters will be commenced as soon as the weather permits. Mr. Downie was away at the time of the fire, and is still absent securing needed equipments.
Notes from the Circo Pubillones in Cuba. The show finished a week's business at Cardenas, Jan. _. One of the Debonon Bros. died on New Year's morning from the grip, and was buried the same day. Planka, high wire performer, and business manager John Harrison, are also dangerously ill with the same malady. The Melrose Bros. have closed and are on their way to New York. Mme. Feranda's daughter made her first professional appearance Jan. 1, doing an act on a ladder held by Napper Lewando. Cardenas is the birthplace of the debutante.
Terrell Bros. have sold all their wagons and tenting outfit, with the exception of their horses and wild animals, to McMahon & Smith, of Denver, Col. Terrell Bros. will secure a new and larger outfit for their railroad show in the Spring.
The Gran Circo Pubillones. The latest additions to the company are: Rosinna Venus, principal bareback act; Alexis Scofer, jockey act; the elephant Romeo and a den of performing lions and tigers, worked by Alonzo, a native. Company No. 1 took the road from Havana Jan. 1. The Melrose Bros. finished their engagement Dec. 29, and returned to New York. . . . Director Pubillones is negotiating with the managers of the Plaza De Torria, Cardanas, to fight the elephant, Romeo, against two bulls on New Years Day. Romeo made short work with the bulls he fought at Havana three years ago.
Duval, the contortionist, writes that he had given Frank A. Gardner notice of resignation in South America, which, however, was not accepted. He also states that he will sonn appear here in a new novelty.
The La Rose Bros. have signed with Prof. Williams' Big R. R. Show. Harry La Rose will take the management.
John F. Stowe's Railroad Shows sailed for Key West Jan. 4, and gave their first exhibition 6. Their engagement there will last ten days, after which they will likely sail for Havana, Cuba, thence to South America. Their trip may extend through the entire season. People: John F. Stowe and wife, Elliott Family, Tom McInerney, Courtney and Alida, D. L. Nichols, Powell, ___ and Lurinda, Mlle. Eugenia, Prof. Frye's troupe of ponies, dogs and monkeys; Sig. Cannon's museum of wax figures and illusions. Mme. Cannon's flock of performing cockatoos and parrots . . . Prof. Frank Sasse's military band. Jack Weaver in charge of canvas, Ed Deleware, master of properties; W. Sloman, orator; Whitey Marshall, master of stock. The show will use a 100ft. top with two 40ft. middle pieces, a 60ft. top with a 30ft. middle piece for the museum, a sideshow, horse tent and cook tent, fifteen head of horses, ponies and mules, four baggage, one band and one ticket wagon. The show sails from Port Tampa.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for the Markowits Circus, C. W. Parke, manager. People in all branches of the circus business. Aerial people, contortionists, jugglers, tumblers, leapers, etc., also bar team that do brothers. Address Dave Markowits, 214 Market Street, Pittsburg, Pa. Would like to hear from parties having sleeping or baggage car to sell or rent.
[Advertisement] Scribner & Smith's Enormous United Shows. Want musicians of all kinds, six billposters, "no more, no less;" four and six horse drivers, grooms, canvasmen and boss property man; also one or two more acts for big show. Address: musicians, Thos. McGowan, Liberty Street, Pittsburg, Pa.; grooms and drivers, Jack Kent, Frenchtown, N. J.; billposters, J. R. Tucker, Canton, Bradford County, Pa.; all others Scribner & Smith, Fourth Avenue, New York City.
New York Clipper, January 23, 1892, pp. 760, 770, 774. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Philadelphia, Jan. 19. Wednesday, Jan. 13, James A. Bailey, proprietor of the Barnum & Bailey Shows, purchased from Catherine A. Cooper, widow of James E. Cooper, and administratrix of his estate, the Adam Forepaugh Shows, including all property, rights, titles and good will attached to that exhibition. Mr. Bailey immediately transferred one half interest to Joseph T. McCaddon, who has been manager of the shows since Mr. Cooper purchased them from the Adam Forepaugh estate, two years ago. . . .
The Chas. Bartine Shows are at winter quarters, Germantown, O. A new band wagon, new ticket wagon, new trunk wagon and several new baggage wagons will be added. The show will open in April, and will travel by wagon through Ohio, Indiana and Illinois.
Chas. Lee's winter quarters. Two new bill wagons came out of the shop last week. The new tableau wagon will be done next week. There will be thirty-four wagons and eighty head of stock.
The Marshall Bros. have signed contracts to furnish the band for F. J. Taylor's Great American Circus.
Manager James Geary writes that on Feb. 8 he will present his son, James Geary Jr., who will be ten years old on that day, with a bill of sale of all his rights and titles in Geary's Stock Co., Geary's Ten Cent Circus, and Geary's World's Musuems at Ft. Wayne, Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, making him the youngest show proprietor living. As his son's guardian, Mr. Geary will continue to manage the several enterprises.
[Advertisement] Wanted, circus people and musicians for La Pearl's 10 and 20c Circus. Must be first class and sober, also good dressers in ring and on the street. Want advance man. On the road five months last season. We travel by rail and stop at hotels. I have for sale band wagon and eight band coats and caps, horse tent and troughs for twenty-four horses. Cook tent with cooking utensils, 30ft. dressing top, cheap. Address J. H. La Pearl, Vandalia, Ill.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for W. B. Reynolds' World's Greatest Wagon Show, Circus, Museum and Menagerie, for season of 1892. People in all branches of circus business, riders, gymnasts, acrobats, aerial artists, brother acts, singing and talking clowns, horizontal bar teams, contortionist, novelty acts, lady artists, troupes of performing horses, ponies and dogs; also billposters and lithographers, canvasmen, grooms, chandelier men, property men, four, six and eight horse drivers. Wanted for concert and sideshow, living curiosities. Also want a few more animals, also five or six camels. Will buy or rent two more elephants. W. B. Reynolds, sole owner and manager. D. F. Fitzgerald, assistant manager. Business office: Elm Street, Rockford, Ill. Billposters and lithographers address Robt. S. Dingess, Prairie Avenue, Chicago, Ill.; drivers and grooms address Dick Thompson, Petersburg, Ill.; canvasmen and chandelier men address W. Rhodes, Hennepin, Ill.
New York Clipper, January 30, 1892, pp. 776, 779, 787, 790. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
C. E. Chamberlain, of Elmira, N. Y., will have charge of the sideshow with Downie & Gallagher's Circus. Leonard and Tracy have secured the refreshment privileges.
Bert Saulsman has been re-engaged for Chas. Lee's London Shows.
Notes from Clark Bros.' Circus. We are going to show all this Winter. Proprietor W. C. Clark lately jumped from the prairies of Texas, five hundred miles, to the Southern part of Louisiana. Had a little cold weather from Jan. 12 to 15. Today, 17, we are out on the roade playing to crowded houses. We have fourteen people. Our canvas consists of a 110ft. top, 50ft. middle piece. Some of our prominent people are: George Jennier and family of four; Ed C. Long and four trained dogs, Joe Richards, Hattie Long, Fanny Frazier, Fannie Clark, with the trained elephant, Empress, and a six cage menagerie.
Geo. La Barre, formerly of the La Barre Bros., contortionists, has signed for the tenting season with Scribner & Smith's Show.
Uncle Dan Costello is spending the Winter at Paducah, Ky., and considering offers for next season. One of which he thinks favorably is to clown with the Costello-McMahon's Show.
Geo. Costello and Jos. McMahon, of Denver, Col., recently purchased the entire circus outfit of the Terrell Bros., with the exception of the horses. They also purchased several cars from the Pawnee Bill sale at Arkansas City, Ark. It is their intention to start a wagon show from Denver, Col., early the coming season. Nothing definite can be learned as to what the Terrell Bros. will do, but it is stated that they will carry out their original plans and take out a railroad show, after purchasing an entire neew outfit.
[Advertisement] Circus outfit for sale, or will take a partner. Everything in good condition, ready for the road. Am willing to take enterprising man with few hundred dollars at partner, and allow him to manage the show. James Williams, Upton Avenue, Battle Creek, Michigan.
[Advertisement] Wanted, season of 1892, Miles Orton's New Mastodon R. R. Shows, Circus, Wild West, Real Roman Hippodrome, Combined with Geo. W. Rentz's European Menagerie. Circus attractions of all kinds. Riders, male and female, gymnasts, aerial artists, special and novelty act. Agents in all departments, general railroad contractor, car agents, thirty billposters, boss canvasman, master transportation (salary no object), grooms, railroad men, property men, four, six and eight horse drivers. Wanted for sideshow, curiosities and band. Miles Orton, sole owner and manager, Permanent winter quarters, Louisville, Ky. Sideshow people address B. L. Bowman, Jeffersonville, Ind.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Gregory & Belford's New Wagon Show, performers in all branches of the circus business. Musicians, four and six horse drivers, boss canvasman, property men, two cooks, canvasmen, and agent. Also concert people and billposters. Sideshow and all privileges for sale. Show opens at Royal Oak, Mich. Address Gregory & Belford, Royal Oak, Mich.
New York Clipper, February 6, 1892, pp. 792, 795, 802. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Hunting's Circus Notes. Among the recent additions are a troupe of performing seals and a baby camel. The elephant Empress is being put through a course of spronts, and will appear in a new act. Prof. Griffin has recently purchased what is said to be the largest snake ever brought to this country. It measures 30ft. 7in. in length, and is as large around as a ten year old boy. Prof. Payne's Colored Female Band have been engaged for the annex.
A dozen new wagons, including a new band chariot and ticket wagon, are being made for Young Bros. & Baldwin's Circus. There is also in construction a large new bill wagon for the second advance brigade. The company now engaged number in the neighborhood of thirty.
The Three Burtons, athletes and aerialists, and Will Mineer, clown, have been engaged for A. H. Reed's Circus. C. Burton will act as equestrian director.
Wild Burt and Little Sure Shot have been engaged for the Wild West with Downie & Gallagher's Shows.
R. H. Dockrill, well known showman, and husband of Eliza Dockrill, arrived in this city last week with his wife, after an absence of five years in South America, where he was engaged in conducting a circus of his own. During the prevalence of the yellow fever in Chili, Mr. Dockrill's show was quarantined, and he was forced to stop operations for a long time and submit to great losses financially. Mr. Dockrill is now equestrian director for the "Greatest on Earth."
George Hall, the veteran circus manager and agent, known as "Pop Corn George," was a Clipper caller Jan. 30. Mr. Hall had just arrived from Tampa, Fla., where he closed with MacFlynn's Circus. He will remain in town several days to complete preparations for his own show, which will be known as Hall's Railroad Circus, and in which his son will also have an interest. The show will begin operations in Wisconisn early in the coming season.
Frank A. Robbins is in the South with his specialty show.
George Bliss has returned to town, having left the Donovan Show at Bermuda. Danny O'Brien and wife have also left that circus, which is now at Hayti.
Richard Place, aerialist, has signed with Fred Locke's Circus for next season.
Prof. Frank Fuller's Military Band and Orchestra will travel with Oliver's Great Eastern Circus next season, their second with that show.
Prof. Parliman, solo cornetist, has signed with Scribner & Smith's Circus.
Walter L. Main has signed the Wests, James and Annie, and M. Bodie, advertiser, for 1892.
The English Pardo Troupe left Jan. 30 to join the Orrin Bros.' Show in Mexico. The Orrins have been running two companies of late.
Stowe's Circus, after a ten day's engagement to reported good business, has sailed for Havana, Cuba.
W. Fred Aymar is re-engaged with Walter L. Main's Railroad Show for next season, as equestrian director. Mr. and Mrs. Aymar, with their little daughter, Neva, are now with "Ten Nights in a Barroom" Co.
Happy Harry Barnes has signed with Oliver's Great Eastern Circus for 1892, his second season with that show.
James G. and Annie West have signed with the Walter L. Main Show.
B. L. Bowman and wife, and Prof. W. Young, have closed their season with the Rentz Show through the South, and are wintering at Louisville, Ky. Mr. Bowman will manage the sideshow next season, and is fitting up a new sideshow for the opening in early April.
[Advertisement] Wanted for Sample's Great 25cts One Ring Circus, circus people doing two or more acts. Female trapeze performer, people that double in brass, contortionist, band leader, bar performer, leaping off spring board, etc. Open at Humboldt, Ia. A wagon show. L. L. Sample.
New York Clipper, February 13, 1892, pp. 808, 811, 818, 820. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The O'Brien Bros. have signed with Leon W. Washburn's Show for next season, making their second season with that company. Jim Kidd is breaking some bronchos for the Wild West at Frenchtown, N. J., where the show will open early in the Spring.
Notes from Stowe & Pubillones Circus at Havana. The show opened under canvas Jan. 10. Jan. 25 we opened at Teatro Payset. Some of the acts made a great hit, particularly Nichols' wire act and the Elliott Bros., Parisian hat throwers. We will tour the island of Cuba for eight weeks, then return to the States. This (Stowe's) company has had an unpresedented run since its opening May 25, never losing a day since that time. After playing Key West we shipped to Havana and combined with Senor Pubillones. Mrs. J. F. Stowe was seriously ill with La Grippe, but is recovering. The roster of the entire company: John F. Stowe and S. Pubillones, proprietors and managers; J. B. Ellistle, treasurer; W. Sloman, business and contracting agent; Senor Torano, advance representive; Chas. Kinney, in charge of brigade with ten assistants. Performers: Chas. Watson and wife, Courtney and Allda, Marie Otero, D. L. Nichols, Tom McInerney, Walter Shannon, the Elliott Family, Senor Pubillones with trained horses and dogs; Mlle. Celesta, Dunbar and Vernon, Dunlap and Castello . . . The show is transported on twenty-six 36ft. cars, when traveling by land, and by the steamer Mascot by water. We will use a 150ft. round top with two 50ft. middle pieces, and a 100ft. roung top with 40ft. middle piece for menagerie. Ed Delaware is boss canvasman with sixty men. Jim Fletcher, boss property man with six men, and Frank Sasse's band of ten pieces. We carry sixty head of horses and a menagerie.
G. L. Wood, with troupe of six performing Shetland stallions, has signed with John Robinson's Circus. Mr. Wood is improving his pony act this Winter at his home, Brighton, Ia.
Fitzgeral and King will go with Gollmar Bros.' Circus next season.
The following people have signed with the Fred Locke Show: Prof. D. H. Hadermann, Ray Woodworth, D. C. Woodworth, W. C. Curtis, P. C. Esburn, Wm. De Boe, Richard Place, W. M. Bristol, Claud Melnotte, C. L. Bailey, Lon Crooks, Emmett Snider, Dick Barzarwo, O'Donnell, Billy Sheppard, and Richard Simmons. Fred Locke is manager, with C. L. Bailey, assistant manager, and D. H. Hadermann, musical director. The show will have several features, among them W. M. Bristol's troupe of six snow white trick stallions and ten dogs. The show will travel by wagons as usual, using fifty head of stock and ten head of ring stock.
[Advertisement] Warning to circus performers. A show now advertising for people at Denver under my name is not my circus, but a circus organizing there in opposition to mine. Also another show will try to open at Seattle, Washington, by the name of McManus. My circus is now wintering in Oakland, California, and my elephants are at Golden Gate Park. I open the season there March 10, and my name is John S. McMahon, the circus performer.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for the traveling season of 1892 with Sargent & Kidder's New Railroad Show. Artists to fill company. Performing dogs, monkeys and goats, aerial artists, acrobats, triple bar team, Japanese acts and juggling, lady club swinger and slack wire. All must do two or more turns. All contracts made by F. W. Sargent, of the Wm. Main & Co. Show, are good for Sargent & Kidder's New Railroad Shwo. Address Sargent & Kidder's New Railroad Shwo, Windsor, Ashtabula Co., Ohio. Would like to hear from the lady contortionist that was with the Cooper & Carroll Show last season.
New York Clipper, February 20, 1892, pp. 824, 826, 827, 838. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The Three Millette Bros., acrobats, have signed with Harris Nickel Plate Show, opening at New Orleans in March.
The following people have signed so far for the Markowit's Circus: Mlle. Lotta; Freemont Sisters, Sylvester . . .and Prof. Young's band of ten pieces. The business staff will be Chas. W. Parks, sole manager; Ike Goldsmith, treasurer; Joseph Seanor, agent. The show opens at Erie, Pa., late in April.
Roster of W. H. Harris' Nickel Plate Show: W. H. Harris, proprietor and manager; F. E. Davis, general business agent; Sam ___, contracting agetn; O. Gould, treasurer (sixth year); Mrs. W. H. Harris, Callie Harris, Master Frankie Harris, Albert Costello, the Three Millettes, Mohring Bros. Geo. W. La Rosa, Zella, Kennard Bros., James Rourk, the Brandosn, Prof. Peter Jenkins, Jack Dawson, Chas. Hurd . . . and A. A. Leslie. The show opens March 5 at New Orleans.
Notes from the Diefenbach Show. The show will be larger, using 110ft. round top with __ft. middle piece. Col. Chas. Pierson will have five men in advance. The show will carry five cars and John Berry will have twenty working men. The company will include P. Diefenbach, proprietor; Col Chas. Pierson, general agent; Frank Seery, John Seery, Peasley and ___, Ida Guthrie, M. W. Murray, John Smith, E. R. Dar, Steve Rogers, John Miller, Bertha Mann, Capt. Edgar . . . and Prof M. Snyder and his troupe of Mexican ponies, dogs and goats. Eugene Coyle will have control of the sideshow.
The American Billposting Co., Philadelphia, a new firm. The new company is composted of S. F. Nixon and J. Fred Zimmerman (Nixon & Zimmerman, theatrical managers), and S. H. Robinson and R. C. Campbell, circus agents. The latter two have entire control and management of the business.
Gus Lambrigger has been re-engaged as sidshow manager for Wallace & Co.'s Circus, his ninth season with that show. Harry Jones, Princess Julia and W. T. Sapp have also signed.
The Merediths, Albert and Marguerite, aerialists, have signed with Sargent & Kidder's New Railroad Show.
Blatt and Minerva are with the Orrin Bros.' Circus, at the City of Mexico, where they have been re-engaged for forty-two weeks.
_. W. Hall, formerly with Wintermute Bros.' New Colossal Shows, has signed a general contracting agent with Sample's Twenty-five Cent One Ring Circus.
The Zarreths, Ed, Ida and Dennalla, have signed with Wm. Main & Co.'s Show for next season.
The following people have signed with the Chas. Bartine Shows for the coming season: George and Maude ___, L. Coffin, Thomas Henry, James Zemp, Jas. L. Watts, John D. Robinson and Lute C. Gillett.
Edwin Geyer and wife and Otto Orrette have signed with A. H. Reed's Circus.
Chas. J. Gregory, of the Gregory Bros., gymnasts, and managers of the Gregory Bros.' Circus, a wagon and railroad show during the seasons of 1882-3-4-5-8, has joined hands with Geo. W. Belford, circus performer, in the organization of a wagon show, which will begin operations at Royal Oak, Mich., April 31, under the name of Gregory & Belford's Circus. They will use a 100ft. round top tent, a __ft. middle piece, an extra large museum top and a dressing room top. Sixty head of draught horses, ten new baggage wagons, band wagon, ticket wagon, two tableaux cars, four passenger coaches and four buggies will constitute the rolling stock. A feature of the show will be an equestrian spectacle, on which George Belford is hard at work.
W. G. Rollins has signed as bandmaster with T. K. Burk's Circus for the coming season.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Maginley's Railroad Show, performers in all branches of the circus business, band of six or seven pieces, trap drummer with own drums. Would like to hear from performers that do more than one act and double in concert, good musical act. Can use two or three peformers who play brass. Wanted, agent and a boss canvasman and property man and workingmen of all branches. Show opens about the middle of May. Address Eddie C. Maginley, sole proprietor, Rice's Hotel, Detroit, Mich.
[Advertisement] Wanted, a partner with $500 capital to put on a first class wagon show in the West. I will put up more than dollar for dollar. Will have to have a partner, as I cannot be with the show all the time myself. Open May 1. I have sixteen head of fine horses already on hand. Prof. Lowanda, Hurley, South Dakota.
New York Clipper, February 27, 1892, pp. 843, 851, 853. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
John G. Davenport Jr. left Chicago Feb. 12, to join John S. McMahon's Circus, at San Francisco.
Capt. Wesley S. Baum, the original South American tattooed man, and Lulu, tattooed princess, have signed with the Gollmar Bros.' Circus for the coming season.
Scribner & Smith have purchased the ring stock of the late Main & Sargent Show, consisting of two spotted trick horses, three Shetland ponies, two trick donkeys, a riding dog, a troupe of performing dogs, eighteen draft horses and several wagons. The deal was made with William Main, who was the former owner. They have also closed their contract with their printers for the season's paper, and the first fifty days' paper is ready. Mr. Smith was at Pittsburg, Pa., last week, on business.
Notes from Harper Bros.' Circus. Two new cages and a new ticket wagons have been added. A new band wagon is being built. We have added two teams of dapple gray horses and one team of white mules. Our company: the Three Devene Freres, De Mora, Maro and ___, the Emily Zola Troupe, Clara Bell, Mr. and Mrs. Andy Spear, Chas. Hunt, Winsome Winnie, the Del Montos, Minnie Hart, Tom Clark, Arthur W. Vernell and A. B. Fagg. One of the latest designs in printing is a full sheet lithograph of P. N. Harper, the sole owner and manager.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for W. W. Hendry's New London Shows, Circus, Museum and Trained Animal Exhibition, circus people in all branches of the profession. Riders, leapers, tumblers, double trapeze team, horizontal bar team, jugglers, contortionist, singing clown, band of 6 or 8 pieces, agent acquainted with the Western country, billposters, chandelier man, assistant boss canvas man. Also wanted, concert people. Sideshow and candy stand privileges for sale. Address W. W. Hendry, 132 South Tenth Street, Lincoln, Neb.
[Advertisement] William E. Young, George A. Young, Bruce L. Baldwin, Young Bros. & Baldwin's Old Time Circus and Trained Animal Exhibit (wagon show) will open the season at Des Moines, Iowa. Wanted, riders, leapers, tumblers, gymnasts, aerialists, contortionists, brother act who do horizontal bars, and any novelty in the circus line. A leader, also brass and reed musicians. Also want boss canvasman, boss chandelier man, four, six and eight horse drivers, grooms, billposters, lithographers, programmers, etc. Address Young Bros. & Baldwin, Des Moines, Iowa.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Shreve, Michie & Phillips' 3 Mammoth Consolidated Shows, leapers, tumblers, gymnasts, aerial people of all kinds, riders and musicians who play brass and string. Also troupe of trained dogs. Would like about 4 Japanese who do juggling and aerial acts, boss canvasman, 4 and 6 horse drivers. Sideshow and other privileges to let; candy stands. Would like to buy cages of animals, one elephant, four camels, and a round top canvas for menagerie. The show will open in Apri. Shreve, Michie & Phillips' 3 Consolidated Shows, Hurley, South Dakota.
New York Clipper, March 5, 1892, pp. 859, 866. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Walter Fisher is re-engaged to take charge of advertising car No. 1 with the Walter Main Circus.
Harry Pollworth, slack wire performer and juggler, has signed with Miles Orton's Circus for next season.
Master Ollie Young, juggler, has signed with Gibson's International Shows for next season, his second season with that shwo.
Geo. W. Boring, clown and comedian, has signed with Sargent & Kidder's New Railroad Shows as principal clown.
The Zaro Bros., four in number, Harry Stevens, Jack Canley, Whiting and McClain, and W. W. Everett have signed with Fred Locke's Circus.
Clifford & Gubbins' Pioneer Circus will play Chicago and the suburbs this Summer. This is Thos. Clifford's first venture as a manager. He will be recalled as the "Old Sport" of Barnum's and the Forepaugh Shows. The circus will carry an 80ft. round top with a 40ft. middle piece, and give a one ring old time performance. Ten and twenty cents will be charged for admission.
People who are signed up to date with La Pearl's Ten and Twenty Cent Railroad Show: C. W. Slaybaugh, treasurer; C. W. Compton, advance; B. R. Craycroft, assistant; Prof. Hale Vandercook, leader of band with the following men: Fred Jackson, _. O. Warrell, John Brouse, Carl Brouse, J. E. Goslin, Geo. T. Parker, Chas. Hacker, C. K. Leslie, J. E. Smith, Floyd Trover, Wm. Vanderson, Eddie McDonald, Geo. Parento, Howard Beall, Louis St. Clair, wife and daughter; Rosy Carman, Smith Bros. . . . and the La Pearl children. They open at Vandalia, Ill., May 7, travel in their own car and use an 80ft. round top with two 30ft. middle pieces.
The following have signed with the Maginley Railroad Show: A. Taylor, the Snow Family, Edwardo and the Detroit band.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Clifford & Gubbins' Pioneer Circus, Chicago season, circus people in all branches, including riders, with stock, band of six pieces. All privileges to let. Clifford & Gubbins, Chicago.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Richardson Bros.' Great Double Shows, circus people doing two or more acts, aerial people, bar team, contortionist, concert people. Prefer people who double in brass. Musicians that double in brass and string. Also advance agent. Wagon show. Open April __. Address Richardson Bros., Sacramento, Cal.
New York Clipper, March 12, 1892, pp. 3, 7, 12, 13, 14. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Burton A. Fisher has recovered from his recent illness, and will still be one of the Fisher Bros., aerialists. They go with Walter L. Main's Circus the coming season.
Hurlburt & Hunting's Happenings. Ricardo and Ryan have been engaged to do their bar and brother act. The Merideths were re-engaged to do trapeze and high wire, but cancelled on account of railroad fare.
Frank A. Robbins writes us from New Berne, N. C., under date of Feb. 29, that he is running a small show and has not had a losing week since he started last August. He has chartered a small boat to make the islands and river towns in the eastern section of North Carolinas.
A lot of animals have arrived at winter quarters of E. G. Fladeland's British Circus at St. Paul. Harry Whynacht, old time circus scene painter, has the cages nearly all decorated. New wagons are being turned out every week. The La Mont Family, California aerialists, have also signed.
Harmiston & Son's Great London Olympic and Wild West Show, under management of Charles B. Hicks, was at Singapore, India, at latest advices. Willie Hayes, Young Frank, Mlle. Rosine, Ethel and Rob Roy Stewart, Gilbarto, W. B. and Geo. Harmston, a Japanese troupe, Komo and Leo Hernandez are with the company. C. Woodward is the equestrian director and Robert Love the business agent.
Harry Burris, now at Greenwood, Mich., will join the Bonheur Bros.' Show in April. They are fixing up showing in a tent this season, and have finished negotiations for a brand new tent of a special style and shape, to suit the exhibition they will carry.
Maurice La Belle, slack wire and trapeze equilibrist, has signed with Maginley's Railroad Show, which opens in Detroit in May. Besides his usual wire act, he will put on a trapeze balancing act. It is said that he ascends the ladder on stilts.
Geo. W. Barlow and Jennie Cook have signed with Fladeland's Great British Shows.
W. J. Batten left Scheidier's Eden Musee last week, to rest at Chicago before joining F. J. Taylor's Circus, to take charge of the elephants.
Billy Nixon has signed with the Washburn Circus.
Tony Mauvel and Chas. Lorraine, grotesque comedians, have arrived from the West Indies after a five months' engagement with Pubillones Circus.
Chas. Lee's London Circus begins operations in April.
Prof. J. A. Gildersleeve, with his uniform band and orchestra, has signed with G. E. Rich & Co.'s Shows. Max Hugo and Val E. Leonzo also go with this show.
Indianapolis, Indiana. Robert Terry will shortly leave for Texas, where Sturges & Co.'s Circus, of which he is part owner, opens.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Kirker, Horner & Darley's New Empire Shows, wagon show, an animal act, either dogs, donkeys or ponies. Also concert people and lady for outside ascension. Want to buy 10 band uniforms, 12 entry suits and trappings for horses. Also sideshow paintings. Address Kirkner, Horner & Darley, New Castle, Pa.
[Advertisement] Wanted. I want a partner with $1,000, as treasurer, with my views. Have complete outfit ready for the road. Also the best ring stock and educated horses. Address Harry Moore, Paris, Ill.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Webb's Great United Shows. Three brother act who do horizonal bars, double trapeze team, jugglers, contortionist, singing clown, musicians that double, agent, boss canvasman, lady or gent to make outside ascenion. Trained dogs and ponies. Sideshow and candy privileges for sale. Will pay cash for 80 or 90ft. round top canvas. Address A. J. Webb, Middlesex Street, Lowell, Mass.
[Advertisement] Wanted, a complete wagon show outfit; also a few light cages and a light tableau wagon. W. S. Young, Hotel Warwick, South Clark Street, Chicago, Ill.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for the Great New York and New Orleans Circus, Museum and Menagerie and Spectacular Production, people in all branches of the circus profession. Also railroad contractor and general agent, boss hostler, boss canvasman. Would like to hear from man capable of putting on spectacle. Man to make balloon ascensions and parachute jump. Also band for big show and sideshow, curiosities for sideshow and concert people. Wanted to buy, one more advertising car and sleeper. M. J. Martin, general manager, Troy, N. Y. Sideshow and concert people address W. J. Doris, manager of privileges, 191 West 134th Street, New York.
[Advertisement] Wanted, variety and circus people, except riders, those playing brass preferred. Will rent or buy steam calliope and small troupe of performing dogs. A. F. Tuttle, Linesville, Crawford County, Pa. Olympic Circus.
[Advertisement] Prairie Queen - Old Time One Ring Show. Want people in all branches of the circus business (except band) for the above show. Male and female riders with stock, leapers, tumblers, trained animals, etc. Also skirt dancer and concert people. Four and six horse drivers and canvasmen wanted. All privileges for sale. Address F. W. Pike, manager, Charlotte, Mich.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for De Bonnaires' United Wagon Shows, people in all branches of the circus business for every department. Privileges to let, also one 60ft. combination and one flat car for sale. Address Jeannette De Bonnaire, Pittsburg, Crawford County, Kas.
[Advertisement] T. J. Oatman and wife, with their five head of trick stock and ponies are wintering at Jeffersonville, Ind. His wife, Mrs. Lula, will ride a manage act the coming season with her white horse, Grover Cleveland. No contracts closed for season of 1892. Four horse acts. T. J. Oatman, Jeffersonville, Ind.
New York Clipper, March 19, 1892, pp. 18, 29, 31. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Claude La Verne, clown and double somersault leaper, has signed with T. K. Burk's Shows.
Robert L. Hunting paid a flying trip to the metropolis last week on business connected with his circus, now in winter quarters at New Castle, Pa. A menagerie of ten cages, with elephants, camels and other animals will swell the outfit.
The Lemen Bros. Combined Shows, consisting of circus, menagerie and hippodrome, with a gigantic elephant said to out-Jumbo "Jumbo." The addition of several cages and the increased size of the show necessitates the use of five more cars than heretofore.
Walter L. Main has added a number of cars to his growing show.
Herbert Swift, comedian and musician, will join the Diefenbach Show at Columbus, Miss., March 16.
The Gillian Family, Lydia, Mabel, Frank and Master Primrose, have signed with the Gollmar Bros.' Circus.
Prof. Frank M. Myers has signed with L. W. Washburn's United Shows.
The Baldwins are to go with the Maginley Circus.
Andy and Mattie Spear have been engaged for Harper Bros.' Circus.
Recent additions to Downie & Gallagher's Circus: Mead M. Werntz and wife, Levardo and Fay, Geo. Howard, Bessie Doyle, Wyoming Dick, Wm. Gillette, Ed Carr, Arthur Matthews, J. C. Hall, Dock Filley, __ Lang and Brockey Barns [Burns?]
Bob Hunting has engaged H. W. Link as railroad contractor and C. C. Wilson as general agent. The show, by the addition of the menagerie, will be twice its former size. The annex, under Prof. Griffin's management, will be larger and better. A separate canvas will be used for the Gallery of Illusions.
The Asbeys have signed with the Miles Orton Show. They will produce their "Living Statuary" specialty, besides appearing in the concert.
Chas. McMahon has signed with W. B. Reynolds' Shows.
Notes from Clark Bros. Circus. We have been doing well all Winter in Louisiana, and are now in Arkansas. M. L. Clark and wife are spending a few days at Shreveport, La., with Bill Keese and wife. W. C. Clark is with the show. Addie Clark has been down with the grip. The roster: Clark Bros., George Jennier and family, Sam Wright, Hattie Richard, Joe Richard, W. T. Bryant and his child, Barney, Albert Powell, Louie Bartelmas, Harry Long, Maggie and Will Brown, Slott and wife, Pat McMannes . . . McCord, Whelena nd Allie Clark. Lyle is still with Clark Bros. with his sideshow. Ed Long left the show March _.
Anzola, contortionist, has signed with Eddie Maginley's Railroad Circus for the coming season.
The Howard Family have been engaged for the Wallace Shows.
Ed and Jerome Abbey have secured the sideshow privileges with Scribner & Smith Circus.
Roster of Prof. Williams Consolidated Railroad Shows: Prof. Williams, proprietor and manager; Henry La Rose, general equestrian director and assistant manager; T. H. Ward, treasurer; __ Murdock, secretary . . . Chas. Murphy, press agent and lithographer and two assistants; John Whitey, boss canvasman and fourteen assistants; Henry Imger, steward of car; Sam Mack, cook and four assistants; Chas. Langly, in charge of lights; Chas. Wilson and James Cullen, privileges and sideshow.
Performers: Prof. Williams, school of educated horses; the Hollands, return act and clowns; Lottie La Rose, menage act and dancer; William Hahnes, clown and Irish comedian; Frank Burt, balancing act and slack wire; Marie Barteno, lady juggler; Wm. Lewis, principal equestrian and hurdle act; Brothers Rollings, pyramid act; Dobson Bros., brother act . . . and King Sabro, sword dancer. Millie Carieta, Madam Lucille, the Hottentot Chief and others have been engaged for the concert.
The red, white and blue paint has commenced to flow around the winter quarters at Medford, Wis., and everything will be in order by May 1. The show will open under a 110ft. round top, two 50ft. middle pieces. A 100ft. round top and two 40ft. middle pieces will be used for the menagerie of fifteen cages, and 60ft. round top for the sideshow. There will be fifteen cars and eighty-five head of stock. Will open May 5, at Medford, Wis.
W. C. Brainard has been secured as business manager with Sautelle's Circus, Museum and Trained Animal Exposition in the place of J. B. Swafford, who had filled the position for the last two seasons to the satisfaction of Sig. Sautelle.
Notes for the T. K. Burk Shows. Work is being hurried forward at our winter quarters at Covington, Ky., where they open the middle of April. Among the people are Kokin's troupe of Japanese, ten in number, the the Zolas, two ladies and one gentleman.
Harry Wilson, leaper and tumbler, joins Taylor's Circus at Creston, Ia. Wm. De Van, hurdle rider, also joined.
Chas. Bartine writes of his coming season: "The Chas. Bartine Show's new outfit is about completed. We will have this season (besides the wagons of last Summer) on new band wagon, new advance wagon besides one new ticket, one passenger and six baggage wagons, making in all fifteen wagons, not including the buggies. The wagons are all white, highly decorated with scarlet, red, green and gold trimmings, making the hadsomest little wagon show on the road. Show will open at Germantown, O., the latter part of April, and will travel principally in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. I shall purchase about twenty head of gray horses."
Wichita Josh and wife (Adelaide Carlisle) have signed with T. K. Burk's Show.
Roster of W. B. Reynolds' Consolidated Shows: W. B. Reynolds, sole owner and manager; D. J. Fitzgerald, assistant manager; R. S. Dingess, general agent; W. A. Taylor, contracting agent; Wm. Burton, treasurer; Edward Shipp, equestrian director; Julia Lowande, Bob Purvis, George Whitby and wife, Spalding and wife, three Martinete Bros., J. Carrier, Eddie Cuningham, Howard and Yount, Miles Berry, Prof. Repas and band, Dick Thompson, John Govern, Fred Scanlin, J. H. King, Harry and Ella Potter, Louise Allen, Prof. Fostello and wife, Carrie Fitzgerald, La Moyne Bros., Sig. Martino, Dan Randall, J. V. Fay, Frank Whitlock, Willie Roberts, William Rhodes, Pete Johnson, Louis Morris and John Lee.
Archie Royer will clown with the Walter L. Main Show this season. R. D. Miller also goes with the Walter L. Main Show.
Billy Geyer has signed with Chas. Bartine's Consolidated Shows.
Fred G. Conrad goes with Miles Orton's Circus.
Prof. Wm. Jones and wife have signed for the museum annex with A. H. Reed's Circus.
Mr. and Mrs. Phil Ellsworth, Ed Campbell, Wm. Hank, Geo. Hines and Henry Hollons have joined McMahon's Circus, which opened at Oakland, Cal., March 10.
Robert Crawford, of Crawford Bros., and R. V. Stinson, of Howard Bros., have joined hands, and will be known as Crawford and Stinson. They will go with the McGinley's Show.
The following people are engaged for the sideshow of Walter L. Main's Circus: Hugh Harrison, manager; Bud Lenard, Jack Fields, Ed Delancy, G. Stull, Sheep Head Ann, John Broadhead, Mora, Geo. Holman, Capt. George Cordoza, John Jennings, Jack De Leo, Mme. Harrison, Stillwell, Henreitta Mortiz, Mrs. Lena Moritz, Baldwin Alleno and S. Jennings.
Hop Little and Roy Nelson, formerly with Terrell Bros.' Circus, have gone to Louisville, Ky., to join the billposting brigade of Orton's Circus.
Roster of Young Bros. and Baldwin's Circus includes William E. Young, George A. Young, and Bruce L. Baldwin, owners and managers; William E. Young, treasurer; E. L. Brannan, general agent; Col. W. A. Hundley, sideshow privileges; Wm. Rearick, equestrian dirctor and concert manager; Fred M. Black and troupe of stallions, ponies and dogs; W. Rearick, three Bell Bros., Edwina Weston, Mlle. Marzello . . . and two bands. The show opens May 3 at Des Moines, Ia. There will be fifty-six head of stock in charge of Eugene Hale, and eighteen drivers and the canvas will be in charge of A. J. Anderson and eight helpers.
The privileges with the Harper Bros. Circus have been secured by Harry De Boe and Geo. S. Levere, their second season with that show. Manager P. N. Harper has been lavish in his preparations, and his show will be one of the finest wagon shows traveling in New England. The season opens early in May at Worcester, Mass.
Trover, Vannerson and McDonald, gymnasts, have signed with J. H. La Pearl's Show.
Knox, the contortionist, has signed with Washburn's Circus.
Mamie Clayton, Albino and snake charmer, will be one of the features of the sideshow with the Downie & Gallagher Circus.
It is now definitely understood that the Terrell Bros. will not put their circus on the road this season.
Bob Hunting wishes it understood that he is sole owner of Hunting's Circus, Museum and Menagerie, and is not connected in any way with Mr. Hurlburt.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Hall & Macart's Wagon Shows, people in all branches of the circus business. Want boss canvasman and hostler, also leader of band and musicians who can double in concert. Performers must do two or more acts. Want advance agent. Candy stands to rent. Address Hall & Macart, Evansville, Rock Co., Wis.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Stang Bros. United Monster 25 Cent Shows, acrobats, gymnasts, aerial people, singing clown, jugglers, ball kickers, brother act, concert people. Want boss canvasman, chandelier man, etc. Would like to hear from crack circus band, six mouthpieces. Show travels by wagon, short jumps. Stang Bros., Burlington, Racine Co., Wis.
New York Clipper, March 26, 1892, pp. 34, 38, 44. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Prof. Johnson and his silver cornet band of twelve pieces have been engaged with Prof. Williams' Consolidated Railroad Shows. They have also engaged Peoria, Ill., drummer boys.
Uncle Dan Castello, who is spending the Winter at Paducah, Ky., is to have an amusement enterprise on the road this season, having purchased the outfit of the defunct Castello, Oatman & Williams' Show, which went to pieces early last season. He will tour the South with a small circus and menagerie. Chas. McCurran and Leslie La Salle have signed. The latter will probably go in advance.
Notes from Hunting's Circus. Every sheet of paper used this season will be lithographed, under the watchful eyes of Harry Link, the general agent and two assistants, with ten subordinates. There have been added twelve new cages and two tableau wagons, two sleeping cars, two box cars and four flat cars, each sixty feet long. The show will require eighty head of horses and one hundred men, besides the advance brigade.
Last week fire destroyed all the tents, seats, poles, etc., belonging to Sparks & Allen's Circus, together with two advance wagons, twenty sets of double harness and jack and seat wagons. The balance of the show, twelve wagons, stock, etc., was in another building, and consequently saved. The show will open, as usual, in April with a new outfit.
J. B. Swafford opens with Sautelle's Circus, as general agent.
Our types, regarding some additions to Hurlburt & Leftwich's Combined Shows recently, read, by accident, Hurburt & Hunting.
The Terrell Bros. are as yet undecided as to whether they will tour their show this season or not, but as they sold their entire outfit, except the stock, a few weeks ago, the chances are that this season will go on without their show going out.
Notes from E. G. Holland & Co.'s Show. The show will travel by rail, using three cars. They have a new sleeper 60ft. long, and will use a 100ft. top with a 50ft. middle piece. These people have signed: the Black Bros. with their troupe of Shetland ponies, eight in number; the Lundgreens, Howard and Yount, the Gillmore Bros., J. W. Dempsey and wife, Will Conkling, Mexican Athletes, six in number . . . Fred Bulters' Band, C. McClanahan and others. The show will open early in May.
Happenings with Wintermute Bros. Circus. The show, while wintering at Hebron, Wis., has been somewhat enlarged. All the wagons have been newly painted. Five cages, one bill wagon and four baggage wagons have been added to the outfit. A pair of lions, a grizzly bear and a cage of tropical birds are among the additions to the menagerie. A new 60x90ft. menagerie canvas, twelve new paintings and twenty head of horses are among the new things. All the wardrobe will be new. The season will open May 2.
Samuel Bruns, of Buffalo, N. Y., has secured the candy privileges with Sautelle's Circus, Museum and Trained Animal Exhibition.
Holland and Westbrook have joined Prof. Williams' Railroad Show.
J. M. Abbott, H. B. Mullane and Frank S. Read have signed with Oliver's Great Eastern Circus.
Geo. T. Hays has been re-engaged for the sideshow with Hunting's Circus. It will be his sixth consecutive season with that show. Pat Hurley, Irish giant, and Ella Zubrika, circussian, are also recent engagments.
Melville Raymond has signed as treasurer of Hunting's Circus.
Nellie, daughter of Lon and Fannie Moore, was presented with several presents March 9, her eighth birthday. The Moores have finished their ladder act. Mr. Moore has in preparation a new song book to offer the patrons of the F. J. Taylor Show, which he is engaged with to do principal and singing clown, also Mrs. Moore and Nellie to furnish three acts for the big show. Mr. Moore will join hands with Chas. Gardner Jr. after the tenting season to do a singing and comedy act for the Fall and Winter season. Mr. Gardner has also signed with the F. J. Taylor Shows, to work in the concert.
Hays Evans has been re-engaged with Hunting's Circus, to do press work and superintend the advertising car No. 1, his fourth consecutive season with that show.
Roster of Chas. Lee's London Shows: Chas. Lee, manager; J. H. Hewitt, assistant manager and treasurer; H. H. Mann, general agent; __ Behenger, head billposter with four assistants; Scanlan Bros., lithographers; H. L. Rogers, master of transportation; Thos. Bailey, boss canvasman with twenty men; Doc Powers, chandelier man; Harry Moreland, animal man; Dick Rogers, boss hostler with sixteeen teamsters; Fred Napier, stock with two assistants; Chas. Comstock, equestrian director; Billy Clifton, candy privileges; James ___, master of properties with four assistants; Chas. ___, master of ring stock. Milt Bruce, A. F. Hagar, W. Owens, _. Mulcane, A. Taylor, Will Parker, Al Yoder, P. Hey, Bert Saulsman, Fred Napp, Geo. Lester, Billy Lee, Harry Johnson, Thos. Williams, Ike ___, Howard Family, Seamon and Burk, Phil Miller and wife, Hart and Leonard, Lall Eggleston, Running Elk . . . and Wanna's Wild West. Mrs. Chas. Lee and troupe of ponies and dogs, Mlle. Elnora, Leon Bros., Hood, Billy and Josie Clifton, Stewart Santee, Geo. H. (Punch) Irving, Blanche Cameron, Mlle. Celestra . . . and Prof. Robt. Powers and Continental Band. The show will open April 30 at Canton, Pa.
Harry A. Gray has been engaged as chief lithographer with Lemen Bros. Circus.
Roster of Chas. Bartine's Circus: Bartine & Miller, proprietors; Chas. Bartine, general manager; L. C. Miller, assistant manager and treasurer; Ed Leon, equestrian director; Luther C. Gillette, general contracting agent; ___ May, general advertising agent; John Lewis, boss billposter with three assistants; Geo. Phillips, press agent and lithographer with two assistants; John Robbinson, superintendent of lights; Al. Lewis, boss property man with three assistants; Martin Murphy, boss canvasman with ten assistants; Sam Reed, boss hostler with fifteen assistants; Dennie Crosser, in charge of ring stock . . . Bart L. Bolton, musical director with ten musicians. The Four Leons, Geo. Dunbar, Mlle. Lotta, Ida Baily, Mollie Leon, Nellie Bartine, Nettie Bartine, Elva Bartine, Rowenna, Dan C. Manning, Billy Gyer, James Zemp, Newman and King, Thos. Henry, Ben Kahn, Phil Leon . . . Master __ and his six performing Shetland ponies, Chas. Bartine's school of educated horses, a troupe of performing dogs, goats and monkeys, and fifty head of horses. The show will travel by wagon, and will open at Germantown, O., touring Ohio, Indiana and Illinois.
The following people have signed with Prof. Geo. E. Rich & Co.'s Shows: Maj. Hugo, Prof. J. A. Gildersleeve's band and orchestra, Leo Berry and his wife and boy, W. E. Bell, Turnour and Roberts, M. B. Cook and wife, B. F. Allerton, John M. Williams, George Lamar, J. Johnson and wife, C. W. Cardello, John Davenport, John Rissell, Ben Frost, Jack Smith, Prof. Robt. Scott and wife . . . and Mrs. C. W. Cardello.
Dan Malcolm and Mlle. Theola are the latest engagements for Harper Bros. European Circus.
Gregory Bros. & Belford's Circus will employ the Bartlett Famiy, Edward Godfrey, Wm. Phelps, D. Filley, the Wards, the Belfords, Gregory Bros., Mlle. Cooper, Chas. Gregory, Delia Gregory, D. Ament, F. C. Cooper, Geo. Bachtell . . . Prof. Beckely and others.
Indianapolis, Indiana. R. H. Terry and Joe E. Gordon left 20 to join Sturges & Co.'s Circus in Texas.
[Advertisement] Sells & Rentfrow's Colossal London Olympian R. R. Shows and Great World's Circus. Wanted, circus talent of all description. Novelty acts given preference, grotesque musical acts and concert people that can double in band, musicians, boss hostler and drivers, boss canvasman, sideshow talker, freaks and candy butchers, chandelier man, agent, railroad contractor, reliable treasurer. Address J. N. Rentfrow, sole manager, Topeka, Kan. Will pay cash for band wagon in good condition.
New York Clipper, April 2, 1892, pp. 50, 64. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
S. P. Bowman has the sideshow privilege with De Bonnaire's United Shows, Ancient Caravan and Monster Museum. Among the features already engaged are: S. P. Bowman, manager; Jennie Bowman, Nina Tenthicum, Kate De Bonnaire, Col. Stoddard, Zamo, Zulu chief; Armelo Bedo, the mastodon double hump camel Hush, a cage of monkeys, four pair living vampires. A __ft. round top with a 30ft. middle piece, in charge of Buck Davis with two assistants; a front of fourteen Tucker Bro. paintings. The show opens May 5 at Pittsburg, Kan., for three days. Jennie Bowman, with her dog circus, has signed.
There is a rumor of "War on the Wabash" early in the season. The Wallace Show is to open at Peru, Ind., about April 23, and play a number of stands along the Wabash Railway, over which at least two other shows have contracted to exhibit.
The John Robinson Show opens its season at Cincinnati, O., April 23, after which it is to invade Kentucky.
Oliver Scott has been engaged to take charge of the advance corps of Walter L. Main's Circus.
For the past ten days L. W. Washburn has been at New York and Frenchtown getting everything in working order for his circus, which opens in April. Mr. Washburn has added two new cars, which will make fourteen for the coming season.
De Mora, contortionist, has signed with Harper Bros.' Circus. He is at West Superior, Wis.
Ajax, the contortionist, has signed with C. F. Fladeland's British Shows.
John F. Kelly, of Jersey City, has been engaged to do his acrobatic song and dance and Chinese act with W. L. Main's Circus.
Myron B. Johnson, known as Latona, the fire king, has been engaged for the Downie & Gallagher Circus.
Glenan & Austin's Eastern Shows open at Mechanics' Falls, Me., May _. The company will travel by wagon, using a 100ft. round top tent with a 50ft. middle piece. There will also be a menagerie and a sideshow. The executive staff is: Glenan and Austin, proprietors and managers; George Andrews, general agent; Chas. Boyle, contracting agent; Alex Larelle, treasurer; George Clark, equestrian director; William Arnold, boss hostler; _. A. Scott, boss canvasman; George Wood, leader of band; Frank ___, manager of privileges, and others.
Avery and King have signed with Hurlburt & Leftwich's Combined Shows to do aerial acts and high wire ascensions. Harry Shields has signed as clown. Fred Breen cancelled to join Ament's sideshow, as juggler.
Tony Loos has signed with Harry La Pearl's Railroad Show.
Prof. Walter Wilson, leader of orchestra; A. D. Ford, leader of band, and Ben Kahn, cornetist, all of Mortimer's Theatre, Memphis, Tenn., have signed with Lemen Bros. for the tenting season.
Notes from Gollmar Brothers' Great United Shows. Our new chariots, cages, baggage wagons and two new advance wagons are nearly ready. We will carry two large carved band chariots this year, one twenty feet and one fourteen feet long. We will add two Roman chariots, three cages and a large number of wagons and horses. The following is part of our roster fo 1892: Gollmar Bros., sole owners and managers; Fred C. Gollmar, general agent; P. T. Moyer, assistant agent; J. C. Gollmar, general advertising agent with three assistants; Claud Gollmar, in charge of advance No. 3; Chas. Brown, boss billposter with ten assistants; Chas. A. Gollmar, equestrian manager; W. S. Gollmar, assistant equestrian manager and manager of concert; J. H. Shields, manager of sideshow and announcer; B. F. Gollmar, secretary and treasurer; Garnel Bros., triple bars; Slackey, floating wire; La Martino, juggler; Burnello Bros., brother act; Billie Milligan, singing and talking clown; Fitzgerald and King, clowns and song and dance; Eddie Dell, contortionist; Four Gilliam Family, clowns, trapeze, slack wire, contortion and juggling; Dartell Bros., flying return act and double and single trapeze; C. C. Matthews, cloud swing; Jessie Dair, flying trapeze and Japanese perch; Joseph Parsons, four horse, principal, two horse carrying and hurdle riding; Madame Lambkin, female principal riding act; Miss Parsons, female principal; Elfonzo, barrel kicker; the Four De Ormer Bros., leapers and tumblers; La Flin, with eight assistants, in band No. 2; Prof. Charles, with fourteen assistants, in band No. 1; Chas. Barratl, boss canvasman with twenty-five assistants; J. H. Allen, boss hostler, with twenty-four assistants and seventy-five head of stock; Geo. Green, assistant hostler, and Glen W. Shaw, cook tent with eight assistants. Our trained horses and ponies are much improved this year and our dog acts will be doubled.
From Welsh's Golden Allied Pavilion Shows. Prof. Chas. Lorenzo and his troupe of trained ponies and dogs; Jos. F. Roy, equilibrist and wire walker; Prof. J. D. Clymer's band of eight pieces, and Clint M. Newton, director of amusements and manager of the annex, have been engaged. When we open in May we will have one of the brightest wagon shows on the road. M. H. Welsh will be general agent of the show.
Hunting's Happenings. Robert Whittaker, equestrian director, is getting the stock in trim, together with four Shetland ponies for Master Lew Hunting's four pony act. Master Lew is making progress under the training of Mr. Whittaker. Mark Monroe, late of Forepaugh and Frank Robbins Shows, has charge of the animals, and is breaking the elephants Queen and Empress for the ring. Animals are arriving almost daily, and our menagerie will be "in it." Mr. Hunting is negotiating for a pair of hippos. Melville B. Raymond has signed as general manager and treasurer.
Roster of the sideshow with Miles Orton's Show. B. L. Bowman, manager and orator; Mrs. B. L. Bowman, Agnes May, Prof. W. Young, Gertie Platt, Mamie Clay, Prof. W. Bunch, Sidonio, Charlie Scott, Prof. W. H. Jacobs' Colored Band of eight men; Jim Reed, in charge of sideshow canvas with four assistants; a cage of monkeys, and a cage of birds, a 60ft. round top with a 40ft. middle piece, and sixteen new double deck paintings.
Prof. Chas. T. Ogden's new tent shows will take the road April 1, traveling by rail.
Downie & Gallagher's Doings. All the property lost in the fire on Dec. 26 has been fully replaced. The new top is 120ft. round top with two 50ft. centres. Additions of fourteen head of heavy draught horses, one team of show horses, and four head of ring stock. A feature will be made of the parade, everything being new, wardrobes, chariots, wagons, etc.
Rajan and Bennett have been engaged for the McMahon & Costello Shows.
Roster of Whitney's Imperial Shows. G. S. Whitney, proprietor; C. A. Whitney, general manager; Col. M. Gillette, advance agent with five billposters; George Martine, equestrian manager; Prof. J. B. Isenhart, leader of band with ten musicians; Frank Stapleton, boss hostler with six grooms; George Sharp, in charge of canvas with eight assistants; George S. Scott, Michael Tude, the Martines, the Wests, Sona Martine, J. B. Gagnier and wife, Fred Martin, John H. Wood, Ed Holbrook, Dan Connors, J. B. Isenhart, A. M. Hunt, Clarence Powers, Ed Hart, Burt B. Smith, Will C. Downs, C. L. Ogle, John R. Haines, Lon Marshall, C. M. Silver, Emmet Wells . . . and Geo. Lawrence. The show will open at Imlay City, Mich.
John S. McMahon's Circus opened at Oakland, Cal., March _. The roster: John S. McMahon, Jo jo. Seigrist, Archie O'Brien, Samuel Bennett and wife, John Quigler, Harry A. Emerson, Seigrist and Silbon, Melrose, Leandor Bros., Lazell and Mason, Trillie De Van, Captain Beach, Lou Worley, Chas. Williams, Gracie Bennett, Hattie Myers, Blanch Rose, Phil Ellsworth . . . and J. P. Sullivan.
Chas. O. Morrison, contortionist, has signed with Chas. Bartine's Show.
New wagons, chariots and other paraphernalia have just been added to Hall & Macart's Wagon Show.
The executive staff of the Great International Railroad Shows consists of W. H. Pomeroy, lessee and manager; Harry R. De Leon, treasurer; T. B. Lang, railroad contractor; A. West, general agent; Alf Dorian, equestrian director; Prof. Ch. H. Lang, T. J. Clancy, boss canvasman; Wm. Connor, master transportation; M. Marshbara and G. Valentine. The show opens April 18.
The Edgerton Sisters and George Edgerton and his trained stallion have signed with Baldwin & Young Bros. Shows.
Clark Bros. Circus is reported to have gone to the wall at Hamburg, Ark., last week.
These people have signed with A. J. Webb's Great United Shows: A. J. Webb, proprietor and manager; Mrs. A. J. Webb, treasurer; George H. Quinn, agent; Joseph F. Hart, Lorenza and Lotta, Lemay and Martin, Henry Perron, M. Hartney, George Tuttle, E. J. Kinney, Frank and Emma Ford, Chas. Fountain . . . and the Three Ryan Bros.
Prof. Matthews has been engaged for the Downie & Gallagher Show with his troupe of trained animals. He will dispose of his performing goats.
Prof. Chas. Griffin's Bohemian Glass Blowers closed their season at New Castle, Pa., March 26. Business manager Eggleston will rest at home until April 30, when he joins Chas. Lee's London Show at Canton, Pa. Prof. Griffin, George Hays and Fred Griffin will remain at New Castle until April 29, when they go en tour with Hunting's Circus.
[Advertisement] Wanted, troupe fo Japanese acrobats and comic acts for ring or stage. W. C. Coup, Andrew McDonald, 379 Dearborn Avenue, Chicago, Ill.
New York Clipper, April 9, 1892, pp. 66, 69, 78. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Roster of the W. W. Hendry's New London Shows, Circus, Museum and Trained Animal Exhibition: W. W. Hendry, sole proprietor and manager: D. L. ___ [Allen?], general agent with six assistants; Chad Wertz, equestrian director; Clyde Anderson, treasurer; Eugene Bateman, boss canvasman with ten assistants; Chas. Moss, boss hostler; Frank Watkins, boss property man; F. Carlton, chandelier man. Performers: Three Wertz Bros., gymnasts and acrobats; Billy Moore and wife, aerial performers; O'Dell Bros., contortionists; Dan Malcolm and Mlle. Theola, double trapeze and flying rings; Lamar and Anderson, double horizontal bars; Chas. Wertz, hurdle and four horse rider; Lascheller Family, four in number; Clyde Ingram, ponies, dogs and goats; Miss Johnson, slack wire; Del Alexander, stong man, and a troupe of Japanese performers. Concert people: Fretwell and dellis, Del Fuego and wife, Miss Allena and Miss Johnson. The show has fifty head of horses. Prof. E. E. McElhimry, leader of band with ten piece. J. W. Faulkner, candy stand privileges. A 100ft. round top with 50ft. middle piece, is the big top. A 60ft. round top with two 30ft. middle pieces for museum top, a 50ft. dressing room and a large horse tent and cook tent.
Notes from W. B. Reynolds' Consolidated Shows. The show is about ready to open at Rockford, Ill., May 7. The outfit consists of eighteen transportation wagons, twelve cages, two tableau cars, two band wagons, three advance wagons, four passenger wagons and several buggies, two elephants, three camels, the $___ performing moose, one hundred and fifty-four head of horses and eight Shetland ponies. Among the horses are ninety-eight head of dappled gray. The horses are the best lot ever seen with a wagon show. Chas. McMahon, the equestrian, is working the ring stock daily, and breaking four dappled grays for the four horse act; also a pair of snow white horses for principal and finish. Master Freddie is working his troupe of Shetlands. The big top is one hundred and twenty foot, with fifty foot middle piece. Menagerie is seventy foot top with three thirties. The museum is sixty foot with thirty feet middle. Four horse tents and cook tent. The wardrobe is first class.
C. W. Compton will go ahead of La Pearl's Big Railroad Shows. The season opens May 7 at Vandalia, Ill., with about fifty people in all, carrying their own cars. They will have a one hundred foot round top, with two thirty foot middle pieces.
Will Darrell, flying ring performer, signed with the Richardson Bros. Circus, at Sacramento, Cal.
Geo. Rialto, contortionist and black face comedian, has signed with the M. V. Wixom Circus.
McMahon's Circus is on a tour through Northern California. The company comprises: Prof. Pelts, elephant trainer; Archie O'Brien, Lottie Miranda, Toto Siegrist, Ed Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Bennett, Leander Bros. and Silbon and Melrose. Mr. Babbitt is the manager.
Eugene Damohels and Dick Moore have signed with Prof. Williams' Railroad Show as principle clowns. Mr. Williams has purchased of the Montana Stock Raising Co., ten spotted bronchos, which will be used in the Wild West.
The Willie Sells Circus and J. N. Rentfrow's Golden Circus have consolidated. The show will be conducted upon business principles. Mr. Sells will appear at each programme. Among other features already secured are: Charley Peers and his three daughters, troupe of Arabian wrestlers, a company of East India jugglers and a troupe of Congo ivory hunters, four in number. The show will open at Topeka the last week in April.
On April 28 the F. J. Taylor Great American Shows will open their fifth season at Creston, Ia. The roster: F. J. Taylor, sole owner and manager: _. L. Taylor, treasurer; F. A. Taylor, doorkeeper; C. A. Taylor, charge of advance No. 1 with ten billposters; Dick Hunter, contractor; Ad Funk, programmer with two assistants; Geo. Hill, lithographer; Dick Farnum and wife, James Farnum and wife, Lou Moore and wife, Little Nellie Moore, T. Ambrose, Millie Sorella, Fred Welcome, Frank Putnam, Harry Wilson, Alf Dorian, John Batchelor, James Kincaid, Wm. Devan . . . and J. L. Gardner. Band: John Marshall, Tom Marshall, Henry Marshall, Ad Vradenburg, Phil B. Schartz, J. H. Bishop, C. C. Williams, J. C. Phelps, H. Wise, Geo. Hake, Will Long and P. T. Baker. Walt McCafferty has charge of privilege; J. G. Scheidler, charge of annes; G. F. Brady, master of canvas with sixteen assistants; S. Preston, boss hostler with twenty-six drivers; ___ Batton, boss animal man with five assistants; Ike Sevier, elephant man; Lee Coleman, chandelier with three assistants; Geo. Douglas, steward; F. Long, cook with six assistants; G. G. Groves, boss property man with four assistants.
Dan C. Manning, talking and singing clown, and Ida Bailey and dogs, have signed with Charles Bartine's Circus.
The Tree Gardner Bros., acrobats, have joined J. McMahon's Shows.
Everything is in shape around the La Pearl Show winter quarters. Frank Apple, rope dancer, signed recently. They open May _, with the show twice its former size.
Hugh Whiting and Tony Ryder, bar performers, with their wives, May Waldon and Frankie Baker, character changes and skirt dancers, are resting for a few weeks prior to their opening with the Wallace Show.
Geo., May and Lillie Edgerton have not signed with Young Bros. & Baldwin's Circus, as reported.
De Hollis, contortionist and juggler, is at his home, Elmira, N. Y. He has been re-engaged for Hunting's Circus, his third season with that show.
Charlie Boyd and his wife and Sam Dock have signed with Welsh's Golden Shows.
Long and Edwards have cancelled their engagement with Hunting's Circus.
Annie Carroll, George Winfred, Ed Dell and C. F. Orville are recent engagements for W. B. Reynolds' Consolidated Shows.
Notes form the Nickel Plate Show. The season was opened March 5 at New Orleans, W. H. Harris, proprietor. Field and Oberti, aerialists, have joined since our roster was published. Callie Harris, Master Frankie Harris and Albert Costello have improved in their riding this Winter, under the tutorship of F. H. Sparks. The Malletts and Harry Harrison are meeting with success in their three brother act. Kennard Bros. are doing a grotesque clown act. Geo. W. La Rosa is still kicking the barrel and tables. Zella and Chas. Kennard are creating laughter in their clown and frog act. Al Armar, Dutch clown, has a new box of jokes. The leaping and tumbling is one of the features of the performance. The wagons, cages and cars are all painted snow white, with gold lettering.
The following people comprise the advance of Young Bros. & Baldwin's Show: E. L. Brannan, general agent; L. L. Weddle, advertising agent; Frank Robertson, press agent; Chas. H. Leland, contractor; Vance Seitz, programmer and lithographer; H. B. Roberts, William Hartzen, Dan Patterson, Frank York, Ben Silvers . . . and Harry Lewis, billposters.
Holland's Big Wagon Show is about ready to open the campaign and will tour Colorado early in the season, its purpose being to exhibit in the mountain towns ahead of Cook & Wheatley's and the Ringling Bros., both of which have already contracted for that section of the country.
Cook & Wheatley is the name under which the Wallace Show annouces for the coming season.
Several cages of animals, including four African lions and a number of other specimens, have just been added to the Lemen Bros. Show at Argentine, Kan. This organization will open the season April 20.
Merrick Kershaw, of the Kershaw Bros., is at Chicago, suffering from sciatic rheumatism. They are engaged with Andy McDonald's World's Fair Circus, which opens at Chicago, May 15.
George Dunbar met with a serious accident at the Grand Central Theatre, Cleveland, O., last week, while performing his aerial act with Mlle. Lotta. A part of his paraphernalia broke, and he was precipitated a distance of nearly twenty feet, head downward, to the stage, breaking a bone in his left arm. The team were to have joined Chas. Bartine's Circus shortly, but they have been compelled to cancel their engagement.
[Advertisement] Call. All people engaged with McDonald & Well's Circus report at Paris House, April 19. Wanted, a few more canvasmen. McDonald & Wells, Paris, Ill.
New York Clipper, April 16, 1892, pp. 82, 83, 93, 94. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Notes from Shreve, Phillips & Michie's Shows. W. A. Edwards has resigned as business manager of the Lowanda Novelty Co., to accept a position as general agent for the above shows. We open our season at Hurley, S. D., April 26; travel by wagon and carry twenty-four ___. Roster: Shreve, Phillips & Michie, sole proprietors; W. A. Edwards, general agent with five assistants; Prof. Lowanda, general director; John Michie, treasurer; Cha. Meneke, boss canvasman with ten assistants; John Sargent, boss hostler; Chas. W. Cardello, Pete Rogan and wife, Madame Lowanda, W. B. Cook and wife, Myles Anderson, J. F. Howard, Prof. Robt. Scott, C. W. Myers, ___ and Gorman, Baughman and Jenkins, J. F. Wilcox, Fred McMaster, C. J. Fay, Clark and Putnam, Harry Austin and wife, ___ Powell, Norton Bros. Dock Hickey in charge of sideshow, and band of twelve pieces under the direction of Prof. C. E. Taft. We travel North and South Dakota. There is a reunion of Odd Fellows here on our opening day, and already we have sold four hundred seats for the opening.
Bonheur Bros. have added three more wagons. All will appear in white. They have put in ten extra head of stock to transport the increase of property.
Melrose Bros. have signed with Lemen Bros. Shows.
Emma Dorr, slack wire performer and ascensionist, has joined Young Bros. & Baldwin's Show.
Wesley Emerson, boss canvasman of Harper Bros. European Circus, is getting everything tinot tip top condition for the opening May _, at Worcester, Mass.
Slackey, stilt wire walker, has signed with the Gollmar Bros. Show, to do high wire ascensions and slack wire.
The World's Fair Aggregation and Combines Shows will open the season May __ at White Cloud, Kas. The roster: Joseph White, sole owner; W. S. Wheeler, business manager; Theo. Taylor, treasurer; T. Leon, equestrian manager; F. W. George, agent; F. R. Nelson, in charge of canvas; Newt ___, in charge of stock and manager of transportation; Three Moncayos, Chancey Powell, the Leons, Harry DeVere, Kutch and Du Bois, St. Clair and Fielding, and W. S. Wheeler, clown.
The Chas. Bartine Consolidated Shows will open at Germantown, O., April 28. The Harmans have signed for the season. We have added three more new baggage wagons, making in all fifteen besides the passenger wagons, carriages and buggies. Everything with this show is snow white, and is highly ornamented.
The Moores, Billy and Nelliw, have cancelled their engagement with the w. W. Hendry New London Circus, as Mr. Moore is to have an operation on his eyes which will lay him up from four to six weeks.
J. B. Swafford is making a short visit to his home at Tipton, Ind., before opening with the Sautelle Show.
The Great American Combined Shows started out of New Orleans April 1, and did good business until they arrived at Star, La., where they encountered a cyclone and lost everything. Harry Little was hurt, and Fred Adkins had his leg and arm broken, and lost his instruments. The injured will be sent to Donaldsonville, La., whre the show will go up. It is run on the commonwealth plan, and consists of two flat boats and a tug.
Claude Melnotte, singing clown and black face comedian, and his partner, E. F. Cristo, Irish comedian and juggler, are at Jackson, Mich. They have signed with Fred Locke's Colossal Shows.
Roster of G. E. Rich & Co.'s Show. Prof. G. E. Rich & Co., proprietors; G. E. Rich, manager; Henry Russell, treasurer; H. G. Alger, general agent with two assistants; George Bubb, in charge of advance brigade with six billposters and programmer and two lithographers; Prof. W. B. Johnson's uniformed cornet band; Harry Grey, boss canvasman with ten assistants; John Wilson, boss hostler with six assistants. Among the performers are Max Hugo, principal clown; Prof. R. Scott, champion rifle shot; Tornour and Roberts, Cousins and Allerton, Prof. T. F. McKenna, Geo. D. La mar, four Russian Athletes, Sinclair Bros., Prof. Bell's trick donkeys, Cardello Bros., Mons. Berry, Mlle Cook, Howard and Williams, Mlle Amelia, Miller and Weston. They open April 28 at Williamsport, Pa. The show travels by wagon, sixty-five horses being used. Also, four six horse wagons, band wagon and six four horse wagons, besides two new carryalls. Two new advance wagons will be run. The show will use a __ft. Top with __ft. middle piece, besides a sideshow top, horse tent, cook tent and dressing room tent.
Montello, contortionist, and Schroeder and Frank Rexford, acrobats, are the latest additions to the performers engaged for Chas. Lee's Circus.
Notes from Erb's New Sensation. The show will open at Philipsburg, Pa., April __, and will go on the road with an entire new outfit. The following people have signed: Prof. Wm. Andre, aeronaut; Frank Leopold, clown; V. F. Kaminski, contortionist; Prof. Dan Trettela, Indian juggler; Hindley Bros., trapeze; Charles Richter, blancing trapeze; J. H. Zellars, acrobat; ___ West, contortionist; Eckhardt Bros., slack wire and perch pole; and Prof. Gilham's juvenile brass band, ten in number. T. W. Vinson and W. S. Erb will have charge of the sideshow. John Erb is sole proprietor and manager.
Whiting and Geyer, horizontal bar team, have signed with Sargent & Kidder's R. R. Show.
Geo. W. Orrin and family have been with the Orrin Bros.' Show during its tour through Mexico the past few weeks. On April 2 they were at Ortzaba, "away up in the clouds." Dick Bell, clown, has been laid up with an injury received while performing during one of his benefit nights, March 16, 17, at the Amphitheatre. The Orrin Bros. have been running three shows - Robert Nelson's Great World Variety Combination, McCabe's Colored Minstrels and the Orrin Bros. Circus. George Orrin goes to Orlando, Florida, this week.
Pueblo, Colorado. Trevino's Mexican Show and Circus linger in town, showing to poor business.
Wild Burt and Little Sure Shot open with Downie & Gallagher's Circus May 2, for the Summer.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Teets Bros.' New Shows. People in all branches of the circus profession. Riders who can furnish their own stock. Gymnasts and acrobats. Also people for concert. Show opens May 2, 1892. Address Hazel Green, Ky.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for W. M. Thompson's United Railroad Shows, people in all branches of the circus business except riders; also glassblower and band master. Write Mrs. Daisy Thompson, Princeton, Ill.
New York Clipper, April 23, 1892, pp. 98, 108, 112. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
W. B. Reynolds' Consolidated Shows, Circus, Museum, Menagerie and Trained Animal Exhibition is the title of a new show recently organized at Rockford, Ill. Executive staff; W. B. Reynolds, sole owner and manager; D. J. Fitzgerald, assistant manager; Ford Rowe, treasurer; R. S. Dingess, general agent; Harry Mann, contracting agent; H. C. Burgess, press agent. There will be three brigades ahead of the show; they will be equipped with a novel and original advertising device, each one different from the other. The wagons are paneled with French mirrors and ornamented with gold and silver leaf. Wm. Clark will have charge of brigade No. 1, with eight billposters, one lithographer and one programmer. Chas. Miller will have charge of brigade No. 2, with six billposters. Harry Brown will have charge of brigade No. 3, with five assistants. The main top is 120ft. with one _-ft. middle piece; the menagerie will be 80ft. with three 30ft. middle pieces; dressing room 60ft. round top; museum top 60ft. with one 30ft. middle piece; four horse tents and one cook tent. The menagerie will consist of twelve cages of animals, two elephants, three camels and a performing moose. John Govern, animal trainer and superintendent of menagerie, will have six assistants.
The following have been engaged: Chas. McMahon, Martinette Brothers, ___ Carroll, La Moyne Brothers, Geo. Whitby, Eddie Cunningham, Robt. Purvis and his trained dogs, Harry and Ella Potter, Master Freddie with his troupe of performing ponies, Dan Randall, Geo. Winfred, Chas. T. Orrville. Chas. McMahon, equestrian director, will have charge of the dressing room and circle. Prof. Repasz, musical director, with a band of eighteen pieces. Concert people: Mack and Mack, Carrie Fitzgerald, Bob Purvis, Louise Allen, Dan Randall, J. V. Fay, Gertie Whitby, Ed Cunningham. Sideshow people: Miles Berry, Frank Whitock, Prof. Fostello, Nins Fostello, Nelson Spalding, Verona Fay, Millie Zenero, Tat Ta Wask, and a colored quartet of jubilee singers.
Wm. Rhodes, superintendent of canvas; Chas. Rhodes, assistant, with twenty canvasmen; Fred Fairfield, superintendent of lights with two assistants; Geo. Williams, superintendent of properties with five assistants; Pete Johnson, superintendent of night watch with two assistants; Dick Thompson, superintendent of stock; Ralph Hawley, assistant, with two eight horse, six six horse and fourteen four horse driveres. There will be one hundred and fifty head of stock, of which ninety-eight are matched dapple grays, eighteen head of ring stock and eight Shetland ponies. King and Lee also have the privileges. The show will open early in May at Rockford, Ill.
Frank Cotton's Donkey Circus will close its Winter season at Allegheny, Pa., April 23, and open the Summer season with Hunting's New York Circus at New Castle, Pa.
James Cunningham, contortionist, will join the Wintermute Bros.' Circus, his third season with that show.
The Leons, J. T. and Master Earl, join the International Circus at San Antonio, April 23.
Advance car No. 1 of W. H. Harris' Nickel Plate Show left New Orleans on April 3. This car, specially built by the Missouri Car Co., as a bill car, is 60ft. long, painted in white and gold. S. M. Felton is in charge of the car, with ___ as lithographer and J. G. Goodman boss billposter, with twelve assistants.
Roster of Stang Bros.' United Shows: Stang Bros., proprietors; Lawrence Stang, manager; Pearl Stang, treasurer; F. A. Stang, secretary; Prof. Edgerton, equestrian director; ___ Darling, in charge of stock and master of transportation; Frank Stang, general agent with two assistants . . .
Roster of Kirker & Darley's New Empire Shows. Kirker & Darley, sole propietors; Wm. J. Kirker, manager; Will W. Darley, treasurer; Budd Seaver, general agent; Sam J. Horner, equestrian director; Joseph Loving, boss billposter with six assistants; Chas. McGreary, lithographer; Harry Jefferys, programmer; Sherman Klingesmith, boss canvasman with ten assistants; John Sergeant, boss hostler with nine assistants; H. Gorman, boss property man, with two assistants; Chas. Bender, chandelier man; Gordan Bros., master of candy stands; Doc Woods, assistant; Prof. Lueck's silver cornet band of ten pieces, Prof Coddy and his troupe of educated goats and dogs, Sam J. Horner, Hines and Colby, Will Fowler, Steve Mines, G. A. Rangoon, John A. Wright, Clyde Southern, Mme. Du Bois, Mlle. Hines, Fanny Fowler, Edith Laquill, Bella Griffith, Lottie Kirker . . . The sideshow consists of Prof. Kirker, magician; two illusions, Slachell, electric wonder; Spotted Family and Darley's revision of old time Punch and Judy. The show opens at New Castle, Pa., May 7. We travel by wagon, using fifty-eight head of stock, including eight white stallions, two advance wagons, one band wagon, one ticket wagon, two carryalls and ten baggage wagons. The canvas: main top 80ft. round top with two 40ft. middle pieces. Sideshow, 70ft. round top. Dressing room 50ft. round top. Cook tent and two horse tents. The wagons are all being painted vermillion, decorated with gold leaf.
Hunting's Circus Happenings. Robert Whitaker is getting the ring stock in fine shape. Louis Hunting will astonish his young friends with his pony act, and Mr. Whitaker is riding out of sight. Consignments of animals are arriving almost daily, and our menagerie will comprise some of the choicest specimens. H. W. Link has resigned as railroad contractor; the position will be filled by Melville B. Raymond. The Christie Bros. arrived April 15. New Castle, Pa., has been billed for the opening date, April 29.
Edward Shipp and his wife, Julia Lowande, are still with the Orrin Bros.' Shows in Mexico. Reports of their having signed with an American circus are wholly without foundation.
Roster of Young Bros. & Baldwin's Old Time Circus and Trained Animal Exhibition: Wm. E. Young, Geo. A. Young and Bruce L. Baldwin, proprietors and managers; E. L. Brannan, general agent; L. L. Weddle, advertising agent with six assistants; Frank Robertson, press agent; Wm. Rearich, equestrian director; A. J. Anderson, boss canvasman with ten assistants; James Carnahan, boss hostler with eighteen drivers ans sixty head of stock; Fred M. Black, with troupe fo trained stallions, ponies and dogs; Wm. Reariel, hurdle rider; Bells, John and Ollie La Vine, Edwin Weston . . .
Arthur Adair, formerly of the Adair Bros., perch artists and acrobats, has joined hands with the Langans, and the firm name will be known as Langan, Adair and Langan. They have signed contracts with Ady McDonald's World's Fair Circus.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for the Skerbeck Family Wagon Show, people in all branches of the circus business for every department. Also want to buy second hand band wagon and uniforms. Address Frank Skerbeck, Dorchester, Wis.
[Advertisment] Call. All people engaged for F. Stone's Crescent City Shows, report for rehearsal at Jeffersonville, Ind, April __. Wanted, one clarionet, two B cornet and one baritone players. Frank Stone, Sherman House, Jeffersonville, Ind.
[Advertisement] Entire circus outfit for sale. Thirteen head ring stock, four horse act, two hurdle, bareback horses, one performing broncho, two trick mules, one riding goat and pony. One 62ft. flat car, one 50ft. flat car, one 50ft. elephant car, airbrakes, in good running order. One big railroad band chariot, Fielding make, recently regilded; railroad cook wagon, outfit complete; one large combination ticket wagon; one 100ft. top (new), one 50ft. middle piece, one 75ft. menagerie, one 40ft. dressing room; thirty lengths eight tier seats; band uniforms, horse trappings, wardrobe. Gale lights, poles, ropes, tackle, tools. All complete for erecting show. Address Mrs. Ida MacFlinn, owner, Burlington, Iowa.
[Advertisement] Call. All people engaged for McMahon & Co.'s Shows will report at Denver, Colorado, April 30. Wanted, sideshow talker; also a few more drivers and canvasmen. J. B. McMahon.
[Advertisement] Call. Stang Bros. United Shows. All people engaged will please report at Burlington, Wis., Wednesday, May 4. Would like to hear from circus people who can double in concert. Also horizontal bar team. Can use three more billposters. Stang Bros., Burlington, Wis.
New York Clipper, April 30, 1892, pp. 114, 125. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Prof. John A. Morris has secured the sideshow privilege with Grantham's Circus this season, and will furnish the following features: Prof. Morris, magician and ventriloquist; Happy Jack's Punch and Judy, a cage of monkeys, a trained deer, the happy family, Dr. Lynn's decapitation mystery . . . and Tillie Zorena, Circassian, and electric lady. The season opened April 15, and will last six months or longer. This is the tenth season of this show.
Joe Garnel, triple horizontal bar performer, goes with Gollmar Bros.' Circus.
The Sixton Bros. join the Diefenbach Show for this season.
W. H. Quinnett has signed with the La Pearl Show as clown and assistant business manager.
Fred G. Conrad continues to hold the position of general agent of the Miles Orton Show. The report that A. L. Link was doing the work was an error. Mr. Link was engaged as railroad, and not as general agent.
The Three La Rue Bros., acrobats and high perch performers and Mamie ___ have signed with Sameul H. Givin's Great European Show.
Frank B. Hubin, sideshow manager and lecturer goes with Richards' Circus the coming season, having secured all the privileges.
W. D. Ament will have the sideshow privilege with the Gregory & Belford Circus this season.
The Merediths, Albert and Marguerite, have signed with Sargent & Kidder's Railroad Show, their third season with that company.
Notes from the World's Fair Aggregation. The weather has been bad of late, but we will be ready to open on time. George Miller will have charge of the canvas, instead of F. Nelson. The Jennior Family and Mart Watson will be members.
The Boston Circus. Manager Sheedy is rushing things at the Colliseum, Boston, and promises to have everything in good order for the opening on May 9.
Herr Drayton, Harry Brandon and Grant Nichols have signed with Oliver's Great Eastern Circus.
Arthur Melville, who has been with Donovan's Circus in South America, arrived in this city from Porto Rico April 24.
A. F. Tuttle's Olympic Show opens at Lineville, Pa., May 2, with the following roster: A. F. Tuttle, sole owner and manager; H. O. Cunningham, advance with two billposters; Prof. _. E. George, leader of band and orchestra; Chas. King, equestrian director; Paranto Brothers, gymnasts and acrobats; Harry Wise, contortionist; Leon Dunbar, gymnast; Frank T. West, slack wire; Birmingham and Ryan, sketch team; Ella Maywood, revolving globe and trapeze; Mrs. A. F. Tuttle, serio comic; Nellie Tuttle, cornet solor; Jessie Tuttle, song and dance; Prof. Hamilton's troupe of trained dogs; Henry Knipple, boss hostler; Frank Lewis, boss canvasman with five assistants. The show travels by wagon, using twenty head of horses.
Sutton's "U. T. C." Co. closed a season of thirty weeks, at Buchanan, Mich., April 23. Chas. Neel and Ed Butler join Ringling Bros. Circus. S. M. Laporte, Harry Blocker, Clarence Fry, John Hirschauer and Jack Myers join Sutton's Circus which opens at Michigan City, Ind., May 5. Mr. Sutton is in Chicago buying stock for his circus. The show will travel by rail carrying six cars.
[Advertisement] Stowe's Circus wants circus people in every branch. Musicians, bosses in every department to join show in Florida on or about My 10. Will pay cash for two long cars, flat and combination, flat and stock. Also trick horse or two ponies and troupe of dogs. Address John F. Stowe, Circo Pubillones and Stowe, Cafe Central, Havana, Cuba.
[Advertisement] Wanted, a few more circus people for Young Brothers & Co.j's New United Shows and World's Trained Animal Exhibition. Leapers, tumblers, dancing barrel and table, female rider with or without stock, aerial act, serio comic singer and song and dance team for concert; sideshow band (white), six or eight men; canvasmen, four and six horse drivers. People report May 5, show opens May 7. Address Young Brothers & Co., Des Moines, Ia. N. B. - B. L. Baldwin has no connection with this show whatever.
New York Clipper, May 7, 1892, p. 130. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Roster of Hurlburt & Leftwich's Combined Shows. R. R. Leftwich, general manager; J. P. Cahoon, leader of band and treasurer; D. D. Ward, general agent with six assistants and three advance wagons; Ed Grey, programmes; Ed Ward, lithographer; Mat j. Ricardo, equestrian director; W. J. McLaughlin, superintendent of equines with five assistants; George Johnson, superintendent of canvas with two assistants; P. McPherson, boss canvasman with eight assistants; Jack O'Donell, superintendent of baggage stock with ten assistants.
Performers: Ricardo and Ryan, Avery and King, Harry Shields, Chas. Payne, Williams and Mack, and Thompson and McKay. The band contains twelve pieces, J. B. Cahoon, leader; John O'Donnell, C. Jensen, T. M. Smith, H. J. Monk, J. Halleter, J. A. Williams, Jim Russell, Albert Taylor, Chas. Sharp, Harry Wilson and Frank Osborn. C. J. Taylor has the sideshow and concert privileges, with a 40x70ft. top, with a big front. C. T. Taylor, manager; F. Randell, assistant manager and door talker; Annie Taylor, mind reader; Millie Estell, circassian; Mrs. B. F. Randell, snake charmer; Usigi, Mowery Chief; C. T. Taylor, magician, and Rollo, living half lady. Concert people: the Lehes - Billie and Stella, Harry Shields, Miss Avery and Mrs. B. F. Randell, who pulls against a team of horses. The show opened at Norfolk, Neb., April 30, with seventy-five head of horses, twenty wagons, twenty-five dogs, one hundred foot round top, two forty foot middle pieces, two horse tents, but no cook tent. C. T. Taylor, sideshow manager, took his third degree in the K. P.'s recently.
Chas. Andress and wife joined the W. H. Harris Nickel Plate Show, at Chattanooga, Tenn., April 23.
Roster of McDonald & Wells' Big Show. Geo. W. McDonald and F. E. Wells, proprietors and managers; Harry Moore, general agent; J. D. McDonald, advertising agent with four assistants; Bruce Sims, Hank Snyder, Mrs. F. E. Wells, A. J. Wells, Will D'Ouzo, Anna D'Ouzo, Ed Johnson, Frank Delmont, Clarence Delmont, Eddie Delmont, G. K. Hawkins, Monk Patterson, Will Patterson, Jennie Booth, Mollie Robinson, Thomas Henry, Frank S. Lipman, L. C. King, Wallace, Woodward, John Henry, Clarence Hood, Ed Skinner, Frank Reed, J. W. Hart, John Silmman, J. W. Wood and James Goodrow. The show opened at Paris, Ill., April 21. to reported big business.
Roster of Robinson's Combined Shows and Trained Animal Exhibition. Smith & Door, proprietors; Mrs. Josie Door and troupe of trained dogs, Wm. Dorr's troupe of trained ponies, Bowen Bros., gymnasts; Smith Children, aerialists; Harry Silvester, juggler; Kid Wilson, singing clown . . . Prof. Cooney's band of ten pieces, Ch. H. Edelsting, boss canvasman with ten assistants; Jack Hemingway, chandeliers and John Wentworth, boss hostler. Prof. Lew cole has the sideshow. The show travels by rail, making one day stands. Prof. Laraux will make balloon ascensions daily.
T. K. Burk's Shows opened the season at Covinton, Ky., on April 21. Prince Kokin's Japanese troupe, the spectacle of "Cinderella," with a grand ballet; the Zolas, in a new flying act; Sig. Zano, wire artist; E. M. Burk's equine paradox; Inis Palmer, Martinetti Bros., La Verne, Marzette Bros., Wichita Jack and Morris and Mead attracted great attention, but the feature of the exhibition was the hippodrome. . . . The stock has been increased to eighty-two head of horses. A menagerie of nine cages, two camels and a llama have been added, and it now requires exactly fourteen cars to carry the show over the road.
The roster: T. K. Burk and T. J. Ford, sole owners; E. M. Burk, general manager; Ralph Peckham, general agent; De Forrest Davis, general railroad agent; R. S. Boyd, contracting agent; E. E. Lawrence, press agent (advance); Geo. O. White, press agnet (rear); Allen Rice, treasurer; Sig. Zana, equestrian director; Gus Fairbanks, sideshow director; Larry Moore, boss hostler; Dick Richards, boss canvasman; Sam Macavoy, chandelier man; John Keys, menagerie top; B. E. Harris, concert director; W. Rollins, musical director; Dan Henessey, master of transportation; John Irwin, in charge of advance car No. 1 with twelve billposters, and Marcus Mason as lithographer, and Geo. Mason, programmer; J. F. Kelly, in charge of advance car No. 2 with eight billposters; Prof. W. G. Rollins, W. H. Cramrine, Edgar Moshy, Ferd Clymer, E. H. Emerson, Edgar Reed, Geo. Young, Harry Hungerford, Bert Woods, Geo. A. Beecher, P. H. Cassidy, E. H. McElroy, Edgar Nutt, Leander Rolsom, Prof. Geo. Rodgers, E. Levesey, Ed Poe, Ed Mansfield, Hook Emerson, Chas. Munson, Chas. Hatfield, Chas. Ellis, Prof. Emerson, Burt Woods, L. L. Confer, Edgar Reed, Geo. Young, Ed York, Geo. Beecher, Ferd Clymer, Jas. Dilks, Johnny McFee, R. Page, Ed Glasgow . . . and Geo. Glements, musicians; Messrs. Harris, Dilks, Deane and Rogers, and Misses Watt, Palmer, Norwood and Haines, the Clymer Family, Mont Sisters, Waite Sisters . . . and Bliss and Feller, concert people; Gus Fairbanks (manager), Belle Telfair, Emma Bell, Mons. Leon, Allen Rice, Hart's illusions, and Shaw's birds, sideshow attractions.
Roster of Frank Stone Shows: Frank Stone, sole owner; Capt. S. J. Oatman, manager; "Uncle Dan" Castello, equestrian director; W. W. Horn, treasurer; J. J. McCourt (Little Mack), door keeper; Tully Strayer, general agent with six assistants; Prof. Wm. Spies, in charge of band; Prof. H. Christopher, leader of orchestra; Ogwas Troupe of Royal Japs, Harry Morrell, Frank Bassett, Henry ___, Ed Warner, Billy Myers, the Leondas, Lovelace and Christopher, and Mrs. T. J. Oatman. The show opened at New Albany, Ind., April 26.
The Moores will go with Coup & McDonald's World's Fair Circus.
Marsasa, trapeze head balancer, will join the Kirker & Darley's Circus May 7, at New Castle, Pa.
W. W. Hendry's New London Shows will open at Lincoln, Neb., this week. The complete roster: W. W. Hendry, sole proprietor and manager; _. L. Allen and six assistants in bill brigade; Fred Lachelle, business manager; Chad Wertz, equestrian director; Miles Anderson, treasurer; Jno. Porter, boss canvasman with ten men; Chas. W. Tracey, boss hostler and fourteen men; D. P. Scott, in charge ring stock; Robt. Carlton, boss chandelier man, four assistants; Prof. ___, leader of ban; Malcolm and wife, Theola, Del Fuego and wife, Miss Day, Odell Bros., Wertz Bros., Clyde Ingraham, Lemar and Anderson . . .
Sautelle's Circus Notes. We open our season May 13 at Fayetteville, N. Y. The advance began operation April 28, under the direction of J. B. Swafford, general agent. Henry Schofield is chief of the bill brigade, with two assistants. Chas. Heindorf has charge of the programmer, and Ed Shaffer is lithographer.
Bonheur Bros. will begin the season with their art show at Jesup, Ia., some time in May. . . .
Kelley & McFarland's Ten Cent Show opens its season May 7 in New England.
New York Clipper, May 15, 1892, pp. 146, 150, 151. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The advance of Fred Locke's Monster Consolidated Shows is made up as follows: Cready Smith, contracting agent; Oliver Bliss, boss billposter with three assistants; H. Gilmore, lithographer, and Harry Cook, programmer.
Roster of Walter L. Main's Big Show band: F. Mont Long, leader; Harry Legendre, Ira Loost, Geo. Bickel and Wm. Arnold, cornets; Harry Kennedy, piccolo; Chas. H. Bragg, Louis ___, Chas. Brown and Albert Kndel, clarionettes; Josh Holbrooke and F. Ramos, saxaphones; Chas. Wetterman, John Maag and Manly Bush, altos; Kid Morris, Ed Campion and Sam Bolton, slide trombones; Philip Clarke, euphonium; R. D. Millee and Layton Stark, basses; Bert Cole, Henry Von Wald and Archie Royer, drummers.
Chas. P. Watson and wife closed with the Pubillones Circus in Cuba and returned to New York May 5. They are at their home, Jackson, Mich.
Notes from T. K. Burk's Shows. Business continues large. Barlow Bros. were visitors April 21 at Newport, and W. H. Link saw the show at Hamilton.
Minneapolis, Minnesota. World's Theatre, Geary's Show, a dime circus, opened 2 to good business.
Denver, Colorado. Ryamond's Circus drew crowds at the performances so far.
Pueblo, Colorado. Right in the wake of the Raymond Show, which come 9, the Cook & Whitby Circus is billed for 13.
New York Clipper, May 21, 1892, pp. 162, 163, 165, 172, 173, 175. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Advance car No. 1, of Irwin Bros.' All Feature Railroad Show, left Buffalo, N. Y., April 17, in charge of Charles White, with eighteen men. . . . It is a beauty, built for Irwin Bros. and John Winter at a cost of $6,000. It has a snow white exterior, with enameled trimmings and gold letter. The private office is wainscoated with French plate mirrors from roof to the floor. There are twenty single folding berths, and a musical calliope awakens the denizens when entering a town.
Notes from T. K. Burk's Shows. Business since the opening has been immense, despite at many points the weather was bad. The Laclede Bros., double traps, and Kittie Laclede, vocalist, joined at Wheeling, W. Va. Flohr and Adams, musicians, were additions to the band last week. De Forrest Davis, one of the railroad contractors, visited the show at Columbus, O., 2. E. M. Burks has gone ahead of the show. Prince Kokin has imported another little Jap for the Japanese troupe. Several new wagons were purchased for the show by the manager while at Columbus. One of the Mazello Bros. fell from a balancing ladder, a distance of forty feet, during the performance at Zanesville, but escaped severe injury. The band of eighteen men, under Prof. Rollins, is a winner. Considerable excitement was caused by the escape for the den of a large black bear, at Washington, Pa., but was caged before doing damage.
The Zereeths were obliged, through illness of Ida Zereeth, to cancel their engagement with Wm. Main & Co.'s Shows. Eddie Zereeth and child have joined hands with the Oberlys, Ed and Beulah, and have just closed a tour of nine weeks through Ohio.
The Wintermute Bros. Circus opened May 2, at Whitewater, Wis., to reported big business. In spite of bad weather, the show reports having done good business through Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. The roster: Harry, Thos. and Halsey Wintermute, proprietors; James Cunningham, Chester Roy, Geo. Russell, Al Gilmore, Jas. Wing, Jas. Freeman, the Paxton Bros., Ida Lewis, Jennie Heartspur, Madeline Jennings, Geo. Willey, T. B. Slone, T. J. Wolf, Paul Heinswebel and Walter R. Hinman's band of ten pieces. Geo. Hanson's troupe of dogs and Prof. Harpens' troupe of performing ponies and trick mules.
Erb's New Sensation Shows has been on the road since April __, and despite lots of rain, business has been good. The roster: John Erbs, sole proprietor and manager; Frank Leopold, director of amusements; J. F. Showers, announcer; Zollers, Litz and Ceno, Grant Williams, Charley Hunter, Fred Slaughter, Vini Komiskey and Prof. Dick Gilham's Juvenile Band.
The regular tenting season of the Great International Railroad Shows opened May 5, at San Antonio, Tex. The roster: W. H. Pomeroy, lessee and manager; T. B. Long, contracting and general agent; Frank De Leon, treasurer; Milton M. Lyon, press representative; John Lewis, manager sideshow annex; Wm. Connors, master transportation; T. J. Clancey, boss canvasman; Griel Valentine, Prof. T. Fallon, the Earl Sisters, Prof. C. H. Long, Alf Dorian, the Leons, the Dixon Bros. and Jos. Scott.
The Harper Bros.' New European Shows opened at Millbury, Mass., May 9, to packed tents. The acts of Rice Bros., the Three Renos and all the principal acts met with approval. The addition of two Normandy horses is a feature in the annex.
Somco and Palamo have signed with Sautelle's Circus.
Horson and Hart have joined F. W. Pike's Circus. W. H. Hopkins will act as equestrian director.
C. W. Compton writes that he was compelled to cancel his engagement as agent of the La Pearl Show, on account of sickness.
The Oriental Railroad Show began their tour May 1 at Greenweed, Miss. Roster: John Sparks, proprietor; H. C. Long, manager and railroad contractor; Otto Glaiser, boss canvasman with eight assistants; Scott Martin, advance with one car and five assistants; Maggie Deburg, Will Brown, Hattie Richard, Joe Richard, Sam Wright, Kate Wright, Bob Parker, Dominick Roath, G. Parsons, Master Charley Long, Louis Garner, Freddie Marieles, Demouth, Flora St. Clair, Sig. Montebella, Harry Williams, Oscar Hart . . . and Jack Barnes.
Wichita Jack and wife, Adelaide Carlisle, have joined Walter L. Main's Show.
Plamondon, wire walker with the Richards Circus, dislocated his right shoulder through an accidental fall from a high wire at Three Oakes, Mich., May 5
Richards Big Show began their tour at Michigan City, Ind., May 5, to reported good business. The roster: Dick P. Sutton, proprietor and manager; John Harpstrite, business agent; Harry Costello, equestrian director; Chancy Powell, Johnson Reed, P. Lemonda, and John Myer's trained ponies and horses. Our sideshow is run by Frank B. Hubin, which includes Millie Hubin, Prof. Jones, flying machines, monkeys, birds, sacred donkey; Prof. Hubin's Punch and trained birds. Our canvas is a 100ft. round top with a 40ft. middle piece; side 70ft. oblong with a big front. Prof. Jones makes daily balloon ascensions. Our band of twelve pieces is under the direction of Hans Blocker, while Frank B. Hubin runs all the privileges. Our concert is under charge of James Fields, and includes Mr. Graham, Sutton Sisters, Maude and Blanche, Millie Hubin, Jim Fields and the Graham Sisters.
Roster of Welsh's New Golden Allied Pavilion Shows, Wonderland Museum and Enormous Trained Animal Exposition: John Welsh, general manager; M. H. Welsh, general agent; Chas. H. Hicks, treasurer and secretary; Clint M. Newton, director of amusements; Tom Wilson, director of canvas; Prof. J. D. Clymer, musical director; H. H. Hambright, boss hostler; J. J. Perry, master of transportation; Pantippeiti Bros., Sam Dock, Frank Lemay, A. G. Moore, ___ Roy, Charlie Boyd, Bros. De Van, Mlle, Rosa, Katie Howe, Nettie Ashton, and Prof. Chas. Lorenzo's Equine and Canine Paradox. Sideshow people: C. M. Newton, lecturer and manager; Carlotta, Jos. Duprez, Mlle. Nina, Prof. Wilson, Sig. Khem, Lorenzos, and gallery of illusions. Concert people: Duncan Bros., A. G. Moore, Chas. Boyd, Billy Tooley, Katie Howe and Miss Ashton. The season opened at Lancaster, Pa., April 30 to good business and has continued so up to date. The show travels by wagon and carries an entire new outfit of tents, wagons and general paraphernalia. The show will tour Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia.
The La Pearl Show opened its season at Vandalia, Ill., May 5, to excellent business. We carry a 90ft. round top with two 30ft. middle pieces, travel by rail, and carry about forty-five people. Our band, under the leadership of Prof. Hale Vandercook, is a strong feature and numbers fifteen pieces. The roster includes J. H. La Pearl, manager and proprietor; Walter Slaybaugh, treasurer; W. H. Quinette, equestrian director; Prof. H. A. Vandercook, leader of band; S. Smith, boss canvasman with ten assistants; _. Curry, boss property man with three assistants; Trover ___ and McDonald, W. P. Mathews, Tony Loos, Howard Beall, Ed McDonald, Frank Ross, Prof. La Pearl, Rosy Carmen, Little Harry La Pearl, Little Roy, Mrs. J. H. La Pearl, Fred Jones, W. Mathews, Fred Jackson, W. H. Quinette, Lee Michaels, M. W. McQuigg and h. Windrop.
Oliver's Great Eastern Circus opened at Montevideo, Minn., April 30. Splendid business is reported.
The Zolas are no longer connected with T. K. Burk's Circus.
The Barton Bros., Joseph ___, the La French Bros. and Carlotta Laverne are recent additions to Harper's Circus.
John N. Russell has charge of the concert with the Walter L. Main Show. The people include the Holbrooks, John N. Russell, Bickel and Royer, Lillian Page, Walton Bros. and a a string band.
Doings of Downie & Gallagher's Shows. Business is good. Mrs. Gallagher made the show a brief visit last week. The roster: Andrew Downie, manager; J. P. Gallagher, treasurer; Ed Carr, equestrian director; W. Ingram, Wm. Gillette, Madden and Lowry, Dock Filley, George Howard, Bessie Doyle, Miller La Tena, Wild Burt and wife, Simco and ___, James Casey, Tommy Gannon, J. Edwards, Wyoming Dick, Prof. Mathews, W. C. Manning, Burt Mitchell, Sid Davis and son, Jim Badock, Joe Polack, M. Hayes, Perre E. Fuller, Kibo, Prof. Chamberlain, Mamie Clayton, Belle Salvail, Prof. Salvail, Mrs. Andrew Downie, Mrs. Howard, Mrs. Williams, Shorty McNay, Brockey Burns, C. H. Grinnell, Wm. Stevenson . . . and Ed Jameson.
Boston, Massachusetts. The Boston Circus. If manager Sheedy has not struck oil he has struck a bonanza in his North End Circus. The bill this week will be filled by Robert Stickney, ringmaster, with his stallions and trick dogs; Lamora Mendosa Sisters, Mons Forbes, Three Albino Bros., Yankee Scott, E. J. Kennedy, Arkno, Dwyer and Murphy, Coonan Bros. in their skating act, the Beasley Athletes and others.
A. J. Anderson, for the past two seasons with Vreeland's Minstrels, has secured the privileges with Sparks & Allen's Circus, now touring Pennsylvania.
The Three Martinnetti Bros. are with W. B. Reynolds' Circus, not with T. K. Burk's Show as has been announced.
Harry and Tillie Brandon have closed with the Diefenbach Show, and are at home at Joliet, Ill.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Wm. Thompson's United Shows, people in all branches except riders. Show opens Battle Creek, Mich., May 24. Daisey Shelley (Mrs. Wm. Thompson), the fancy sharpshooter, it doing twelve of the most difficult shots on the slack wire.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Jim Travis' Best Show on Earth, riders with their own stock, tumblers, wire walkers and trapeze performers, male and female. Would like to hear from a man with a small elephant that is trained. Long season. Must be in Grand Rapids June 1. Want a boss canvasman who can do other work. Jim Travis, 67 Canal Street, Grand Rapids, Mich.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for La Grand's Big Novelty Railroad Shows, people in all branches of the business, bosses in all departments, band of 8 to 10 men. Preference to people that can work in my minstrels next Winter. Ladies especially wanted for circus season. Address Prof. La Grand, Elm Street, Biddeford, Me.
New York Clipper, May 28, 1892, pp. 178, 188, 190, 191. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Notes from the Lemen Bros.' New Colossal Shows. We opened our season at Argentine, Kan., April 30 to big business. The following is a list of the outfit: One hundred and twenty foot round top, two fifty foot middle pieces, one eighty foot round tope, two thirty foot middle pieces, one sixty foot round top, two twenty foot middle pieces, one eighty foot round top dressing room, five horse tents, two cook tents, sixteen sixty foot cars, ninety-five head of dapple gray horses, twenty small mules and ponies, fourteen cages of animals, Rajah, the largest elephant on earth, and Albert, the trained elephant, and den of cub lions.
Frank and Frost Lemen, sole proprietors; Col. L. C. Denart, business manager; J. H. Holland, general agent; L. H. Scott, railroad contractor; Wm. H. Coulter, head billposter with twenty assistants; Walter Kelly, lithographer; Ed Ford, treasurer; Harvey Potter, superintendent of cook tents; Ed Lenkens, in charge of stock with twenty assistants; Wm. Bell, master of canvas with forty-six men; Ed White, in charge of lights; Charley Jersey, boss property man; Fred Morrison, superintendent of trained animals; Bert Scott, master of transportation; Dick Borter, wardrobe man.
Circus performers: Dan Leon, equestrian director and bareback rider; Marretta Sisters, Rose and Mary, aerialists; Jesse Leon, rider; Greta Dayton, high wire; Ruby Gilman, rider; Geraldine Grossman, menage act; Holcomb Sisters, Gertie and Bertie, double jockey riding act; Mary Crittendon and Frank Carneo, return act; three Melrose Brothers, Wallie, John and Will; Chris Wertz, principal leaper and tumbler; Wylie Ferris, Max Melette, Rome Emery, Frank Bernardo, Claude Maretta, Hen. Powroy, Billy Chace, Al Ferney, Geo. Seagrave, Sterling Zazell, Ed Phillips, Gus Downan, Gibron Bros., John and Henry . . . Prof. Al Parker's band of twenty-two solo musicians, Ed. Nix, calliope player, Ryan Sisters, Trixey Howard, Tillie Webster, Tompaby Bros., Ike Weeks and Gussie Forster. Sideshow people: Frank Rosenthal, lecturer; Harry Nelson, Frank Karlengar, Nellie Karlengar, Capt. Toots-Thomert, Alec McGibbon and the Teenoseph children. The candy stands are in charge of Harry Greenburne.
Carlotta Le Verne has joined Harper Bros. Circus. Good business is reported.
Capt. W. H. Stewart has signed to run the sideshow with Bartine's Circus this season. His gorilla, Angola, will be a feature of the annex.
Leon W. Washburn's Circus showed at Hackensack, N. J., May __. There was a great crowd, and a panic ensued at nine o'clock, when two guy ropes snapped under pressure of the heavy wind and rain storm. The large canvas was raised until the centre pole left the ground. Lights were extinguished, and the people rushed out. Several persons were knocked down and bruised, but, a portion of the side canvas having been torn away, the crowd soon scattered.
Notes from the Frank Stone & Co.'s Combined Shows. The Frank Stone & Co.'s Combined Shows opened its season at New Albany, Ind., Feb. 26. The canvas was crowded at each performance for five days. At Jeffersonville we took the steamer John Fowler for our tour on the Ohio. We show at Paducah, Ky., four days, from where the show goes by rail, having purchased new cars, eight head of horses, wagons, etc. Ogawas' Royal Troupe of Japs are a feature. Old Uncle Dan Costello is as funny as ever.
From Cole's Circus. Our season opened May 12 at Jamestown, N. Y. The roster: Prof. and Mme. King, Master William Todt, Swift Bros. . . . A. H. Gump, ring master; director of orchestra, Carl Barth; leader of band, John Smith; John Sweeney, advance agent; ___, property man, and Culburtson Bros., proprietors and managers.
L. L. Sample's Twenty-Five Cent One Ring Circus opened at Humboldt, Ia., April _. Roster: Mrs. R. J. Sample, proprietress; L. L. Sample, manager; Frank Hall, advance agent; Frank Cushing, equestrian director; the Cushings, James Clifford, M. J. Moran, King Ziemer, the Carlos . . .the Glen Brothers, silver cornet band of nine pieces, Bill Hall, boss canvasman, with a one hundred foot round top.
Roster of the sideshow with F. J. Taylor's Shows: F. J. Taylor, proprietor; John G. Scheidler, manager; F. P. Ambrose, Sig. Sorata, Millie Sorella, Zola Zuletta, Mysterious Sorso and Oneo; also ___, the giant horse, and a cage of birds and monkeys. Jess Parker has charge of the canvas with four assistants. A sixty foot round top with forty foot middle piece and sixteen new double decker paintings and a band of six pieces.
Wm. De Boe, head balancer and trapeze performer, joined Fred Locke's Shows, at Milwaukee, for the tenting season.
Chas. Lee's Great London Circus is doing well through Northern New York. The show is using a 100ft. round top tent with a 50ft. middle piece.
Harper Bros. Circus reports good business in New England. Emma Myers joined at Pawtucket, R. I. J. Eddie Rice is the equestrian director.
A. H. Schlange has bought the Great American Circus, and in connection with Prof. Joseph Gomez, balloonist, will put it on the road on June 9. The show will carry thirty-five people, fifteen head of stock and a band of twenty pieces. Lee Maxey will be general agent.
Doings of the Downie & Gallagher's United Shows. Rain is still with us, and we have yet to pack up a dry top on the season. We lost both shows at Buffalo May 19 on account of rain. The lot, including the ring, would have done very well for Paul Boyton's water show.
During the evening performance of Burk's Circus at Reading, Pa., May 21, a section of the reserved seats gave away, precipitating a number of people to the ground. A few persons were bruised, but nobody was seriously injured.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for the Great American Circus, in connection with Prof. Joseph Gornes, Aeronaut and Balloon Co., people in all branches of the circus business except riders, that can do more than one tuen. Show opens June 9. Also wanted, troupe of performing dogs and goats. Wanted, twenty musicians, and aslo two leaders; also concert people and five more aeronauts and twenty billposters. Address A. H. Schlange, Springfield, Ill.
[Advertisement] Wanted, peformers in all branches of the circus business. Singing and talking clown and concert people. Telegraph Peoria, Ill., by May 28, After that write Brown's Hotel, Chicago, Ill. Col. G. W. Halls & Sons' Shows.
[Advertisement] Editor, N. Y. Clipper. Sir, I noticed in your columns that there is a circus on the road bearing the name of Doris' Circus. I never knew of a man named Doris in the circus business except your humble servant, and I warn the public that I am in no way connected with said show, as at present my entire time is taken up with the management of Doris' Eighth Avenue Museum, New York City. I will, however, in the near future put a circus, museum and menagerie on the road that will be worthy of the name. John B. Doris.
[Advertisement] National Circus, corner Mount Royal and Maryland Avenues, Baltimore, Md. The National Circus Company, proprietors. "The Fashionable Family Cirque." Open the year round. Hansome iron structure with 5,000 seating capacity. Entire edifice lighted by electricity. Heated by steam. Prices: general admission, 25c and 50c. Reserved seats, opera chairs, 75c and $1.000. Private boxes, $___ adn $10.00. Single box seats, $2.00. Wanted, male and female circus artists and novelties. Riders with stock, den of performing lions, trained animals of all kinds, Japanese troupe, bicycle riders, educated horses and ponies, female snake charmer, troupe of trained dogs, cowboys with stock, Indian band, wire walkers, troupe of Arabs, and other novelties. Opening, Monday, June 6, 1892. Wanted to buy opera chairs, also band chariots. Address National Circus Company, Baltimore, Md.
Will open as follows, playing artists from one to two weeks in each city. Philadelphia, June 20; Boston, 27; Washington D. C., July 4; Pittsburg, 11; Cleveland, 18; Columbus, 25; Cincinnati, Aug. 1; Detroit, 8; Chicago, 15, Milwaukee, 22; St. Paul, 29; Minneapolis, Sept. 5; St. Louis, 12; Kansas City, 19; Denver, 26; New York City, Oct. 3. Other large cities to follow. Resident managers wanted for each of the above cities.
New York Clipper, June 4, 1892, pp. 194, 208. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Roster of the Great International Railroad Shows: W. H. Pomeroy, sole lessee and manager; H. R. De Leon, treasurer; T. R. Long, general agent; F. J. McCarthy, contracting agent; J. Rothschild, agent in charge of car No. 2; A. C. Ade, in charge of paper and eight billposters; C. Lindeman, in charge of box brigade with four assistants; M. Lyon, lithograper; D. Wheatley, programmer; James Finnegan, master of transportation with eight assistants; T. S. Clancy, boss canvasman with fourteen assistants; S. W. Marshburn, chandelier man with two assistants; James Jones, boss hostler with five assistants; Gil Valentine, chef de la cuisine; cook tent, Powers, with five assistants; W. Murphy, boss property man with four assistants; Uncle John Lewis, in charge of sideshow; Pop Carpenter, general solicitor; Frank Wallace, head porter of car No. 4 with three assistants; J. S. Harp, reserved seats; Alfred Dorian, equestrian director.
C. H. Long, Theo Barrella, Mlle. Minneita, Jas. Scott, Alf Dorian, Sig. Lagone, J. T. Leon, Mast. Earl, Mlle. Rosa, Mamie Blake, Dixon Bros., Zebenos, Mexican Family (five in number), Earl Sisters (four in number), trick ponies, educated donkeys and a large troupe of dogs. Mlle. Carrolla makes balloon ascensions daily. T. P. Fallon is leader of band, with ten mouthpieces. They use a 110ft. round top, with two 40ft. middle pieces, a 50ft. museum top, a 40ft. dressing room top, two 20x50ft. horse tents and two 20x40ft. cook tents. A special feature in the museum, we have Jumbo, the largest horse. Minnetta and Barretta and Dorian, the man snake, are special features in the big show. The route lays through New Mexico, Arizona and Southern California.
Notes from Richards' Three Big Shows. We are still sailing along the waves of prosperity, though the rain has been something terrible. We have not missed a stand as yet. Our performers are Harry Costello, Louis Plomdon, Chancey Powell, the monkey man; W. M. Johnson, Frank Lovine, James Fields, John Myers and his school of educted horses. Our concert is in charge of Jim Fields and includes the Sutton Sisters, Graham Sisters, Robert Tasker, Millie Hubin, R. Graham, Jim Fields and jubilee singers. Our sideshow and all privileges are run by Frank B. Hubin, with six assistants; Millie Hubin, Circassian snake charmer; Levin, glass eater; Prof. Jones' flying ship, Prof. Hubin's magic and trained monkey and birds, while Hans Blocker leads our band of twelve pieces.
The McDonalds, Walt and Lillie, closed with Sells & Rentfrow's Circus at Des Moines, Ia., and joined Dr. White Wolf's Medicine Co. for the balance of the Summer season.
B. R. Craycroft writes, denying that C. W. Crompton and Frank Apple failed, through illness, to join the La Pearl Show, and also that they gave the management the customary two weeks' notice.
Notes from Gollmar Bros.' Circus. May 14 was opening day for the Gollmar Bros. Show at Baraboo, Wis. The brigade ahead has been doubled. Special paper is the rule, with three kinds of heralds. More stock, both ring and draft, larger menagerie, more educated animals, more wagons, another band, a band chariot and several new cages mark the growth of success. The sideshow in the management of J. H. Shields and son, Arthur, is a winner.
Angola, contortionist, has closed with Maginley's Circus, and is playing dates.
E. K. Franklin, manager of Geary's World Museum and Theatre, has closed his engagement and signed with Downie & Gallagher's Circus for the Summer.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for the Burk & Forde Monster Show and Spectacle of "Cinderella," circus people in all branches that do two or more act, also sensational acts. Address Burk & Forde, sole owners and proprietors, Utica, N. Y., June 3.
New York Clipper, June 11, 1892, pp. 210, 211, 214. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Robinson Rumblings. We are doing well in Kentucky, notwithstanding wet weather. John F. Robinson is at Cincinnati, looking after his real estated interests, but is expected back in a day or so. A feeling of sadness 'round the show, owing to the death of Rose Clare, one of the Clare Sisters. She had been ailing for some time, and passed away at her home in Indiana. Orrin Hollis is riding in his old form again. William Demott, the hero of "The Country Circus," is doing all that can be done on a horse. The Lamont Bros. are doing an elegant act. The Forepaugh Sisters are doing a return aerial act. Mrs. John Robinson Jr. has been on the show, visiting her husband. The "King Solomon" spectacle is the big magnet. Constantine has charge of the ballet, and is introducing new figures every week. Louisa Dermott is doing a fine bareback act, and shows many of the qualities of her famous sister, Josie. John Lowlow took a run to Cincinnati last week, to spend a few hours with his wife. Prof. Will Woods, with his trained ponies, has already signed with Klaw & Erlanger's "Country Circus" Co. for the Winter season.
Notes from Downie & Gallagher's New United Shows, Circus and Hippodrome. After 21 days' continued rain, Dr. Casey decided that Mr. Gallagher's yellow dog was a Jonah. Mr. Gallagher visited his home and left the dog there, and when he joined the show the next day, it did not rain - it poured, and continued to pour the next day. The boys have the doctor the laugh for his superstition, and have sentenced him to sleep thirteen nights in No. 13 stateroom. He now confesses that as a Jonah discoverer he's a failure. Business has been large.
Eddie Garvil, Emma Myers, Harry French, D. J. Harper, Lotta Vere, the Forbes Bros., the Normandie Sisters and the Three Renos are doing immensely with Rice Bros.' Shows. Evenly good business is the report from the management.
Reed's Circus is doing well in Illinois, according to all accounts. The show uses a 100ft. round top with two 50ft. middle pieces.
Kelly & McFarland's Ten Cent Show began operations May 27, at Bennington, Vt. The troupe travel by wagon and exhibit under a 125ft. round top canvas.
Notes from T. K. Burk's Circus. Notwithstanding inclement weather, our business is large. We had opposition at seven stands thus far. The stock, under the veteran, Larry Moore, looks fine. A feature of the anne is the little horse, "Ethel," an importation from Chili. It is the smallest horse in the world. Among the most notable recent engagements are Serpentello, Sig. Austin, wife and child wonder, W. C. Downs and _. V. Shaffner. E. M. Burk was a visitor from the advance force May 30, accompanied by De Forrest Davis. Col. Ford has returned from New York with new ideas. George Forsman, showman, entertained the proprietors at Poughkeepsie. Mrs. Kokan sustained injuries in the races at Reading, but is again on deck.
Chas. Lee's London Shows report fine business in the East in spite of bad weather. The new eight horse star entree, under the direction of equestrian director Lee Howard, is meeting with success. Six new iron grey horses were added, making thirty-two iron greys in the parade. A new sideshow top was put up for the first time May 27. It is a 60ft. round top with a 30ft. middle piece. Assistant manager Joe H. Hewitt is busy, but happens to get time enough to trade horses. He comes in town with a new horse ever day. The band, under the leadership of Prof. A. F. Hager, is playing fine music. He has fifteen men under him. John W. Mack, the old time candy butcher, joined at North Adams, Mass., 25, just arriving from the Harris Nickel Plate Circus. Chas. Comstock, who used to work with Lall Eggleston, is not with the show. He disappointed and was canceled. Mr. Eggleston is working alone. Frank Acton, the equilibrist, joined 21. Parson Hoy, old time concert performer, has charge of the reserved seats. Billy Clifton, the knockabout clown, has charge of the candy stands with four assistants. Master of transportation Rogers' bicycle comes very handy in running back and forth.
Roster of Norton's Modern Shows: Dr. N. Norton, proprietor and manager; C. B. Worth, advance with three assistants; Cliff Lewis, equestrian director; J. B. Arelin, master of canvas with five assistants; Wad Edwards, master of stock; Paul Darrow, properties; Tom Newcome, chandelier man; Cliff Lewis, Tom Reece, Miamia Jack, Mons. Zomar, Fred Frisbie, John Meyers; Frank Zitman, Lottie Lewis, Mrs. Frank Green, Maud Klien . . . and Prof. Malett's band of six pieces. The show travels by wagon, using sixteen head of stock. Everything is painted white. We opened at New Haven, Ind., May __. About three minutes before the show was ready to open, every seat went down with a crash. Luckily, no one was hurt. The crowd made room for the men to replace the seats, and in less than thirty minutes the show was in progress. A heavy wind storm was raising. Between the ninth and tenth acts the show was dismissed. The word of dismissal had not had mroe than time to reach the ears of our audience when the gale struck us, lifting every stake on the end, and dropping the canvas to the pole with lights on. The lights were extinguished barely in time to save the top from fire. Not a person was hurt or a penny's worth of damage done. The cause of all the trouble was a sandy lot, the only lot in the town large enough to pitch on. The show makes one day stands and travels through Indiana and Michigan.
Notes from La Pearl's Show. Our show is in its fourth week of prosperity. A game of ball was played at Mt. Vernon, Ill., between the musicians and the members of the company. The performers were badly beaten, and will have to "supper" the musicians as a forfeit. At Salem, Ill., W. H. Quinette, our equestrian director, was presented with a pair of gold eye glasses. The band has been lately strengthened by Grant Cutler, clarionettist, and other people. Nat Comstock and wife are the latest additions to the ring people.
The Asbeys have closed with Miles Orton's Circus and are at Pittsburg, Pa.
From Walter L. Main's Circus. Items are scarce, but in face of rain, wind and mud, this show has not missed a single performance of either big show or concert since the opening on April 23. Business continues good. A black tiger and the biggest black bear in America have just been added to the collection of animals. An accident occurred to Jack Cousins last week. The ring was knee deep with mud, and the horses could scarcely run. In trying to leap a gate in the hurdle act, Mr. Cousins' horse stumbled and fell, throwing him over the horse's head. Two ribs on the right side were broken. He expects to resume work next week.
The roster of the advance of the Downie & Gallagher Show is: C. H. Gemmill, general agent; W. Stevenson, boss billposter with eight assistants, and Frank Gill, lithographer.
St. Louis, Missouri. James McGinley, proprietor of McGinley's Museum, has purchased a 100x80ft. canvas and will organize a circus this week. Stone & Co.'s Circus was stranded here last week, and some eighty employes were looking for the treasurer.
Nathan Austin, for many years a clown with Barnum's and other circuses, died at the State Lunatic Hospital, at Worcester, Mass., June 1, aged fifty-eight years. In his younger days he was an acrobat and rider. Afterwards he became a clown and traveled all over the world. He married Mme. M. Atalie, the strong woman, about sixteen years ago. She died last year, and Mr. Austin had been in failing health since that time. He retired from the circus ring about twelve years ago, and had since lived at South Worcester.
Harry Hollis, the negro giant, with McMahon's Circus, was killed May 25 by being crushed between two cars at Ellingsburg, Wash.
New York Clipper, June 18, 1892, pp. 228, 239, 241. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Notes from Gregory & Belford's Circus. Bad roads, wind, rain and mud have conspired against us ever since the opening, which occurred at Royal Oak, Mich., April 30; but a well selected route shows a balance on the right side of the cash account, business having been good even in the hardest rainstorms. We have had two blow downs, at Royal Oak, Mich., and North Adams; luckily, no one was injured. The roster: C. J. Gregory and George Belford, proprietors and managers; Frank C. Cooper, business manager; John Fitz, equestrian manager; George Gould, treasurer; Jack McLain, manager of privileges; Fred Ward, layer out; Geo. Gregory, mail agent; Jas. Ward, steward.
Performers: Gregory and Fitz, horizontal bar; Geo. and Mollie Belford, aerialists; Chas. La Verne, principal clown; Harry Godfrey, flying perch and slack wire; Della Gregroy, juggler; Jennie Smith, balancing trapeze; Chas. J. Gregory, dancing barrel, cross and table; Three Milan Bros., acrobats; Jennie Basco, principal rider; Geo. Belford and Pete Jenkins. Features: Chas. Gregory's stud of performing horses, Mollie Belford's troupe of trained dogs, Chardellac's trained donkeys, Capt. Bartlett's Wild West, assisted by the Bartlett family of sharpshooters. Concert: the Wards, sketches; Jennie Seymour, song and dance; Chas. Gregory, song and dance; Frank La Verne, orator, and Geo. Belford, black face specialty.
Band and orchestra: Prof. Norton, leader; Chas.King, Jas. Seabright, Chas. De Long, Wm. Brady, Frank Whitney, Jas. West, Harry Colton and Fred Wright. Advance: Wm. Beidler, general agent; Sam Daniels, contracting and press agent; F. C. Cooper, press agent with show; and John Capron, advertising agent with eight billposters. Outfit: big top, 100ft. round top, 50ft. middle piece, 50ft. dressing room, museum top 40x60; three twenty horse tents. John Corck, boss canvasman; John O'Keefe, boss hostler. Sixty head of stock are with the show.
Notes from Downie & Gallagher's New United Shows. Fine weather has appeared after three weeks of continued rain. A terrific storm stuck us at Rochester, N. Y., June 1, when the big top was filled with people. The big top snapped with the strong wind, and the dressing room top came down upon performers and horses, giving no one a chance to change their tights. The lady performers were taken to a place of safety, where they were provided with dresses and sent home. Everything in the lot was floating, the sideshow and paintings being the first to go down. Everything is now, however, running smoothly.
Notes from the World's Fair Aggregation and Combines Shows. Out opening, May 21, at White Cloud, Kas., was big, and the show has been doing good business ever since. We have only missed one afternoon performance, and that was on account of heavy rains and condition of roads. We think we are lucky when so many of the shows have had to miss so many stands. Our concert and sideshow is doing a world of business. The Jennier Family, Sig. and Dot Harris, H. Devere, Kutch and Ladro, and Mr. and Mrs. Bouman are among the leading members of our company.
All the way from Shanghai, China, come the news from the veteran Chas. B. Hicks that Harmston & Sons' Great London Olympic and American Wild West is reaping a rich harvest in that city. Mr. Hicks is the manager of the troupe, and Robert Love is general agent.
The Great International Railroad Shows move triumphantly on in spite of opposition and stagnation of business in Texas. The show goes on coastward, making more than expenses through a country where the jumps are the longest and the dollars the scarcest. Starting from San Antonia, Tex., May 5, the route took us to Laredo, southward, for one week, thence to El Paso, the northern highway out of the big State, showing daily at eleven at points en route, leaving the drouth stricken district with money in the treasury, whereas for at least three seasons heretofore manager W. H. Pomeroy had always gon down into his pocket to put out of this self same port. Through New Mexico via Albuquerque, thence West through Arizona, the show continued to make money at one and two day stands, though the jumbps were long and hazardous. The advance, under T. B. Land, go onward toward the setting sun. Some changes have been made in the advance, viz.: F. J. McCarty, former contracting agent, retiring in favor of J. Rothschilds, June 1. Everything looks bright for a tour of the Pacific slope.
Scribner & Smith's Report. At last we have settled weather, and finds our two young managers with a new sideshow canvas, two new horse tents, fifteen head of draft horses and several wagons added to our outfit. The Erb Show stranded within six miles of us June 4. Our superintendent, Jack Kent, went on to see them, and came back with ten horses, four wagons, several sets of harness, etc. We have not missed a performance since we opened, although the roads have been fearful and the routes long. At Towanda, we gave three shows. We have a kindly rememberance of the mountains of Pennsylvania, as we turned people away in several towns during heavy rain storms. We are now headed for the Hudson River. Manager Scribner purchased a ___ to drive over the road. Mrs. Neil Smith and son, Eugene, were visitors last week.
Gollmar Bros.' Notes. The show has once more landed in Iowa. At Darlington, Wis., C. C. Matthews was severely injured while presenting his feat of cloud swinging, owing to the breaking of the ropes. He fell a distance of 30ft. to the ground, but no bones were broken. The band has been enlarged to twice its former size. Prof. Bartell is the leader. Billy Milligan left for Chicago, June _, and James King takes his place. Jessie Dair, flying perch and trapeze, captured the attention of the crowd under the tent.
Hurlburt & Leftwich's Show. This is our sixth week, and we must say, with the rest of our neighbors in the West, that our first four weeks were the worst we ever experienced for mud and rain. In two week we missed fourteen shows. We are now doing fine business. Prof. McLonghlin is working the horses well. C. T. Taylor is making a good front with his "kid" show, and drawing large crowds. Some of our people visited the Ringling Bros.' Circus at Sioux Falls. We still have the Frost Bros. here. The band, under Ben Coohan, is making a hit. Mr. Taylor purchased a team of trotters, and we never see him when he goes by. Mr. Leftwich is doing good hustling around the show.
Chas. Bartine writes: We have been on the road since April 28, and this is only the fourth day we have been without rain. In all my thirty years' experience in the show business I never say anything like it. It is a wonder we have a working man left or a horse alive, as it has been most miserable weather, and roads (if such they may be calle) are in terrible condition, yet we have not missed a single stand, or even an afternoon or night performance. We have lost several head of horses (pulled to death). The following are the names of the performers who are with us, and have been all season: The Four Leons, Ed. M. and Kitty Harman, Dan C. Maning and Ida Bailey, Geo. and Maud Noniviller, Fannie Stewart, Nettie and Elva Bartine, M. T. Duffy, Evans and Norman, Chas. O. Morrison, Tod Bartine, L. Miller, W. H. Stuart and Prof. B. L. Bolton. The show is well horses, having about seventy head of stock. "Old Pop" Stevens has charge of the stables, and Fred King has charge of the canvas. Tom Minor has charge of cook tents with eight assitantants. I have bought over forty head of stock since the show started on the road.
Rowley Bros. and Russell have joined Sautelle's Circus.
Ed. Long and his troupe of performing dogs have been added to the Sun Bros. Circus. Good business is reported, despite inclement weather.
Mrs. Marguerite Meredith, while performing on a single trapeze at Piedmont, W. Va., May 28, with Sargent & Kidder's Circus, fell and dislocated her right hip and broke her right leg. She was sent home to Wheeling, W. Va., and is improving.
The Great American Circus, in connection with Prof. Joseph Gomes' Balloon Co., opened at Springfield, Ill., June 9, to crowded tents. The outfit consists of one 90ft. round top with two 40ft. middle pieces. The roster: A. H. Schlange, proprietor; Joseph Gomes, manager; Charles Lennox, treasurer; Charles Price and Ed Hendley, privileges; Harry Brandon, Mrs. Brandon, Ida Showers, Ollie Young, J. H. Walker, C. Werner, Bob Cole, Phillips and Nannon, Portiues Bros., Lee Maxey, Wm. Brewer and Prof. Oatman and wife.
The report of an attachment on $4,000 on Williams & Co.'s Circus is false. The management say they are not aware of any such claim, as the show is in the healthiest condition financially, and notwithstanding the fact of mud and water since their opening, May 7, they have done the greatest business in the history of the show. De Mora, the Mexican wonder, is making an impression with his hand and chair balancing, while Morris C. Moore, the clown and jester, is holding his own. Prof. Williams is making a hit with his trick ponies and mules. Other people with the show are: Larose Bros., John Dusha, Richard Lewis, the Hollands, King Larbo, Dawson Bros. and Frank Sicone, ringmaster. The sideshow is in charge of W. D. McKee. The people: W. D. McKee, Annie Huxsom, Sig. Blitz, two African Hottentots, camel backed horse, Prof. Burns, Eugene De Marble and wife, and a cage of African boa constrictors.
The Three Hill Bros., acrobats, and John Lacomna, cornet player, are the latest additions to the La Pearl Show. Nat Comstock, wire walker, left the show on June 10.
Notes from the Burk Show. The Bicketts have joined, and are making a hit with their new aerial act. Allen Reiss and Inez Palmer have closed. The "Human Ostrich" joined June 10, and is a feature in the annex. The Higbys are latest arrivals. More animals are expected in a day or two to complete the menagerie.
The Zoyarows, Robert and Millie, have joined Sautelle's Circus.
Chas. Lee's London Show is doing splendidly in New England, according to all accounts. Seamon and Burke have produced their new Japanese act. It is said to be an excellent card.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for the third annual tour of the Cleveland Consolidated Shows, Circus, Museum, Roman Hippodrome, Great Wild West and Trained Animal Exposition. Show people in all departments. Musicians, acrobats, aerial artists, gymnasts, jugglers, riders, cowboys, Indians, clowns, sensational actors, balloon ascension and sideshow people. Also trained horses, dogs, ponies, goats and animals of all sorts. Also want a few more cars, stock and cages, and another pair light Roman chariots. Show opens in Cleveland, O., on June __. Harrison J. Ewing, sole owner, 4 Lyceum Theatre Building, Cleveland, O.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for the Great Parisian Shows, musicians, general performers who can fill in leaps and tumble. Sideshow and other privileges to let on percentage. Jeannette De Bonnaire, manager, Pittsburg, Kansas.
[Advertisement] For sale cheap. A complete show outfit. . . . I also want to sell my circus, which is on the road now playing to good business. My reason for selling is that I have made money enough to keep me without working so hard, and I want to take a rest. No reasonable offer refused. If I do not sell the show it will be kept on the road by me. Sig. Sautelle, as per route.
New York Clipper, June 25, 1892, pp. 244, 256. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
From the Walter L. Main Shows. After forty days' rain, we have had four consecutive pleasant days. Business is good. During the past week we were visited by E. D. Colvin, John Ringling and Thos. L. Grenier, circus managers, and James Hamilton, of the Wallace Show, and H. J. Link, agent, and Charles Howard, an old time manager. Also the Misses Grace and Mildred Mihills, of Highland Park, Ill., cousins of Mr. Main.
Notes from Robinson's Shows. We are now in Iowa, having just finished a short stay in Illinois. We have been doing good business. We have had plenty of rain and heat, and on June 13 a severe cyclone. John F. Robinson is at Cincinnati, looking after private business. Gill Robinson has charge of our business during his absence. Ed Cullen is a valuable man, and has an eye that never sleeps. Dan Dale is a busy man this season, filling the positions of treasurer and well as ticket seller. Master Bob Stickney is suprising the people with his work with his four horses. Another promising rider is Master John G. Robinson, son of John H. Robinson. The flying act by the Forepaugh Family is a thing of beauty, as is the riding of Master Willie Forepaugh. They have signed for the Winter season with "The Country Circus." The Miard Family are doing some funny "stuff" this season. Hugh Marks, the veteran, is here. Fitz William, the old war horse, is working on a new act for the coming Winter season. The Aherns are doing a break away ladder act. Mrs. G. N. Robinson is doing a fine menage act. We go over the Northern Pacific road to the coast.
Gollmar Bros. Show. We are now in our fifth week of prosperous business despite the rainy season and bad roads. On June 3, at Darlington, Wis., we played against the W. B. Reynolds Show. C. C. Matthews, while doing his swings, was thrown to the ground, a distance of twenty feet, striking on his head and shoulders. Shortly after the accident the gray haired gymnast re-appeared and received an ovation. The roster: Gollmar Bros., sole proprietors; B. F. Gollmar, treasurer; Fred Gollmar, advance manager; J. C. Gollmar, chief of brigade No. 1 with twelve men; Claude Gollmar, chief of brigade No. 2 with eight men; Chas. Gollmar, equestrian director; W. S. Gollmar, manager of concert; Arthur Gollmar, of the front door; Joseph Parsons, Clarinda Lawanda, J. W. Parson and Harry Lamkin, Jessie Dair, C. C. Matthews, Eddie Dell, Garnell Bros., James King, James Fitzgerald, La Martino, Gillian Family, Dartelle Bros., Three Barnello Bros., Mlle. Eldora, Chas. La Roe, Geo. Hockey, Lydian Gilliam, Jno. Bartlette, Martino, Jas. Fitzgerald, Jas. King, Frank Lowrey, Fitzgerald and King, J. H. Shields and son (managers), Capt. W. A. Baum, Mlle. Reo, Prof. Willard, Sadie Willard, J. R. Rayner, Geo. Rowley . . . and Col. Picket.
Jim Travis' Show. This show opened its season June 11. The roster: James Travis, sole proprietor; Willard Stanton, general manager; Judd Spore, treasurer; Willard Stanton and Harry Goine, equestrian directors; W. Peaxley, boss property man with six assistants . . . This is the outfit of the Burr Robbins' Imperial Shows . . .
The W. W. Hendry Circus is a thing of the past. It closed at Dunbar, Neb.
_. P. Bowman has the sideshow privilege with the World's Fair Combined Shows. Jennie Bowman works her troupe of performing dogs in the big show.
T. J. Oatman and wife, and Uncle Dan Castello arrived at Chicago June 16, to join King & Sandown's Great Australian Circus. T. J. Oatman wishes to state that he and his wife are not, nor have they ever benn, with the Great American Circus.
Notes from the World's Fair Aggregation. Prof. Bowman is manager of the museum and Sig. Harris is running the candy stands. We had to put extra teams on during the bad weather. Ringling Bros., F. J. Taylor, Cook & Whitby and Lemen Bros. have been moving us around some, but we still live and pay salaries. We remain in Kansas six weeks.
Roster of Prof. Goetze's band, with the Wallace Circus: Otto Shillner, Chet. Bronson, Tom Byrnes, M. Fletcher, Anson Allen, Frank York, William Walters, Grant Woods, E. Krause, E. Kershaw, Paul Allen, Will Foster, Frank Todd, R. Kling, Don Wilson, Fred York, Mont Bellman, L. Keeler. S. G. Weaver, M. Jones, J. Kidder, W. Jackson . . . and Prof. W. Goetze, director.
The Chas. Bartine Shows had quite an accident during the night performance at Wellington, O., June 15. The Leons were doing their "La Chelle" act in which Mollie Leon makes a leap to the hands of Edward Leon (her husband). One of the heavy chains running from the crane to the "La Chelle" snapped, causing the outside bar to break and throwing them off. They fell to the ground thirty feet below. Though no limbs were broken, both were seriously hurt, Edward suffering such injuries that it is feared that he will be laid up for some time. Just one year ago, on the same lot, with the same circus, James Whiting was badly hurt at an afternoon performance, which caused him to lay off the remainder of the season. Mlle. Theola was also badly hurt at the night performance while doing her flying rings. They were the only accidents the show had all season. Mr. and Mrs. Leon are now at Wellington and being well taken care of. The Rexford Bros. and Steve Meaney joined the show at Ashland, June 18. An addition has been made to the troupe of ponies. "Chippie," the midget pony who only weighs 150lb. gave birth to a little colt June 14. The baby horse weighs only 14 1/2 lb. and is lively as a kitten.
B. L. Baldwin, acrobat and gymnast, joined the Robinson Show at Manchester, Ia., June __.
The Sun Bros.' United Shows are moving along with satisfactor results, according to all accounts. The company has been considerably improved since the opening.
Happenings with Welsh's Golden Shows. Business since the opening date (April 30) has been very good. We recently added a new band wagon and six head of iron gray horses, and we now have one of the finest legitimate wagon shows in America. The annex, under the direction of Christ. Newton, is doing phenomenal business daily. Carlotta, serpent enchantress, joined June 13, and is a strong card in the annex. We are now heading for Maryland and West Virginia, where we remain the balance of the season.
Notes from Chas. Lee's London Shows. Business continues good. Mrs. Char. Lee purchased a two seat surry last week which she drives over the road. George Irving and Mme. La Belle, his wife, visited Mr. Irving's home at Haverhill, Mass., over Sunday. Mack Evans, contracting agent for Leon Washburn's Shows, was a recent visitor. We had a blow down between the shows at Biddeford, Me., June 14, but McLoughing, our boss canvasman, had the top up for a night show. No one hurt. Mr. Lee made a flying trip on to the advance. He reports everything looks good ahead. Billy Lee is kept busy handling the green paste boards on the front door. Lall Eggleston sprained his ankle 13. The stock is looking finely despite the hot weather and sandy roads.
John Correa, with his ring stock, returned last week from the West Indies, where he left the Donovan Show. Mr. Correa has retired to his home at Frankford, Pa.
Will Austin has joined the National Circus at Baltimore.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Young Bros. & Co.'s Shows, Frank Bradley, proprietor. People in every branch of the circus business, also band of six mouthpieces and boss canvasman. Address Geo. A. Young, care Brown's Hotel, Chicago, or W. E. Young, Des Moines, Iowa. Show opens June 30.
New York Clipper, July 2, 1892, pp. 260, 261, 265. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Hunting's Happenings. The elements are with us, and business is phenomenal. At Hartford, Ct., upwards of 4,_00 sheets of lithographic paper have been used, and ___ quarter and half sheet heralds are put out daily, and will be until the date of the show here. There are now twenty men ahead of the show, and a skirmishing brigade of ten more will join in June. Stands three and four decks high are almost a daily occurrence. Excursions are run daily. At Barnstable, Mass., June 21, over 1,200 people were brought in on excursion trains running as far down the Cape as Provincetown. Work was begun on the new winter quarters at New Castle, Pa., on June 20. They will be heated by steam and lighted with electric lights throughout. Each man connected with the quarters will have a living room, and each living room will open to the animal quarters.
C. Asbey, who was recently with Miles Orton's Circus, has signed as general contracting and advance agent for Wm. Thompson's New Australian Circus, Museum and Menagerie. It is a four car railroad show, and the prices are ten and twenty-five cents.
Frank B. Hubin has the sideshow and candy stand privileges with Richargs' three big shows, his second season with them. He has six assistants, and the sideshow includes Frank B. Hubin, manager and lecturer; Millie Hubin, Circassian snake charmer with her den of snakes; Colonel Grant, Prof. Hubin's trained monkey, sacred donkey and trained birds, ten in number; also magic and Punch and Judy.
Prof. Geo. T. Golt opened with S. F. Given's European Circus June __, for the season.
Prof. J. H. Smith, leader of band and orchestra, and C. L. Alspaugh, cornet player, with the Great American Circus, are now at their homes.
Prof. Mons. Taylor, contortionist, and his troupe of performing dogs have joined Sargent & Kidder's Circus.
Roster of Andy McDonald's World Fair Circus: Andy McDonald, sole owner and manager; W. C. Coup, advertising agent; Geo. H. Holland, equestrian director; Jack Reagan, boss canvasman; J. B. Gallagher, assistant boss canvasman; Prof. Williams, leader of band; Prof. Page Buckley and his trained horses and dogs; Geo. Holland, bareback rider; Geo. Holland Jr., bareback rider; Kittie Holloway, manege act; Artie Adair and wife, perch act; Billy Moore and Nelly Moore, Mexican ladder; Adair and Laning, brother act; Blanch Le Clair, flying rings; William Moore, balancing trapeze; John B. Wright, singing clown; Miss Leonard, contortionist; Mr. Nobels, ticket seller; Barker and Perkins, lithographers; Prof. Williams and band of fourteen pieces. Concert: The Kershaw Bros., Frankie Kershaw, John B. Wright, Nellie Moore, Clara Davis, Gibbons and Davis . . . and Billy Williams. The show report doing big business, making three day stands around Chicago.
Mme. Zilla, fortune teller, and her daughter, Pearl Higbee, flat ract rider, have joined T. K. Burke's Circus.
Note from Gollmar Bros. Circus. Business is very good. No accidents have occurred since C. C. Mathew's fall. Everyone is glad to see this Nestor of aerialists so rapidly regaining his former agility. Now that the time has arrived for a just estimate of the performance, it is pleasant to realize that the twenty-two acts are features all through.
Reports come from the former members of the F. W. Pike Show, which went to the wall at Owasso, Mich., June 14, claiming unprofessional treatment. These people say that business has been good, and that there was money enought taken in to pay their salaries, had the proprietor seen fit to do so.
The Oriental Railroad Show is said to be doing good business. The list of performers: Louis ___, foot juggler; Jenero Bros., Master Charlie Long, Joseph Richards and wife, William Brown and wife, Harry Long and wife, Charles Fish, Sam Wright, Bee Lester, Kattie Wright, Bob Parker, George Garner . . . The show carries a band of twelve mouthpieces.
Mr. and Mrs. Tony Ryder were suddenly called away from the Cook & Whitby Shows to pay the last tribute of respect to Mrs. Ryder's father, who passed away at his home at Louisville, Ky. on June __, at the age of seventy-one years.
Robinson's Combined Shows and Trained Animal Exhibition, traveling through Southern Missouri, report good business. The roster: Smith & Dorr, proprietors; William Dorr, equestrian director; ___ Dorr, Lillie La Rue, William Dorr, Sam Wright, Will Howard, Smith Bros., Harry Robinson, Maud Milford, Belle Sinclair, Jim Kimball . . . Prof. Will Marshall, with a band of ten pieces. The sideshow is run by Lew Cole, door solicitor; Prof. Higgs, Punch and Judy and sleight of hand; the big Missouri snake, sacred owl face monk, performing ape, Brazilian gravedigger, etc.
Notes from the Fred Locke Circus. We have just started on our seventh week, and during this time have packed our canvas dry just six times. The roads have been simply horrible, but with a surplus of well fed stock, we have not missed a stand or canceled a date. A pleasant occurrence took place in the ring last Saturday evening. Mr. Locke had forgotten that Saturday was his birthday, but his company had not. Just before the last act, assistant manager Curt Bailey stepped into the ring and presented Mr. Locke, on behalf of the company, with a gold watch. Prof. D. H. Hadderman attached a gold chain and K. of P. charm to the watch, and Mr. Locke declared that his thirty-fourth birthday would never be forgotten.
Since our opening several changes have been made in our roster, which is now as follows: Fred Locke, sole proprietor and manager; Curt Bailey, assistant manager; D. S. Locke, treasurer; Prof. D. H. Hadderman, musican director and leater of band No. 1, with nine mouthpieces; Len Osborn, leader band No. 2, with six mouthpieces; Geo. E. Davis, manager sideshow; Emmet Snider, master transportation and superintendent privileges; Ed De Long, master of canvas with nine assistants; Joe Locke, in charge of stick with eight assistants; Jas. Borland, in charge of ring stock; Dick Morjaro, boss property man with two assistants; W. W. Everett, in charge of lights; E. E. ___, chief cook with four assistants; L. T. Rusk, manager advertising programme.
Performers: Wm. De Boe, four Zaro Bros., Joe Douglas, Harry Long and wife, Prof. Borland's trained dogs and goats, E. F. Cristo, Billy Sheppard, Master Ernie Powers' stud of eight performing stallions, Claude Melnotte, Frank Florence and wife, two Bessley Bros. and John Kane. The canvas: one 80ft. round top with two 40ft. middle pieces, 30ft. dressing top, 40x60ft. sideshow, eight paintings, two horse tents, two cook tents, sixteen wagons and forty-two head of stock. The advance is in charge of Cready Smith, and the roster remains the same as before published.
Notes from the F. J. Taylor Circus. We have had a hard pull through the mud, and such mud as never seen before. We were one week at Nebraska City, water bound, and could not get out by either rail or wagon for several days. Since then the show has been doing good business. We carry this season 100ft. round top with a 50ft. middle piece; on 80ft. round top with two 30ft. middle pieces; 110 head of horses, eight cages of animals with an open den of lions, four camels and one elephant. Chang Brady, boss canvasman, has twenty assistants. Lee Coldman, with two assistants, look after the lights, and Dick Brown, boss hostler, has twenty-four assistants.
The roster: F. J. Taylor, owner and manager; Dick Hunter, general agent; Dick Farnum, equestrian director; James King, John Batchelor, William Devan, Fred Welcome, Lon Moore, Don Divo, Abe Bishop, George Payne, Charles Gardner, James Farnum, Dick Farnum, Harry Wilson, Mrs. Josie Farnum, Mrs. Fanny Moore, Nellie Moore, Mrs. James Farnum, Mrs. Abe Bishop, Mrs. J. Schidler, Mrs. Walter McCafferty, Walter McCafferty, John G. Schidler, William Farnum Jr., Prof. John Marshall, Thomas Marshall, H. Vradenbargh, J. Biship, C. Williams, W. Neff, Crawford Gardner, Thos. Devine, N. P. Harper . . . and others.
Trover, Vannerson and McDonald are with the La Pearl Show.
Charles E. McVey, acrobat in Hunting's Circus, while performing at Bristol, R. I., June 27, fell from the horizontal bar and struck on the back of his head. The blow produced complete paralysis. His relatives in Ohio were notified by wire.
Master Ollie Young, juggler, has left the Great American Circus.
Notes from Chas. Lee's London Show. Joseph LaFlower met with an accident June __, while doing his equilibrist act. The pyramid of chairs was not solid, the ring being very soft, and in doing his backward drop from six chairs, the leaned, and he got a very hard fall spraining his leg and bruising himself. He will be on the retired list for a week or so. Lee Howard, equestrian director, is considering an offer for next Winter season as an equal partner in a boat show. M. F. Owens was on the sick list this week. Prof. Geo. Schrader is discoursing some fine music with his No. 2 band.
The Lemen Bros.' Show are in the eighth week of the most successful season thus far ever experienced. The Odell Bros., Ed and Harry, and Ed Lamar joined at Omaha, June 2. We have just added ten dapple gray horses. Chas. Wertz is doing some wonderful leaping and tumbling. Ferris and Mellette and the Meltrose Bros. are doing elegant work. Rose and May Maretta cause a sensation.
John McMahon's Circus gave two performances at Helena, Mon. June __. Although not a line of newspaper advertising was done, not a stand of paper put up, and very little billing, the tent was jammed full at both performances. Mr. McMahon is a very sick man at this time, his malady being consumption, probably. The recent railroad washouts have played havoc with his business, his show being tied up at Missoula for a whole week, where he gave two performances daily. Of course, a great many strangers were obliged to stay there, and as that was about all that could be done they attended the circus.
E. G. Fladeland's Great British Circus. We have not turned people away so far this season, but we have played to winning business every since the opening at St. Paul, May 2. We have now left the cities, and are playing one day stands throught Northern Minnesota. We are showing a town at this writing (Prinston, Minn.) that has never had a circus. The people were out on the country roads looking for the elephant six hours before the show was due. We run a first class wagon show, and carry seventy-five head of stock. The main canvas seats 3,000 people, and we have a 70ft. menagerie. ___ runs the dime museum. Lenord and Hart, two New York boys, are the principal clowns. The show carries 125 people, and is one of the finest wagon shows on the road.
Raymond's Circus showed at Salt Lake City, Utah, June 17, 18 to fine business. They turned people away from the doors on both evening performances.
A new "Monarch" sleeping car has been added to the T. K. Burk Show. Excellent business through New England is reported.
Hunting Circus. This has been a week of gloom, although we have done a brisk business. Chas. McVey, of Pettit and McVey, aerial team, while doing a twister forward somersault, at Bristol, R. I., struck the outward bar with his head, which caused him to fall on his neck when he struck the net, causing a compound fracture of the spine. Everything was done for his relief, but is was of no avail. He was removed from the train to the Rhode Island Hospital, where he is now lying in a critical condition, with but slight hopes of his recovery. His friends at Zanesville, O., were immediately notified, and are expected on. (Later - A telegram as we go to press, June 28, informs us that Mr. McVey died on that date, at one o'clock p.m. - Ed.} Millie Sereto, barrel kicker and juggler, while leaving the dressing from tent on her horse, struck a guy rope, causing her to fall from her horse, breaking her arm and hurting her head. She has gone home until she recovers. Doc Manley is doing effective work for Mr. Griffin.
Notes from Washburn's Circus. Business continues large, and our Eastern tour has been profitable. Eight large dapple horses were recently added. Pedro Leon, late of Pubillones Cuban Circus, has joined with three head of ring stock. A new sideshow outfit is an addition. Maj. Kibble, late of Al G. Field's Minstrels, has joined the concert, and Theodore, magician and ventriloquist, the annex. Marco Castagni and wife, in their knife throwing and impalement act, are creating a furor.
Doings of Downie & Gallagher's Show. We have just finished our eighth week of success. We have had many blow downs and storms, and other accidents, but the first to cast gloom was the drowning of J. Sullivan near Geneva, on the morning of July 22. Every effort was made to save the young man, but without avail. We showed Dresden 22. It is one of the oldest towns in the State, and ours was the first circus that every pitched a tent there.
Notes from Jim Travis' "Best Show on Earth." Out opening week at Reed's Lake was a success, and despite the rain and mud, we gave fourteen performances. All that time we had to work in a ring with from four to six feet of "mud and muck." Frank Melville says that in his thirty years of riding he never say so muddy a ring. During our stay at the lake a large passenger boat was launched, and our entire company were invited to go aboard. It was a grand sight, amid the music of our band and the waving of the national colors. Chas. P. Watson, our hurdle rider, was the last to board the boat, and as it was christened the Watson, Charlie says it was named after him. We played against the Richard Railroad Show, and on Sunday received a visit from Dick Sutton. We moved to the South End on the 20th., and played to capacity on the week. On the __th we gave a children's matinee in honor of Colin Melville, our boy rider, when twelve hundred children were present. The first accident of the season happened 24, when Geo. Dunbar, in doing his breakaway single trapeze, with his wife, Lottie, took a header from the top of the tent, and landed on his head outside the ring bank. He was stunned for a moment, but quickly finished his act amid great applause. Our concert is a feature. We move to the West side 27 to July 4, when we take the road. This is the only twenty-five cent show that has ever played the town three weeks. Mr. Travis is making final arrangements to boom the northern part of the State. Judd Shore, our treasurer, is kept hustling in the ticket wagon.
Lincoln, Nebraska. W. W. Hendry's New London Circus came to grief at Dunbar, Neb., the Sheriff taking possession under a chattel mortgage. Bad weather and loss of stands brough the trouble about. The people were given a benefit week of 20 at the Eden Musee. They played the week to a very good business.
New York Clipper, July 9, 1892, p. 276. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Notes from the Gollmar Bros.' Show. Notwithstanding the rain and muddy roads, we are doing large business. Our two bands are a feature of our parade. Slackey's wire act is a hit. Joseph Parsons, Mlle. Lambkins, Clarinda Lairanda and Little Harry Lambkins are doing excellent riding. The Gilham Family are also doing good work. Joe Garnell's bar work is wonderfu. James King is now doing principal clown. Eddie Dell and Mabel Gilliam's serpentine twists are catching.
A. H. Reed's Big Twenty-Five Cent Wagon Show is now on its tenth week. At Allendale, Ill., Mrs. Viola Reed, wife of our proprietor, was suprprised at the conclusion of her act with her trick horses, byt a diamond necklace, gift of the members of the company. Clarence Burton made the speech.
___ and Long, Demora, Mlle. Patti, Nellie Rice and Muro and Platts are said to be making hits with Harper Bros.' Show.
From the International Railroad Shows. Notwithstanding that many wiseacres predicted our utter failure in Southern California, we are happy to state that, while our seating capacity has not been taxed to its utmost, since we entered the valley of oranges and apricots, we can record the fact of having to trot in the extras on one or two occasions. As our admission price has not been reduced, we find a nice little margin to the credit of the "goblin." The roster remains the same, with the exception of H. De Leon, treasurer, who resigned at El Paso, Tex., and the Batys, Chas. and Kitty, who joined at Albuquerque, N. M. Minnetta is a favorite in this country. At San Jacinto, Chas. and Kitty Baty fell to the ground while doing a swinging drop from the higher trapeze. Outside of a few bruises, they are O. K. T. J. McCarthy has been called back from the advance to assume the position of assistant manager.
The following from W. C. Coup is self explanatory. It refers to a paragraph in last week's Clipper in which it was stated that he was agent for McDonald's Ten Cent Circus: "Last season, being engaged with my Rolling Palaces, I let Mr. McDonald have the use of the educated horses at Chicago. This year I persuaded the owner to sell them to him. I then arranged with him to use my name, it being understood that the show should go on the road. For the use of my name and my superintending nis route, my contract calls for a share of the receipts. I am not reduced to an agent for a ten cent circus yet, since I have frequently refused big sums for the use of my name, all of which I refused for reasons of my own."
Notes from the World's Fair Show. We are now in our sixth week. Richard is himself again. Sam Glassburger, the strong man, joined June 27, at Strong City, Kas. Prof. Newfield closed at Cottonwood Falls, 25, Pat McManus taking his place as bandmaster. Sig. Harris gave his wife, Dot Harris, a watch and chain, 20, at Herrington, Kas. Theo. Taylor is back with the show, having left advance in good shape at Eureka. He reports that agent H. W. George is doing fine work ahead. Prof. Bowman's museum is doing good business, and is a feature.
The Sisters De Vere, W. J. O'Brien, Tatall and T. A. Devere began a special season with the National Circus at Baltimore, Med., July 4, under the management of W. O. Beckenbaugh, the new director of the show. Good business is reported since the reorganization of the business staff.
Roster of La Pearl's Railroad Circus. J. H. La Pearl, owner and manager; W. H. Quinnette, assistant manager; Walter Slaybaugh, treasurer; Dick Craycroft, advance with three assistants; Fox Boos, canvasman with ten men; Ed Hanno, properties with three assistants; Kid Smith, chandeliers; P. N. W. McQuigg, programmer; Prof. Vandercook's Military Band of twelve pieces, as follows: Prof. Hale Vandercook, Jno. Lacomba, Chas. Hacker, B. O. Werle, Carl Brouse, F. C. Fuller, Harry Dalton, Jay Goslin, C. K. Leslie, Fred Jackson . . .
Performers: La Pearl Family, five in number; W. H. Quinnette, Trover, Wannerson and McDonald, Tony F. Loos, William Mathews, Fred O. Jones and wife, Rosa Carman . . . Frank Ross. They carry a 90ft. top with two 35ft. middle pieces, and travel by rail and stop at hotels. This is their tenty week out. The first accident occurred June __, at Raymond, when a wind strom blew the top down, breaking the centre poles and demoralizing the middle pieces. There were a number of the company under the top when it fell, but they escaped injury. The blow donw occured at __ p.m, and willing hands went to work and had the top up for a night show. Floyd Trover was presented on his birthday __, by manager La Pearl with a fine K. of P. charm. Trover, Vannerson and McDonald are making a hit with their triple bar act.
The F. W. Pike Show was destroyed by fire at Jackson, Mich., June _. The reports of unprofessional treatment of employes by the management are claimed by the latter to be false. Nearly all the people are at the show's winter quarters, Charlotte, Mich., ready to take the road as soon as a new tent and outfit are finished. The show will resume operations about July 16.
The Edna & Wood Co. have arrived from St. Thomas after a two years' trip of the Pacific Coast, Mexico and West Indies. Mr. Wood has purchased four ring horses belonging to the Donvana Circus, which collapsed at San Juan, Porto Rico.
New York Clipper, July 16, 1892, p. 292. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
One of the most destructive rain and wind storms of the season swept down on Clarksville, Mo., July 2, and much property was destroyed. The Lemen Bros.' Circus, which was exhibiting there, had just begun their programme when the fierce wind struck the tent and crushed the canvas against the seats with terrific force, terrifying the audience. Prompt action on the part of the circus people in putting out lights and holding the canvas as much as possible saved many lives, although several were considerably bruised, while Wm. Bell, of Dennison, Tex., the boss canvasman, was knocked insensible by a falling pole and was seriously injured. Before the crowd could all get out into the drenching rain, the large tent collapsed and fell to the ground. The sideshow tent was also blown down, damaging much of the property.
John N. Russell is going to take out an "U. T. C." Co. this season. He is at present with Walter L. Main's Circus.
Agent Davis of T. K. Burk's Show, was a Clipper visitor. He reports a prosperous tour in New England, and a notably successful stand at Holyoke, Mass., Saturday night, June __, where the show gave two evening performances, the last concluding at eleven o'clock. At both shows the tents were crowded.
Cook & Whitby's Circus train of twenty-two cars was wrecked six miles below McGregor, Ia., July _. A broken truck ditched five cars. Thirty horses were killed. One car contained fourteen horses and fifteen colored musicians. Every horse was killed outright, but every man escaped except two, one of whom was injured, perhaps fatally, the other slightly.
Harry G. Lee writes as follows from Penang, China, under date of May 28: "Fillis' Circus has just closed a successful engagement here, and opens 28 at Singapore, from whence they go to Java and Australia. J. B. Gaylord is at Singapore in search of animals and other features for the show business. According to reports Woodyear's Royal Australian Circus is stranded at Shanghai. Harmston's Circus is doing a fair business at the same place."
The Lewis Bros. say that Sam Givens' Circus went to pieces at Phoenixville, Pa., July _, and claim unpaid salaries. Wm. Lewis has been quite ill, but has fully recovered.
Chas. Lee's London Shows. The show is playing to the biggest business in its history. The sideshow is playing from six to eight openings a day. Mell Zeita received a large consignment of snakes last week. Billy Clifton, with his horse candy stand wagon, took an unexpected bath in the Kennebec River while ferrying last week. We turned out six more iron grays at Rockland last week, which fill out the parade with forty-four grays. We are down in Maine, from forty to fifty miles from a railroad.
Robinson's Combined Shows are now in Illinois. We put in the Fourth at Crystal City, Mo., to the banner business of the season. Sam Wright, our balloonist, made a splendid trip to the clouds. He was carried some six miles before reaching native soil. The show laid over one day at St. Louis. The boys had their Fourth there. Some invested in new clothes. Mrs. Dorr, our treasurer, was presented with a gold neck chain by the performers. We play Illinois one month, then go back to Missouri.
The property of the "Great International Railroad Shows," exhibiting in Southern California under the management of W. H. Pomeroy, was attached at Los Angeles, June 27, on a small claim for wages, and the following day other attachments were levied to secure payment of local claims and a draft from Texas. The aggregate of these amounts, with costs, was about $150, which was settled after some difficulty. In connection with the matter, Mr. Pomeroy served an affidavit on the officer making the attachment, showing that the property belonged to a man in Texas.
La Pearl's Ten and Twenty Cent Railroad Show are playing through Illinois. The season so far has been very good, and it is a settled fact that the show will go South this Fall. W. H. Quinnete, the clown, paid a flying visit to St. Louis July _. Wm. Mathews is practicing a new act. Our company number over fifty people.
The Snyder & Zimmerman All Feature Shows are organizing for the Faire. They will have three separate shows, each will have a full brass band. The season opens Aug. 20, and will continue until Christmas in the South. Prof. Hugo will have charge of the curio department with Show No. 1.
P. W. Donovan and his wife are visiting their old homestead at Oswego, N. Y. Mrs. Donovan was once a popular bareback rider under the professional name of Cleo.
Notes from Scribner & Smith's Show. Our business along the New Jersey coast has been good. Harry Kernell was a visitor at Asbury Park. Manager Scribner purchased a fine clown's turnout from Mr. Kernell, consisting of a tandem team of small donkeys, including harness and cart. Mr. Raymond and Mr. Otis, of the Hunting Show, were visitors at Long Branch. Neil Smith and J. R. Rucker are doing fine advance work.
Cook & Whitby's English and American Circus have had two mishaps. The first was at Richland Centre, Wis., July 7, when several cars were detached, and on the following morning at ___ McGill Bridge, Ia., the train ran off the track, again ditching three cars of stock and killing twenty-five horses and injuring two so that they had to be shot. Two men were hurt, one being the Circassian prince. The train was running at twenty miles an hour, and the accident was caused by the rails spreading. The show was unable to exhibit at Prairie Du Chien, Wis., and Maquoketa, Ia.
Doings of Downie & Gallagher's Circus. On July _ we purchased Harry Montford's Floating Palace of Wonders, which we are having converted into a horse palace. We now have a full and complete fleet. Many of the boys are happy since we left the stormy Seneca. It would not do to mention names for criticism, but we have a great number of men that make far better musicians and performers than sailors. Mons. Durell joined at Jordan, N. Y.
J. B. Swafford closes as general agent of Sautelle's Circus July __, in order to join Barlow Bros. Minstrels.
W. H. McFarland has disposed of his interest in the Kelley & McFarland Ten Cent Show to his partner, Thos. P. Kelley. The latter will continue touring the company, while Mr. McFarland has joined Prof. W. W. Dayton's Show.
The La Clede Bros. have closed their engagement with the Burk Show, and are resting in this city.
Recently, while the Orrin Brothers' Show was performing at Zacatecas, a large town in Mexico, Dick Bell Jr., a son of the well known clown, met with a peculiar and nearly serious accident. While on the trapeze he got his cravat caught in the rope and was nearly choked to death before he could be released. Bannack seems to have been the only performer present who did not lose his head. Climbing up on the shoulders of an acrobat, he cut the rope and let the boy down to the ground.
New York Clipper, July 23, 1892, pp. 308, 321. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Notes from Whitney's Imperial Wagon Show. We are in our twelfth week of prosperity. Notwithstanding the eight weeks of severe rain, our canvas was packed nightly through Michigan and Ohio circuits. Our show now consists of an even hundred people, greatly enlarged in every department from former years. We carry an eighty foot round top with two forty foot middle pieces, and travel under the direction of business manager C. A. Whitney. The full roster of the show: Mrs. Nellie E. Whitney, owner and controller; C. A. Whitney, business manager.; Cal M. Gillette, general agent and fourteen assistants; C. Whitney, equestrian director; Professor J. B. Isenhart, musical director; W. Frank Stapleton, boss hostler with nineteen assistants, with ninety-five head of stock; Geo. Sharpe, boss canvasman with ten assistants; Fred McKinzie, properties with four assistants; E. Wells, chief cook with five assistants; Chas. Baird, steward; Professor J. B. Isenhart, leader of band No. 1; C. Rummell, leader of band No. 2.
Performers: Josie W. Whitney, Leon W. Whitney, Tony West, J. B. Gagnier, Geo. Martine, Fred Martine, Michael Tude, Geo. Scott, Prof. W. J. Andrews, Ed Holbrook, Bruce Richardson, Henry La Sage, Harry Pond, H. C. La Poldi, J. C. Moranni, Eugene Cerrico, Carry West, Lona Martine, Lora Gagnier, Cora Scott, Loulla Trude, J. B. Isenhart, Clarence Powers, Fred Melvin, Bert Smith, A. F. Hunt, A. M. Hunt, Ed Hart, C. S. Ogle, Geo. Martine and Wm. Sutton.Band No. 2, C. E. Rummel, leader; with Sam Porter, J. E. Norris, Jack Bailey, Harry Baxter, Billy Lewis, Geo. L. Scott, C. S. Staunton, Harry Forbes, Bruce Richardson, W. La Combe.
Notes from the Walter L. Main Show. We have had an entire week of pleasant weather and good business. At Wabasha, Minn., we were visited by Ben Wallace, circus proprietor, and Al Martin and wife, of his company. At Sparta Mrs. Dan Cale, wife of the Robinson Show, visited. At Reedsburg our canvas was in a quicksand lot, and it was impossible to give any riding acts. Walter Fisher, contracting agent, came back to the show at Jefferson. At Oconomowoc, Mr. Kohl, of museum fame, with his family, visited us. He owns a fine residence there, and his partner, Geo. Middleton, came up from Chicago and was our guest at night. We have received more animals the last week, and at Oconomowoc another middle piece and centre pole was added to the menagerie tent. On June 21 Mr. Main left the show for a week, during which time he visited the John Robinson, Ringling Bros. and Wallace Shows. We have recently added two cars and now travel by two special trains.
Notes from the Gollmar Bros.' Show. We are on our tenth week of good business. Chas. A. Gollmar's troupe of educated ponies and mules are working nicely. W. S. Gollmar's educated canines are a feature. La Martino is doing a fine juggling act. Lydia Gilliam does a nice balancing trapeze act. O. C. Matthews is working his old time form. Jessie Dair's aerial work is clever. La Gerald does a fine club juggling act. Chas. La Role's dancing barrel and table is a hit. Jas. Fitzgerald does good work as ring master. Fitzgerald and King's knockabout act goes with vim. Dartelle Bros.' flying act is marvelous. The Three Garnello Bros. do a fine brother act. We have a strong ring show, twenty-four acts, embracing fifteen fine riding acts, etc. J. H. Shields and son have a strong annex.
The Martinetti Brothers close their season with W. B. Reynolds' Circus July 23.
The quaint old New England village of Bucksport, Me., had a memorable day on Sunday, July 10. Leon W. Washburn's Circus arrived that morning, and one of the animal men, in the absence of the regular keeper, undertook to remove the elephant, Charley (a recent purchase from the Adam Forepaugh Shows), from his car. The elephant stampeded, and for several hours kept the citizens in terror of their lives. Tiring of this sport, Charley started for the country, and wound up in a pine woods, with swampy undergrowth. After numerous volunteers had failed, the steward, Tom W. Lawrence, for many years with Barnum & Bailey, and who accompanied that show to London, went after him, and after six hours battle, brought him in safe and sound, but somewhat tired.
A. E. Taylor, advance agent for Maginley's Railroad Show, has closed his engagement on account of illness.
Walter Wilson and A. D. Ford, musicians, closed with Lemen Bros. Circus at Hannibal, Mo.
Alfred Dorian, contortionist, is with the Great International Railroad Shows. They are touring Southern California.
Roster of Wm. Thompson's United Australian Shows: Wm. Thompson, proprietor and manager; Dan Malcolm, equestrian director; Mark Murphy, boss canvasman with ten assistants; Harry Foster, boss property man with four assistants; Joe ___, boss animal man with three assistants; a band of fifteen pieces under the leadership of Prof. H. Irving Reed; Dan Malcolm, Mlle. Theola, Daisy Thompson, Andy G. Hughes, James and Appleton . . . and ___ Metcalfe.
From Mollie Bailey's Show. We are at Fort Worth, Tex., for the next ten days, after which we take the road again. We have only two more stands to make before reaching our permanent headquarters at ___. We have twelve wagons, two being with the advance brigade. The roster: Mrs. Mollie A. Bailey, sole owner; D. E. Ward, general manager; J. C. Rich, advance and the Bailey Family. We give a two and a half hour show with no waits.
Wm. S. Gilbert and John ___, of the disbanded Beach & Bowers' Circus, wish to thank the members of the Gollmar Bros.' Show for financial assistance.
Hunting's Happenings. We are again in the territory where the reputation of Hunting's Shows is second to none, and business is phenomenal. The receipts of one performance at Newark, N. J., were larger this year than they were for the two performances last year. What might have proved a serious accident was the breaking of a __ft. flat car while making the run from Willimantic to New Britain. It caused quite a delay, but otherwise the damage was small. The Fourth was spent at Brigeport. At Elizabeth, N. J., we were unable to accommodate the people at either performance, while Asbury Park and Long Branch fell in line as record breakers. William Booth, of the Booths, has doubled with Mr. Pettit, of Pettit and McVey, and they are now doing an aerial return act. At Elizabeth Mr. Pettit was hurt, though not seriously, while doing a twister. It was while doing this same trick that Charley McVey was killed at Bristol, R. I. Mark Monroe has returned from a week's vacation to Philadelphia. Arthur Christie, who has been treasurer for years, bid farewell to the white tops forever July _, and will enter the plumbing business. His place is now being filled by Harry Girard, of Girard and Earl.
Notes from Irwin Bros.' Circus. Geo. Irwin left us July __ to visit his family at Buffalo and combine business with pleasure. A notable event occurred at Rochester, N. H., 13. There had been quite a little joking for the past three weeks about who could win the three legged race in the hippodrome, which finally resulted in a wager and a match between John McCabe, of the American Macs, and Frank D. Bryan, of the National Trio, as one team, and Cook House Bill and Horse Tent Jack to run against them as the other team. Each team put up ten dollars apiece, while the outside purse amounted to $280. The gong sounded, the race started, amid the cheers of the audience and excitement was intense, the performers urging their party ahead in order that the championship might be brought to the dressing room, while the hostlers and cook house people were just as vigorous in urging their champions to do the same for them. Bryan and McCabe secured the lead, and continuing to increase the distance between themselves and their opponents, winning the race by ten yards.
Prof. F. H. Gellentien has closed with the New York Circus, and is at his home at Natchez, Miss.
From Whitney's Imperial Show. We are doing good business, the concert being a feature. The people: Ed Holbrook, Bruce Richardson, the Wests, Martine and Rummel and La Sage.
Miles Orton's Circus reports good business. It takes sixteen cars to transport the show, and Mr. Orton is expecting every day some more show property that he recently bought. The La Rose Bros. have closed to join "A Trip to the Circus" Co.
The canvas of Sautelle's Circus was blown down at Utica, July __. The audience left the tent when the storm commenced ad all escaped unhurt. Three performers were slightly injured by falling poles.
The La Pearl Circus is still doing well in Illinois, their eleventh week out. At Effingham, Ill., we met Kickapoo Co. We are not on our last two day stand, and have nothing but one day dates for the balance of the season. We will work South, and close around the holidays.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for F. W. Cooper & J. H. Rodden Combined Shows, organizing for Southern tour, people in all branches of the circus business. Must do two or more acts; concert and sideshow lady with her own snakes, sideshow talker, advance agent, billposters, lithographers, etc., programmers, boss canvasman, boss hostler, boss chandelier man, two, four and six horse drivers. Show run until 24th Dec. Also a push pole top, and 10 or 12 paintings, two 36 horse tents with trough, complete. Address Sixth Avenue, Des Moines, Ia.
New York Clipper, July 30, 1892, pp. 324, 336. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Items from Hurlburt & Leftwich's Show. For the past three weeks we have had good weather and are doing phenomenal business. Mr. Leftwich is kept busy looking for "extras," and he manages to stow away the large crowds. Generally, after the Fourth of July you find a falling off, but not so with us; business is larger every day. William Avery and wife have purchased a trotting team. Mr. Ricardo strained the muscle of his left arm while doing a "twister" between bars, but he is working again. Mrs. C. T. Taylor's father, Dr. ___, joined the show for a visit. Mr. Taylor says he must make himself useful, so he is making the announcements and holding back the crowd from the "kid" show. Gray Eagle, tattooed scout, joined on _. Jack O'Donnell got hurt on the morning of July 10, but he is doing his cornet solos. We are in a country now where three of the wagon shows were pulling light in the Spring, but could you blame them? Our new canvas, 100x150 will be on at Wahpeton, N. D. Jeff Hallett is doing a tuba solo. One of the Frost Bros. went to Chicago last week, but is back again.
Hugh C. Whiting and wife, and Little Pansy have severed their connection with the Cook & Whitby's Circus, and are at their home, Chicago.
At Phoenix, N. Y., Deputy Sheriff Vickery and two officers attempted to attach the property of Downie & Gallagher's Circus for damages to a canal boat. The circus men opened fire on the officers, and a riot followed, in which one of the officers and one of the circus men were dangerously wounded. The officers were driven off, but the affair attracted a large number of villagers to the scene, who vowed vengeance on the circus men. Lynchings were threatened, but wise counsels prevailed. The villagers went to the boats, overpowered the circus men, and dragged twelve of them to the village lockup. Then, for fear they would escape, the crowd stood guard until morning. It is thought the two injured men will die.
W. H. Pomeroy's International Railroad Show is reported to have collapsed at Anaheim, Cal. Salaries said to have been in arrears. The performers hired a hall and gave a performance, realizing sufficient to take them to Los Angeles, where some secured engagements.
A cyclone struck the Bonheur Bros.' Show at Dysart, Ia., July 20, and before anything couls be made safe, the tent was hoisted by the wind. A quarter pole was broken, and several rents made in the tent. . . .
Stinson and Crawford, Steve Meaney, Nealo, Blanche Nixon and the Guthries are recent additions to the Bartine Show. Good business is reported.
William and Mme. Irwin will return to America at the conclusion of their year's engagement with the Orrin Bros. in Mexico.
James Donovan's Circus is touring Cuba. Mr. Donovan will arrive in New York about Aug. __, to arrange for the coming season.
Jerry McCarthy and Frank Whitcomb joined Young Bros. Circus, at Avoca, Ia., July 16.
"Doc" Miller has closed with John Stowe's Show, and is in this city, where he will practice an aerial act with his wife.
The Hubins, Frank and Millie, close their season in a few days with Richards' Circus, and will join some show going South.
Notes from T. K. Burk's Shows. We have about finished New England, and our season has been the most successful we have ever had in that section. With two exceptions, we played to the capacity of the canvas in every stand. At Lawrence, Mass., one day after the Forepaugh Show, and on the same lot, we turned people away. This business is more remarkable when it is known that we were the fifth and sixth show in every stand. T. K. Burk left 23 to complete arrangements for the Winter circus. Wm. Watson is making a hit in a new creation in the way of a German clown.
News from the Fred Locke Show. Manager Locke has added several new features since the show opened. Sam Homer joined July _.
Notes from Washburn's Shows. We are floating on the tide of success. We have been compelled to add another middle piece and eight more lengths of seats. Mr. Washburn reluctantly released Jas. Mitchell as sideshow manager and orator. He returns to his old post at Doris' Museum. Mlle. Aimee, his wife, remains one of the features of the annex. She has passed the record of all previous seasons in the sale of books and photographs.
John McCabe, of the Two American Macs, has recovered his health, and is again working with his partner.
Sun Bros.' United Shows have showed two weeks of good business at Cincinnati, O., where it will remain another fortnight before taking the road. A new 40ft. middle piece and new dressing top have been secured.
[Advertisement] For sale, the celebrated W. C. Coup Rolling Palaces, Eden Musee, etc., consisting of five palace venstibuled cars, lighted throughout, inside and out, with the finest electric display ever seen in this country or Europe. The cars contain a first class collection of wax figures, made by the Eden Musee in New York, and electric organ, __ft. long, made by Jukes; great groups, representing Europe, Asia, Africa and America, finished in the finest style of the art; mechanical singing birds and moving marvels imported from Paris; the best steam calliope in America, made in Manchester, Eng.; each car is lined with thousands of dollars worth of heavy plate mirrors, producing a wonderful illusion, making the cars appear __ft. wide inside; the exterior, when ready for exhibition, shows a solid beautiful front of __ft., the sides being set with stained glass, and when raised and lowered, completely transform them from the appearance of a train of cars; the visitors enter through a magnificent entrance, and pass out at the rear, making it possible to accomodate thousands of visitors during the day. I have never been connected with any exhibition that gave such universal satisfaction. The exhibition is ready to open on reaching a place, by simply throwing out a pair of steps. The locations are invariably better than can be gotten by a tented show. The exhibition is ithe finest, most elegant, complete and satisfactory entertainment ever conceived, as a personal inspection will show, and the books prove now that the property is out of the hands of a board of directors, who assumed to manage it at a distance. A sure fortune can be made, since it can be bought for one-fifth of the original cost. The experiment has been tried, and success is sure. Since the closing of the exhibition I have engaged in another business, but will take pleasure in giving the purchaser the benefit of my experience of several months in running it, or may arrange for an interest. For further particulars, price, etc., apply to W. C. Coup, 481 Lasalle Avenue, Chicago. Electric fans throughout for cooling the air.
New York Clipper, August 6, 1892, p. 340. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Notes from Walter L. Main's Shows. Sunday, July 17, we made a run from Beloit, Wis., to La Porte, Ind., passing through Chicago. We could plainly see the World's Fair buildings from our train. Most of the boys spent Sunday in the Windy City. Geo. S. Cole visited his aged mother and brother Albert's family, who reside there. Ernest Houghton and J. L. Fusner, former employes of the show, visited us 11. They had not seen the show since 1890. July 13 was Mr. Main's birthday, and free lunch and drinks for everybody. Mrs. Sig. Dawn joined at Elwood. Mr. Main bought a span of dapple grey horses at Muncie. Burt Fisher is again sick, and Fred Fisher took him home to Waterbury, Ct. He had a paralytic stroke. A subscription was raised for him. Albert Gaston and family visited us a Columbus. At Seymour, Ind., a miniature cyclone struck us shortly after the afternoon performance, and blew down and badly tore our circus and hippodrome canvas. We put side canvas around the seats and showed at night, and have been giving regular performances without a top ever since. The menagerie tent stood firm, and was not injured. One of the firm of Thompson & Vandeveer, canvas makers, came on with a small army of sailmakers, and they went to work repairing the canvas, which was up Monday, 25. A new round top, 180ft., with four 50ft. middle pieces, has been ordered, and will be ready in two weeks, when three rings and two elevated stages will be used. New extra seats are being made. We surely go South the coming Winter. Our show is at least one third larger than when we opened.
F. W. Pike's (Tiger Bill) Show is still on the road. The canvas burned at Jackson, Mich., has been replaced. A new dressing room top and two new horse tents have been added. The show carries forty head of baggage stock and six head of ring stock. The roster includes: F. W. Pike, proprietor and manager; Mrs. F. W. Pike, privileges; Claude La Verne, equestrian director; W. W. Record, advance, and Prof. White's band of eight pieces.
Archie Royer, the young American clown, is with Walter L. Main's Show.
Doings of Welsh's Golden Shows. We are in our fifteenth week of prosperity. We have not lost a single performance in the main department, nor have we missed a salary day. At Uniontown, Pa., July 22, we had a bad blow down about 6 p.m., but by energetic hustling, we had everything in readiness and gave a complete evening performance and concert. Martin and Moran, double perch and horizontal bar, joined __. Manager John Welsh has joined the advance for a few weeks.
The La Moyne Bros. are still with W. B. Reynolds' Circus.
The La Rose Bros., Henry and Joe, are with Williams & Co.'s Railroad Shows, Henry being the assistant manager.
Doings of the Downie & Gallagher Shows. The affair at Phoenix, in which this show has suffered severe criticism, deserves explanation, in justice to us. When we reached Phoenix, morning of July 21, a boatman named Merritt called on Downie & Gallagher and said that he was told that their first boat, which stands only two feet above the water, had damaged a boat belonging to him. The steersman of our boat informed the manager that he had not touched Merritt's boart, and investigation proved that it would be impossible, as the slight damage that was done was between four and five feet above the water, and the boat that he claimed did it only stands two feet above the water. He then said ti was hard times and he could not afford to stand any damage, and some one should settle for it. That was all that was heard of it until eight o'clock in the evening, when Deputy Sheriff McVicky called at the ticket wagon and informed Mr. Gallagher that he had two bills against the show, one for damage to a boat and another for posting bills on a shed without a privilege. Mr. Gallagher showed a contract for the use of the shed, and said they had done no damage to the boat. The deputy tried to bluff Mr. Gallagher by saying he would issue a warrant for his arrest, at which Mr. Gallagher laughed and replied: "It is but a civil action, you can't get a warrant on that. Howver, go ahead. I will be here when you want me." The officer threatened to hold up the show, when Mr. Gallagher replied: "We will deposit any amount of money with any good, responsible citizen as a guarantee, and then we will stand suit in both cases," at which the deputy replied: "We are going to have it settled now," trying to make his bluff work. He then left the lot, and that was all that was heard until ten o'clock, when Washington Wilson, steersman of the flat boat, came to the lot and informed Mr. Gallagher that the officers had taken possession of the boat. A number of new men and wagons had already gone to the boat to load it. Downie & Gallagher, knowning the State laws, were aware that the officers were trespassers on their property. Officer McGahn stood on the boat with revolver and club, trying to scare our proprietors into settling. Mr. Gallagher went on the boat where McGahn stood, and asked him who cast off the boat's ropes. The officer replied that he did. Mr. Gallagher said, "You have violated the marine laws, and we will make you suffer for it." Mr. Gallagher asked his name. He said, "It is Hiram McGahn." "Now," Mr. Gallagher said, "we have come here to load our boats. You have no right on here, and we don't want ___ any trouble with your, so get off the boat." At which McGahn replied, drawing his revolver, "I will shoot the first ___ that attempts to put on or take anything off this boat," pointing his revolver at Mr. Gallagher, when one of the showmen, named Harrison,___ up. McGahn fired, and the ball hit him. Then McGahn fired two or three shots, each taking effect __ Harrison, when the other men rushed up and the officer was pushed into the canal. There were other officers stationed around the boat, who commenced firing, but when some of the showmen turned on them they ran. Not one of the circus men had a revolver. The affair attracted a large crowd of citizens, who at first thought the show people to blame, and I thought best to lock them up. The men made no resistance. There was no violence, and if they cared to get out it would have been no trouble, as they were all in one room in the engine house, and the officer that they put on guard got so drunk before the morning that he was not able to walk. Downie & Gallagher know that the entire proceedure was illegal, and gave the officials all the rope they wanted. Mr. Gallagher went to Medina, their home, to consult their lawyers, and when he got back to Phoenix they had discharged all but Mr. Downie. Later they saw their error, and tried to square matters, but without avail. We have sued McGahn, his bondsman and the Corporation of Phoenix for $___ damages, and have also sued McGahan for assault with intent to kill. The affair created a great deal of excitement and we feared it might affect our business, but we find it has been the best advertising medium we ever had, as people came in thousands for miles to see the show. We lost but one stand, Baldwinville, July 22. There was no damage to any of the show property. We are having fair weather, and intend enlarging our show Aug. 1.
Notes from Sparks & Allen's Circus. "Biz" has been big for the past four weeks in New Jersey and New York. Our band now numbers ten mouthpieces. H. G. Alger and Wm. Miller have joined our advance.
Sautelle's Circus closes the season Aug. 17. Mr. S. will take out a wagon show for the remainder of his dates.
New York Clipper, August 13, 1892, p. 356. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Frank Robertson, general agent of Young Bros. & Co.'s Circus, has resigned his position to accept a similar one with Kelly's Spectacular Co.
Charles Albion asks us to state that he is the original of that name, and that he is not with the team of Albions now with the La Pearl Show.
Chas. Lee's London Shows. We are on our thirteenth week, and it is one of our best, despite hot weather and the old supersititon of the dreaded 13. Joe Hewitt, our treasurer, will take out a burlesque company, opening in October, at New Market, Can. Prof. Stimpson left at Philips, Me., to play dates in the East. Seaman and Burk are making a hit with their breakaway ladder perch. Prof. Hager's Red Hussar Band is discoursing some of the finest music ever played with this show. Clifton and Eggleston's band No. 2 is the hit of the parade. Frank Acton is forming a partnership with a triple bar performance. Mr. Lee has added to his menagerie a Nova Scotia ibex. Reports from winter quarters say that everything is dressed in a new coat of paint. The new ring barn is one of the finest made. Mrs. Lee has purchased four new ponies, which she will break for next Winter.
Wm. De Boe, balancing trapeze and high wire walker, is a feature of Fred Locke's Show.
Lowande & Correa's Circus opened at Acton's Park, Baltimore, Md., Aug. 1.
Mrs. D. J. Fitzgerald, of W. B. Reynolds' Show, was presented by the members of the show with a gold watch and chain, and a gold ring, recently. It was a birthday event.
While Burk's Circus was being broken up Sunday, Aug. 7, prior to leaving Newark, N. J., where it had been showing for several days, some of the circus men threw a tramp out of a freight car. The crowd, which had been hanging around all night and growling with the tent men, championed the tramp's cause, and a free fight followed, during which clubs, stones, pieces of coal and pistols were used with freedom. News of the battle reached police headquarters, and a squad was sent to the place. They returned with three circus men - Henry Richards, of Cincinnati; James Lavendeer, of Chicago, and George Brown, of Philadelphia. The wagon also brought Edward Jewell, who had been clubbed about the head. He charged Brown with inflicting the injury, and the latter was held in $__ bail. Richards was discharged and Lavender fined $15.
From Walter L. Main's Show. We are in Missouri. Weather is excessively warm, but business is large. East St. Louis has the reputation of being a very rough town on shows, and nearly all showmen expect to fight there and look for a good, heavy "shake down." We saw no signs of either. On account of the sickness of his partner, Burt, Fred Fisher was compelled to throw up his engagement, and he, with his wife and son, left July 30, for Cincinnati. At Pacific we were visited by W. E. Franklin, of the Barnum Show. Rad Moore, a jockey, broke his leg Aug. 5, in the hippodrome races, and is left back for treatment. An abundant sum of money was raised among our people to defray all expenses. Our big, new canvas will be here soon.
Four new cages of animals have been added to Baldwin & Cummings' Railroad Shows, and now three open dens are the parade feature. Harvest time is a bad season for shows in the Northwest, but while the day bouses are not large, night finds the canvas packed to capacity. Bruce L. Baldwin, one of our proprietors, presented Charles W. Fish, of the Ringling Show, with a shoe worn by the famous trotting horse, Allerton, in the fastest seven heats ever trotted by a horse. Pat Cummings, for many years assistant to Bob Friar, is business manager. It is rumored that the show will go to Californai for the Winter. We get new baggage and flat cars at Tekamah, Neb.
Smith and Roy have closed a ten weeks' engagement with the Sautelle Show, and are at their home, Lyons, N. Y.
Serpentello, the contortionist, is in this city, having two weeks ago closed his engagement with T. K. Burk's Circus at Manchester, N. H.
Thompson & Sinclair's Twenty-Five Cent Circus is in its fourth week, playing to good houses. The show is made up as follows: Leon Thompson & Sinclair Bros., proprietors; George Edgerton, general manager; P. Hopley, treasurer; M. Ward, advance agent; Edgerton Sisters, W. Ritzel, Mondell Bros., Geo. Edgerton, Brown Brothers, Lizzie Roper . . . and Geo. Rodgers.
New York Clipper, August 20, 1892, pp. 372, 385. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Notes from Gollmar Bros.' Show. We are doing excellent business. Joseph Parsons, Clarinda Lowanda, Mlle. Lambkin and Little Harry Lambkin are receiving praise for their equestrianism. Mme. Parsons makes a fine display with her four horse tandem and manege act. Slackey is doing the wire act of his life. Joe Garnell is doing high somersaults over the middle bar. Eddie Dell does a splendid contortion act. Mabel Gilliam does a pretty wire act. La Martino does his juggling in Japanese make up. The Gilliam Family in posturing are clever. C. C. Mathews has discarded his sailor dress for tights. Jessie Dair's aerial changes are a novelty. Our clowns, James King, Walter Gollmar, Frank Gilliam, Chas. La Fole, and Master Primrose, make five funny jesters. Chas. A. Gollmar has added two more horses to his troupe of equines. Arthur Gollmar is sporting a new diamond pin, a birthday present. B. F. Gollmar says the ticket wagon is the coolest place because he gets his daily perspiration baths. W. S. Baum and wife (Zulu), are a feature in our annex. Fred C. Gollmar is routing us in good territory. Lillie and Annie Gollmar are making us a short vis.
Notes and doings with the W. B. Reynolds Shows. We opened our tenting season at Rockford, Ill., May 7. Since then we have been traveling through Northern Illinois, the entire State of Wisconsin and Southeastern Minnesota. We travel by wagons, and have 150 head of stock to transport the show overland. Our canvas consists of 100ft. round top with one 50ft. middle piece for big top. Menagerie 80ft. round top with three 30ft. middle pieces. Dressing room __ft. round top with one 30ft. middle piece. Sideshow 60ft. round top with one 40ft. middle piece. Also four large horse tents and one cook tent. We have a ten cage menagerie, with one elephant and two camels, and carry two tableaux wagons. Charles McMahon is riding a bounding jockey and four horse act. Harry and Ella Potter, aerialists, are making the hit of the show. They are also doing a double ascension to the dome of the canvas. Lay Moyne Bros., light bar experts, get a big hand, as do Chas. Orville, equilibrist, and Eddie Cunningham, contortionist. Geo. Whitby is doing somersaults over elephants, camels and horses, and Master Freddie's pony hurdle is hurrah from start to finish. Geo. Winfred, clown, is making everybody laugh. Mr. Reynolds has as find a one ring show as anybody, while Gabe Boone's band of twelve pieces make everybody take their hats off to him. July 23 being Mrs. D. J. Fitzgerald's birthday, the company presented her with a gold watch and chain and diamond ring. At Minneapolis Aug. 6, Mrs. Ella Potter was presented with a gold necklace, set with diamonds, a diamond brooch, and gold bracelet set with diamonds and rubies. Mr. and Mrs. Potter banqueted the entire company on Sunday, Aug. 7. We opened at Minneapolis Aug. 4, at the Baseball Park, in the heart of the city. We show three districts in Minneapolis and then open at St. Paul. Geo. Whitby and Orville have also had birthdays and were not forgotten. Ed Holland and Mr. Reynolds' brother visited July 23. Martinetti Bros. closed, going to New York. Clyde Phillips and Mmle. Nanon joined. Anna Carroll is on the sick list, but improving fast. She has been doing some fine riding. Charles McMahon's four horse act closes the show. Charles Orville is the postman. His barrel and table act is first class. The "white elephant" calls upon the members every Thursday.
Roster of brigade No. 1, of E. G. Holland & Co.'s New Colossal Shows. Harry Murray, general agent; Fred W. Hyde, in charge of paper; C. A. Clarke and Harry Smith, billposters; Frank Dusold, lithographer, and Toney Berns, programmer.
Horse opera notes from Irwin Bros.' Circus. At Colebrook, N. H., Aug. 8, the show was the first circus that had visited that burg in twenty-five years, and the only railroad show that had ever exhibited in that place. Paulie Carey, equestrienne, joined at Woodsville, N. H., Aug. 11. Frank Bryan, the clown, never fails to capture the audience. Fred Irwin paid a visit to the advance and had a pleasant time with general agent B. Ellis. After leaving the East, the show will go into Virginai, then close the season at New Orleans.
[Advertisement] Nickel Plate Shows for sale. Having recently purchased from the stockholders the entire plant of the W. C. Coup Enchanted Rolling Palacees, I have decided to retire from the circus business, and offer for sale the most complete organized money making show in America. It has been on the road continuously for ten years, and is complete in every respect. The ring horses, ponies and mules are among the best broke in America. Lay down, entree, bareback four horse, hurdle and trick horses. Baggage stock is unequaled by any show. Performing lions and tigers. Cars all new, 60ft. long, and made to order for this show. Will be sold as a whole on long time to those who can furnish security, or in lots to suit, for cash. Show is now touring in Va., and can be profitably run for many months this season yet. Apply in person or by letter. W. H. Harris, 223 South Robey Street, Chicago, Ill.
New York Clipper, September 3, 1892, pp. 404, 406, 407, 417. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Washburn's Circus is now touring Quebec, having been for several weeks in the Maritime Provinces. The had considerable red tape to pass through the Canadian customs authorities, and had to pay a large sum for duty on every article with the organization. They have found business fair only, times being hard and the people quite poor. The tour has not been so satisfactory as could have been wished. The custom of bonding a show and bringing it out having been abandonded, duty must be paid at an appariser's value, and is charge for the ___ as new, even if quite old. The show will tour Canada some time yet, and then jump South.
Roster of car No. 1 of W. H. Harris' Nickel Plate Shows: F. E. Davis, general agent; Sam M. Felton, contracting agent; Joe H. Kester, agent in charge of car; John Speck, boss billposter; Ross Shumate, lithographer; Floyd Ray, programmer; James Johnson, Ed Wilkins, John Flood, Danny Marks, James W. Kelly, Ed Corry, Geo. Brown, W. A. Leach, Geo. ___ and Al Felton.
From Walter L. Main Shows. We have been one week in Kansas, and business is wonderful. In going to Lebanon, Mo., over the 'Frisco road, Aug. _, a couple of our cars were derailed going around very short curves. No damange was done. We were detained over six hours, and had to do some tall hustling to open the doors on time. The Texas Giant and Henrietta Moritz, midget, who were married at Boliver, Mo., belong to our sideshow, under the management of Col. Hugh Harrison. At Aurora, Mo., Mr. Main bought at sheriff's sale a large camel. It formerly belonged tot he Debonaire Show. Mr. Billington, formerly a circus boss hostler, who married an Indian maiden a few years ago, visited us at Seneca, Mo. The laws of the nation allow two hundred and forty acres to every child. He has already acquired twelve hundred acres of splendid land in this novel way. At Columbus, Kan., we met John Wiswell, a former circus treasurer, who is now a lawyer there. We had a visit from Frank E. Griswold, the "Uncle Tom" manager, at Eureka, who with his wife, little daughter and entire company, saw our afternoon show and took supper with us. Bert Cole, who has charge of the reserved seats and concert tickety, was twenty-three years old __, when he received a gold ring from his sister, May, and was remembered by his father, Geo. S. Cole.
Sparks & Allen's Circus. We are in our eighteenth week. The proprietors have decided to put a country circus on the road about Nov. 15, playing all the best towns through to the Pacific Coast, carrying all their ponies, donkeys and dogs, a mounted parade, big band, and decorate the inside of opera houses with their tents, giving a regular and old time one ring circus performance.
Baldwin & Cummings have unearthed and added to their museum department the Cardiff Giant who was buried at Independence, Ia., twenty years ago by P. A. Older. The proprietors propose putting their entire circus, museum and menagerie under one canvas, and at one admission during the Winter months. The Ashton Bros., now with the Ringling Bros. Shows, have engaged with Baldwin & Cummings' Circus for the Winter season, to do leaping, tumbling, brother act and triple bars.
Notes from the John S. McMahon Show. Since we opened last March, this has proved to be one of the most prosperous seasons. Our Canadian trip has been phenomenal. We entered Winnipeg, Manitoba, July 12, showing there four days to our full capacity at each performance. Three weeks after we left the city of Winnipeg, the honorable Mayor and worthy counsel remitted us $200 on our license. Manager J. S. McMahon is in ill health. He expects to go under strict medical treatment in a short time.
Hunting's Happenings. Business is good, and at Elk Graden, Dave, Sutton, Weston and Buchanan, we were unable to accomodate the people in our afternoon performance. T. B. Austin, formerly of the Barnum advance corps, now has charge of advertising car No. 2. The amount of paper used daily is steadily on the increase, and often twenty-five hundred sheets is a day's work. Things on the B. & O. R. R. got pretty lively between nine shows, all skirmishing for billing space.
[Advertisement] To circus managers. On account of my ill health I will sell my circus outfit, or will rent it to responsible parties for a Southern tour. I have the best of ring horses, the largest elephants and the finest cars owned by any circus in America. Write or come and see the show as per route. John S. McMahon.
New York Clipper, September 10, 1892, p. 422. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Roster of Gollmar Bros. Show: Gollmar Bros., sole proprietors; B. F. Gollmar, treasurer; Chas. A. Gollmar, manager; W. S. Gollmar, equestrian manager; A. Gollmar, manager of concert; Fred Gollmar, general advance manager; J. Gollmar, chief of brigade No. 1 with twelve men; Claude C. Gollmar, chief of brigade No. 2 with eight men; Arthur Wilkson, boss hostler with thirty men; Chas. Barrett, master of canvas with twenty-five men; Glen Shaw, candy stands; Prof. Reese, leader of band No. 1, with the following men - J. H. Herbert, B. A. Saunders, F. Fagle, J. Harris, Chas. Foster, S. A. Jacobs, Chas. A. Dilye, John White, F. Foster, Chas. Painter, Fred Martino and Frank Ross. Prof. Maralo, leader of band No. 2, with the following men - Frank Camo, Geo. Bass, Jas. Robie, Joseph Mackey, Arthur Mann, M. C. Girard, Frank G. Rawley, and H. R. Decker.
Performers: Joseph Parsons, Mlle. Lambkin, Clarinda Lowanda, Harry Lambkin, Geo. Harkey, Eddie Dell, C. C. Mathews, Jessie Dair, Joe Garnell, Fred La Martino, Walter Gollmar, C. A. Gollmar, Edwin S. Pearl, Jas. Fitzgerald, Jas. King, Mme. Parsons, Mlle. La Marr, Dartelle Bros., Three Barnello Bros., Chas. La Role, Mabel Ross, Mme. Fernando, and Mons. Kingley. Concert people: Mrs. C. C. Matthews, Mabel Ross, Geo. Herkey, La Martino, Frank Roe and Fitzgerald and King. Annex: J. H. Shields & Son, managers; Mrs. J. H. Shields, Herr Bland, Lulu Zangara, Marlo Chief, Mme. Fargat, Prof. Walters, Mlle. Walters and Artie Shields. Last week we received four new cages of animals. Harkey made his debut as a clown last week.
Doings of Downie & Gallagher's New United Shows, Circus, Hippodrome and Wild West. At Schenectady, Aug. 22, we played with Forepaugh Show, and despite the strong opposition, business was good. Both shows arrived there 21, and a general visiting was kept up until late Sunday evening. This was the second time this season that we played with the Forepaugh Show. Carmen Alvarez and Rio Grand Bill, late of the Buffalo Bill Wild West, joined at Cohoes 24, and both are doing riding and roping.
The Hubins, Frank and Millie, closed their season with Richards' Circus, and will start out with their own traveling Museum and Congress of Wonders. They will have eight people, jubilee singers, special printing and pictorial work.
Notes from the Frank A. Gardner Circus, now at Lima, Peru: Col. Jesse W. Foster arrived at Lima Aug. 5, with an entire new canvas, a 105ft. round top with two 40ft. middle pieces. The Zamora Mexican Family will not return to the States until later. They are to remain with the Gardner Circus for the tour through the Republics of Bolivia and Chili. The trip will take between five and six months longer.
Robert Stickney has returned from the Harper Bros.' Circus. Mr. Stickney is now at the West End Training Academy, this city, breaking a troupe of Shetland ponies. Mr. Stickney has added to his troupe of trained animals the somersault dog, Bob.
Roster of Sargent & Kidder's advertising car No. 2: O. S. Cary, general advance manager; J. E. McCarthy, superintendent; ___, boss billposter; Wm. McLeod, head programmer and lithographer; Jack Elis, Jerry Donavan, Chas. White, Billy Irwin and Jack Eberle.
Hattie and Joe Richard did their double trapeze act over the lake at Zoo Park, Springfield, Mo., They finished their two weeks' work, and joined the Cooper & Rodden Show at Des Moines, Ia.
Notes from Walter L. Main's Show. Last week we were visited by Charley Madden, the talking and singing clown. He was on his way home to Tiffin, O., having left the Reed Show, which went into winter quarters in August. At Harper, Kas., we had the pleasure of meeting Henry G. Pert, manager of the opera house there. Charles Bragg, a member of the band, is Clipper agent with us. Frost Lemen, of Lemen Bros. Circus, visited us at Iola, 26, and Mr. Main visited their show at Humbolt, twenty miles away, same evening.
Edward Rice, formerly of the Rice Bros., has joined the Irwin Bros.' Show.
John N. Russell's monologue specialty is a feature of the concert with Walter L. Main's Circus. Mrs. John N. Russell is with the show, and is becoming a graceful horseback rider.
Alf Dorian has left the Long Bros. Specialty Co. and joined John Robinson's Circus.
Notes from the Chas. Bartine Show. Business for the past ten weeks surpassed any in the history of the show. This is our twenty-second week on the road, and being by wagon, everything begins to show the wear. Manager Bartine will have an entire new outfit for next season. The following now compose the list of performers, with Geo. Rexford as equestrian director: Steve Meaney, Chas. Morrison, ___ and Crawford, Evans and Dorman, Maley Sisters, the Guthries, Phil King, Maud Arretta, Rexford Bros., Nellie Bartine, Elva Bartine, Le La Vant, Chas. Balliet, Mantal Vane, Tod Bartine, Johna and Willis Bartine, and Burt Bolton.
The Jennier Family joined La Pearl's Circus at Clinton, Ill., and report the show doing well. The band leader, Prof. Vandercook, has been confined to his bed for some time with brain fever, but is up and about again.
New York Clipper, September 17, 1892, pp. 438, 453. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Notes from the La Pearl Show. Business continues big. We are just back into Illinois from our Indiana dates, and are adding a new list of towns to our established route which prove to be winners. Geo. Jennier and family of four acrobats and aerial performers joined at Clinton, Ill. Millie Marretta closed _ and went to St. Louis. At Virginia, 3, a ring from the band, an engraved silver cup and a gold watch chain from the performers were presented to our leader, Hale A. Vandercook, as birthday souvenirs. The Albions, Frank, Chas. and Harry, are doing the three-high brother act.
Prof. E. V. Hocum will retire from the mercantile business and adopt the circus business as a profession. He has of late become the possessor of four beautiful horses. First, a dark brown, already does numerous tricks, such as firing off pistols, lying down, sitting up. untying handkerchief from hind foot, jumping through hoops, etc. Next comes Mazeppa, a dark chestnut sorrel, with four white feet and white face. Next comes Foot, a dark bay stallion with white feet and a star on his forhead, with a tail that almost sweeps the ground. Last comes Ab Sid, a dark chestnut, sorrel stallion. Mr. Hocum will commence their training early this Winter and will go out next season. After the first season he will increase his number of equines about four times. Mr. Hocum has also created excitement by his riding and feats on tight rope and slack wire.
Erwood's New Consolidated Shows report good business. The ring is under the direction of Walter Ronaldo. Five musicians have been added to the band. List of the company: _. J. Erwood, sole proprietor and manager; Geo. L. Bowers in advance with four assistants; Walter Romalo, ring master; the Galena Family, the Romalo Bros., William La Crawford, Little Rudy, Mons. Gorman . . . and a band of ten pieces. The show will travel entirely by wagons for the remainder of the season.
Edwin Pearl, slack wire and aerial performer, is with the Gollmar Bros.' Circus.
Frank Cotton lost one of his trained donkeys recently, but he still has his old reliable pair in Tom and Jerry. Mr. Cotton will close with the Hunting Show Oct. _.
W. C. Manning, bar performer, late of the Downie & Gallagher Show, and Frank Acton, principal bar performer with the Lee Circus, have joined hands.
Mrs. Emma Hobson, wife of C. D. Hobson, and ex-circus manager and well known musical conductor, died Sept. _, at Texarkana, Tex. of typhoid fever. Two of her sons, Homer and Horace, are members of the Miles Orton Show.
Ed L. Brannan has joined Col. G. W. Hall's Show as special agent.
A. J. Anderson writes that he is in no way connected with C. E. Emerson's Minstrels. He is a member of Sparks & Allen's Circus.
[Advertisement] Circus performers and musicians wanted immediately for the Great American Show. Address A. M. Van Zant, Washington Av., St. Louis, Mo.
New York Clipper, September 24, 1892, p. 456. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Notes from Hurlburt & Leftwich's Show. We are now making our way South, toward Norfolk, Neb., and expect to close about Oct. 15. Have been out nineteen weeks, and business has been up to standard. Mr. Ricardo, our equestrian director, has left for his home at Hammond, Wis. Mr. Leftwich is filling his place. The Leahs also left at Hammond. Mr. Melvin joined at Lake City, Minn. Mr. Rush and wife have been engaged to fill the Leahs' place. We played Winebago City, Minn., Sept. 10, two days after the Reynolds' Show, to packed tents, both afternoon and evening. Pop Woodworth paid us a visit at Winebago City.
Joe Lewis, of the Three Lewis Bros., acrobats, was a Clipper caller last week. The sickness of William Lewis causes his temporary retirement from work. Joe Lewis and his wife are with T. K. Burk's Show.
Eddie Cunningham, contortionist, now with W. B. Reynolds' Circus, will hereafter be known as Royetto.
Hunting's Circus Happenings. Our three days' business at Cincinnati was a surprise to everybody. Chas. Wheeler took charge of the train Sept. 1. Mr. Hunting has been in the advance for past week. Geo. Curry is our new master of canvas. We are now headed South, and have prospects of a long season.
Notes from the Russian Circus, now touring Europe. The show is doing a splendid business. Mr. Bingham, representative of a syndicate which is to open a hippodrome and circus at Chicago, was a visitor here, and made some purchases of trained horses. The public here have not forgotten Frank Melville, the equestrian, and every day someone asks how he is. Mrs. Jordan's double somersaults are a surprise to the gymnasts on this side. The Jordans open at the Nouveau Cirque, Paris, Oct. 1, for a limited engagement.
Notes from Chas. Lee's London Shows. We are in our twentieth week, and business continues good. Two weeks more and we will be in winter quarters. Mr. Lee has plans of his new house, which will be finished by Nov. 1. Mrs. Lee has returned to the show after an absence of two weeks. She is much improved, but is not yet able to work in the ring. Joe H. Hewitt has his company nearly completed. Lee Howard will work this Winter with Bob Stinson, his old partner, under the name of the Howard Bros. Seaman and Burk join Allen's New York Circus after the close of our show. Joe La Flower joins Dick Farnham, and they will be known as the Farnham Bros. Billy Clifton, knockabout clown, is booking his comedy company. Sam Scribner, of the Scribner & Smith Show, was a caller Sept. 6. H. A. Mann and advance corps were back and spent 10 with us. Lall Eggleston will work with Sam Harner this season. They will be with one of the leading minstrel companies. Frank Acton will work with A. C. Manning the following season. Geo. H. Irving ("Punch"), takes his old position as manager of the Wonderland Museum, Wilkesbarre, Pa., at the close of the show. Lewis Beavais, one armed trick tumbler, is meeting with success. Mons. Wright, the "Young Sampson," met with an accident 10, pulling against a team of horses in the concert. One of the whittletrees broke, and shot back, hitting him in the side and knocking him down, but he is able to walk at present.
Walter L. Main's Notes. Tony Lowande and sister, Marietta (Mrs. John Correia), riders, and John Correia and Ella Wilson, aerial performers, joined us Sept. 13. Mr. Main bought a handsome marked horse, 14. Our bands and orchestra, under the leadership of Prof. F. Mont Long, are subjects of favorable comment. Jesse L. Fusner, clown and singer, formerly with the show, recently rejoined. At Crete, Neb., we met the Boston Opera Co., headed by the Rinehart Sisters, Beatrice and Goldie, daughters of the late Sam Rinehart, who was an excellent clown, and one of the best leapers in his day. It is fully decided that this show goes South.
Doings of the Downie & Gallagher Shows. This is the nineteenth week of the season, and a week that every member will remember, as the banner one, not for business, but for amusement, for it was impossible to make a stand until Sept. __. We showed at Plattsburg, N. Y., Sept. 10, and were billed for Keensville 12, but the seas was so heavy, that it was not safe to pull out. It continued to roll all Saturday night, Sunday and Sunday night, and at five a.m. Monday morning we decided to brave the storm, so started out. At seven o'clock we were obliged to go to Valcour Island for shelter, and there our amusement continued. It was a regular "day off with the circus."
New York Clipper, October 1, 1892, p. 472. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Sunday night, Sept. 18, at Bessemer, Ala., the sideshow of Harris' Nickel Plate Circus was blown down. Mme. Andress had her clothes ruined in the rain.
The La Pearl Show will close their season at Marshall, Oct. 1, and go into winter quarters at Crawfordsville, Ind.
C. E. Chamberlain has closed with Downie & Gallagher's Circus, and is playing fairs in partnership with _. M. Vernelo. They will shortly put out a traveling museum.
Prof. C. W. Jones, formerly leader of Sells Bros. colored band, and lately with the Texas Medicine Co., has joined Sells & Renfrow Circus.
New York Clipper, October 8, 1892, pp. 488, 501. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
From Lee's London Shows. We close at Montandon, Pa., Oct. 8, after a twenty-three weeks' season, without an accident of any account. We go into winter quarters at Canton, Pa. Our shops, ring barn and all buildings are new. Mr. Lee will go to work at once painting and building for next season. Joe Hewitt, treasurer, will not open his burlesque company until after election. Geo. Irving and Mme. La Bell go to Wilkesbarre, Pa. Mr. Irving will fill his old position as manager of the Wonderland. Seaman and Burk join Allen's Great Eastern Circus, and will remain with it until the close of the season, going with "The Country Circus" for the Winter. Lee Howard goes to Hot Springs for six weeks, and will then join his old partner, Bob ___. Louis Beavins goes to Pawtucket, R. I. for a short rest. Joe La Flower will go to Providence, R. I., and later on will open as one of the Farnum Bros. at Boston. Frank Acton leaves for New York City to join is new partner, W. A. Manning. Billy Clifton opens at Canton with his comedy company Nov. 12. Lall Eggleston will be at Casenovia, N. Y. until after the election, then he will join Sam Harner.
Items from Gollmar Bros.' Show. We are in our nineteenth week and doing good business. At Cartersville, Ill., we had a visit from Charles and Henry Ringling, and Mrs. Chas. Ringling. The Gollmar Bros. and Ringling Bros. winter their shows at Baraboo, Wis. There is no connection between them in business matters, only in relationship, they being cousins. Our season will probably close the latter part of October. Joseph Parsons, Mme. Parsons, and Harry Lamkin will probably go to Cuba, he and C. C. Mathews and Jessie Dair having a good offer from a Southern Show. Joe Garnell will work dates. La Martino goes out with a combination. Fitzgerald and King have a good offer to go South, but will not accept, owing to King's injuries which he received at Carlinsville, Ill., by falling from the bars. He was obliged to return to his home, at Hoosick Falls, N. Y. Oscar L. Cole, contortionist, will work the leading vaudeville theaters this Winter. J. H. Shields, wife and son, will also go to Central America with their own show. C. C. Matthews is doing his classical swings as the outside attraction. Our annex has been greatly enlarged, Mrs. J. H. Shields being the feature with her eight performing serpents.
Hunting's Circus Happenings. Frank Christie is working alone. Jas. Altman, a horse driver, was kicked by one of his horses Sept. 13, and is now in the Jacksonville Hospital, with a fractured skull. His chances of recovery are fair. Chas. T. Madden, the old time clown, was a visitor. Minnie Otis closed __. Mlle. Olivia joined 28. Manager Hunting has been ahead of late, and during his absence Frank Christie does the principal clowning. At the close of the season Prof. Griffin will consolidate his two shows for a tour East.
The Sun Bros. United Railroad Shows close season Oct. 17, at Toledo, O. Next season they will have an entirely new show, traveling in their own cars, and a new ninety feet round top with two forty feet middle pieces. . . .
The World's Fair Shows have reorganized under the firm name of De Vere & Keetch's New Colossal Shows and Pyrotechnic Sensation, Harry De Vere and Ed Keetch, proprietors . . .
Notes from the Walter L. Main Show. Business has been very large in Nebraska. At Madison Moses and Charles Mihills, uncles of Mr. Main, with their families and friends were our guests. They are extensively involved in farming, cattle raising and blooded horsebreeding at Norfolk. Mr. Main's mother went home and remained over Sunday with them. We meet Mr. Main's relatives all over the country, and it is a noticeable fact that they are all well fixed, paying taxes instead of rent. W. M. Elkin and wife, aerialists and race riders, joined 19. Christ. La Role, who was injured a month ago, returned yesterday and the brothers are doing their aerial act. Our new circus and hippodrome canvas was put up for the first timeat Hastings, Neb., 24. W. Fred Aymar is giving satisfaction as equestrian director. This is his second year in that capacity. Mr. Main has ordered a new steam calliope. Superintendent C. H. Gilbertson and wife recently visited relatives at Brush, Ca. Walter L. Main and wife, his mother, Mrs. Gilbertson, E. Haley, F. Mont Long, Archie Royer, Tony Lowanda, Red Miller, Bert Cole and others visited the Ringling Show at Red Cloud.
The Gollmar Bros. have closed with the E. G. Holland & Co.'s Circus, and will stay at their hoem, Fremont, O., this Winter, where they will run a canvas show Oct. 18-2_.
Notes from Sun Bros. Circus. We are in our twentieth week in Ohio, and business continues good. We will close on 17. Our band, under the leadership fo Prof. G. H. Catterfield, of East Saginaw, Mich., is doing well. Trover and Ricardo and Maurice La Belle are recent additions.
Hurlburt & Leftwich's Show will close for the season Oct. 8.
[Advertisement] Cars for sale. Museum for sale. Will sell together or separate, the property known as Coup's Enchanted Rolling Palaces, composed of an entire museum and five beautiful R. R. cars. These are almost new and very elaborate and attractive patent couplers, airbrakes and vestibuled. One splendid combination car for passengers, sleeping, eating all throughly for that purpose. Cash or first class security only accepted. Address Thos. L Brenier, owner, Lyceum Theatre, Chicago.
New York Clipper, October 15, 1892, pp. 505, 507. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Samuel H. Haynes takes exception to the statement that the late Mlle. Zulleia was the first female aerialist to do the feat known as "The Leap for Life" in this country. Mr. Haynes is a retired professional, and is now connected with The Chicago Daily News. His explanation is interesting, and says: "In October, 1868, Mr. Jarrett, of Jarrett & Palmer, managers of Niblo's Garden, was at London, Eng., engaging people for the opening of Tammany Hall. I was then working with a lady under the team name of 'The Sanyeahs.' We were engaged by Mr. Jarrett and arrived in New York in November, 1868. Tammany Hall was not ready for opening, so in company with ___'s Pantomime Co., a ballet, Allice Harrison and others, Mr. Jarrett took the company to the Front Street Theatre, Baltimore, for one week, and then to the Holiday Street Theatre, in the same city, for two weeks. The company returned intact to New York, with the exception of the Sanyeahs, who were sublet to Robert Fox, of Philadelphia, for two weeks - the week before Christmas and Christmas week - and then returned to New York for the opening of Tammany Hall. The Sanyeahs, therefore, claim to have performed 'The Leap for Life' at Tammany Hall and the theates [sic] named before Zulleia ever came to this country. Our performance consisted of the flying rings, finishing with a leap, and we were the first gymnasts to appear at Tammany Hall. Zulleia came to this country, I think, with Ventini, under the name of Zulleia and Ventini, and, although she may have practiced with Leopold Bros., she never appeared in public with them. Zuellia came to this country under the following circumstances: I was engaged for six months with Jarrett & Palmer, but was only with them about nine weeks, having a misunderstanding with Leonard Grover, the Tammany manager. I quit suddenly, and Mr. Jarrett cabled to A. Maynard, London theatrical agent, to send a female gymnast over at once. Ventini was in Maynard's office when the message arrived and was read aloud, and at once took in the situation. The team immediately came to this country, thereby getting the start of Maynard, and were engaged on their arrival. It is true that they were the first double trapeze performers in this country, but the introduction of 'the leap for life' in American was made by the Sanyeahs. I retired from the profession in 1879, but my wife still appears, under the name of Millie Cerito, doing a barrel dancing and juggling act."
The Sargent & Kidder Show collapsed at Warren, Pa., Oct. 8. The agent, W. S. Cary, attached the show. Salaries were owing all around, so a statement signed by the entire company makes known.
H. A. Mann has closed with Chas. Lee's London Shows as general agent, and has joined the advance of Sparks & Allen's Great Eastern Circus.
L. W. Washburn's Circus closed its season Oct. 8, at Chatham, Ont., where it will go into winter quarters. Mr. Washburn is to take charge of Stetson's "U. T. C." Co., and Dave B. Levis goes to Chicago to prepare for the tour of his "Uncle Josh Spruceby" Co.
A cyclone struck Bonheur Bros.' Show at Norman, Ia., Sept. 21. Henry Madson had three ribs broken, Mrs. Dahl was tripped by a flying guy and injured in the face by being trampled on. Her daughter, Anna Dahl, received a severe contusion on the head. J. R. Bonheur was thrown violently from the stand where he was lecturing, and the organ fell over on his back. He has been suffering pain for a couple of weeks, but is on duty, as ever.
Albert Sylvester, contortionist, closed with Chas. Lee's Great London Circus Oct. 8, and will play dates this Winter.
The business staff of John F. Stowe's Railroad Show: Harry Moore, general agent; C. E. Kenney, contracting agent; J. H. Wood, press agent and superintendent advertising car No. 1; H. R. Cook, chief billposter; Chas. Hardy, programmer; Geo. Wilds, lithographer; Joe Woodward, John Davis, J. K. Cole, J. G. Clark, _. Cleveland, O. K. Wright, Jas. Sullivan, Pete Morris, Wm. Miller and H. G. ___, billposters; Prof. Williams, porter. The show is headed South for the Winter.
Harmston & Co.'s Circus opened at Tokio, Japan, Sept. 10, and reports good business. The junior partner, George Harmston, was married to Miss Le Blonde, the leading equestrienne, at Yokuhama. The company will shortly give a special performance at the Mikado's Palace, by special invitation before the Mikado and foreign ministers.
R. D. Miller, L. P. Brier and John Maag, musicians, closed with Walter L. Main Circus at Atchinson, Kan., Oct. 3, to join Prof. Fred E. Butler's band with Jefferson, Klaw & Erlanger's "Country Circus."
Cooper & Roddon's Show is reported to have closed at Clinton, Mo., Oct. 1.
Sun Bros.' Circus close season at Toledo, O., Oct. 15. The show will be enlarged to four cars next season, and will open early in May at Toledo. They report eight weeks of rain in the Spring, but only four days of rain since. They have not missed a performance or had any accidents or blowdowns. John Star, juggler, is playing dates East at present. Peter Sun, juggler, is with one of Healy & Bigelow's companies in Illinois. Gus Gun, juggler, formerly manager for Healy & Bigelow, is half owner of Sun Bros.' Circus, and Geo. Sun, juggler, of "Phantasma" fame, is manager and half owner of Sun Bros.' Circus. Gus Gun will go to Hot Springs, Ark., at the close of the circus season. Geo. Sun will organize his "Phantasma," which opens Nov. 12.
W. G. Botsford closed with Chas. Lee's London Shows Oct. 8, at Monroeton, Pa. He goes to Jamestown, N. Y. for the Winter.
Hunting's Circus will close at Covington, Ky., Oct. 20. After reorganizing the show will begin a Southern tour Nov. 1. Frank Cotton and his donkeys close at Covington, and open at Kohn & Middleton's Museum at Pittsburg 15. Robert Whittaker retires from the profession 20, and will go into the stationery business at Jamestown, N. Y.
L. Maya, agent for Chiarini, who has not been here in ten years, will remain in this country for some weeks arranging matters for Chiarini's Shows. He is a veteran in the circus business.
New York Clipper, October 22, 1892, p. 522. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The following letter from Ventini, late of Zulleia and Ventini, will probably set at rest all controversy as to the way that team were engaged for this country: "In last weeks' Clipper Samuel H. Haynes takes exception to the statement that the late Mlle. Zulleia was the first female aerialist to do the feat known as 'The Leap for Life,' in this country. I being the living member of the team known as Zulleia and Ventini, feel it is only justice to the dead to correct a few mistakes in Mr. Haynes' statemets. Zulleia was an apprentice to Spencer, but never to the Leopold Bros. She worked a year with Wm. Leopold, under the team name of Zulleia and Leopold, playing all the principal theatres in England, closing her engagement with Mr. Leopold at the Royal Agricultural Hall, London, with Sanger's Circus. She then joined hands with me, and under the team name of Zulleia and Ventini we were playing an engagement at the Standard Theatre, London, when Mr. Lowell, of Lowell & Simmonds, New York agents, saw our act, and engaged us for a three months' engagement at Tammany Hall. Mr. Lowell claimed to be sent by Jarrett & Palmer to engaged a female aerialist to do the 'leap for life,' saying that Mlle. Sanyeah had failed to make a successful leap. I was not in Mr. Maynard's office when a cablegram was read, nor was there one sent to my knowledge. The contracts were drawn and signed in Mr. Maynard's office. We played our three months' engagement at Tammany Hall, Mlle. Zulleia making a leap of one hundred and thirty feet nightly."
From the Fred Locke Show. We are now in our twenty-fourth and last week of the season, closing at Jamestown, O., Oct. 22. This has been the most prosperous season Mr. Locke has ever had. Mr. Locke will ship to Capac, Mich., where he will begin preparing for next season. James Boland will winter at Capac, breaking some new stock, including four white stallions which Mr. Locke purchased recently. He will also have three educated pigs. H. R. Woodworth, W. A. Curtis and D. H. Hadermann, our leader, will join ___ & Barney's Concert Co., Mr. Hadermann taking charge of the band. L. E. Osborne joins the Chicago Ideals. John Conly and Master Ernie Powers will spend the Winter at their home, Capac. Sam J. Horner will go to his home, New Castle, Pa., and then joins his partner, Lall Eggleston. Wm. De Boe joins Sparks & Allen's Winter Circus. The Four Zaro Bros. will play dates. Joe Douglas will also play dates. Billy Sheppard joins the Wizard Oil Co. Fanning Bros. will spend the Winter at their home, Port Huron, Mich., and will have a new act next season. Billy Sanford will take out a comedy company. Chas. Clifford and wife will go to their home, Cleveland. The dressing rooms resemble an auction room, everybody buying and selling.
O. S. Cary writes as follows regarding the reported stranding of Sargent & Kidder's Show: "The closing of the season at Warren, Pa., Oct. 8, had been announced four weeks before that time. The advertising car stopped there, and every billposter, agent and working man around the show was paid in full. The only persons not paid in full were some performers who cut their acts during the season, musicians and those against whom the show had just claims for the two weeks' salary due. Salaries had been paid promptly every Monday since the commencement of the season, not one single instance of a salary day being missed. The whole trouble comes from the final settlement on two weeks' hold back on salary, which the show management claims, in most instances, to have the right to keep on account of 'cut' acts, intoxication and other causes."
Le Le Vant, equilibrist and aerialist, closed his season with the Chas. Bartine New Consolidated Shows and Trained Animal Exhibition, and is at Saint Charles, Mich., taking a short vacation.
Scribner & Smith's Circus closed a prosperous season Oct. 8. All connected with the show, including performers, musicians, canvasmen and grooms, were paid off in full. They will Winter about forty head of horses. The remainder were sold at auction 10. Jack Kent, superintendent, is busy making new stuff for next season. They will carry an eight cage menagerie.
Notes from Hurlburt & Leftwich's Show. We closed our season Saturday, Oct. 8, at Winside, Neb., and pulled into our commodious winter quarters at Norfolk, Neb., Sunday, 9, everybody came to Norfolk and took dinner with Brother Reno. Most of the people left for their homes on Monday, except J. B. Cahoon and Jack O'Donnell, our band leader and superintendent, who will remain a few days longer.
McMahon's Shows report excellent business through the Northwest. Chas. C. Wilson, the general manager, writes: "At Calgary, Alberta, Can., the thermometer registerd __ deg. Sept. 15, and at no time has it been necessary to wear overcoats. Chas. McMahon joined the show recently."
Arthur Adair and wife have closed with L. W. Washburn's Show, are are now at home, Chicago, for the Winter.
Agent De Forrest Davis, having closed his season with the T. K. Burk Show, is in this city prior to returning to his Columbus, O., home.
The Orrin Bros.' Show will open in Mexico in November.
Chas. Lee's London Circus has closed for the season, and will go into winter quarters at Canton, Pa.
The Skerbeck Family Circus closed their season Oct. _.
New York Clipper, October 29, 1892, p. 538. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Bannack and Adair Bros. leave shortly for Havanna, Cubs, to fill a twelve weeks' engagement with Pubillones Circus.
The O'Dell Bros., having dissolved partnership, Eddie O'Dell will hereafter work alone. He is now with Lemen Bros.' Circus, in Texas.
The North & Lake Railroad Circus opened at Burlington, Ia., Oct. 6. They have a 100ft. round top with two 40ft. middle pieces, two 60ft. flat cars, one box car, one stock car, one palace sleeping car and one dining car. Prof. Miller and his silver band of twelve pieces, Geo. W. Richards and his trained ponies and dogs, Jack Shields, proprietor of sideshow; Pawnee Charlie's Wild West, Mrs. Pawnee Charlie, rifle shot; Harry Streif, clown and balloon man; Hattie and Joe Richards, aerialists; Will Generrow, slack wire and hand balancer; Perl Todd, Walter Todd, Johnnie More, Charlie Mason, Jennie May Wilson . . . and Albert De Mason.
Prof. Harry Streif joined Lake & North's Show at Burlington, Ia., to do clown and concert work. The show goes South for the Winter.
While the train of road wagons of the Bonheur Bros.' Show was descending a steep hill, about nine miles north of Yankton, S. D., Oct. 14, the team attached to the gas wagon became unmanageable and overturned the wagon. J. R. Bonheur, who had the lines, was dragged with the rig against an embankment, and his left leg being under the wagon top, his thigh bone was broken, and he sustained injuries about the head.
H. A. Mann has signed with Chas. Lee's London Show for the season of 1893.
Miles Berry, general agent of the W. B. Reynolds Shows, is taking a vacation, and is visiting his relatives at Constantine, Mich.
Oliver's Great Eastern Shows closed a successful season of twenty-four weeks Oct. 16 at Montevideo, Minn. Manager Oliver will put out a comedy company of eighteen people on Nov. 12.
New York Clipper, November 5, 1892, pp. 554, 557. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
At the conclusion of the performance of the T. K. Burk Show at Frankfort, Pa., on Oct. 15, Jas. W. Gooderich, professionally known as Signor Zana, and Belle Clymer were quietly married.
Roster of John Robinson advance No. 2: W. F. Adams, agent; Chas. Allman, charge of paper; Ed Braddock, lithographer; J. Pigg, programmer; "Senator" Hop Little, calliope player; Will Allen, Billy Norton, Chas. Kline, Joe Kaiser, Frank Hardy and Jack Mahon, billposters.
Chas. Bartine's Consolidated Shows closed their season of twenty-four weeks Oct. 12, and have gone into winter quarters at Germantown, O. The outfit will be entirely new next season. They will have twelve platform baggage wagons, one ticket wagon, one band wagon, two property wagons, two passenger wagons and two advance wagons. The only wagons of the old outfit that will be used will be the pole wagon and three of the larger platform baggage wagons, two of which will be used for the sideshow and one as a cook wagon. They will break a number of new horses for the ring, among which will be a four pony act by Master Tod, a double menage (ponies) act for John and Nellie [Nettie?], and a two pony hurdle act by Little John.
Chas. Payne, who has closed with Hurlburt & Leftwich's Circus, will join his partner, Barney Hall, at Milwaukee.
Robert E. Lee has reached California from China where he had been traveling with Woodyear's Circus.
F. J. Taylor's Circus closed the season Oct. 25, at Burlington, Mo.
A serious wreck occurred on the Norfolk and Western Railroad, Oct. 31, near Disputanta, Va., which was caused by the collision of two trains loaded with coal. Fourteen cars and a locomotive were wrecked, and Leonard Laporte, of Germantown, Pa., a trapeze performer of Snyder & Zimmerman's Circus, was killed. John Fahan and Andrew Fahan, of Trenton, N. J., brothers, who were also trapeze performers in the same circus, were seriously, and perhaps fatally, injured.
Snyder & Zimmerman's Fair Ground Show No. 1 close this week at Harrisburg, Va., and their No. 2 show is at the Macon, Ga., fair, and will tour the Southern fairs under the supervision of Prof. Hugo. Mr. Snyder left at once for New York to make arrangements for their Minstrel Carnival. The parade is something entirely new, and will be about six blocks long. Max Zimmerman will remain at Frederick, Md., and look after the interest of the show at that end of the line.
Geo. Parento, equilibrist and aerialist, closed his second season with A. F. Tuttle's Olympic Circus Oct. 18, and has joined Wren's Specialty Co.
Otto Yeager, W. G. Rollins and Ferd Clymer have closed with Burk's Circus, and are now with Barlow Bros.' Minstrels.
John G. Scheidler, sideshow manager, and Millie Sorella closed their season of twenty-six weeks with F. J. Taylor's Circus, Oct. 25. They opened at the Eden Musee, Creston, Ia., Oct. 31.
The Three Millette Bros., acrobats, have closed the season with Harris' Circus, and opened at the Olympic Theatre, Chicago, Oct. 31.
New York Clipper, November 12, 1892, pp. 570, 583. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
From Walter L. Main's Show. We opened at Geneva, O., April __, and had been out only a few days when rain commenced, and our tents were hardly dry any time until July 4. It injured business, but since then business has been large. We will close Nov. 19, at Paragould, Ark., the most successful season Mr. Main has ever had. Horses being cheap, Mr. Main has bought a car load of picked ones to take home with him to Ohio for his big show next season. Our present season lasted thirty weeks. From Paragould, Ark., the show will be shipped to Mr. Main's home, Geneva, O., where the big shows will be stored in his new winter quarters.
Luke Rivers will do his "Pete Jenkins" act with Scribner & Smith's Circus next season.
Katie Wright has joined Sam C. Wright. They are with A. Reed's Railroad Show.
Sparks & Allen's Circus closed on Oct. 29, after a profitable season of twenty-seven weeks.
A. R. Reed's Circus closed the season Oct. 10 at North Vernon, Ind., where the stock and wagons are quartered upon the Fair grounds. The show opened for the Winter season by rail at Jeffersonville, Ind.
Eddie Martine has closed his successful season with Bob Hunting's Circus, and has gone to Cuba with Sig. Pubillones.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Munson & Co.'s 15 and 25 Cent Circus, musicians, B flat cornet, tuba and tenor. Also specialty people who do two or more turns. Those who can work in concert or double in brass given preference. We work all Winter, boat show, but work under canvas. Address Ernest Haag, Shreveport, La., care of Munson & Co. Circus.
New York Clipper, November 19, 1892, pp. 586, 599, 600. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Willie Mohring, of the Mohring Bros., was badly hurt during their act with W. H. Harris' Circus at New Orleans on Nov. _.
John S. McMahon's Circus closed Nov. 12 at Portland, Ore Mr. McMahon has returned to his home at Chicago, and intends disposing of his interest in the show on account of failing health.
John Purcell, for many years past with the Wallace Show, has been engaged as boss canvasman for the season of 1893 with Barnum & Bailey's Greatest Show on Earth. Thomas Brown and Henry Richards have been engaged as assistnat boss canvasmen.
The Asbeys have signed with the La Pearl Show for next season. They are practicing a new sword, knife and spear specialty.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Miller, Austin & Robinson's Combined Shows. J. W. Robinson, E. Marron, C. W. Austin. Wanted, people on all branches of the circus business. Riders, with or without stock, leapers, tumblers, and bar performers. One sensational "aerial act." Agents who understand the Southern country. Concert people, chandelier man, boss canvasman. One 60ft. flat car, one stock car, one second hand 100ft. rount top tent, with seats, complete. Show opens at Key West, Florida, on or about Jan. 1, 1893. All privileges to rent. Address E. Marron, Esq., Calle de Penas, No. 5, Puebla, Mexico.
[Advertisement] Want people for Le Vant's World of Novelties and Parlor Circus Combined, musical team that does sketches, knockabout Irish or Dutch team. Other novelties. Address Lee La Vant, Ossego, Mich.
New York Clipper, November 26, 1892, pp. 602, 614. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Situated at the junction of the Wabash and Mississinewa Rivers, in sight of the city, stand the newly erected winter quarters of the Wallace Show. Riverside Farm, 220 acres in extent, was ceded by the United States treaty to Godfroy, hereditary chief of the Miami Indians, nearly a century ago, and remaind in posession of his descendents until last Winter, when it was purchased by Mr. Wallace, from the great grandchild of the old chief, for $30,000. . . . On this land Mr. Wallace has erected the buildings necessary to Winter his show. They are eleven in number, viz.: Main barn, 200x120ft.; cat animal building, 40x50ft.; hay animal building, 40x50ft.; elephant building, 100x50ft.; camel barn, 50x50ft.; shops, two stories, 50x50ft. each; cook house, two story residence and outbuildings, and 750ft. wagon sheds. Of these structures, the residence, cat and hay animal buildings and elephant barn are of brick. The rest are frame, weather boarded and painted. Every building is roofed with slate, and all are heated and lit with natural gas, which is piped from a distance of three miles. A hot air pumping engine, with a capacity of 1,000 gallon per hour, supplies water and fire protection to the various buildings, a stationary engine in the ships runs the feed chopper and machinery in the wagon shops, and a complete system of sewers makes the sanitary arrangements perfect. The building known as the shops contains downstairs the blacksmith and wood shops, washing rack and paint shop, and these rooms are supplied with every facility required in the manufacture and repair of wagons, including wood and iron lathe, drill, saw, etc., and up stairs are located the wardrobe room, harness shope, dormatory, bath room and laundry. The ring barn, an octagon structure, 70ft. in diameter, contains a 44ft. ring, with mechanic and two dressing rooms, the entire building thoroughly heated and lit, to allow practice in the coldest weather; attached to this is the stable for ring stock containing forty box stall. Graveled driveways lead to every building, and between the roads are grass plots and flower beds; entrance to the grounds is effected through three massive arched gateways of elaborate design, which face the ___ winding along the north bank of the Mississinewa, and through the park of forty acres, full of noble trees, and shaded walks and drives, which lies between the residence and the river. The various lofts and granaries store 1,000 tons of hay and 4,500 bushels of corn, every particle of which is raised on the two upper farms, three miles east of this one, both containing about six hundred acres, which have belonged to Mr. Wallace for years. . . .
Alf Dorian, contortionist, closed with the John Robinson Shows at Rockwood, Tenn., Nov. 7, and joined Sells & Rentfrow's Show, which proposes to remain out all Winter.
Jessie Bowersock, formerly of the Cathcarts, Maurice and Jessie, doing rings and song and dance lady, has closed with Popcorn George's Show.
Notes from the McMahon Show. Our band played "Home, Sweet Home," at Portland, Ore., Nov. 12, and the show closed the most successful season of its career, and was shipped to Chicago, where it will be sold, as Mr. McMahon has decided to retire, owing to his continued illness. This show has been termed the pioneer show in the West, and during the past season has traveled from Oakland, Cal., to Halifax, N. S., and thence back to the Pacific Coast and east to Chicgo, thus crossing the continent almost four time. One half of the stands played had never seen a circus, and at Calgary, N. W. T., Can., we turned people away at three performances. John S. McMahon and his sister, Mary, intend to spend the Winter at Monterey, Mexico. Chas. McMahon will remain in charge of the show. Manager Geo. H. Hines will Winter at Chicago. Agent Chas. C. Wilson, after completing the final arrangements for the show, will visit his parents at Joplin, Mo. Archie O'Brien, the English rider, is still seriously ill at the hospital at Calgary, N. W. T. A number of our performers live on the coast and remained at Portland, while the balance traveled East in the show train, and most of them will remain in the World's Fair City until tramping time comes, and the red wagons move again.
Chas. Bartine has purchased from L. C. Miller (his former partner) all the rights and interests in the Chas. Bartine Shows. During this Winter Mr. Bartine will build a new outfit of wagons, tents, etc. Next year he will use a 90ft. round top tent with two 30ft. middle pieces, a dressing room tent, two horse tents and a sideshow tent, all new. He will use thirty-four lengths of new seats, ten tiers high. The show will open early in April.
The La Role Bros. have been re-engaged for the Walter L. Main Show for next season.
[Advertisement] Walter McCafferty's Great Double Shows and Ogawas Royal Japanese Circus, W. McCafferty, sole owner and manager. Wanted, people in all branches of the circus business. Also band of 6 pieces. Address Walt McCafferty, Sabetha, Kansas.
New York Clipper, December 3, 1892, p. 624. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
John S. McMahon's New York Circus and Menagerie closed their season at Portland, Ore., Nov. 12, and shipped the cars and complete outfit to Chicago, into winter quarters. John S. McMahon died while en route, near Helena, Mont., 17. The following people closed at Portland: Chas. McMahon, Archie O'Brien, John Davenport Jr., Mason and Zazell, Hugh Paretta, Chas. Albion and Wilson, Wm. Clifford, Jean Durand, Meranda and Little Fannie,and Paul and W. R. Ashe.
On Nov. 9, at Philadelphia, Margaret M. Hemmings, daughter of Richard Hemmings, of that city, the veteran equestrian and tight rope performer, was married to Henry Whitby, of Lancaster, Pa., son of the late Harry Whitby, who was for many years a circus proprietor and equestrian. The fathers of the couple were formerly partners in the circus business. The couple will reside at Lancaster, Pa.
W. W. Brown has been engaged by Ben Bowman, manager of the Sells & Rentfrow Shows, to do Punch and magic on their trip to Key West. The company: B. L. Bowman, proprietor and manager; Mrs. Bowman, Agner, John Hunter, Joe Wilber, Sidonia, Zumont, James Woolfscale, band of eight men, and James Reed in charge of canvas.
Tony Lowande broke his right leg on Nov. 14 at Hot Springs, Ark., while doing the jump up on his horse with the Walter L. Main Circus. He is at his home, Frankford, Pa., and is improving rapidly.
Prof. Hocum and the Slosson Bros. have signed with Oliver's Great Eastern Circus for the season of 1893, their third season with that show.
Lemen Bros.' Show closed its season at Cleburne, Tex., Nov. 23, and has gone into winter quarters at Argentine, Kan. The management will make its headquarters at Argentine from now until the first of the year, after which it will open an office at Kansas City. The advance car No. 1 closed 2 and the box brigage 16.
Everything about Scribner & Smith's winter quarters presents a busy appearance. New stuff is arriving and the management have purchased the majority of the Harper Bros.' outfit and several wagons from the C. J. Gregory Show. They have also secured a pair of black bears and a puma, which are now quartered at Central Park, New York. Several new wagons and a four horse bill wagon will be added to the show next season. Manangers Scribner & Smith leave for an extended trip West early in December, and expect of visit the winter quarters of several ashow in the West. The following people have already been engaged: Burtine, George Hartzell and wife, Luke Rivers, Elva Moran, Madalene, Holland and Burchine, Carl Hessel and F. H. Gross.
Geo. S. Cole and his son, Bert Cole, have retired to their home at Potsdam, N. Y., after a successful season with the Walter L. Main Show.
The John S. McMahon Show arrived at Chicago, Nov. 20 from the Pacific Coast, and are now in their winter quarters in that city. Chas. McMahon is in charge, and Chas. C. Wilson is business manager. The show is to be sold in accordance with the wishes of Mr. McMahon, who died while en route to Chicago on the show train.
New York Clipper, December 17, 1892, p. 654. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
There seems to be good prospects of Chicago getting a Winter circus before long. If a suitable location can be obtained, W. C. Coup, the veteran circus manager, backed by a wealthy syndicate, will establish, as a permanent institution, a circus and theatre combined. A handsome fireproof structure will be erected at a cost of nearly $150,000, its dimensions being about 200x150ft. At one end will be a stage fitted with machinery and devices for producing any effects desired or necessary, and with as good scenery as any theatre in Chicago. The proscenium will be adjustable, and the width of the stage increased or diminished as the performance requires. The opening can be made 40 or 80 feet wide, the depth of the stage being about 60ft. This stage will be so constructed that any part of the whole can be lowered by machinery worked by hydraulic power until it is on a level with the ring floor. High tramways will be built on each side of the stage for the purpose of permitting equestrianism, such as trained horses leaping with riders over aparently bottomless chasms, etc., the effect heightened and the illusion made more complete by appropriate scenery. The ring will be in the centre. The ring floor will rest upon steel standards so adjusted as to allow it to be lowered into a cistern filled with water directly underneath it to a depth of ten feet. The ring floor will be padded and also perforated, so as to permit its sinking rapidly to the bottom, thus leaving an open pool of water 40ft. in diameter. When the ring is not in use the floor will be place over it, leaving a perfectly smooth surface. The opening or main entrance to the ring door oppostie the stage will be 20ft. wide by 30ft. high, giving sufficient space for the entrance of floats upon which will be arranged allegorical tableaux. The seats will be arranged in a semi circle and in elevated tiers. The lower tiers will be private boxes and choice seats. These will be modern opera chairs upholstered in plush, with places for hats, wraps, canes and umbrellas. These will be designated as dress circle seats. The next tiers will be the balcony chairs, upholstered in leather, above them the gallery benches. The auditorium and stage are to be so constructed as to afford the finest acoustic properties obtainable. The seating capacity will accommodate 3,000 people. The entire interior will be elaborately frescoed and painted. Under the seats will be an open passageway to permit the passing of an apparently endless pageant. In front will be an attractive entrance, foyer, cloak, toilet and smoking rooms.
Prof. H. A. Vandercook, band leader, has been engaged for next season with J. H. La Pearl's Show, his third season with that organization. Mr. Vandercook is wintering at Crawfordsville, Ind.
The La Pearl Show is undergoing repairs at its winter quarters, Crawfordsville, Ind. Some trained horses and ring stock have been purchased for next season. Among other people De Boe, the wire walker and head balancer,and the Cameos, aerialists, will spend the remainder of the Winter season, after the holidays, in taking advantage of the ring barn for practice.
Chas. Drum has been engaged for the Bartine Shows as superintendnet of stock for season of 1893. The Three Burton Athletes have signed with the same show. Mr. Bartine has just completed a large addition to his house at Germantown, O., to be used as an amususement hall, which has been christened the "Home Theatre." The hall is 30x90ft., with 18ft. ceiling; stage, and seats for __ people. It was opened to the public Dec. 5.
Geo. S. Cole has purchased a half interest in the Sparks & Allen Circus. The show will be newly equipped for next season and it will be made one of the best wagon shows on the road. Two elephants and ten cages of animals will be added to the menagerie.
The follwing musicians have signed with Chas. Lee's London Shows: Eugene Mack, Will Packer, M. F. Owens, Lall Eggleston and John Horner.
New York Clipper, December 24, 1892, p. 670. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Sells & Rentfrow's Circus and Menagerie closes the season Dec. 24, at Tifton, Ga., and ships to Chattanooga, Tenn., where it will winter. The show will be enlarged and next season will be a twenty car show. The season has been a fair one. The Southern trip so far has been big. Advance car No. 1 closed Nov. 29, No. 2 car closed 10, and brigade No. _ closed 17.
Santiago Pubillones writes that he now has five companies touring Cuba, and thus far business is better than ever before.
Scribner & Smith have purchased from the Walter L. Main Show several cages, an open den and a large tableaux wagon. They have also arranged with Mr. McAdam for the use of an elephant for 1893. Their horses will be a special feature.
Frank Train has been re-engaged as treasurer for 1893 with Walter L. Main's Gigantic International Shows.
The following people have signed to go with the Leon W. Washburn Shows next season: James R. Whalen, Larry Moon, Frank Thorp, Charles Lowery and Thomas Lawrence.
Budd Hawls left Sells & Rentfrow's Circus recently on account of his wife's sickness. On is arrival home he was informed he was father of a four pound girl. "Old Budd" will spend the balance of the Winter at Elgin, Ill.
D. L. Nichols, high wire performer, and Dona Maria Otero, bareback equestrienne, sailed for Havana, Cuba, Dec. 20, to join S. Pubillones' Circus.
Business with the G. W. Hall Show in Louisiana is reported uniformly good. The season closes Jan. 21, at Boyce, La.
New York Clipper, December 31, 1892, pp. 686, 697. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Frank Montello, contortionist, has signed with J. H. La Pearl's Circus for next season.
At the winter quarters of Chas. Lee's London Show everything is beginning to look like a new show. The wagons will be ready to go to the paint show by Jan. 1. Four new cages will be added and a new tableau wagon for next season; also ten black horses on the new tableau wagon. The wardrobe for the parade will be new. New designs for the paper are being drawn, and the band, under the direction of Prof. Mack, will include fourteen musicians.
Sells & Rentfrow's Circus are doing a large business in Florida. The show turned people away at Tampa and Ocala, Fla.
Prof. C. W. Jones, cornetist, closed with the Sells & Rentfrow Circus Nov. 24. Prof. Jones will furnish the Great Wallace Circus colored band next seaso;n.
William J. Doris, sideshow manager and orator, has been engaged by the Wallace Circus to manage their sideshow for 1893.
The following people have signed with Leon W. Washburn's European Shows for the season of 1893: Annie Carroll, Wm. O. Dell, Alma O. Dell, Charles Lowery, Turnout and Roberts, Wilson Adams and wife, Rod Harris and wife, Billy Kibbel, Prof. Rhea, Wm. Myers, Wild Horse Jack, Suspender Jim and ___ Troupe fo Sioux Indians.
[Advertisement] Raymond's Railroad Shows, Circus, Menagerie and Hippodrome. Wanted for 1893 traveling season, male and female artists in all branches, riders, gymnasts, acrobats, aerialists, clowns, specialists, musicians, buglers and bagpipers; also a colored band. Would also purchase another sleeper and advance car. Address J. B. McMahon, Denver, Col. Billposters, lithographers and programmers address G. Castello.
1893
New York Clipper, January 7, 1893, pp. 702, 712. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Teet Bros. Wagon Show are touring the South. George W. Richards and his trained animal paradox, consisting of ponies, donkeys, dogs, monkeys and goats, have recently joined. Jack Shumate has charge of the canvas and stock, and is breaking some ponies. W. H. Fremont has charge of the advance with two assistants. After showing Florida they will go down the Apalachicola Ricer to Apalachicola, and are contemplating a trip to Cuba after they play the coast towns of Florida.
Thing are beginning to assume a lively appearance at the winter quarters, Chatham, Can., of the Leon W. Washburn Great Eastern Circus and Menagerie. The new wagons, cages and cars are being made at Chatham. There will be twenty new cages with lion den, and also a new band wagon. A new steam calliope and steam horse will be added to the show. A fine assortment of animals has arrived from Hamburg, Ger., including a small elephant only twenty-six inches high. The train will consist of five stocks, one elephant, ten flats, three sleepers and two advance cars. The stock will be one hundred gray draft horses, thirty ring, and ten ponies broken to do an act. This is the show that has "Jupiter," the largest elephant on the road. Thos. W. Lawrence is busy breaking his new acts for the coming season.
Col. Hall's Show closed the traveling season at Meridian, Miss., 27, and will winter there. The show will be enlarged for 1893. Three new cars and about twenty head of stock will be added, and the canvas will be brand new. Many of the old people are re-engaged. The officers: Col. G. W. Hall, sole proprietor; Chas. Bell, assistant manager; C. W. Henderson, general superintendent; W. T. Davis, treasurer; E. L. Brannan, general agent; Prof. Frank Morris, musical director; Chas. Watson, master canvas. Season will open on or about March 1.
The Adairs have signed for the coming season with La Pearl's Circus.
The following people have signed with the Mullen & Quinnett Show: Frank and Millie Hallen, Metcalfe and Norton, Joseph Tritch, Flo Tritch, Cantale Bros., the Anderson Bros., Prof. John M. Williams and his dog circus games, Wing, and Robert and Millie Zayrow, and Chas. Halter's band.
C. T. Taylor has secured the sideshow and concert privilege with Humboldt [sic?] & Leftwich's Show. J. B. Cahoon has been re-engaged to lead the military band. D. S. Ward has been re-engaged as advance manager. It will be the third season with that show for all three.
[Advertisement] Circus property for sale cheap. Advance wagon, band wagon, ticket and baggage wagon. Tents, poles, seats, lights, basso and tenor drums, cymbals, tuba, cornet, violin, etc. Will sell separate. Stored in Iowa. C. C. Miller, Beaver Dam, Wis. Miller Bros. have signed with Ringling Bros. Shows for 1893.
New York Clipper, January 14, 1893, p. 718. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Notes from Sells & Rentfrow's Shows. After a season of thirty-seven weeks, this circus closed at Tifton, Ga., Dec. 24. The season demonstrated the executive ability of the owners and managers, J. H. Rentfrow and William Sells. The first forty days saw incessant rains, and several stands were lost, but the show reached its winter quarters a winner. In the South, especially Kentucky, Tennessee and Florida, business was enormous. In Georgia and Alabama, owing to the low prices for cotton, business was not so good. The license laws of Georgia also affected financial results in that State. B. L. Bowman and wife are wintering at Chattanooga. Mr. Bowman has been engaged to run the sideshow for next season.
Sam Dock, aerial performer and superintendent of Welsh's Golden Shows, was married to Sadie Edwin, also a performer with the above shows, at Philadelphia, Dec. 24 last.
The Ashton Bros. have signed with Walter L. Main for next season.
Le Grand's Circus will take the road early in the season. Ernest Martin has been re-engaged, and will again assume the management of the sideshow, besides doing a double trapeze act with Belle Le Grand.
New York Clipper, January 21, 1893, pp. 734, 747. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Roster of Circo de Pubillones: S. Pubillones, proprietor and manager; Manuel Pubillones and Antonio Pubillones, assistant managers; John Harrison, secretary; Jose Penera, contracting agent; Jim Donovan, railroad contractor. Equestrians: Tote Siegrist, Archie O'Brien, Bob Stickney, Natalio Lowanda, Marie Otero, Mable Reed. Other performers: Seigrist and Silbon, D. L. Nichols, the Elliott Family seven in number; Alfredo Banak, Aida Banak, Roma Banak, Earl Sisters, five in number; Alf Dorian, Wiley Feris, Banak and Adair, Aura's troupe of nine Japs, Melvin and O'Brian, Don Pubillones' equine and canine paradox, Victor Romero, Don Guerillerno . . . and a host of tumblers and leapers. Music is furnished by a band of twenty-one pieces. . . .
The company exhibits in Teatro Payret, and was to take the road Jan. 16, under its mammoth tents. Notes from the show: Business is goo. Circus business is operated here in a somewhat different manner than in the U. S. One ring is used, of the regulation size. Boxes are ranged to encompass this. Back of the boxes are a series of raised chairs, and next come the seats on stringers that reach to the side wall of the tent. All the tented area not occupied by the riong is taken up with seats. . . .
Geo. W. La Rosa, equilibrist, goes again with W. H. Harris Nickel Plate Shows.
Prof. Chas. Hacker's band has signed with Mullens & Quinnett's Big Show. Tony F. Loss and the Gaylors have been engaged with the same show. Frank B. Hubin will have charge of the museum. W. H. Quinnett is breaking a donkey for a clown act. S. W. Chandler has been engaged as boss canvasman.
Everything around the E. G. Fladeland's Great British Circus will be new. A number of new cages will be added. The show opened at White Bear Lake, Minn., Jan. 5. They carry fourteen people, including a brass band and orchestra.
These performers have signed with the Great Western Circus: Wm. Door and family, Geo. P. Kuhn and W. H. Donley.
James W. Tweed has signed with Oliver's Great Eastern Show.
W. D. Ament (Mexican Billy) has secured the sideshow privileges with Gollmar Bros.' Circus for next season.
[Advertisement] Conroy's Great American Circus. Wanted, for the tenting seaso 1893. Male and female peformers in all branches, acrobats, aerialists, singing and speaking clowns, specialists, musicians, troupe of performing horses, dogs, etc.; also agent acquainted with the Eastern States; boss canvasman, chandelier and property men. Musicians address Dan O'Brien, Pawtucket, R. I. Other address E. J. Conroy, Adams Avenue, Central Falls, N. Y.
New York Clipper, January 28, 1893, pp. 755, 760, 762. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Notes from Walter L. Main Shows. Everything is booming at winter quarters. Over sixty mechanics are employed. New cars are ordered, and new advance car No. 1 is ready to be painted. Also three of the new cages. Two ring barns are run each day, one at the farm, where Prof. Harris is training horses and animals, while at Geneva all the ring stock is being run. The new hippodrome and draft stock arrived last week, as did another elephant. Three Shetland ponies came in recently.
The Jennier Family have signed with F. J. Taylor's Great American Two Ring Circus and Colossal Menagerie for next season.
Prof. _. M. Castroni and Mattie H. Castroni have signed with the Wallace Circus for next season, to do their fencing specialty.
The Three Renos have signed with Walter L. Main's Circus.
Among the people engaged for Lee's London Circus for next season: ___ Wright, Seaman and Burke, Willie Howarde, Cameron, Joe Tritch, Flo Tritch, John Filley, Horner and Eggleston, Villon and Valletta, Louis Beauvais, Sig. Barto's troupe of goats and monkeys, Billy and Jessie Clifton, Eugene Wack, M. Owens, Will Parker, P. M. Rice, Charles Bratton and Bert Sausman.
Clint M. Newton has signed with Welch's Golden Shows as director of amusements and principal talker, his fourth season with that show.
The people so far engaged for the Chas. Bartine Shows are: the Three Burtons, Le Levant, Walla Leonard, Ella Levan, Chas. O'Morrison, Maud Sunwiller, Dorman and Evans, S. Fred Ward, Ed Jones, Tod's trained ponies, donkeys and monkeys, Ira Balliett, Lute C. Gillette . . . and others.
The following people have signed for Sun Bros.' United Shows: Gus Gun, Tony Crandell, Happy Dave Stafford, Peter Sun, Jessie Lake and George Sun.
[Advertisement] Sells & Rentfrow's Enormous United Shows have just closed the longest season of any acknowledge tented exhibition and gone into winter quarters at Chattanooga, Tenn., and will open next season early in April under the firm name of Sands & Mabie's Enormous Railroad Shows. . . . Sells & Rentfrow, Chesterfield Hotel, Topeka, Kan.
[Advertisement] Main & Abbey's New Columbian Shows. Trained Animal Exposition and Museum of Living Wonders. Wanted, performers in all branches of the circus biz except riders. Bar team doing brother act, lady aerialists, Spanish dancer, musicians. Show starts from Andover, Ohio, about 1st of May.
[Advertisement] Wanted for Hobson Bros. Jr's Great Southern Shows. Band of 6 mouthpieces. Hobson Bros. Jr's, Texarkana, Ark.
New York Clipper, February 4, 1893, p. 766. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The following people have signed with La Pearl's One Ring Railroad Show. Prof. Hale Vandercook, musical director with fifteen men, the third season with this show. Performers: Prof. Asbey and wife, the Adairs, Wm. De Boe, Flora De Boe, Millie Cerito, Rosa Carman, John Beers, James Whiting, Frank Aymer, Morris and McCune, ___ and Pearl, George Parento, Prof. Ed C. Long and his dog circus, the La Pearl Children, Little Harry and Roy.
The Livingston Family have re-engaged with Sells & Rentfrow Shows for 1893.
E. G. Fladeland's Great British Circus opens at St. Paul, Minn. They will carry one hundred people, and not sixteen as was recently stated. E. Fladeland's Parlor Circus and Pantomime Co. opened at White Bear Lake, Minn, Jan. _.
Wm. Elkin, talking clown, and his wife, Georgie Elkin, chariot driver, have signed with the W. B. Reynolds Show.
Things are on the move at the winter quarters of the Miles Orton Show, at North Vernon, Ind. A lot of performing animals have just been purchased by the management.
New York Clipper, February 11, 1893, pp. 784, 794, 797. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The Walter L. Main winter quarters, at Geneva, O. The young stock of thoroughbred horses and blooded cattle raised on Mr. Main's farm help to increase the shekels gathered from his circus during the Summer. Farm No. 1 contains five new two-story barns, capable of holding two hundred and fifty horses and ponies. They are painted red and trimmed with white, and have a separate stall for each horse. The large feed cutting machines and water pumping are run by horse power, and by a patent contrivance the feed and water are carried to each stall, and on the same farm is a large ring barn with every divice for training horses, animals or riders, and two conventient dressing rooms, comfortably furnished, being adjacent. The new building is fitted up with quarters for the grooms and farm hands; while some 200 feet away stands a modern eight room cottage with bay windows, gables, etc. At Geneva, brick building No. 1 is 300ft. long, 200ft. wide and contains loft, harness, wood working, blacksmith and car painting shopes, poles, seats, wardrobe, advertising material, car bedding, cages, wagons, etc., each having its own special department and separate room. Tracks run through the building. Besides there is a one hundred and fifty horse power engine, which runs all the machinery, trip hammers, wood and iron lathes, buzz and rip saws, planers, etc., for building new work and repairing. There is a __ft. room for the Geneva ring barn,and every contrivance known to gymnastics, acrobatics or equestrianism may be found. There are also two furnished and heated dressing rooms, lighted and heated by natural gas, with stables opening to the ring. In the same building are the big show's business office, the desks and inside finished being of natural wood, with typewriters, steographer, advertising department, superintendent's room, book and timekeeper, and the manager's suite of rooms. Heated by natural gas and lighted by electricity. Brick building No. 2 is devoted entirely to quarters for the animals, one end for hay animal pens, and the opposite end for elephants and camels. Two-thirds down the centre are the bird, monkey, snake and smaller animal dens. This building is ___, with a ventilating roof, lighted by electricity and heated by natural gas. Around all these buildings is track room for thirty-five 60ft. cars, and connecting with the railroad. Building No. 3 is used entirely as a wagon and cage painting shope, which, after being finished are brought back to building No. 1. Everything is so arranged around the big buildings that even the wagons can be loaded on the cars inside. The brick buildings, track and gas well were the property of a large engine plant built three years ago, but have been remodeled into circus winter quarters. The season opens at Geneva, O., April 2.
Los Angeles, Cal. News. Manager Chas. A. Doyle has opened the People's Amphitheatre with the prevailing craze, a Winter circus. Manager Doyle has torn out stage, seats, etc., and has built a 40ft. ring. Chas. A. Doyle is general manager. Governor O'Brien, one of the old timers, adds to the success of the enterprise. William Weston is treasurer, Frank ___ is press agent, George Andrews, lithographer, and Frank Frost has charge of the reserved seats. The museum hall is under the direction of Ben Turner, and Fred Miller has charge of the animals. The performers are: Bob Ronalzo, ___ Franklin, Robert Lee, Prof. Leon and trained donkey, Master Leon, Jerry Burch, Frankie Allen, Billy Alexander, Belle Frost, Jack Platt, Cardola, Mamie Thomas, Charlie McCarthy . . . and Wm. Bowers. Prof. Trencano is the leader of brass band, and Fred Kelly leader of orchestra. George Addler is boss property man with four assistants. The equestrian manager is Dan Lester. Business is good.
W. R. Todd has signed as general agent with the J. H. La Pearl Show.
Welsh's Golden Show notes. The following people have thus far signed for the coming season: Sadie Edwin, John and Pearl Thomas, Sam Dock, C. M. Newton, Prof. Leon Mack . . . Manager Welsh returned from New York Jan. 28 with an invoice of animals for our new menagerie. The show will be twice as large as last season.
News from Col. G. W. Hall Shows. Everything is lively around winter quarters at Meridian, Miss. Col. Hall has added a number of new cages of animals, two elephants and four camels. The following are some of the people engaged; Prof. Andy Showers and his performing horses and ponies, Moncayo Family, Chas. Bell and wife, Chas. Watson, Prof. Davis, T. J. Hanley and Charles Henderson.
Joseph Robinson has been engaged for Robinson's Circus.
The Zoyarows, Robert and Millie, aerialists, signed with Mullen & Quinnett's Railroad Show.
James and Annie West are to go with the Robinson Show next season.
[Advertisement] Great Northern Circus wants circus people in every branch of the business, equestrian director, aerial team, riders, contortionist, clowns, etc., band leader and musicians; also sideshow and concert people, boss canvasman, chandelier man and property man. Show starts from Northern Wisconsin about middle of May. Addres H. C. Besse, No. 628 Vliet Street, Milwaukee, Wis.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Irwin Bros.' Mammoth Two Ring Circus, Menagerie and Real Roman Hippodrome, performers in all branches of the circus business (male and female), riders, acrobats, female aerial acts, clowns, hippodrome riders, features for sideshow, and curiosities of all kinds. For sale, 80ft. round top, two 40ft. middle pieces; sleeper (air brakes), sleeps 58 people, bedding, etc.; two 50ft. flat cars (straight pipe); one 40ft. flat car (straight pipe); one 70ft. combination baggage car (air brake), sleeps 125 people, bedding, etc. These cars, etc., can be seen by applying to Crandell & Co., East Buffalo, N. Y. Reason for selling this property is that we have purchased from Thos. L. Grenier, the Enchanted Palace Cars, formerly the property of W. C. Coup. Address Fred Irwin, Irwin Bros.' Co., Feb. 6, Empire Thea., Indianapolis; Feb. 13, People's Thea., Chicago; Feb. 20, Monumental Thea., Baltimore.
New York Clipper, February 18, 1893, p. 800. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Doings of the Walter L. Main Shows. Jas. B. Stowe will be our equestrian director, and is now at Geneva in charge of our village ring barn, where quite a number of performers are practicing the bareback stock. Prof. Joseph Berris has charge of our farm ring barn, where the forty head of trained horses, ponies and mules are being worked daily. We think we are the only show in America that is using two separate ring barns and both working early and late. Harry Reed, our new boss animal man, has arrived, and is hustling the herd of performing elephants and getting in shape six new open dens for the Summer tour. Chas. Bolus will run the canvas, and not John Purcell, as previously stated, and Chas. Evans will have the stock. He is wintering with them. New cars are being built, new dens and calliope, new canvas, new cages and baggage wagons, new vehicles of all kings, harness, seats, wardrobe, etc.
Notes from the Houlton Show. Everything is booming at the winter quarters. The roster: M. K. Houlton, sole proprietor and manager; __ Houlton, treasurer; Doad Houlton, director of brass; G. Houlton, director of string; G. W. Belford, director of amusements; G. Smith, master of stock; F. Freed, master of canvas, and A. Turner, master of property. There will be thirty-six head of stock with the show. These people have signed: G. Belford, Mrs. Mollie Belford, Mrs. Houlton, and school of trained ponies and dogs; A. Hausterman, Clark Bros., Mrs. Maud Houlton, Mrs. L. Houlton, Sig. Ramsey, M. Maberley, Gertie Smith . . . and W. M. Till. Show will open early in May. There will be an eighty feet top, with a forty feet middle piece, and a forty feet dressing room.
James Whiting, horizontal bar performer, goes with the La Pearl Show next season.
The Three Millette Bros., acrobats, have signed with Hunting's Circus for next season.
Chas. P. Watson and wife are re-engaged for next season with Sells & Rentfrow's Circus.
The Nickel Plate Show will open its eleventh season at Thibodeaux, La., Feb. 18. Roster: W. H. Harris, manager and owner; O. F. Gould, treasurer (seventh season); Chas. Andress, manager annex (second season); J. Sky Clark, press agent (fourth year); Ed DeBar, band master; Frank Shaffer, manager refreshment stands; Al Anderson, announcer; J. W. Kelly, mast of canvas (second year); Blink Brann, master of stock; Thomas Powers, master of properties; James Rourk, master of trains; Thomas McHugh, master of chandeliers; George Hoffman, cuisine department (seventh year); James De Bremy, lion king; F. E. Davis, general railroad contractor (third season); J. M. Wisner, contracting agent; Dick Newgrass, in charge of advance car; Red ___, boss billposter; J. J. Franklin, chief lithographer; Ed Guthrie, chief programmer; Harry Costello, singing; Al Armer, Callie Harris, Little Frank Harris, Albert Castello, the Three Albion Bros., the Brothers Mohring, the Merediths, Geo. W. La Rosa, Herman Freed, Geo. Borella, _. Katz, Nellie Frank, Albert Link and Lilly Birdsall, trick stallion Senator, performed by Mr. W. H. Harris; trick ponies Jessie and Florence and trick mules, performed by _. H. Sparks, sideshow concert and candy stands owned by W. H. Harris.
Notes from the Great Western Olymic Show. This show will open about the middle of May, at Apanong, R. I., with an 80ft. top with two 40ft. middle pieces, and will travel by wagon. Everything is being painted red, from stakees to band wagon. Proprietor Martine Le Roy recently recently returned from Ohio with some new stock, and the ticket and advance wagons. The following people have been engaged: Prof. A. L. Hamler's band and orchestra; Jim Rice, Finner and Dalton, the Three Jacks, Wm. Hoyt, Ollie Olsen, May Lathrop, H. McKay, boss canvasman; Lim Schull, in charge of the stock, and Tom M. Ford in advance.
The Two Graces, Wm. and Lena, have signed with the Wallace Show.
Lon Moore closed with Lake & North's Circus at Tampa, Fla., Feb. 2, and is at his home, Defiance, O. His wife, daughter and himself are in rehearsal for the coming season. They have re-engaged with the F. J. Taylor Circus, Mr. Moore to do principal clowning, while Mrs. Moore and their little daughter, Nellie, will furnish a number of acts.
De Hollis and Valora have signed with Hunting's Circus for the coming season.
Durand and Rogan and wife have singed with Reynolds' Circus.
Edgar Geyer and wife go with Oliver's Great Eastern Show.
William Worrell, one of the oldest circus clowns in the world, is dangerously ill at Orange, N. J., the home of his daughter, Mrs. Geo. S. Knight. He was stricken with apoplexy ten days ago, Mrs. Knight finding him on a couch unable to speak. Mr. Worrell was born in Cincinnati, O., sixty-three years ago, and spent many years in the sawdust ring. He is the father of the Worrell Sisters, Sophie, Irene and Jennie.
W. W. Brown has been re-engaged for the sideshow with Sells & Rentfrow's Circus.
The Farnum Bros. and Josie Farnum have signed with Scribner & Smith's Circus.
New York Clipper, February 25, 1893, pp. 816, 821, 830. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
St. Louis, Missouri. F. E. Davis, manager of Harris' Nickel Plate Circus, passed through here 19 en route to Carthage, Mo., to take possession of Clark Bros.' Circus and a big elephant on a claim of $___.
Notes from the O'Dell Show. The painters are busy getting the cages and tableaux and wagons ready for the road. C. W. O'Dell is getting the ring stock and trick horses and ponies ready for the opening. He promises to bring out something new in the equestrian line, in the shape of a black bear, riding and jumping objects. Mr. O'Dell has broken a pair of elk, which will be used in the hippodrome, driven to sulkies. Madame Ella Potter is daily practicing her two new horses, Pearl and Fannie. Harry Potter is breaking a new hurdle horse for the coming season. Mr. Reynolds is at present in Kentucky buying thoroughbred stock to be used in the hippodrome. [see below, is W. B. Reynolds' Show]
A. F. Tuttle's Olympic Circus, now wintering at Linesville, Pa., will open their season at that place May 1. The wagons are newly painted, a new 100x80ft. top will be added to the show, also a large sideshow and museum. The show will travel by wagon with twenty-five head of stock.
Chas. T. Taylor goes with Hurlburt & Leftwich's Combined Shows, his third season.
Ad. Funk has signed as contracting agent for W. A. McCafferty's Circus.
Prof. C. W. Jones, leader of the Black Hussar Band and Jubilee Singers, who are engaged with the Wallace Circus will have a strong band. The roster: S. H. Bell, Grant Rowland, W. Moore, J. T. Patton, W. Rowland, C. G. Gilbert, A. Washington, Black Hussar Jubilee Singer: Grant Rowland, A. Washington and C. G. Gilbert.
Prof. Clarence Asbey and his wife, Eve Asbey, who have been wintering at Kalamazoo, Mich., have goine to the winter quarters of the La Pearl Show at Crawfordsville, Ind., where they are practicing some new acts. Prof. Asbey has been engaged as equestrian director of the show.
Erb's New Railroad Show will carry three 60ft. cars, one sleeper, one stock car, a __ft. round top with a 50ft. middle piece and a __ft. sideshow canvas with double deck paintings. The following people have signed: Dorsey ___, Eddie Spencer, Arthur Patchel, Nellie Young, Birmingham and Ryan, Geo. Parento, Prof. _. S. Snodgrass and his troupe of educated horses and ponies, D. F. Copelin with his four black stallions, Thomas Krier, Prof. Tony McCallister, Lalande Fuller, Geo. w. Richards and Andrew Snyder.
Wilson Adams, acrobat and tumbler, is recovering from a severe attack of inflamatory rheumatism, but expects to join L. W. Washburn for the coming season.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for the 5th season's, for Downie & Gallagher's United Shows, Circus, Hippodrome and Wild West, performers in all branches, leapers, tumblers, cowboy, Indians, trained animals, musicians for two bands. Also boss canvasman that can handle his men, chandelier, property and canvasmen, four and six horse drivers and billposters. All privileges to let. Address Downie & Gallagher, Medina, N. Y. For sale, one half interest in the above show. Will take cash or real estate security.
New York Clipper, March 4, 1893, p. 832. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Roster of the B. E. Wallace Great English and American Shows: B. E. Wallace, manager and proprietor; William fuller, assistant manager; equestrian director, Noby Clark; treasurer, Bearnard Wallace; general contracting agent, Lew Williams with forty assistants; Prof. P. Byers, leader of first band; Prof. John Slater, leader of second band; Harry Amlar, boss canvasman; Al Martin, first assistant; Ed Martin, second assistant; John Cleveland, boss hostler; Wm. Goetz, assistant; Benton Hughes, superintendent of lights; William Foster, assistant; M. Alvido, superintendnet of properties with twenty assistants; Meade Wertz, master of transportation; Doc Horton, boss razorback; Chas. Sweeney, assistant; Girard Leon, superintendent of cook houses; Alex Scater, in charge of horse tents; Chas. Savan, blacksmith; Tony Rider repair boss; Frank Gallagher, boss animal man; Joe Litchel, elephant driver; lady jockeys, Mrs. Alward, Mrs. M. Wertz, Mrs. Amler and Mrs. Scater; gentleman jockeys, Geo. Percell, Don E. Wilson, Wm. Armstrong, George Barrett; charioteers, I. T. Sweeney and Tom Brown; balloon man, Chas. Ewers.
Gus Henderson, equilibrist, has signed with the Richards Three Big Shows.
Nellie Howard and Eva Howard have signed for the coming season with the Chas. Bartine Consolidated Shows. A. C. Loyd and Ira Baillet have also signed. Frank Webb will be boss hostler. John Shields will manage the sideshow this sesason.
Ferddie Craig has joined Munson & Co.'s Shows, now traveling by boat. The company will travel by rail after June 5.
James Morris, elastic skin man, has signed with the Wallace's Circus for next season, his fifth year with that show.
The advance brigade of Scribner & Smith's Circus will consist of Oscar Rahn, contracting agent; J. R. Tucker, advertising agent; T. Behringer, boss billposter; Frank Randall, charge of stock; A. Halstein, D. Mack, Wm. Pearsall, Geo. Hawkins and Nat Daily, billposters. The outfit will consist of two agent wagons, two bill wagons and a paste wagon.
The following are recent engagements for Welsh's Golden Shows: Harry Foster, German clown; Vin Kaminski, contortionist; Prince Tanawka, Jap juggler, and Prof. Alson Wheeler's troupe of educated horses, dogs and sheep.
Charles E. Darling has signed with Harper Bros.' European Circus and Menagerie as contracting agent for this season.
Doings at Downie & Gallagher's winter quarters. J. P. Gallagher has purchased Mr. Downie's interest and the shows will hereafter be known as J. P. Gallagher's New Columbian Shows, Circus, Museum, Hippodrome and Wild West. They will open at Medina, N. Y., about May 1. . . .
Wallace Show Notes. The Wallace Show blazes in white and golden glory. All the wagons, dens, tableaux and cages are finished, and the painters are pushing their work on the train. Two zebras, fifty birds, two hyenas, a Russian bear, an axis deer and a horde of monkeys arrived last week from New York, making the trip in 17 hours in a special car. Two car loads of dapple gray horses have been received to complete the quota of working stock. A lot of thoroughbreds for the hippodrome is en route from Kentucky. Two stock cars, three flats and a coach have been added to the train, making thirty cars in all, and two open dens, one uptown wagon, two cages, three baggage wagons, 2 sprinkler and two more chariots have been added to the show this winter. Wm. Lewis, formerly boss hostler of the Forepaugh Show, will have the stock this season, and "Patsy" Forepaugh, of Philadelphia, will have charge of the animals.
The notes appearing to come from "C. W. O'Dell's Show" in last week's Clipper should have been credited to W. B. Reynolds' Show.
Willard Stanton has signed as press agent and equestrian director of the Sun Bros.' Circus for next season. Jennie Willard, Floyd Trover, Lafayette Miller, Lee Le Vant . . . have also been engaged.
The Three Melrose Bros., acrobats, have signed with the Reynolds' Show.
The following people have signed with Chas. Lee's London Circus: Charley Taylor, Charles T. Yeller, Geo. Stephens and Willie Howard.
The following have been engaged for the Walter L. Main Shows: James Stowe and wife, La Rue Bros., Alex Seabert and wife, Ashton Bros., Marietta Lowande and her troupe of Arabs, Tony Lowande, Joe Judge and son, Wm. Lowande, Joseph Berris, Lizzie Jackson, Sig. Dawn, Geo. L. Mickel, John Corriea, wife and son, W. Fred Aymar, the Ty-Bells, Harry Clark, Royer and Welch, Mrs. A. Rover, Albert Crandall, Rosa Lee, Annie Sylvester, Nellie Wilson, La Role Bros., __ Palmer, Miller Bros., Three Renos, Flora Lenoard, Hugh Harrison, superintendent of sideshow; Charles Bolus, superintendent of canvas; James Caskey, first assistant; Harry Reed, superintendent of menagerie; James Rafferty, first assistant; Chas. Evans, superintendent all stock; Harry Locke, assistant superintendent of ring and hippodrome stock; Addie Moreland, superintendent of candy stands; Allen Reiss, superintendent of concert and reserve seat tickets; Chas. Andress, programme privilege; Judd Webb and his brother Al, camp privilege, and Wm. Randolph, lunch stand privilege. Prof. E. Mont Long will have charge of all the bands. Prof. Palmer will manipulate the calliope. Frank train will handle the pasteboards. Wm. Newman will work the herd of dancing elephants in ring No. 1. Harry Reed will work performing elephants in ring 3, while W. Fred Aymar will work the little clown elephant in ring 2. The show will open at Geneva, O., April 22. Rehearsal will commence 17.
New York Clipper, March 11, 1893, pp. 2, 5. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Roster of Charles Hall's New Colossal Shows. Chas. Hall, proprietor and manager; _. Hall, treasurer; T. McDonald, general agent; S. Biddell, contracting agent; Frank Macart, manager sideshow; Geo. Dixon, equestrian director; Prof. Milt Rogers' military band of eight mouthpieces; Frank Wilder, manager of privileges. Performers: Frank and Jessie McCart, Castello Family, Ed Roberts, Millard Filmore and wife, Ad La Rue, Geo. Dixon, Minnie Davis, Race and Martin, Chas. Skinner, John Perry, Barney Warwick, A. M. Madison, Geo. Davis . . . Sideshow: Ahmetta, snake charmer; Prof. McCly's marionettes and Punch; Prof. Wallace, magician; the Grey Family musical wonders; Nat Seamour, lecturer; Chas. Masters, superintendent of canvas; Jack O'Brien, master of stock; Mart Simerson, superintendent of ring stock; Will McDowell, boss property man; C. E. Frank, charge of advertising brigade with ten billposters; and _. Whitecamp, lithographer. The show will open at Evansville, Wis., April 29.
At the Whitney headquarters. N. E. & C. A. Whitney, proprietors; Cal M. Gillette, general agent with six assistants; Prof. J. B. Isenhart, musical director with ten mouth pieces; Wm. Curley, boss canvasman with ten assistants; Frank Stapleton, head grooms man with ten assistants; Will Silver, master of properties with six assistants; Will Stapleton, master of transportation with fifteen teamsters; Wm. Terry, head cook with six assistants; Lowel Scot, steward; A. V. Whitney, privileges. Among the performers engaged are Signor and Edna Bell, Nevada, the Three Goyts, Mons. and Lulu Tude, G. L. Scott and wife, Leon P. Whitney, Jas. Fitzgerald, Fred C. Frink, Fred M. Burlinghame . . . and Chas. Whitney and wife. The call is April 22. Show travels by wagon, opens at headquarters Saturday, April 29, and takes the road May 1.
The Gilliam Family have signed with the Gollmar Bros.' Circus, producing bounding rope and flying trapeze, which they are practicing at their winter quarters, Springfield, Mo.
Billy Hammond, talking and singing clown, has signed with the Howard Gibson Great Consolidated Shows.
Wm. Newman has been engaged for the Walter L. Main Show. He has been with the Barnum Show for eighteen years.
Notes from Irwin Bros.' Circus. Everything is progressing at winter quarters, Buffalo. Harry W. Semon, our general advance agent, will herald the new, with car No. 1 and sixteen people. The following have already signed: Abelardo Lowande and wife, principal bareback riding acts; Jas. G. Bell and wife, principal hurdle and jockey acts; Frank D. Bryan, principal singing and talking clown; the Four Hobsons, posturing act; Moore, Gillmore and Moore, return act, aerial ladders and flying perch; Emma Lewis, outside ascension and slack wire; three Roddy Bros., (Jennie, Arthur and Pete), acrobatic act and Roman ladders; three Barton Bros., brother act; William and Minnie Ahern, breakaway ladder perch act; Coyle, dancing somersault tight rope; troupe of Bedouin Arabs; Alice Adams, riding act; Frank D. Bryan and Gilbert E. Moulton, parody producers; the American Two Macs (John McCale and James Wesley Mack) . . . first band of twelve mouth pieces and drums, under the direction of Wm. Johnson; second band of ten mouthpieces and drums, under the direction of Geo. M. Thomas. The sideshow will be run by the Irwin Bros. this season. We will have quite a spread of canvas for a small show: 120ft. round top, two 50ft. middle pieces; menagerie, 90ft. round top, two 40ft. middle pieces; sideshow, 60ft. round top, one 40ft. middle piece; three horse tents and two cook tents, besides the 50ft. round top for the display of blooded stock.
The Klings have signed with Andrew Downie, and not with Downie & Gallagher's Circus.
Gruber and Salmer are to be featured with the Sells & Rentfrow Show.
J. H. Hewitt, business manager of Chas. Lee's London Shows, has just returned from Toronto, Can., and has completed his arrangement for a tour of the country. The show will open at Canton, Pa., April 29. A car load of horses arrived at winter quarters from the West last week. Mr. Shumate will have charge of the stock this season.
Prof. Chas. E. Griffin and his Bohemian Glass Blowers and Wizard's Novelty Annex closed a fairly successful season at Ravenna, O. Prof. Griffin, Geo. Hays and Prof. Case all go with Hunting's Circus the coming season. Mme. Leonard and Prof. Snyder have returned to this city. The latter will have charge of the annex with Hunting's Circus the coming season.
Sidonia has been engaged for the coming season with Sells & Rentfrow's Circus.
Martin Rutter has been re-engaged as general agent of Erb's Railroad Show. Burgess Bros. have secured the privileges.
Miller Bros. do not go with Walter L. Main's Show, as has been reported. They have signed with the Ringling Bros. Circus.
C. E. Chamberlain and wife and Capt. Chas. Grapes have been engaged for Mullen & Quinnett's Show.
Chas. Bower and Fred Johnson have dissolved partnership. Mr. Bower has rejoined his old partner, after a separation of one year, and they have signed with E. J. Conroy's Great American Circus. for the Summer season.
New York Clipper, March 25, 1893, p. 34. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Everything is lively at the winter quarters of F. J. Taylor's Shows at Creston, Ia. Canvases: main show, 100ft. round top with two 50ft. middle pieces; menagerie, 70ft. round top with two 30ft. middle pieces. Sideshow, __ft. round top with a 20ft. middle piece. In the menagerie department will be two elephants, six camels, one llama and seven cages of animals. Roster: F. J. Taylor, sole proprietor and manager; L. A. Taylor, treasurer; C. A. Taylor, press agent; Dick Hunter, general agent; Louis Elliott, contracting agent; Geo. ___, advertising agent; John Callahan, in charge of first brigade with ten men; L. B. Reed, in charge of second brigade with six men; C. A. Miller, advertising programme; Add Vradenburg, bandmaster with twelve men; Lee Coleman, superintendent of canvas with sixteen men; Harry St. Clair, in charge of sideshow canvas with four assistants; G. Grones, superintendent properties with six assistants; Brock Short, in charge of stock with twenty-four men; Harry Murray, superintendent of animals with four assistants. Prof. Fostello will manage the sideshow; Ed Shipp, equestrian director; Julia Lowanda, Al Lowanda, Lon Moore and family, Farnum and Welcome, Jenier Family (four in number), Eddie Shipp, Knard Bros., J. W. Keechel, Smith and Leon, Edgar and wife, and T. Michals.
Everything is moving along at the winter quarters of Hunting's Circus. Five cars have been added, including a new advance car. Several animals arrived last week. There will be three open dens in the parade. Mr. Hunting has just arrived home from the West where he made some purchases for his show, including two car loads of horses.
Among the recent additions to J. P. Gallagher's New Columbian Show are Lula Eller, Carr and Ingram, La Echelle, Brown Bros., revolving ladder, White and De Woods, Jep Hatten, Harry Swayne, Wm. and Little Dottie Mousher . . . and Wm. Thompson.
"Doc" Filley has signed with the Fred Locke Show as equestrian director. A. M. Wilcox has also been engaged.
D. L. Warde, general advance, is making his third seasson with Hurlburt & Leftwich's Shows. C. C. Bardell, with the Sells Bros. Shows for the past five seasons, has charge of the advertising. Ed Farron and Clarence Ferguson will also be with the show. There will be three advance wagons and ten billposters.
The Odell Bros., contortionists, and Mrs. May Odell have signed with the W. B. Reynold's Shows.
The first billing brigade of the Chas. Bartine Shows will start April 3. It consists of one four horse bill wagon, two one horse skirmish or country wagons, one buggy and five billposters. Lute C. ___, general agent of the show will direct them. The second brigade will start April 10, and will be composed of one two horse bill wagon and one buggy. There will be three men, in charge of J. H. Blanchard. The show opens at Germantown, O., 30.
New York Clipper, April 1, 1893, p. 50. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
J. P. Gallagher's New Columbian Show. John Weaver is superintending the fitting out. The Wild West will be a strong feature the coming season. The show will carry twenty Indians, including an Indian brass band. The hippodrome will be complete.
The Bennetts, __ and Grace, bareback riders, have joined the Raymond Show, and are getting their stock ready for the opening.
Prof. Williams' New Consolidated Railroad Shows will open at their winter quarters, Medford, Wis., the first week in May. The show will travel through the Northern States, and on July __ will __ to the coast. . . .
Sun Bros. Show is getting in shape for the coming campaign. It will be a wagon show this year. Every wagon will be of platform spring excepting ___. The pole, wagon and all the running gear will be painted white, with a blue stripe and red body. Even the buggies will have white running gears. All the harness will be in nickel trimmings. . . . The show will be three times the size of last year's, and over one hundred men, women and horses will be employed.
Walter L. Main Circus. There will be seven open dens of wild animals in the parade, and three advertising cars in advance. The latest engagements are Goldie Washburn for the concert . . .
The Leon Washburn Show is ready to take the road. Vermont and New Hampshire will be the first points after coming out of Canada. . . .
New York Clipper, April 8, 1893, p. 68. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Leon W. Washburn has purchased the small elephant, Ding Dong, which was brought to this country by J. M. Gaylord. He is only 3ft. high and is eleven months old. He will be exhibited in the museum for three weeks, and then shipped to Mr. Washburn's Circus, wintering at Chatham, Can.
Sun Bros. Shows have been augmented by a carload of draft horses from Chicago. New harness has also been obtained. Al La Row is overseeing the painting of all the wagons. Gus Gun, general manager, will be on hand April 3. The show will open at Toledo, O.
Prof. W. Wiley and his troupe of educated dogs will be with the Chas. Bartine Shows. Prof. Wiley will also manage the cook tent. He is at present at Troy, N. Y., and will join the show about April 17.
Harry Overton has been engaged to take charge and run advertising car No. 2 with the Leon W. Washburn Shows.
W. H. Fremont has closed an engagement with Teets Bros. & Richards' Show in the South, and is at home, Maysville, Ky.
Chas. A. Smith will manage the sideshow with the Washburn Circus.
Wild Burt and Little Sure Shot will join the Gallagher Show, Wild Burt to take charge of the Wild West portion.
Frank A. Robbins is in town, after a long absence in the South, during which he met with good fortune. In the course of a week he will have a new show projected.
New York Clipper, April 15, 1893, p. 84. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The Chas. Bartine Consolidated Shows, consolidated with the Great American Museum, is organized as follows: Chas. Bartine, proprietor and manager; Clarence Burton, assistant manager and equestrian director; Lute C. Gillette, general contracting agent; Ed Braddock, general advertising agent; Prof. Leo Thomas, musical director; John Shields, manager of sideshows; F. M. Alexander, manager of candy stands; Montague Montour, boss canvasman; Wm. ___, boss hostler; John D. Robinson, superintendent of chandeliers; Robert George, in charge of animals; Harry Foster, superintendent of properties; Clate Glass, superintendent of wardrobe; George Morrow, _. Emrick, lithographers and programmers; John Shugert, Chas. May, John Burns and Dick La Clead, billposters.
Performers: the Three Burtons, athletes; the Harmans, Kitner Bros., Walla Leonard, Leonard and ___, Evans and Dorman, Chas. O. Morrison, Phil King, Maud Nuniviller, Phil Elnor, decameo; Lew Sleeker, Nettie Bartine, Ted Bartin, Elva May Bartine, John Bartine, Mlle. Minnetta, A. C. Lloyd, H. F. Nokes, Chas. Crock, James Winslow, S. F. Ward, E. F. Jones . . . Prof. Wiley's troupe of trained dogs, Master Chas. Bartine's school of educated horses, ponies and donkeys, and troupe fo performing goats and monkeys. . . . There are two band wagons, fifteen baggage wagons, one ticket wagon, sone wardrobe wagon, four small cages, three passenger wagons, two carriages, four buggies and about 70 head of horses. The first billing brigade, under Lute C. Gillett, started April 5, with six billposters, one four horse bill wagon and three one horse skirmish wagons. The second brigade leaves 10, under Ed Braddock, with three men, one two horse wagon and one buggy.
Roster of Reed's Circus: A. H. Reed, sole proprietor and manager; Mrs. Viola Reed, treasurer. It made its first jump of the season, opening at Guntersville, Ala., March __, to good business. The show is traveling by boat on the Tennessee River, having chartered the steamer J. P. Kendrick for the season. Performers: Billy Mincer, equestrian director; Albert Powell, Sam Caters, Clem Jackson, Will Lewis, Chas. W. Florence, Viola Reed . . . and Dot Peasley. Concert: Mary Page, Little Elsie Page, Clayton Sisters, Jonas Goldy, John Finley and Lew Morton. Burt Bennett is in advance; Billy Blankenship, boss billposter with eight men; Lew Stanley, lithographer, two men; Jim Mahoney, boss canvasman, ten men . . . The show pitches a 100ft. round top with two 40ft. middle pieces; sideshow 60x80ft. The sideshow contains the usual monstrosities of nature, under the management of Prof. P. A. Phelps, who is also orator in chief. Viola Reed and her trained ponies are making a hit in the south.
Sinclair's London Circus will open at Baltimore April 17, with the following outfit and roster. Circus tent, 80ft. round top with a 40ft. middle piece; animal and illusion tent, 60ft. round top with a 20ft. middle piece; dressing tent, one four pole horse tent and one cook tent. Nelson Sinclair, owner and manager; Ellsworth Conser, treasurer; Harry Willis, advance; Frank Howard, boss hostler; Tommy Smith, boss canvasman, and Joseph Smith, charge of cook tent. Performers: Joe Miller, equestrian director; Prof. Wilson's trained ponies, six in number; Nellie Carlisle's dog circus, including five racing hounds and the trotting dog Prince; the Francis family, aerialists; John Howard, dancing tight rope; Sinclair, balancing wire; Beulah, jugggler and contortionist; Katie Lee, rolling globe; Little Kerney, Skip Shears and Joe Miller, clowns; Franklin Bros., horizontal bars and three high brother act; Ed Jenking, pyramid, and Prof. Radcliffe's band and orchestra. The entire outfit is new, made for Mr. Sinclair by Goss & Co., of Detroit.
Some of the recent engagements for the sideshow with Hunting's Circus are: C. A. Bonney, Ouida, Congo jubilee singers, Olivia, Zamora, Geo. T. Hays, F. J. Case and Fred Griffen . . . and Prof. Griffen's troupe of Bohemian Glassblowers.
From Chas. Lee's London Shows. Henry Shumate has the stock in fine trim. Our feature will be Mons. Wright lifting an elephant with his teeth.
New York Clipper, April 22, 1893, p. 100. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Hallett Bros. have signed with the Great Western Circus.
The Marinetti Bros. have signed with the John Robinson Circus, and not with the Reynolds Show.
Del Fuego and wife, Myrtle Day, will join Reynolds' Circus.
Hunting's Circus and Menagerie opens season at New Castle, Pa., April 21.
New York Clipper, April 29, 1893, p. 116. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Scribner & Smith have purchased the three young lions from Donald Burns that have been on exhibition in this city all Winter. They are thoroughly broke, and will be performed by Lilly Ashton.
Mullen's Railroad Show and Quinnett's Museum opens the season May 11, at Edwardsville, Ill. The roster: M. Mullen, treasurer; W. H. Quinnett, general manager; B. R. Craycroft, general agent with five assistants; Prof. Chas. Hacker, leader with fourteen musicians; Tony F. Loos, equestrian director; Whitelaw Quinlan, boss canvasman with twelve assistants; Lyman Aiken, boss property man with three assistants; John Klubrell, in charge of stock with four assistants; Frank Brouse, boss cook; Joe Tritch, Flo Tritch, the two Roulette Bros., Tony F. Loos, Robert Zayorrow, Millie Zayorrow, Prof. John M. Williams and troupe of dogs, Metclaf and Norton, Master Frank Quinnett, John Dies, W. R. Jones and Mrs Lida Jones.
Lorennee and Lotta have signed with A. J. Webb's Circus. Miss Lotta is ill at her home, Denver, Col. She has recovered from her fall at Omaha, Neb., March 22.
Hutchinson and Zazelle have joined the Fred Locke Circus, opening April 29 at Jamestown, O.
Jos. Cousin has been engaged for Andrew McDonald's World's Fair Circus.
The canvas and entire outfit with the Coup, Snyder & Zimmerman Shows will be very neat. The big top, sideshow, dressing room, cook tents, horse tents are all to be manufactured out of blue striped canvas. The seats, lights and everything will be new.
Notes of Andrew Downie's Circus, Hippodrome and Wild West. Jacob Platt has signed as boss canvasman, Jim Kid and wife have charge of the Wild West features. The following have signed: Kling and son, the Three Monroe Sisters, Prof. Johnson's performing ponies and monkeys, Angor, Red Eagle Bill, White Warrior and Grey Eey. The show will travel by rail, playing large cities, making three days and week stands only.
Notes from the W. T. Bryan and Edgerton Sisters' New Model Shows. as the Edgertons have consolidated with the W. T. Bryan & Co.'s Circus, they will enlarge the outfit to twice the present size. They will use a 100ft. round top with a 50ft. middle piece, two bands and feature their fine stock. Among the features is Marguerite Evans, the female boxer, who will appear in the ring each night. Lillie Edgerton is suffering with a slight attack of pneumonia, but hopes to open about May 1.
Everything at Bergen Point, N. J., where the Frank A. Robbins Show is "getting together," wears a lively aspect. The band chariot and the last of the cages are just form the paint shops. The show opens at Bergen Point April 29.
New York Clipper, May 6, 1893, p. 132. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Roster of Welsh's Great Golden Shows, Museum, Aquarium, Conclave of Russian Athletes and Trained Animal Exposition: John Welsh, general manager; M. H. Welsh, general agent; Samuel Dock, superintendent; C. M. Newton, secretary and press agent; Martin Rutter, chief billposter; Edward Wertley, steward; Alson Wheeler, superintendent of candy stands; Prof. W. E. Tidler, musical conductor; H. M. Martin, boss hostler; John Simpson, master of transportation. Performers: Zerette Family, George Whitby, Van Kaminski, Wm. Roberts, Sam Dock, Wm. Martine, Harry Foster, De Witt Walton, S. S. Rice, Leotard Bros., Mrs. Sam Dock, Miss Mendoza and Prof. Alson Wheeler's dog and monkey circus. Concert: Billy McNish, Harry Foster, Ed Wertley, the Thomases and La Belle Minnie. Sideshow: C. M. Newton, lecturer and manager; John Thomas, Arizona Bob and Wild Western exhibit, King ___, Pearl Thomas, Miss Huxley, Prof.Hill, Foster's Punch and Judy, and the hunchback pony of Sumatra. The show carries an entire new outfit of canvas, wagons, harness, etc., and travels overland, playing the principal towns of the Middle and Eatern States. The season opened April 22, at Lancaster, Pa.
James B. Swafford, formerly with "Josh Spruceby's" Co., now with J. P. Gallagher's Circus, was married to Minnie L. Heindorf, non-professional, at Syracuse, N. Y., April 24.
Reed's Circus is playing to good business in towns on the Ohio River. Prof. M. D. Richmond, of Portland, Mich., joined April 25 with his cornet band of ten pieces, his fifth season with the Reed Circus.
The Hobson Bros.' Show is touring the South, and reports good business. The roster: Howard Hobson, manager; Horace Hobson, ticket seller; Homer Hobson, Harry Hobson, Mme. Cordelia, Harry McDonald and wife, Sento Monico, Harry Streif and Tom Anderson.
The Leonard Sisters go with Chas. Lee's London Shows. Burt Saulsman has been cancelled.
Whitney's New Imperial Show will open the season at Imlay City, Mich., May _.
C. S. Carleton has signed as general agent of R. J. Erwood's Monster One Ring Circus.
Wm. D. Ament (Mexican Billy) and his wife, Princess Nana, have closed their opera house season, and will join the Gollmar Show. Mr. Ament will manage the sideshow.
Frank A. Gardner's Circus is still on top in South America, according to latest reports. J. W. Foster is doing the advance work, and Henry Grant is acting as secretary. Among the performers who are meeting with favor are John Williams, Willie Rolland, Frank Long, Nellie Ryland, Willie Edwards, Jessie ___, Zamora Family, James Duval, Minnie Patterson and the Wallaces.
The Cleveland Consolidated Show will begin its fourth annual tour May __ at Cleveland, O., under the supervision of Harrison J. Erving.
Capt. Stewart's New York Zoological Garden, including Angola, the monster gorilla, has been added to the museum department with Sautelle's Circus.
New York Clipper, May 13, 1893, p. 148. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Roster of Andy McDonald's World's Fair Circus: Andy McDonald, sole owner and manager; Mr. Nobles, business manager and treasurer; "Uncle" Dan Castello, superintendent; T. J. Oatman, equestrian director; J. B. Wright, manager of concert; Mr. Fleming, ticket taker at main entrance; Billy Jenkins, reserved seats and concert ticket privilege; Mr. Burns, candy stand; Pete Rogers, boss canvasman; Jack Dalton, assistant boss canvasman and fourteen assistants; Mr. Gibbs, boss hostler; James Jones, advance agent; Billy Jenkins and Tom Williams, lithographers; boss property man, Willie Straumer; Prof. Williams and his band of fifteen pieces; Mlle. Lula, the three Albions, Frank Harris, Chas. De Camo, Joe Cousins, Prof. Burn's dog circus, the Nelsons, Frank Fitz Williams, T. J. Oatman, J. B. Wright, Joe Snisnoe, John Nelson, Jim Darling, Nelson and Wright, La Mack Sisters, Jones and Davis, Wright and Burns, Miss Drayton, Baker and Boyle, and Mollie Jerome.
The Crescent Shows opened at Ironton, Mo., on April 27, and turned people away. On a subsequent night the tent was packed when a cyclone passed over, blowing the canvas down. Fortunately no one was hurt, although one of the gasoline lamps exploded and the canvas caught fire, but the hard rain soon extinguished the flame. At the time manager Clark was performing his trick horses, and it looked for a time as though they would be burnt, but by the energetic efforts of the proprietor, Allie Clark, they were gotten out. The show opened as usual the next night. Chas. Lyles has all the privileges from the concert down. Howard Beal and Gus Henderson joined on the opening night.
The Dixon Brothers, acrobatic song and dance team, have joined the Wallace Circus.
The North American Show opened at Elgin, Ill., May 1 to good business. The roster: E. J. Conroy, manager; Tony Ryder, director; _. Keeter, general agent; T. Furlow, treasurer; Wesley Emerson, superintendent of canvas; F. Garvin, in charge of hotel people; Tony and Mrs. Ryder, horizonal bars; Loga Brothers, Mexican ladder; the Hart Brothers, pyramid act; Burt, the man on the ladder; Millie Laverne, rings; the Minott Brothers, triple brother act; Johnny Dales, principal tumbler and knockabout clown; Bowman, singing clown; Fleming, contortionist . . .
Erwood's New United Shows, Monster One Ring Circus and Trained Animal Exposition will spread its canvas May 20 at New Philadelphia, O. Among the people are Walters and Fish, Mons. Gelier, Harry Miller, the McCormicks, L. J. Hopper's trained dogs, Prof. Johnson's goats and ponies, Paddy Strine, Chris Meyer, J. B. Gagnier, Sig. Cannen and wife, Chas. Blanchell, Warde and Elwood, Little Ruby, Tearney and Lynch. Chas. Lovell, boss canvasman with seven men; C. S. Carleton, contracting agent with wagon No. 1; Geo. Freeman with wagon No. 2, a band of ten pieces under the leadership of Prof. Killman, and addition of a new band wagon and four other wagons.
Roster of the Sanger & Lent Show: C. P. Stephens, manager of car No. 1; James E. King, lithographer with assistant; Burt Bigelow and W. J. Tyson, programmers; Ike Hyres, boss billposter; John Reynolds, Cliff Redfield, H. Hook, T. J. Gilligan, Larry Rassmussen, Bob Ferguson, E. F. Garrison, Pop Mitchell, Thomas McGrath, George Crowley, and George Springer.
Charles Wheeler is no longer agent of advance car No. 2 of Hunting's Circus. __ Ferrow has taken his palce. The show opened May 21, and is doing better than last season.
The La Pearl Show is now on its third week and business has been satisfactory. The roster: J. H. La Pearl, sole proprietor and manager; Jess Worlen, assistant manager; H. A. Vandercook, musical director with sixteen musicians; Clarence Asbey, equestrian director; Wm. Marshall, boss canvasman with twelve assistants; John Fox, chandelier man; M. A. Noel, boss property man with four assistants; Frank Crode, boss hostler; Chas. ___, manager "Hotel de La Pearl;" the Adiars, Clarence Asbey and wife, Frank Aymar, John Beers, Ed C. Long, Burt Marton, Billie Pearl, Wm. Vannerson, John Melvin, Chas. Hill, Rosa Carman, Masters Harry and Roy La Pearl, E. Butler, Hal Blair, Bud Farnum, Jese Worlen, Jas. Hennessy, L. King, H. Loomis, G. Mitchell, L. Peterson, J. Poland, C. Tinkham, O. D. Weaver. Concert people: Farnum and Worlen, Marion and Pearl and Nelson and Hughes. Crain and Hamilton have charge of the privileges. The show will tour Indiana, Illinois, Eastern Missouri and Northern Kentucky.
Roster of Hurlburt & Leftwich's Combined Shows. Prof. D. P. Hurlburt's school of educated horses, ten in number, under the direction of Prof. W. S. McLaughlin; Hurlburt & Leftwich's troupe of performing dogs, twenty in number; Hurlburt & Leftwich, sole proprietors; R. R. Leftwich, maanger; J. B. Cahoon, treasurer; J. O'Donnell, superintendent of canvas with ten assistants; Tate Willie, superintendent of baggage stock with ten assistants; Ed Woodworth, superintendent of ring stock with five assistants; Geo. Johnson, superintendent of canines with two assistants; Robert Wilson, chandelier man; D. S. Ward, general agent with ten assistants; the Dunbars, Jas. Clifford, C. H. Hardy, J. B. Cahoon, W. B. Coup, Will Rickabough, Dick Sanders, Chas. Prokop, W. Wilkins, A. M. Madison, Jas. Turner, Billy Sherman, James Hull, Prof. C. T. Taylor, Annie Taylor, Stella Lance, Lain Sylvester, Jese Brown and wife . . . and Prof. Williams.
Roster of the Great Western Circus: Gus Schonhert, proprietor and manager; Prof. Ed Reno, manager; M. Fillmore, equestrian director; Ed Ryan, Lew De Castor, Victor Smith, Myles Anderson, John Yager and wife, M. Fillmore and wife, Ed Reno and wife, W. Donley and wife, A. Watzek, Will Norton, A. P. Rainsbury, Bobby Badkhorn, W. Hallett, Frank Hamson, J. H. Hallett, Ed Moore, Thomas Gray, Fred Stennet, John Foster, George Sanders, William Cunningham . . . and others. The show opened at Falls City, Neb., April __ to reported good business.
Samuel Dock and Alson Wheeler have severed their connection with the Welsh Show, and in company with Wm. C. ___, of Ephrata, Pa., will put out a wagon show.
Notes from the Charles Bartine's Shows. We have been having an awful time of it. The rain and storms have been fearful. Hemmed in at Miamisburg, O., from May 1 to 3, with twenty feet of water all around us, we could not get out and were forced to miss three stands, but are now up with our paper. Although the storms are still with us, the show is playing to paying business.
Roster of Dr. White Cloud's Columbian Shows: Dr. White Cloud, sole proprietor and manager; Fred La Dell, equestrian director; M. B. Brain, advance representative; Prof. Bragg, leader of band; Prof. C. Fry, leader of orchestra; Scott and Shannon, the Lawsons, Fred Renzo, the Wirettas, Fred La Dell, the Alexandras and Perry Cleveland. H. Lancaster handles the tickets. Jos. Kash is boss canvasman with six assistants. Frank Pitts handles the props with four assistants. W. Ogles is chandelier man with three assistants. The show travels by rail, using four cars.
Business with the Walter L. Main Circus continued good, notwithstanding it had rained nearly every day since the show's opening. At Mt. Pleasant, Pa., May _, a cyclone of wind and rain gave the circus lot the appearance of a pond, yet both performances were well attended. The latest addition to the show stock is six Kentucky thoroughbred running horses.
W. T. Bryant's and the Egerton Sisters' New Model Shows opened May 4 at Charlotte, Mich. The canvas is a 100ft. round top with a 40ft. middle piece. The tent was packed to the entrance. Their street parade is a feature. The roster: W. T. Bryant, Geo. Egerton and Geo. Blowers, proprietors; Geo. Edgerton, general manager; Geo. Blowers, treasurer; W. T. Bryan, assistant manager and equestrian director; Prof. Taylor's band of ten mouthpieces; H. Tinker, advance agent with five men; W. T. Bryant, Edgerton Sisters, Du Rell, Ortone Bros., Leona La Tow, Prof. Perrin, Geo. Depree and Hopely, Geo. Blowers, Geo. Edgerton, S. Scribner, Kittie Perine, Lillian Morton, Millie Lolo, Milo and Shoffer, E. Stafford, Marguerite Evans, and Babe Evans.
New York Clipper, May 20, 1893, p. 164. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Whitney's New Imperial Show opened at Imlay City, Mich., to large business. The roster: N. E. & C. A. Whitney, proprietors; C. A. Whitney, general manager; Geo. L. Scott, equestrian manager; J. Isenhart, musical director; Leon Whitney, in charge of reserved seats; A. V. Whitney, inside privileges; Tom Donahue, sideshow manager, and the following people: John and Fanny Fay, George and Cora Scott, Mitchell Tude and wife, Billy Barnes, Fred Martin, Jas. Fitzgerald, Bertha Leona, Mme. Marcelle Eveland, Arthur Steel, J. Walker, T. Dunlap, Ed Coleman, Frank Stapleton, Ed Hart, C. McCabe, J. Patten, H. Miller, N. Ney, Frank Robinson, Elmer Martin, Harmen Miller, L. White, Harry Mattoon, Will Terry, Will Carey, D. Kelley, George Barnes, M. C. Silver . . . The show is transported by sixty-three head of horses, of which thirty-three head are dapple grays. They carry one 100ft. round top with 50ft. middle piece, and two new horse tents, a sixty foot cook tent and a forty foot dressing room.
Thos. Oliver's World's Greatest Shows opened their season April __ at Montevideo, Minn., to good houses. The roster: Thos. Oliver, sole owner and manager; H. B. Mulaney, general agent in charge of advance No. 1, with ten assistants; Geo. Kelly, in charge of advance No. 2 with eight assistants; Chas. Wheaton, treasurer; Srtobecker Bros., bandmasters with twelve men; Fred Oliver, superintendent of canvas; Frank Steele, John Nease, Charley Marble, W. A. Squires, Joe Anderson, Curtins Gilchrist, Fred Oleson, assistants; Paul Mascall, superintendent of menagerie; Chas. Anderson, properties, with four assistants; Earnie Taylor, equestrian director; Hanky Crandall, superintendent of stock; Pete Fuzzy, in charge of ring stock; Geo. Oliver, in charge of reserved seats and concert tickets; Fred Kidney, collector; Jas. Keener and Bred Ballard, Ralph Godfrey, O. Slosson, Lalla King, Maude Yearly, Lane and St. ___, Maj. Stater, Jas. Teed, Conley Sisters, Slosson Bros., Chas. Lane, Josie Wheaton and her performing lions, Prof. Hocum and his troupe of educated horses and goats, Maj. Starer and Violet Leonard. The big top is 100ft. with two 50ft. middle pieces, menagerie top __ft with two 30ft. middle pieces, sideshow __ft. top with one 20 middle piece. They have one hundred head of horses, mules and ponies in the parade.
The Frank A. Robbins Show reports good business thus far. They expect a new 110ft. round top with a 50ft. middle piece this week. They have a good boat and each performer has a separate state room. They go up the Hudson River as far as Albany, and then return to New York for four weeks.
The Coup, Snyder & Zimmerman Show is reported to have turned people away at their opening at South Bethlehem, Pa.
John J. Shannon's Circus opened May 2, at Boston, to a large audience. Among the leading features will be the Austin Sisters, the St. Belmores and Capt. Geo. Blakely's Wild West.
Gaines and Richards have joined Mat Wixom's Railroad Show.
New York Clipper, June 3, 1893, pp. 198, 211. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The following dispatch, dated Tyrone, Pa., May 20, was received just as the Clipper was going to press: "This morning a special train on the Tyrone and Clearfield Railroad, composed of Walter L. Main's Circus cars, got beyond control of the trainmen and came down the mountain with fearful rapidity. At Vail station the train was wrecked, and animals, men and broken cars are piled up together. Several tigers and lions made their escape, and only after the greatest exertions were they recaptured, and then not until one of the tigers had killed several domestic animals in the neighborhood. Six men were killed outright and twelve or fourteen others were badly wounded, some of them fatally. The circus is a complete wreck, and it will take several days to get the property together."
Notes from F. J. Taylor's Circus. This show opened to packed tents at Creston, Ia., April 27, and wer are now in our fourth week of success. Our program is rendered by the following people: Edward Shipp, equestrian manager; Julia Lowanda, Alex Lowanda, Lon Moore and family, Geo. Jennier and family, Farnum and Welcome, the Two Geyers, Stone Bros., Frank Taylor and Ed Keech. In the sideshow are Prof. Fostello, Mrs. Fostello, Blanceh Zeikea, Prof. Vernon and others. An accident happened to Edward Shipp, during the riding of his jockey act, resulting in breaking one of his legs. This occurred at Malvern, Ia., May 5. Mr. Shipp was left there, in care of his mother and brother members of the K. of P. He will be able to resume is position of equestrian manager in a few weeks. During his absence the position is being filled by Geo. Jennier. This is one of the largest and best equipped wagon shows on the road, having one hundred and twenty head of stock. Our parage is something brilliant. The call for "extras" is almost a daily occurrence in the big top, and on several occasions we have closed the ticket wagon early, turning hundreds away for want of seating capacity and standing room.
Notes from Reynolds' Great Railroad Shows. The shows spent Sunday, Many 21, at Jefferson, Ia., and paid tribute to a departed comrade, "Yankee" Robinson. The procession started from in front of the Hotel Head, headed by Mr. Reynolds, followed by Prof. Gabe Boone's Columbian band playing a dirge, composed expressly for the occasion by Prof. Boone. The executive staff and performers, together with some fifty or more carriages containing citizens, brought up the rear. As each one filed past the grave they deposited a floral offering, among which was a beautiful wreath, a figt of Mr. Reynolds. The large elephant, Queen, Jumbo and Baldy, are features with the shows. We have been doing splendid business through Illinois and Iowa, and are now in Nebraska.
Hunting's Circus and Menagerie is meeting with success through New York and Pennsylvania.
Richards' Three Big Shows opened their season at Burlington, Ia., May 9. The roster: D. P. Sutton and J. W. Harpstrite, proprietors and manager; S. P. Bowman, sideshow manager and lecturer; E. C. Davis, in charge of advance. Performers: Joe Parson, Clarinda Lowando, Harry Lamkins, John Sexton, Bennie Sexton W. S. Gilbert, John Avalas, Chauncy Powell, Harry Strief, Harry McDonnald, R. A. Graham, R. S. Tasker, Dick Thomas, Chas. Wilson, ___ Blocker, John Marshall, S. M. Laporte, Frank Townsend, S. V. Downs, Thos. Marshall, W. G. Freeland, James Carter, Mrs. Sutton, Mrs. Harpstrite, Mrs. S. P. Bowman, Mrs. Harry McDonnald, Mrs. Joe Parsons, Maude Sutton, Edna Graham, Lillie Graham and Gracie Warren. Harry Strief and Millie Bertha are the outside attraction in their double balloon ascensions and parachute jumps, while Gracie Warren and her bear dog Jack are the features in the concert. The show carries thirty-five head of stock. The big top is 90ft. with two 40ft. middle pieces. The sideshow is 60ft. with one 30ft. middle piece. The show travels by rail on five cars. They are headed for the Pacific Coast.
Doings of J. P. Gallagher's Columbian Shows. Notwithstanding the rain of the past two weeks the show has been doing a nice business. The roster: J. P. Gallagher, proprietor and manager; John Weaver, superintendent; Frank Dever, equestrian director; Florentine, Mrs. Wallace, Mlle. Reita, Mexican Bill and his school of educated ponies, W. F. Wallace, Jno. Alvers, Mons. Durell, Geo. Parker, Burt Bishop, Alexis, Frank Brown, Fred Durell, T. Evers, Brown and Bishop, Geo. Lasson, Marinelio, Daisy Mosher, Dever and Retia, J. Auigustus Jones, Prof. C. L. Alspaugh's silver cornet band and orchestra. T. Le Roy, boss canvasman; Frenchy, boss hostler.
The Moncayos have left the Hall Show and joined the Mullen's Railroad Circus.
Bartine's and Sun Bros. advance brigades came together at North Baltimore, May 19, and there was some great hustling. Roster of Sun Bros.' advance brigade: first wagons, Gus Sun, contracting agent; Tony Crandall, advance agent with three assistants; Peter Sun, in charge country route with two assistants; James Carr, lithographer; John Swell, programmer. The advance are ten days ahead.
Roster of Gollmar Bros.' United Circus and Menagerie: Gollmar Bros., sole proprietors; C. A. Gollmar, manager; B. F. Gollmar, treasurer; W. S. Gollmar, equestrian manager; A. H. Gollmar, manager of concert; J. C. Gollmar, front door; Fred C. Gollmar, chief of bill brigade No. 1 with twelve men; E. C. Gollmar, chief of brigade No. 2 with eight men; Prof. C. F. Shaw, leader of band No. 1 with the following musicians: C. Johnson, A. Jackson, Frank Rae, Chas. Seibert, Jas. Maskin, John Curdy, M. E. Mann . . . and Geo. Rawley. C. A. Estabrooke, leader of band No. 2, with the following men: C. H. Franklin, Wm. Otter, W. R. Feilder, Chas. Fitzhugh, W. M. Cline, Frank Munroe, F. R. Malcomb and Chas. Bauers. Performers in big show: Frank Gilliam, Lydia Gilliam, Mabel Gilliam, Primrose Gilliam, W. A. Gollmar, Fitz. Gerald, C. A. Gollmar, Prof. Bates, Jas. La Roe, Mlle. Lallo, Durnd Sisters, Jas. La Gerald, Mabel Call, Fred Markham, Darrelle Bros., Lydia Markham . . . and Billy La Role. Concert people: Gilliant Children, Billy Baker, Jas. Martin, Frank and Lydia Gilliam, and Jas. King. Annex people: W. Ament and Harry Brady, managers; Princess Nana, Mexican Billy, Harry Brady, Lotta Walters, Lulu A. Munroe, Prof. Elder, Mme. Elder, Frank Morian and Evans Sisters. They opened their season May 15 at Baraboo, Wis.
Roster of Leon W. Washburn's European Shows: L. W. Washburn, proprietor; D. B. Levis, manager; W. H. Kibble, treasurer; Harry Overton, newspaper representative; Mrs. L. W. Washburn, charge of reserved seats; Wm. O'Dell, equestrian director; Prof. Bergman, leader of band; Jos. Leary, leader of orchestra; W. E. Tuttle, F. Cooper, Frank Crill, D. E. Burke, Lew Corbin, J. France, John Edwards, Chas. Lowery, Millie O'Dell, Millie Alma, Wm. O'Dell, Chas. Johnson, Devene Bros., Harry La Dell, Wm. and Emma Rydon, Martines, ___ Almonte, Steve Meaney, Pauline Du Bois, John Cantwell, Washburn Children, Wild Horse Jack and is six cowboys, Mlle. Ida, Larry Moore, Mrs. L. Moore, Dave Carlton, Ross and Grace, L. Maynard, Dick Sands, Pauline Du Bois, Miss Moore, Grace Washburn, Maj. Kibble, Cantwell and Teaffe, Thos. Delvante, Mme. Delvante, Carlos Rea, Mable Senoreta, A. J. Smith, Louis Washburn, Ida Delvante, John P. Leary, Geo. Coup, H. A. Teal, Hugh Reilly, Archie Trenton, T. Putnam, T. L. VAnce, Red Crowley, J. Crowley, Leo Bull, Thos. Robinson, Doc Levis, Master Willie Lowell, John Lee, Isaac Miller, J. Hare, J. Hutchison, B. Green, H. Watson, Jas. Whalen, Jack Cullan, Tony Moore . . . Harry Fellman and others.
Notes from Horns' Nickel Plate Shows. Although a series of mishaps have been heaped upon Horn's Nickel Plate Shows the past two weeks, not time has been lost, and financial gains have been entered on the right side of the ledge. At Charlottesville, Va., May _, four hundred dollars was stolen from the ticket wagon, and at Harrisburg, May 22, fire destroyed the dressing room, the chandelier wagon and considerable wardrobe. The next day a serious wind storm demolished the largest portion of the big tent, besides entirely destroying the sideshow top, which had been substituted for the dressing rooms. Nevertheless, performances were given, and things are sailing along as smoothly as ever.
The Great Eastern Show has closed after being out only eight days. At Somerville, Ct., May 18, the tent was demolished during a heavy storm and several people were injured. Manager Gray settled all bills and brought the tour to an end to avoid further trouble.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Albert M. Wetter's Wagon Show, a boss horse man experienced in piloting a wagon show; also boss canvasman and chandelier man. Wire to Stubenville, June 2, 3.
New York Clipper, June 10, 1893, pp. 214, 217, 226, 227, 228. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Notes from the Fred Locke Show. We have just entered our seventh week of phenomenal business. We opened our season at Jamestown, O., on April 22. Complete roster: Fred Locke, proprietor and manager; O. S. Locke, treasurer; Doc Filley, assistant manager; D. H. Hadermann, musical director; Curt Bailey, manager of privileges; Joe Locke, master of transportation; Ed Beinhauer, in charge of canvas with twelve assistants; F. J. Hall, boss property man, with three assistants; Fred Ross, in charge of lights; Chas. Brown, boss hostler with nine assistants; James Borland, horse trainer and in charge of ring stock with three assistants. The advance, which is in two brigades, us under the management of Cready C. Primrose, George Marvin, in charge of paper; Frank Pine, lithographer; Chas. Lapmer, C. P. Tudale and Red Maxwell, billposter. Brigade No. 2, consisting of three people, is in charge of R. W. Drow.
The music, on of the features of the show, is under the management of Prof. D. H. Hadermann, his fifth season with Mr. Locke. The following musicians make up the band: D. H. Hadermann, Charles Moore, A. W. Rep, Ernie Locke, W. A. Curtis, Jack Conley, Ray Woodworth, ___ Rector, John Nehman and Sid. Frantz. Performers: Wm. De Boe, Doc Filley, Four Zaro Bros., Ollie La Vine, Billy Sheppard, Moore Family, Mamie Lewis, Belle Phips and Lester Bros. Candy stand, Burt Hayden and Frank Knox. We have sixty-two head of stock, including ten head of ring stock.
Doings on the John Robinson's Circus. At Roanoke, Va., the canvas was packed to the doors afternoon and evening. Chas. and Minnie La Van are practicing a new head to head balancing act. The whole company has caught the fever of practicing, and all expect to do great things the coming Winter. Hiram Marks, the veteran clown and ringmaster, has sold his old homestead at Indianapolis and bought a residence in the northern part of the city, where he says he will spend the remainder of his days. Chas. Constantine, ballet master, has introduced his new Amazon march with sixty ladies, handsomely costumed.
The La Pearl Show reports good business through Illinois. Harry Loomis has recovered from measles and rejoined the show. The Asbeys left at Wavertly, and their place is filled by the O'Brien Bros. acrobats.
Notes from the Wallace Circus. The wedding of our two performers, John Roberts, known in the profession as John Cleveland, to Jennie Alward, hurdle rider and dancing rope artist, at Holton, Kan., May 27. Mrs. Alward, mother of the bride, served a big spread to all the members of the show. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts took the train for Kansas City.
The wrecking of the Walter L. Main Circus is more complete than was at first supposed. Hundreds of mechanics, under the direction of Mr. Main's agents, are at work building new wagons, cars, cages, etc., while the show's horsemen are scouting the country, collecting all good available horse flesh, and the white tops will be pitched at Tyrone, Pa., June 8, and two performances given. New animals have already begun to arrive.
The Welsh Bros. have sold their Golden Shows to Thos. Humphrevilly, who will conduct the same in the future. John Welsh has associated himself with Hezekiah Sands, an old showman, and they will take out a show, opening at York, Pa., June 17. Notes from the W. T. Bryan and Edgerton Sisters' New Model Circus. We are in our sixth week and turning people away. Six large dapple gray horses for gand wagon and six small Shetland ponies have been added to the show.
Thos. Humphreville, Geo. Whitby and Harry Mohn have purchased the rights, title and complete outfit of Welsh Bros. Golden Shows. They have enlarged and strenghtened the show to twice its former size. The following is the title and roster of the show as now organized: Whitby's New Gilt Edged Shows, World's Fair Museum, Aquarium and New Enormous Trained Animal Exposition. Humphreville, Mohn & Whitby, sole managers; Harry Mohn, business manager and equestrian director; Thos. Humphreville, treasurer; Geo. Whibty, superintendent . . .
Wheeler & Co.'s Show opened its season May 27 at Ephreta, Pa., to reported good business.
Eddie McDonald, contortionist, joined Scribner & Smith's Circus May 30.
[Advertisement] Wanted, Davis & Co.'s Circus, acts of all kinds suitable for big show, and concert musicians, etc. Long season, open Pittsburg, Pa., June 13. Address _. C. Cooper, American House, Pittsburg, Pa.
[Advertisement] Am I in it? Well, I guess yes. Andrew Downie's Circus, Hippodrome and Wild West. Wanted, concert team to sell concert and reserve seat tickets, and two candy butcher, or will rent candy privileges. Wanted to rent, sleeping car and flat cars for six months, with the privilege of buying the same. Address Andrew Downie, sole owner, till June _, Cleveland, O.; June 10-17, Akron, O.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Welsh & Sand's Big City Show, Museum, Carnival of Novelties and Colossal Trained Animal Combine. John Welsh, manager. Hezekiah Sands, treasurer. Want performers of all kinds, musicians for band and orchestra. Gymnasts that can do specialties, sideshow people. Travel by rail, make three day and week stands. All people sleep at hotels. Show opens June 17 at York, Pa. Address John Welsh, manager, Lancaster, Pa. Want outside ascension.
New York Clipper, June 17, 1893, p. 230. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Roster of Cole's Colossal Circus. Geo. S. Cole & John Sparks, sole owners; T. Long, general agent; J. M. Wall, contracting agent with eight assistants; L. ___, general lithograph agent, with three assistants; _. Williams, treasurer; John H. Sparks and Geo. S. Cole, doorkeepers. Performers: Gregory Bros, three in number; John Fritz, Wm. Leavin, Mlle. Irene, Albert Sylvester, Chas. Sparks, Ronaldo, Brothers Rex, Happy Jack Jordon . . . Prof. Sparks' school of sixteen educated horses and ponies, Prof. Williams' troupe of dogs and cats, Jas. Chattaway's military band of solo musicians, W. B. Sanger, A. Schrank, Walter Jamers, Wm. Hickey, Chas. Jones, Jos. Girard, F. Anderson . . . and Bert Cole. Concert: Sparks Bros., Mlle Irene, Hendrey and Hall, John Lancaster, Annie Austin, Wm. Thomas and Bert Cole. Concert ticket sellers, Bert Cole and Chas. Gregory. Candy stands, Gregory Bros. The big top is 120ft. with a __ft. sideshow. Geo. Irving, owner and manager with the following people: Blondell, strong man; Mlle La Bell, mind reader; Mlle. Letia, serpent queen; Patagonia glass dancers, Prof. Wise, magician; Punch and Judy, birds, monkeys and vampires. Geo. Irving and Bert Cole, ticket sellers. They use a _-ft. round top, Jack McGinnis in charge of top with three assistants; the big show has eighteen canvasmen. Jack Talbert is boss canvasman. Sixty head of stock and three advance wagons are used.
Master Ganellean joined the Queen City Circus at Elmira, N. Y.
Geo. Ingersoll has closed with the Great Eastern Circus and joined the Myer-Thom Comedy Co.
From R. J. Erwood's United Shows. Our season opened at New Philadelphia, O., May 30. The roster: R. J. Erwood, proprietor and manager; G. L. Bowers, treasurer; Sig. Cannon and Mme. Maude, Chris Meyer, Chas. A. Blanchell, Mons. Geller, Mattie King, W. Crawford, Ed Strine, Warde and Erwood, Little Ruby Erwood, Red Martin, Prof. Martin and wife's troupe of trained ponies and dogs . . . Prof. Kellman's band of twelve piecese. Dr. McKinzie, candy privilege, and Albert Kirkam, boss canvasman.
Notes from M. K. Houlton's Show. This is our fourth week, and we have been playing to big business. The roster: the Belfords, the Clinger Bros., three in number, Sullivan and McGowan, A. T. Wheeler, Hosterman and wife, Master Ervie Belford, the Houlton Bros., M. K. Houlton and wife, Fisher and Waller, Riley and Turner, M. Mabery, in advande with four assistants; Dode Houlton, leader of band; Prof. McWaller, leader of orchestra; J. C. Sullivan, equestrian director; P. J. McGowan, director of concert; Billy Clinger, candy stand; Sullivan, Wheeler and McGowan, concert and reserve seat tickets; James Trabue, master of canvas with eight men; W. Till, boss hostler with five men; A. Henricks, boss property man with two assistants. Concert people are: the Belfords, A. T. Wheeler, Thompson, Sullivan and McGowan, Mrs. Hoastnan and Little Dot Diamond,Mme. Frazee's troupe of trained dogs, ponies and goats. M. K. Houlton has added to his stable eight dappled grays to assist in moving his canvas. These make thirty-eight in all. George Belford was surprised with several presents from the company May 31, that being his birthday.
Roster of Kirkhart's Railroad Shows: W. Kirkhart, sole owner and manager; S. A. Kirkhart, contracting agent; C. W. Ward, boss billposter with five assistants; A. S. Kirkhart, treasurer; Prof. A. ___, bandmaster with fifteen men; Ed Weath, superintendent of canvas with Bert Mann, Joe House, Charley Griffen, W. Squires, E. Anderson, Fred Olesen and Frank Taylor, assistants; George Ries, equestrian director; Myers Family, four in number; King Ziemer, wire and flying trapeze; Ries Bros., acrobats; Mr. W. F. Kirkhart with her tourpe of dogs and goats; James Myers' Spanish web act; W. A. Walden, singing and talking clown; W. A. Lindey adn Mme. Clair, double trapeze; Col. Griffen, heavy weight lifter; G. W. Richardson, Dutch farmer; Mme. Lee, snake charmer; Prof. Long, fire king, W. Stout, Punch and magic . . . Prof. E. Myers, strong man. They carry three cars. They opened at Lacoma, Ia. Business reported good.
"Senator" Frank B. Hubin, in charge of the sideshow with the Sanger & Lent's Circus, now touring the West, reports big business.
Doings of J. P. Gallagher's New Columbian Shows. Seven cages of animals have been added, and as there was not sufficient room on the boats to accommodate them, manager Gallagher has secured twenty head more of draft horses, and the show will take the road at Syracuse, touring the Southern part of New York and then into Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Notes from W. L. Collins' One Ring Circus. We opened at Owensboro, Ky., June 3, to a packed canvas and have been doing big business. We are using a 90ft. top, with two 30ft. middle pieces. Roster: W. L. Collins, sole owner; Ora Collins, manager; Harry ___, equestrian director; Sallie Davidson, Perl Alexander, Prof. Bertraim's dog circus, Anderson Bros., Frank Allen, the Nevins, Metcalf and Norton . . . Prof. Davidson's balloon show.
Complete roster of Mullen's Rail Road Shows and Quinnett's Grand Free Museum: W. H. Quinnette, F. S. Moncayo, Joe Fritch, Prof. W. R. Jones, E. A. Ryan, Harry Franklin, Little ___ Fritch, Frank Quinnett, Mrs. Myrtle Mullen, Mrs. Etha Moncay, Lula Moncayo, Mrs. Vida Jones, Mrs. Flo Fritch, Prof. Chas. Hacker, Mandy Kilbourn, George Reigler, Phil Kadel, Chas. Starkey, Manie Miller, Harry Hatton, W. R. Potter . . . John Corcran.
The Leon W. Washburn Shows will be at Edmonton, Alberta, June 26, probably the highest pont ever reached by a circus, being fifty-four north latitude.
Roster of Robinson's Combined Show and Olympic Museum. C. J. Smith, proprietor and manager; Wm. Delamroe, equestrian director; Frank Norris, head of advance brigade; George ___, contracting agent; Prof. Cooney, leader of band with nine solo musicians; the Delmores, Ed Conklin, Will Howard and wife, the Smith Children, Marsh Craig, the Robinson Family, P. A. Gibbs and wife, Steve Kennedy and wife, Millie Forence, Gertrude Evelyn, the Leondos, Prof. Everton and his troupe of trained dogs, Frank Howard, Sadie Steele, Mable Steele, Mabel Leonard, Larry McNair and Sig. De Orville.
Late on the night of June _, just before the close of the performance, the main tent of Harris' Nickel Plate Show took fire and about one half of it was destroyed. All present escaped without injury. The fire was caused by one of the lights about the centre pole coming in contact with the canvas. Fortunately Mr. Harris had ordered a new canvas some time before, so the mishap did not interfere with his other dates.
Oliver's World's Greatest Shows are doing good business through North Dakota. A blow down happened at Claremont, June 2. No one was injured, although the performance was in progress. The show was finished in the Kid Show top.
New York Clipper, June 24, 1893, p. 248. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Bruce L. Baldwin, of Baldwin's Railroad Shows, and his wife, visited Yankee Robinson's grave, at Jefferson, Ia., June _, and had the grass trimmed, and some potted plants placed on the grave. Mr. Baldwin writes: "I went to California in 1877 with Mr. Robinson, and was a member of his company when he built the permanent circus in that city. I left him at the collapse. It seemed a sad concidence of 'man's inhumanity to man' to see the lone, unkept mound that marked the last resting place of such a man as Yankee Robinson, neglected as it has been. My show is making a little money now, though it was rather a hard time in May. I have a 100ft. top with two forty's for the big top, one __ft. with two thirty's for menagerie and museum combined; no sideshow; ten head ring stock, thirty head working stock, forty-five people, and seven cars."
Items from the Gollmar Bros.' Shows. The Dobelle Bros.' aerial work is a strong feature. The Gilliam Family's posturing and aerial flights are clever. Chas. A. Gollmar's educated ponies and mules are a feature. Walt Gollmar's feats of equestrianism are making a hit. Jas. Fitzgerald, juggler and club tosser, is doing nice work. Bartelle Bros.' flying return act meets with approval. Durand Sisters' statuary is something new in this country. Prof. A. A. Bates and his horses and dogs work well. . . . Our annex is handled by managers W. D. Ament and Harry Brady. The rifle shooting by Mexican Billy is clever. Our two bands, under the leadership of Prof. C. F. Shaw and C. A. Estabrook, are features of our parade. Frank Myers, boss hostler, with thirty men is keeping the show in fine form. H. W. Southard, boss canvasman with twenty-five men, get the white tops up in good shape. . . .
The La Pearl Show report continued success through Illinois. Two new cars were added the past week, one stock and one sleeper.
Walter L. Main gives the Clipper the following regarding the recent wreck of his show near Tyrone, Pa., May 30: "The newspapers have printed all sorts of statements regarding the wreck, but none had it as bad as it was. No one except those there know how bad it was. It was the first section of the show that was wrecked, consisting of __ cars; six were 60ft long the balance 50ft. long. The train ran down the mountain at the rate of a mile a minutes, and 17 cars jumped the track, smasthing them and all the wagons into the million pieces. Six people were killed, about __ injured; __ horses were killed outright, about 20 had to be shot, and __ more were injured. All lay there in one terrible mass down an embankment 20ft. below the track where the 17 cars had jumped into a swamp. As soon as the dead and injured people and horses were taken care of, and in less than three hours after the wreck, I commenced telegraphing and before the next morning messages had gone to all parts of the world for new show property. Horse dealers were notifived at Chicago, Harrisburg, Philadelphia and New York to save all the best 1400lb animals in the market. New wagons, cages and tableaux cars were ordered; seventeen cars were completed in just eight days. I had before the accident ordered four new cars at Youngstown, O., and tableaux and chariots to ___ them from a Western town, so that they came in just the right time. Cincinnati wagon makers built new band and calliope wagons, and every wagon shop within reach was given orders for new cages. Painters, harness makers and artisans of all kinds came from Philadelphia, and today Walter L. Main's Show is one of the handsomest and complete in the world. Messrs. Main and Aiken have in the meantime kept on the go between New York and Philadelphia, buying over two hundred horses they could procure, and every available rare animal and feature in the market. The show as it now stands is one third larger. Of the thousands of letters from the people, both in and out of the business, Mr. Main desires to return his thanks. Last week Mr. Main shipped from this city a carload of animals and two carloads of horses. Among the animals was a baby elephant.
The Whitbys Circus has gone to Lewiston, Pa., to reorganize. They have a 75ft. round top with a 40ft. middle piece, and fifty-five head of horses. The roster: Thoma Humphreville, sole proprietor and manager; Geo. Whitby, superintendent; Harry Mohn, equine director; Frank A. Harriman, contracting agent; Martin Rutter, boss billposter with six assistants; J. J. Campbell, leader of the band of ten pieces; Jim Maloney, boss canvasman with eleven assistants; Arizona ___, boss hostler, with eleven assistants; Fred Smith, boss property man with four assistants; Will Roberts and Martine, Mrs. Thos. Humphreville, Lucy Whitby, Ella Mohn, Sue Copeland, ___ Copeland, Stella Lewis, Harry Mohn, Geo. Whitby, Roberts, Wm. Martine, Frank Lee, Harry Fasner, Chas. Whitmer, Geo. Shaw, ___ Hamright, Three Reville Bros. . . . and Jas. Gordon.
New York Clipper, July 1, 1893, p. 264. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Walter L. Main's sideshow roster: Hugh Harrison, manager; J. D. Harrison and Wm. Reagan, solicitors, Geo. Corcoran, doortender; Henrietta Moritz, midget; Mabel Milton, long haired lady; Mme. Harrison, mind reader; Mlle. Olive Crawford, snake charmer; Geo. Holman, giant; Freda Moritz, ladder of swords; John Jennings, strong man; Gov. Littlepae, midget; J. T. Handley's troupe of glassblowers; Isaac Morean, Mora; J. T. Kawanda, wild boy; Hughie Stout, fat man; Caddie Clare, fat woman; den of fifty snakes, cages of vampires, birds, monkeys, grave diggers . . . and a man slayer ape. Prof. J. McNutt's brass band and orchestra and a troupe of jubilee singers supply the music.
General agent De Forrest, of the Washburn Show, is in San Francisco arranging for the California tour of that enterprise.
Prof. G. Clark's One Ring Circus will begin its season at Medina, N. Y., Aug. __.
During the performance of Sells & Rentfrow's Circus at Denver, Col., June 17, a gasoline lamp in the dressing room tent exploded, and in a very short time the canvas was destroyed. Several performers and attaches were badly burned. The presence of mind of the employes, headed by Wm. Dutton, the equestrian, prevented a panic among the auditors.
Complete roster of Welsh & Sands' Big City Show, Royal British Museum, Colossal Carnival of Novelties and Trained Animal Combine: Welsh & Sands, sole owners; John Welsh, manager; Hezekiah Sands, treasurer; Col. M. H. Welsh, business manager and general agent; Nelson Sinclair, director of amusements; Clint M. Newton, orator and press agent; Prof. _. Lidler, musical conductor; and the following musicians: S. S. Rice, Jos. F. Glenn, L. Lidler, Edward Bennett, _. H. Walton, Yankee Adams and George Welch. Performers in big show: Walters and Fish, Nelson Sinclair, Wm. Nelson, Vincent Kaminski, Arabi Bey, Master Leotard, Harry Foster, Jos. Kearney, Lottie Edwardes, Mrs. Arabi Bey, and Nellie Carlisle's canine paradox. Sideshow people: Dr. Newton, director and lecturer; Mlle. Melton, mind reader; Herr Melton, magician and ventriloquist; King ___, two headed Zulu chieftain; Dr. Lynn, mystery; Prof. Foster's Punch and Judy, and the hunchback pony of Samatra. Concert: Yankee Adams, Kearney and Foster, Miss Edwards and Prof. Melton. Their season opened June 17 at York, Pa., playing, we are informed, to packed houses. The show travels by rail, and makes three days and week stands.
Major Eddie Arlington joined Walter L. Main's Circus at Shenandoah, Pa.
Notes from the Kidder & Co.'s Show. We have spent nine weeks under the canopy, playing to fine business for six consecutive weeks. At Shelburne Falls, Mass., we turned people away. The "Cyclone" band of eight people are spoken highly of, and their renditions are the latest published. The roster: C. W. Kidder & Co., proprietors; O. S. Cary, general advance manager; John Whitney, manager; C. R. Culbertson, treasurer; Oscar Jones, musical director; Harry Black, equestrian director; Billy Gibson, manager of concert; Marietta Bros., Leyon Bros., John Thorne, John Foster and wife, Edward S. Johnson, Frank Leopold, Chas. J. Newtown, Gibson and Melburne, Mlle. Annie, Punch Rose and wife, Oscar Jones, director of band; Wm. Maxwell, John Sheehan, Hugh Moran, E. S. Secrest, Geo. W. Jones, John D. Clymer . . . and Curt S. Wright.
News from Fred Locke's Circus. At Sabina, O., on June 19, the occasion being the thirty-fifth birthday of Mr. Locke and the twenty-sixth birthday of our musical director, Prof. D. H. Haddermann. . . . Mr. Locke was presented with a $200 phaeton, made to order, a gift from Mrs. Locke, and Mr. Locke enjoys riding over the road in his fine new carriage drawn by two snow white horses, which he recently purchased in Lexington, Ky. L. E. Osborne, solo cornettist, joined 17. John Zaro, of the Zaro Bros., is now convalescent, and will be able to resume his work in a few days. Mamie Lewis, who was thrown from a chariot which she was driving in the pony hippodrome races at Lancaster, is again able to hold the ribbons.
Jessie Boyd has signed with Scribner & Smith's Circus to sing in concert.
Morris and McCune, triple bar performers, joined Alma & Stone's Circus June 15.
Alson Wheeler and Samuel Dock have purchased Wm. C. Snyder's interest in Wheeler & Co.'s Circus.
New York Clipper, July 8, 1893, pp. 280, 290, 294. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
W. Fred Aymar has replace J. D. Harrison as newspaper correspondent with the Walter L. Main Shows. Frank Whitbeck was a visitor to the show at Tonawanda, Pa., and named the baby elephant, "Columbia."
Jack Griffin and wife closed with the Irwin Bros. Circus, at Grand Rapids, Mich., June 23.
Bonheur Bros. Notes. Bonheur Bros.' Show are holding their own in South Dakota, despite the opposition of numerous canvas exhibitions and hall shows of all kinds. Percy Brown, of Indianapolis, formerly candy butcher with Barnum & Bailey, is with the Bonheur Bros. . . . At Toronto, S. D., June 26, we had a severe wind storm with heavy rain fall and the tent could hardly stand. The Bonheur Bros. offered to refund the money paid for admission if the audience would retire, insisting that it was unsafe to try to keep the tent up in such a wind. The people would not leave their seats. In removing a double Baker gasolene lamp from the top of a large wagon, Percy Brown was blown off the wagon and fell, turning a complete backward somersault with the lamp in his hand, alighting on his hip on the tongue of the wagon without seriously hurting himself.
Sam Wilson, late of the Forepaugh Show, has succeeded G. E. Bishop as general agent of Walters & Schiller's Great Railroad Show.
Notes from Walter L. Main's Shows. Business is big and the weather is hot. We have had plenty of new stuff coming every day for the past two weeks, including animals, horses, cages, and tableau wagons. Our latest are two Bengal tigers, a baby elephant and three tableau wagons. Chas. Lee, of the Lee Show, paid us a visit at Lyons. Mr. Main has returned from the East with a car load of racing stock, and E. D. Colvin, from the West with thirty-three baggage horses.
During a parade of Cook & Whitby's Circus in a Colorado town last week, Henry Thomas, and old attache of the show, accidently fell from the top of an animal cage and was run over by the wheels of the conveyance. His condition is quite critical, yet there are chances of his ultimate recovery.
Roster of Sun Bros.' United Shows. Four Sun Bros., owners; Geo. Sun, manager; Peter Sun, ticket seller; Gus Sun, advance agent with three assistants; Tony Crandell, Geo. Robinson and Chas. Ross in charge of country route; Al La Roe, advertising agent; Dick ___, boss canvasman with ten assistants; Geo. Jenkins, boss hostler with eight assistants; Dan Stone, chandelier man; Louis ___, boss property man with three men; Chas. Kirst, boss cook with two assistants; Howard ___, boss waiter with three assistants; Otto Muler, watchman; J. W. Jones, steward; Prof. Dickson, band leader; Albert Martin, Burt Owens, Chas. Rickard, Ben Spedding, W. T. Rayburn, John Otis, Harry Brown, J. W. Barnes, Jessie Lake, Floyd Trover, William Trover, Robert Trover, Rexford Family, Dave Stafford, La Moth Trio, Robert White . . . and Wm. De Onzo and wife.
C. S. Carleton has resigned as general agent of Erwood's Circus to take charge of the tour of Prof. Martin's troupe of educated dogs and ponies.
[Advertisement] Bonheur Bros.' Colossal Mirror of Wonderland, under canvas. Western scenes of enormous magnitude. Wanted, three boy musicians, harp and violins. Would adopt and educate a boy with musical inclination. Would buy air calliope, and cage of animals. Address per route, Bird Island, Minn., July 4. Arlington, Minn., July 7. En route to World's Fair. Travel with six wagons.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for F. J. Forde & Co.'s Circus, Museum, Menagerie, Wild West and Real Roman Hippodrome, combined with the Great American Racing Association, people in all branches of the business, aerial and return acts, riders with their own stock, hippodrome people, lady riders and chariot drivers, also wild west people and Indians and band of twelve people. Sideshow curiosities, railroad contractors and thirty billposters. This will be a railroad show. Wire F. J. Forde, Acme Hotel, Evansville, Ind., July 8, Union Depot Hotel, Vincennes, Ind., July 16.
New York Clipper, July 15, 1893, pp. 296, 309. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Notes from the Diefenbach Show. We opened the season at Murphysboro, Ill., April 6, and experienced fearfully bad weather from the start. We started out with a hundred foot round top and two fifty foot middle pieces, in fine condition; all that's now left is the round top and one middle piece, which is cut down to forty feet. We have been blown down nine times and on each occasion have been torn all to pieces. But the sun is shining at last, and business is now standing room only. At Richmond, Ind., on June 27, Mr. Diefenbach was arrested by the Humane Society charging him with cruelty to children. He immediately gave bonds for $___ for his appearance on the following day. Charges were made against him and Daniel ___, father of Sanchapancha and Michie, aged six and four years. It was proven at the trial that the children were not cruelly treated, but on the contrary had the very best of everything. As Mr. Diefenbach did not engage the children, and proved by contract that he only engaged the five older ones, the president of the Humane Society dismissed the case on the ground that the children were with their mother and father, and it was their proper pace. The president said the Humane Society was not to arrest or injure a man's business, but simply to stop cruelty of which Mr. Diefenbach or the father might be guilty. The following is a list of the company: the Mexican Family, five in number, and the two greatest Mexican children in the profession; Dan Malcolm, Millie Ethola, Frank Gillespie, Chas. Lamb, Sig. Manuel Trevoni, Chas. W. Huff . . . and George McDonald's challenge opera band and orchestra, consisting of the following: Geo. W. McDonald, Frank Thacker, Bert Snow, Henry Fisher . . . Bert Clair.
Notes from Gollmar Bros. Show. We are doing excellent business. Harry and Dolly Emmings joined us June 23. Miss Emmings does a manege act. The serpentine dancers, Mabel Gilliams and Fred De Belle, are surprising. Fred Gilliams' bounding rope act is a real piece of work. Harry De Belle's aerial work is good. Lydia Gilliams introduces clever feats of equilibrium in mid air. Chas. La Role is making a hit with his dancing barrel. Walt. Gollmar is riding in fine form. Fred Barlow is doing an excellent principal and four horse riding act. Jas. Fitzgerald juggles anything from a toothpick to a ___ lamp. Chas. A. Gollmar's educated ponies and dogs are working nicely. Dartelle Bros. are on the bars.
Notes and roster of W. C. Coup's Circus. We paraded on the Fourth of July after seven bands, and ours was the best in the line. We showed three times to the capacity of the tent. O'Brien made the hit of the parade with his colown dress and his bucking horse, Logan. Roster: W. C. Coup, proprietor; Prof. Page Buckley, manager; Mrs. Page Buckley, treasurer; ___ Mantel, agent with ten assistants; Stewart Walters, ticket seller; Chas O'Brien, principal clown and principal tumbler; Frank and Ada McCormick, lightning Zouave drill; Samson, the strong man; ___ and Francis, comiques; Victor Hugo, ringmaster, and Prof. Buckley's trained horses, dogs, ponies and donkeys.
Notes from A. F. Tuttle's Show. The show is playing return dats through Washington, Allegheny and Green Counties, Pa., doing a big business. Prof. Chas. McBride and H. O. Cunningham have joined the show. Prof. Taylor was called away at Columbus, O., but has joined the show again. Frank Large, comedian and clown, is on the sick list. Geo. Parento fell from his pyramid of tables and chairs recently, but is able to work.
Charles Lee's Great London Show notes. Our business continues good. Nellie and Flora Leonard closed at Fairport, N. Y. Fusner, talking and singing clown, has joined, and is making a hit in parade as the farmer, being arrested and released twice at Marion, N. Y., for stopping the parade and making too many inquiries. Every performer goes into the ring wearing silk. Charles Bratton, baritone soloist, received a new double bell instrument at Fairport, and Press Rice a gold bell tuba. Next to Fusner, Fred Jones' clowning and donkeys make a hit. We turn out a sixty horse parade, brass band, drum corps and jubilee singers, four of them. The Brunswick Japs are a hit. They were called back at Spencerport and repeated their act. J. H. Hewitt is kept busy in the wagon settling arguments, paying bills, and trading horses. Billy Botsford and J. Zimmerman joined at Webster, N. Y.
Kidder & Co.'s New Railroad Shows have not been free of accidents. They had their day at Milton, Pa., July 8. About 4 o'clock in the morning, when within four miles of Milton, the trucks gave away and the car was derailed. Three cages turned over and several hyenas escaped, producing a panic among the workingmen. The show arrived in the town at 10 o'clock, and through a good deal of hustling the top was up in shape and ready for the afternoon performance. The tent was well packed, and at 3 o'clock a very heavy storm came up and made more trouble. Quarterpoles danced, the tents flapped and people took fright and ran. Mlle. Anie, the slack wire performer, jumped from the wire. The band suddenly vacated their seats to get outside, just in time to play "Whirlwind" gallop, when centre poles, canvas and properties went whirling through the air. The band then began to play "When Shall We Meet Again?" Manager John Winter by hard work got the canvas together again, ready for the evening performance, and was surprised to see people turned away a half an hour before the performance began. A new canvas was ordered at once and will arrive at Frackville July 12. John Foster, talking clown, received the news on the same day by telegraph of the death of his sister in New York.
Chas. Lee's London Show Notes. F. Durell joined at Baldwinsville. Nellie and Flora Leoanrd are no longer with the troupe. We had the heaviest rain of the season at Baldwinsville, Me. In the afternoon the show town was black with people. The tents were filled at night despite the mud. A dressing top blew down in the afternoon while all performers were under it. No one injured. Mrs. Lee is breaking two fine greyhounds for hurdle races. The hit of our concert is the wrestling bear. A new cook tent and another new horse tent were put up last week. We have now all told forty-eight people at hotels and sixty on the lot.
Wm. and Mamie Irwin, who have been with the Orrin Bros. Circus for one year and a half in Mexico, will go to Buffalo, N. Y., where they will build a house.
Uniformly good business is reported by E. G. Fladeland for his new Australian Show since its opening May 1.
The Andrew Downie Show is reported to have gone to the wall July _ at Cleveland, O. There is the old tale to tell of unpaid salaries, delinquent board bills, etc. Buckskin Bill saved his skin in a measure by attaching the trunks for money due him.
Richard Place's London Circus will begin operations July 12 at Toledo, O. The show will travel by rail.
[Advertisement] Wanted, for Horner & Russell's International Railroad Shows. Circus performers of every description, musicians, canvasmen, agents, billposters, etc. Address Horner & Russell, New Castle, Pa.
New York Clipper, July 22, 1893, p. 312. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Inez Palmer, a chariot rider with Walter L. Main's Circus, while driving a team of spirited horses in one of the chariot races at Little Falls, N. Y., July _, met with a painful accident. When the bell sounded for the chariot races, after the ring show had finished, Miss Palmer came out in a small chariot drawn by two firey animals. When the gong sounded for the quarter mile race between her and Mr. Lucke, Miss Palmer got away first, and led around the track until the circuit was completed twice, she winning the race by three lengths. As the chariot reached the north end of the rack the wheels struck a large stone. The driver lost her balance and kept vacillating from side to side. Soon the chariot struck a smaller stone, and the woman pitched head foremost out of her small gig. Behind her was her competitor in the race, and before he could swing his horses away from where she lay the wheels of his chariot had passed over her right leg, breaking it. She is mending rapidly.
Leon W. Washburn's Circus has returned to the States after a tour of Canada from coast to coast. Business on the northwest coast was very large at one dollar admisssion, while at Victoria and other Vancouver Island stands many were turned away at every peformance. They are now in California.
The following is contained in a dispatch from Pittsburg, Pa., in The Cincinnati Enquirer, under date of July _: "Utterly destitute of friends and money, and entirely blind, David Charles Melville, ex-champion bareback rider of the world, lies dying in a charity ward of the West Penn Hospital. He is seventy-two years old and helpless. At the age of three years he began his famous career as a circus ridere with the old show of Angevine, June & Turner. After traveling for forty-eight years he retired to his farm near Stovetown, Pa. Four years ago his eyesight failed. He spent all his money trying to be cured. He went to live with his son, but was turned out of doors and compelled to ask for charity."
From W. T. Ryan and Edgerton Sisters' New Model Circus. We are now in our twelfth week and are doing big business. We have added a new fifty foot middle piece and have purchased four more horses. Chas. Orton, of the Orton Brothers, received a bruised leg last week by a horse falling on him while riding in the entree.
The Livingstone Family have left the Sells & Rentfrow Circus, and are now with W. B. Reynolds' Circus.
Parnell and Merendo are with Walter L. Main's Show.
Prof. G. Clark's One Ring Circus opens Aug. 4 at Medina, N. Y. Prof. G. Clark is proprietor and manager, and carries a canvas with 80ft. round top and a band of five pieces. The features of the show are Smith and Anderson, aerial performers, and Prof. Sanderson's dog and monkey circus.
Howard W. Durand and his little son, Dexter, are at home at New Haven, having closed with Scribner & Smith's Circus. They have signed with the Oliver W. Wren Combination for next season.
Del Fuego and Myrtle Day have closes with W. B. Reynolds' Circus.
New York Clipper, July 29, 1893, pp. 328, 342. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Notes from Gollmar Bros.' Show. We experienced the first blow down of the season on July 15, at Livermoore, Ia., just as the evening show was about to commence. A terrific wind and rain storm came up without a moment's warning, the canvases commenced to sway to and fro, and the horses ran madly through the tents. Mr. Gollmar warned the audience to pass out as quick as possible, but so intense was the excitement they paid no heed to the warning. Finally the side walls were blown up and they made their escape. Then came a terrible crash. The menagerie, sideshow, big main tip, dressing rooms and horse and cook tents were leveled to the ground. Not a human being or animal was injured and the damage to the show property is nothing to speak of. Before and after the tornado some of the situations were laughable. In face of all the danger J. C. Gollmar was trying to hold the marquee with one hand and the ticket box with the other hand. He lost his grip and away it went. Chas. A. Gollmar was trying to do a perch act on a quarter pole, but gave up in despair. A. H. Gollmar was saturated with red lemonade. Walt Gollmar had to go to the hotel enveloped in a barrell. B. F. Gollmar was riding around in the ticket wagon looking for a dry place; he had plenty of "dust" in the wagon. Jas. Fitzgerald made the longest leap of the season, landing in a puddle of mud, dressed in his best suit of tights. Harry and Dolly Emmings passed by the hotel several times before they discovered the entrance. Frank Gilliam, with his whole family on his shoulders, did a nice carrying act. The Do Belle Bros. ran around the lot like the elephants, carrying their trunks with them. E. A. Estebrook and F. D. Johnson got into an argument about which could sprint the fastest. W. E. Jackson stopped on the way several times to light his pipe. All that could be seen of George Shumway was his white pants. E. Shaw came running into the hotel with a piece of music on one hand and a stake in the other. Frank Dickson came in with a pedestal under his arm, thinking he had his bass horn.
Harper Bros. Circus is said to be in a bad way. Salaries are reported in arrears, and the entire outfit is in a demoralized condition. At Granville, N. Y., last week, a hotel proprietor gave the performers their food and helped them out of town. The tent was left behind, having been badly torn during a severe wind storm.
The Black Hussar Band and Jubillee Singers are now engaged with Cook & Whitby's English and American Circus.
The statement that the Gallagher Show had gone to the wall recently is denied by Mr. Gallagher, who states that there was a temporary break in their tour, which was easily adjusted.
Notes from Hurlburt & Leftwich's Show. This is our twelfth week out and business continues good, athough we are having lots of opposition. The woods are full of them. The Dunbars closed July 1. The Nelsons joined July 3. James Clifford, contortionist, is catching on finely. Prof. Hurlburt's horses and dogs are still the favorites.
Notes from Welsh & Sand's Big City Show. Business since the opening June 17 has been phenimenal. Dan Sullivan and Prof. J. L. Denton's troupe of ponies joined the show July _. Walters and Fish, in their return aerial act, are making a hit. Our band, under the direction of Prof. E. E. Tidler, is gaining golden opinions from the press and public. The annex, under the management of Prof. C. M. Newton, is doing a land office business. We are playing the larger towns and cities of Pennsylvania at present, and will continue through the middle States indefinitely.
Notes from Russell & Luce's Great 10 and 20 Cent Show. This is our sixth week and business has been very good. At St. Claireville, O., we added a band of six pieces, under the leadership of Prof. H. Dickson. M. E. Simpson is making a hit with his "Rube" make up ahead of the band. At Barnesville, Minn., Russell & Luce purchased from Sun Bros.' Circus the trick donkey Jerry, and he is worked by C. H. Russell. We now have a parade of ladies, all mounted, leading our "farmer" band, followed by the clown and trick donkey, Jerry.
Notes from Cole's Colossal Shows. Business is way up, and has been since the opening last Spring at Brattleboro, Vt. The annex, under the management of Geo. H. Irving, is a drawing card. ___, the strong man, lifts a horse and six men at each performance. Chas. Sparks reaches the big show audiences with his educated horses; Sylvester's aerial contortion act pleases the people. The Gregory Bros. and Fitz, on the bars, are continually springing something new. John Lancaster, singing clown, supplies the latest songs. The shooting of the Bartlett Family is much admired. We have lately put in hippodrome races. Mme. La Bell, wife of Mr. Irving, of the annex, and her little daughter have returned after a week's sojourn with Mr. Irving's parents at Haverhill, Mass.
Notes from F. J. Taylor's Circus. We are in our thirteenth week, and business has been big since our opening day. On July 13 a cub was born to our lioness, Julia. Our band, under the direction of Prof. Ad Vrandenburg, is one of the features of the parade. The principal bareback riding of Julia Lowande, the hurdle act of Wm. De Van and the aerial acrobatic act of Farnum and Welcome are features of the big show. Lon Moore keeps the audience, as well as the dressing room, in a state of merriment. The Stone Bros. are doing a good brother act. Alex Lowande's bounding rope acts is unique and pleasing. Fred Welcome's balancing trapeze act is very "taking." Little Nellie Moore captivates the audience with her evolutions on the silver wire. The Geyers are doing creditable work with their Egyptian juggling and rolling globe acts. The Stone Bros. and Lon Moore are features in the concert, while Prof. Vernon is one of the attractions in the sideshow. We have had two or three severe wind storms, but so far have escaped without losing a foot of canvas or anybody sustaining any injury. The return of our equestrian director, Ed Shipp, is expected at Silver City, July 26, his broken legs having mended sufficiently to sustain his weight once more.
Gus Hanks is with Whitby's Gilt Edge Circus as singing and talking clown, also appearing in the concert.
While Tuttle's Circus was en route to Upper Middletown, Ct., and within two miles of the town, descending a steep mountain, the pole wagon became unmanageable and ran down at a furious speed, crashing into the wagon loaded with Mons. Taylor's dogs, killing one instantly and seriously injuring two others. Charles McBride received serious, though not fatal, injuries. He was the boss canvasman, and was asleep on the pole wagon. The horses received no injuries beyond a few scratches. Both wagons were totally smashed.
Notes from Andrew Downie's Circus, Hippodrome and Wild West. We are now in our tenth week of success, notwithstanding all rumors to the contrary. The show has been doing a good business from our opening, playing to only one losing week. Jockey Ed Carr, who was hurt at Canton, has resumed work. We are now playing a return date at Akron, O. A new sideshow and six new sideshow paintings have arrived. The thief who robbed our sleeping car has been caught and most of the goods returned. Manager Downie is preparing for his Winter show.
Notes from Sig. Sautelle's Shows. The following is the change made in our show the past week. We have left the boats and manager Sautelle has purchased three new baggage wagons, making eleven four horse baggage wagons, one four horse band wagon, a two horse ticket wagon, a two horse passenger wagon, one two seated passenger wagon, two buggies, one trick mule and two educational ponies, a total of fifty-nine head of stock with the show. Mr. Sautelle bought twenty head of young iron gray horses at Ft. Edward recently. This show gives five riding acts, one of them a four horse act by Wm. Hamilton. Last week the new round top arrived. The advance brigade has been enlarged to one four horse bill wagon, one two horse, a paste and programme wagon, and a one horse with buggy. We are playing in towns two weeks ahead of the Barnum Show.
Edward Johnson, contortionist with C. W. Kidder & Co.'s Circus, while doing his clown act with Tom and Jerry, two trained donkeys, at Tunkhanock, Pa., one of them bit him on the big toe, nearly severing it from his foot. He is recovering and will rejoin the show in a few days.
Chas. T. Orville has joined Lee's Circus.
L. J. Melrose says he is doing well with G. W. Hall's Circus as programme agent and country route man.
Notes from Vernello's European Circus. The only blow down of the season occurred at McBride's, Mich. Manager Vernello will close the circus Aug. __, as the takes management of "The Mystic" Co., which opens Aug. 21. He will also be interested in a large Ohio museum this Winter. At present we are using a 70ft. top with a 30ft. middle piece.
Scribner & Smith report very large business for their show through Maine.
Notes from W. H. Harris' Show. W. H. Harris' New Nickel Plate Show is now in its last week at Chicago and will open July 31 at Joliet, Ill. This is our twenty-second week out, having opened at Thibedeaux, La., Feb. 18. The company remains about the same as when we opened. F. E. Davis is still the railroad contractor and Walter Vernona is agent. O. Gould is treasurer, his seventh year. Sky Clark is press agent and Prof. Jenkins has again taken charge of the band. While in Chicago all our cars and wagons have been repainted.
From Wells & Blackburn's Circus. This show started as a wagon show, but did not last longer than a week as such. It was reorganized as a railroad show at Danville, Ill., July 21. We arrived at Danville without any person knowning there was a show in town. We started the parade with Prof. Maxwell's Military Band in our own bandwagon, drawn by Prof. Wm. Mayo's horses, and a mounted parade and lead horses, ponies and mules, and did what would seem impossible on so short a notice, turned people away. Our canvas isa 70ft. round top with a 30ft. middle piece. The show goes to Covington, Ind., for two days and then plays the large cities for week stands. The roster: Prof. Mayo, Bert Mayo, Mr. Asbey, Mrs. Asbey, N. Comstock, Mrs. N. Comestock, Grace Leith, __ Wells, Patterson bros., Lyn Smith, Prof. C. P. Maxwell, W. S. Thompson, N. E. Corrington, F. E. Corrington, H. J. Maxwell . . . and A. Tuttle. Prof. Mayo's educated horses and Mr. Asby's living statuary are the features. This show is on the style of an old time one ring circus. Jim Smith is boss canvasman with ten assistants; Wm. Snellar, boss hostler with three assistants; twenty-two head of horses, ponies and mules.
Notes from Wetter's Show. Business during the past week has been phenomenal. We are making some additions to our list of performers and strengthening our parade by the use of Roman chariots and new ten horse tandem team. Ed ___ and "Shorty" Melville bought a Brewseter beach wagon, seating four people. Mr. Wetter kindly furnished them a team. Mrs. Ed Guthrie joined recently. Several new people have contracted to join July 31. Our clown, Claude Laverne, closes 30. He has been tendered a lucrative position on a railroad. Bobby Peasley ahs recovered, and the team are doing great work. . . .
From Herr Von Litz's One Ring Circus. We are doing good business through Central Pennsylvania, running without a top, using the side wall only for two weeks. We expect our new top soon.
[Advertisement] Third season and big success of Thorn, Besly & Thorn's Circus. Wanted to hear from performers. Can use one or two gymnasts who can do aerial and ground turns. Also B-flat cornet and slide trombone to complete our Russian band. Thorn, Besly & Thorn, proprietors. Edward Thorn, manager; Chas Besly, business manager; Jos. J. Thorn, contracting agent. Address Charles Besly, week of July 31, Charlotte, N. Y.
New York Clipper, August 5, 1893, pp. 346, 359. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
The Bonheur Bros. Co. are enjoying the Minnesota lakes in the region of Waterville and feasting on the fish with which the lakes abound. A six pound bass was served for breakfast July 23 at the cook tent.
The dressing room tents of the Hunting Shows were blown down at Littleton, N. Y., on July 22. No one was injured. Reports of excellent business come from the show. H. Curtis has been engaged as press agent.
Rosaline Stickney is desirous of hearding from her uncle, Robert Stickney. She is with Martinho Lowande's Circus in the Dominican Republic. From her letter, dated St. Pere, Marquena, July 5, we judge she is not meeting with the success she had hoped for, as she writes of trials and tribulations, although she does not mention what her trials are.
A. H. Reed's Railroad Show reports meeting with success. They recently added two new cars. The performance is said to be running smoothly under Fred O. Jones' management.
From the Walter L. Main Show. Business has been larger than Mr. Main expected. We have had a great number of visitors since we have been on Long Island, among them R. H. Dockrill, Harry Miner, James Murray, Chas. Ellis and James Hutchinson, formerly of the Barnum Show. Our new band wagon and one tableau wagon have arrived. We expect two more tableau wagons and the calliope wagon this week. Aymar and Crandell are fixing their time for their "Uncle Tom" Co., for next Winter. Thanks to Dr. E. D. Colvin, our manager, we enjoy good rest at night, for he makes the porters hustle and keep our sleeping coaches clean.
Note from Wheeler & Co.'s Show. We are doing good business through Pennsylvania. The first accident of the season occurred near Houtzdle, July 21. In going down a steep hill the team drawing the ticket wagon became unmanageable and the wagon was thrown over a steep embankment. The driver, Phares Roland, had a narrow escape from being crushed under the falling vehicle. Westley Mantell, comedian, joined at Ft. Matilda 20.
Prof. and Mme. G. M. Castroni closed with the Cook & Whitby Circus at Denver, Col, July __.
Gollmar Bros.' Circus advance No. 2 visited the grave of "Yankee" Robinson at Jefferson, Ia., on Saturday, July 23. The grave was found in excellent condition. It is located on the Masonic lot, the highest spot in the cemetery, and is marked with a fine brown granite monument, erected by the Sells Bros. and Ringling Bros. The advance is now eleven days ahead of the show.
Cal Towers, principal orator of John Robinson's Circus, has been compelled to go to his home at Muscatine, Ia., on account of sickness. He is improving and expects to join the show at Boonville, Ind., Aug. 15.
J. P. Gallagher's Shows have combined with W. C. Coup's Circus and Canine and Equine Paradox for the remainder of the season. The shows travel by rail.
[Advertisement] For sale, one half interest in J. P. Gallagher's New Columbian Shows, one of the most complete, thoroughly equipped circus on the road, now playing Buffalo, N. Y., to big business. Reason for selling owing to the early opening of my Winter show, to which I intend devoting my entire tiem. I will sell one half interest in the above shows. This show goes South until February. . . . Gallagher & Swafford.
New York Clipper, August 12, 1893, p. 362. Note: Clipper has typographical errors, and the transcription will have additional typos. Information should be checked with additional sources. Underlined word, transcription may not be correct. Unreadable word indicated by ___. Some items may not be circuses or circus-related. Only selected items were transcribed.
Notes from Baldwin's Metropolitan Shows. At Waucoma, Ia., July 27, two drunken hoodlums attempted to go under the side wall, but were thrown out. They left the lot and went for reinforcements. They cut the ladies' dressing room side wall before "hey rube" was sounded. When the circus yell was given manager Bruce Baldwin and boss canvasman McHugh jumped into the mob of eight or ten and beat them off. Three of the hoodlums were severely slugged and one may die. Manager Baldwin was arrested at Lansing on July 30 and taken back to Waucoma, but furnished bail for his appearance in September. The attack on the show was wholly uncalled for. Jack Buck, a driver, was cut on the left arm, and Ollie Walsh, canvasman, was hit with a brick, neither wound serious. The cook house was made a banquet hall for about twenty tramp Colorado miners at Lawler, Ia., 26. Mr. Baldwin served them two good "squares," and seated them in the afternoon show. The Mayor of Lawler stepped into the ring at closing of the performance and held his hat for a collection for the unfortunate men. Nearly forty dollars was contributed, and the "boys in spangles" and other members of the company contirbuted liberally. The expressions on their faces fully repaid any acts of kindness done for them. The Milwaukee Railroad transported them into the harvest fields of Minnesota. "Gypsie," the riding dog, was badly hurt two weeks ago in Minnesota, but is working again. The brother act of the Four Baldwins is catchy, as is their bar act. Picard, contortionist, is practicing a new and novel act for the Winter season. The Valentines go East in October. Burk and Weston will play dates during the Winter, and Harvey McDonald will work at his trade at Chicago. Tony Sidahl is making a hit in is principal act. The "tumbling" line was strengthened by Eddie Baldwin's return. The Bennetts will winter in Alabama and the show in Lexington, Ky.
Roster of Huntings' Railroad Shows, Circus, Museum and Menagerie. Robt. Hunting, proprietor and manager; H. W. Link, general agent; Hays Evans, contracting agent; H. Curtis, charge of advertising car No. 2; Oliver D. Burr, boss billposter; Harry Nichols, "Paddy" Shea, Joe Freeberg, Lew Greenman, Chas. Edwards, F. D. Decker and Willie Green, lithographers and programmers; D. J. Tithall, manager of advertising car No. 3; A. G. Ortman, in charge of paper with eight billposters; Chas. W. Otis, treasurer; M. J. Haley, master of canvas with twelve men; Robt. Hammond, master of transportation with six men; Harry McDonald, master of stock with sixteen men; Ed ___, master of chandeliers; Boston Hood, in charge of menagerie; John Gluck, master of properties; Prof. W. C. Youngs, musical director with twelve musicians.
Performers: Robt. Whitaker, equestrian director; Master Lew Hunting,