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    Touring with this circus were Nick Carter, clown; Scott Ruth, trapeze; Chas. Welch, acrobat; Sylvia Alderfer, wire; Bert Pitts, clown; Mary Alderfer Solts, aerial; Charles L. Alderfer, owner, his wife Emma and son Roy. Circus Report, January 22, 1973, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Allen Shows - 1891

    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 also 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 clarinet solo which preceded the big show. Lowery and Madden, song and dance performers, joined April 28, and are a feature of the concerts. New York Clipper, May 9, 1891. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Geo. W. Allen's - 1893-1894, 1897

    1893: Notes from Geo. W. Allen's Shows. We are now in our twentieth week, and up to date we have enjoyed a very prosperous tour through Pennsylvania, New Jersey and part of Maryland. We will close our tenting season Oct. ? and go into Winter quarters at Allegheny City, Pa. The show will be greatly enlarged this Winter for next season, and will be one of the largest wagon shows on the road. New York Clipper, September 23, 1893, p. 463.

    1894: Notes from Geo. W. Allen's Circus. This will be our second season on the road. The show opened April 30, at Millerstown, Pa. to immense business, as it was pay day there. This season we will carry two two-horse bill wagons, and agent's one-horse buggy and six men on the advance. Our big tent is 85ft.(?) round top, with 40ft. middle piece; dressing room, 35ft. round top; cook tent, 20x??ft.; two 30x60ft. horse tents, and sideshow 30x??ft. We use only twelve wagons and forty head of draught horses to carry this show over the road. Our troupe of six performing ponies are the main feature of the show. They can do everything except talk. Our band of eight pieces is under the direction of Prof. Harry Forse. We carry forty-eight people all told. Our wagons have been repainted and they are beauties. All our canvas is brand new this Spring. New York Clipper, May 12, 1894, p. 149.

    1897: Items from Geo. W. Allen's Circus. We are putting the finishing touches on the wagons. The horses have been brought in from Mr. Allen's farm, and they are in fine condition. Our new canvas arrived last week. We will open the season at Greenville, Pa., April 2?. New York Clipper, April 17, 1897, p. 109. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Amateur Circus - 1894

    The Amateur Circus performance given March 27, at Nutley, N. J., in aid of the Red Cross League of that place, was a success. There was a performance in the afternoon for the young folks and one in the evening for their elders, both occurring in the training school of Prof. Eaton Stone, the veteran circus rider, and both being well attended. . . . The show opened with an overture by Prof. J. S. Robinson's Orchestra, which was composed of old time circus melodies, in the midst of which eight ladies and gentlemen, under the leadership of Guy A. Ward, rode into the ring and performed a series of graceful equestrian manoeuvres. . . . bareback riding act by C. O. Smith. During the waits of this act Fred Runnells, and old time clown, kept the audience in a good humor with his jokes. E. Loyal Field then presented his troupe of trained animals and Master L. Sterret gave a pony hurdel exhibiton. The veteran Eaton Stone was then introduced, and after a few remarks gave way to Messrs. Ward and Berg in a clown act. . . . Annie Oakley then gave an exhibition of glass ball shooting in which she introduced her new act of shooting from the back of a horse, and displayed her old time neatness and dexterity. . . . a tandem manege act by Robert Whittaker, and an exhibiton by the boxing kangaroo, "Big Frank." . . . New York Clipper, April 7, 1894, p. 68. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Capt. W. D. Ament's Circus - 1900

    Show played Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, July 1 to 4, 1900. Billboard, July 7, 1900, p. 5. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Bud E. Anderson Jungle Oddities - 1938-39

      In 1938 Anderson purchased the complete outfit of Norris Bros. Circus from Charlie LaMont and in 1939 added property from Tom Mix Circus and other shows. Purchased the Max Gruberg Oddities of the Jungle Act and titled his show the "Jungle Oddities Circus." "Six Shows in One," White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 4-5 (Feb-Mar), 1941, p. 16. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or the persons.

Bud E. Anderson Circus - 1941

      1941 was the first season Anderson toured to any extent east of the Mississippi. Owned and managed by Mr. & Mrs. Bud Anderson. Mrs. Anderson, front door; Joe B. Webb, asst. manager & general superintendent; Chet Espy, band; Mrs. Espy, ticket office; Cliff Brooks, band leader, route cards and Billboard agent; Mrs. Brooks, reserved seats asst.; Verne Crawford and wife, concession tent; Frank Ellis and wife, privilege tent; Bert E.Rickman, equestrian director, announcer, candy salesman; Mrs. Joe Webb and daughter Margaret, assist with reserves; Leon Bennett, sideshow manager; Cleo, sideshow mentalist; Dime Wilson and McBride, sideshow ticket sellers, outside lecturers; Prof. Reynolds, outside ventriloquism, Punch and Judy, inside lecturer; Koko Anders, legal adjuster. Capt. John Hart, jungle animal acts; seven performing elephants; elephant Eva; Matt Lauvish and Moon Kincaid, trained elephants; Joe Hodgini equestrian family (Joe Sr., Joe Jr., Tommie); Dime Wilson, clown; Charlie Dryden, clown; Jimmie Goodwin, clown; Jennie Geyer, aerialist. Band: C. B. Van Vactor and Tommy Osborne, trumpets; Louis Mittendorf, baritone; Chet Espy, trombone; David Anderson, bass; Fred Franklin, drums. Big top inside decorated red, white and blue, as well as the ground cloth in patriotic colors. "On the Lot with Bud Anderson's Circus,"White Tops, Vol. 14, Nos. 10-11 (Aug-Sep), 1941, p. 19. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or the persons.

Andress Show - 1889

    The Andress Show, Chas. Andress, sole proprietor, and W. R. Andress, manager, started the tenting season April 21. The show has one advance car, fourteen people in charge of the advance, and about one hundred people with the show. They also carry ten cages, one elephant, two camels and twenty horses. New York Clipper, April 27, 1889. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or the persons.

Ann Arbor Light Infantry's Midwinter Circus - 1896

    Roster of the Ann Arbor Light Infantry's Midwinter Circus. Ross(?) Granger, manager; Dean Seabolt, assistant manager; Fred Hantooa(?), treasurer; Mr. and Mrs. Frank R. Miller, equestrians; three Walton Bros., acrobats; Le Roy and Morris, triple bars; La Belle Tina, aerialist; A. Ed. Meyers, heavy dumbell juggler and lifter; Joes Bros. and Cooper, aerialists; Lon Moore, Harkins and Granger, clowns; Pack and Gwinner, Zoaves; Frank B. Miller, equestrian director; Frank Case, musical director; a military band of fourteen musicians; Chas. King, boss property man, and ??? Moore, chandelier man. New York Clipper, February 1, 1896, p. 761. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or the persons.

Atterbury Bros. Circus - 1921

    Robert L. Atterbury was owner and manager of this wagon show, his brother Bill was the bannerman. Robert had a pony and monkey act and his wife, Rose, did a dog act. Tom Powell had the cookhouse and reserved seats and Ben Reed was the elephant man. Performers were Van Jerome, contortion; Kitty Atterbury, horizontal rings, Karl Cartwright, magic; Shorty Lorch, clown (and canvas boss); Dell Simmons, clown, juggler. The wagons were delivery and farm wagons. There was no sideshow or concert. Circus Report, August 6, 1973, p. 3. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Antonio Brothers - 1860

    [Advertisement] Antonio Brothers' Great World Circus. . . . Antonio Brothers, Guillamo, Lorenzo, Augustus and Alphonso . . . who will performer the whole of their wonderful and classic acts . . . Benjamin Stevens, the celebrated trick, somersault and hurdle rider. Mrs. J. Showles, the American horse tamer and equestrienne, will introduce her highly trained horse, American Eagle. Jacob Showles, the world renowned Antipodean equestrian and grotesque gymnast, in his novel golbe act on horseback. Albert Ayman, the brilliant scene rider, in his pleasing act of seven changes. Signor Duval, the wonderful contortionist. T. Osborn, in his daring two and four horse act. Migasi ballet troupe, in their pleasing Chinese dance. Master Ceretto, the youthful equestrian and gymnast. M'lle Elizabeth and __. Stevens, in the beautiful and chaste act of the "Lovers of the Rhine." Nonpareil, the celebrated trick horse, performed by A. Antonio. The night's performance will conclude with a new, startling and terrific act, entitle the Fire King, in which Mr. Showles will appear on the Corde Volante, ___ at an indiscribably speed, and completely enveloped in a volcano of fire. . . . Court Jester, T. Osborn. Trick clown, T. Tipton. . . . Prof. Bailey's Eolian Band, is engaged, and will make procession through the town at 10 o'clock a.m. Will exhibit at Hamilton, Tuesday, May 6th, 1860. . . . Andy Springler, ag't. Chas. Whitney, adv'r. Weekly Hamilton Telegraph (Hamilton, OH), May 3, 1860, n.p.n. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Australian Circus - 1870

The Australian Circus - The Treasurer Absconds with all the Funds of the Show - Arrest of the Managers and Actors, and Seizure of the Equipment by the Sheriff.
    . . . at Riverhead, L.I., the mishap with the Australian circus met while performing to a crowded audience in that village. The treasurer had $4,000 belonging to the establishment, and, with what the exhibition rendered, he absconded, leaving the managers without a cent to liquidate their debts. When the bills for their keeping and transportation from town to town were presented the creditors were politely informed that there was no money in the treasury . . . the President of the Long Island Railroad was busily engaged in taking the preliminary steps to insure him against loss, as they had the use of a chartered train of several cars, and in the evening the Sheriff levied on all the property. The natives became enraged to think they had thus been outdone by the Commodore and determined to have revenge by imprisoning every one connected with the show. A large number were arrested, and not having money nor proper persons to become their bail, are still in duress. Miss Minnie Wells and her lions are here, and she threatens legal action for detaining her caged pets. . . . The stock of the establishment will be sold at public auction if the debts are not removed before the time fixed for the sale by law. New York Herald, July 8, 1870. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or the persons.

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      "Bailey’s London Circus opened its season at Newton Falls, O., May 2 . . . Geo. Rexford, equestrian director . . . Frank Farreli is working the sideshow openings and concert announcements, . . . 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, Leona and Angelo), principal bareback, hurdle and four horse riders, are a clever trio, . . ." New York Clipper, May 16, 1891. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or the persons.

C. F. Bailey & Co. - 1870

      C. F. Bailey & Co.'s Famous Menagerie. 240 men and horses. 22nd annual tour, after an absence of four years. Monster Rhinoceros. Fifty Living Lions. Herds of Dromedaries. Four Little Baby Lions. Two Performing Elephants. Sig. Sebastian's Italian Circus. "Menagerie Levees" held one hour before the Circus commences, ample time allowed to inspect the Wild Animals and Beautiful Birds before the Circus entertainment commences. Wither's Army Band in military uniform, discoursing the popular airs and melodies of America, Ireland and England. Evening Gazette (Port Jervis, NY), August 27, 1870. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or the persons.

Mollie Bailey's Circus - 1900

    Mollie Bailey's Show is a familiar and welcome visitor to all the towns in this and Western Texas, says a Texas newspaper . . . and the lively music of the band as it heads the street parade, with Miss Birdie sitting on her pony so nicely in her exquisitely fitting equestrian habit, leading and drawing all eyes to her as she passes along the street. The street parade was good yeaterday afternoon, and the performance of the trick ponies wa a heretofore pronounced good. This show has been getting better every year for several years, and now it is one of the best in the country. Costumes, tents and everything new and in good taste and a decided upward move is noticed in everything. The performances in the different parts of the show last night was well up in every feature. Especially was the trapeze performance by Eugene and Albertine Bailey most excellently rendered. The contortion performance by Brad Bailey was good and well worth seeing. Mis Birdie's singing was delightful to listen to, and her performance with her trained canary birds was very fine indeed, and shows there is an affinity between bird song and the human voice. . . . The minstrel part of the show was all that could be desired. Billboard, June 23, 1900, p. 5. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Bailey & Winans' - 1890

    Season 1890. The Bailey & Winans' Combined Shows, Circus Hippodrome and Wild West, will be the biggest wagon show on the road next season. We want . . . circus performers in all branches, ladies having new aerial acts, cowboys (long hair), concert people. . . . Would like to hear from the Irwins . . . For sale, side show privileges. Wilbert D. Winans, business manager. . . . Al. Dolson, general agent . . . Charles Ward ("Curley"), boss canvassman. Address and winter quarters, Newton Falls, Ohio. New York Clipper, December 21, 1889, p. 686.

    Wm. Irwin, late of the Irwin Bros. Circus, and Mme. Irwin have signed with the Bailey & Winans 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, and will probably astonish old timers and create a sensation. New York Clipper, Jan 11, 1890, p. 732. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Bruce L. Baldwin's Shows - 1894

    Roster of Bruce L. Baldwin's Shows. - Bruce L. Baldwin, sole owner and manager; W. S. ???, treasurer; Harvey T. Cook, general agent; Frank Wurth, press agent; Wm. Tully, boss bill poster; Thos. Ryan, Chas Howard, Clarence Zimmerman, Ed. Foley, P. F. Kane, John Wilbur, Tom Harris, C. W. Bardbury and Arthur Childs, assistant bill poster, lithographers and programmers; Jack Ord, boss hostler, with sixteen drivers; Roy Herrard, in charge of ring stock, with four grooms; "Four Paw" McCathy, boss canvas man, twelve assistants; Tom Christman, boss chandelier man; Pete Fitzgerald, boss property man with four assistants; Victor Donahue, master of transportation, with nine assistants; Mike Kelly, watchman; Wash. Hall, chef, with six assistants; Joe Moran, porter, with two assistants. Band: Arthur Hutters, director, with eleven mouth pieces; Ed. Connors, manager of side show. Performers: Ed. Burke, equestrian director; Tony Sidahl, principal bareback and hurdle rider; Larry Weston, principal clown; Tony and Minnie Sidahl, carrying act; Dan Baldwin, principal leaper and tumbler; Charles and M?? Valentine, flying return act; Lilly Lawler, slack wire and juggler; Burke and Weston, grotesque aerial act and knockabout trick tumblers(?); Bruce L. Baldwin(?), Frank and Ed. Baldwin, brother act and bars; Frank and Ed. Baldwin, carrying perche; Bruce Baldwin, breakaway perche and parachute leap; M. Picardo, contortionist and equlibrist; Harry Deilen(?) and wife, balancers and jugglers. The leaping and tumbling will be especial features, the former having four double somersault throwers. Menagerie in charge of Al. Beck and three assistants. Show opened April 16 at Fulton, Mo., to good business. New York Clipper, April 21, 1894, p. 103. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Barlow's Refined Wagon Show - 1900

      Began the season at Syracuse, Indiana, April 28. Route, Indiana: New Paris, April 30; Benton, May 1; N. Webster, May 2; Cromwell, May 3; Wawaka, May 4; Wolcottville, May 5. Billboard, May 1, 1900, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Barnum & Bailey - 1910

    Harry La Pearl sends the following account of recent events with the show: Lima, O., July 11 - A short journey of fifty-eight miles brought us in early, and everybody spent a pleasant day taking in the shows and the park. Here we received the new big top. The Buffalo Bill Show was here the day before, but it did not affect our business any. Art. Jarvis took a run into Toledo to visit his relatives.
    Van Wert. O., - A small town, but business was very good in the afternoon. Between shows, . . . a very bad looking storm came up. and in less than three minutes every trunk in the dressing room was packed, and everyone was out of the tent. The storm passed without any wind, but a very heavy rain fell. In spite of bad weather we had an exceptionally good night house. One of the natives looked at the new top, and said he wondered why they didn't wash the rest of the tents.
    Ft. Wayne, Ind., 13. - Business was very good. A very warm day.
    Anderson, Ind., 14. - Another dry town. Jimmy Wuvall's new trunk arrived and was greeted with cheers from the boys of the dressing room. Jim says that this is the first new trunk he has bought in twenty years, and he feels very proud of the article. Eddie Polo, one of the catchers in the Siegrist-Silbon Troupe, was struck in the mouth while catching a two and one-half and lost five teeth and received a bad cut on his upper lip, but he never missed a performance.
    Marion. Ind., 15. - Walter Shannon, owner of the Norrls & Rowe Show, visited us here and met his many friends with the show. A very hot day, and during the night performance a heavy rain. Dry town.
    Elkhart, Ind., 16. - Another very hot day, also a dry town. Business was very good in the afternoon and fair at night. There is a new club, called the Baldhead Club, and in order to join all that is necessary is to have your head shaved. Eddie Silbon did a triple, and whipped off. Quite a few are on the sick list, as the weather is so warm and the water bad. Bert Wallace, wardrobe man, has received very sad news, as his eight months old son died in Bridgeport, Conn., July 1?, at 10.30 A. M. Everybody around the show feels very badly about it, as he was a beautiful baby. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace have everybody's sympathy. Many of the people will take a run into Chicago to see their friends and relatives. Jack Correlli is seen quite often making new clown props. Sylvia Devirne, daughter of Russell and Devirne, was on to visit her father and mother for a few days. Mrs. Fred Egner has been on to visit her husband for the past week. New York Clipper, July 23, 1910, p. 582. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Bartholomew’s Circus - 1891

      Dan Bartholomew’s Circus opened its season at Salt Lake City May 2. . . . Two weeks were played there. This circus tours the inter-mountain region every Summer, to good success. As this country is rarely or never visited by the big shows, this one has a fine field. H. Burton is the manager. It opened with the following people: Mazuz and Abacco, Dare Bros., Wilson Bros., El Dino Dinei, Lamontz, Mono del Vago, G. Rice, D. Bartholomew and Tom Conklin. New York Clipper, May 16, 1891. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Charles Bartine's Circuses - 1889-1893, 1902

    1889: Chas. Bartine has just taken possession of the Seamon House, Montpeiler, Ind. His son-in-law, George Muneviller, will manage it during the tenting season, while Manager Bartine is out on the road attending to the business affairs of his circus. Showman Bartine has also leased the Fair Grounds for a term of five years, and will turn it into neat comfortable Winter quarters for his shows. His troupe opened their season April 2 at Montpelier, with an entire new outfit, from stakes up. New York Clipper, April 20, 1889, p. 97.
    The Bartine Consolidated Circus is now organized as follows, and will open the season at Montpelier, Ind., May 2: Chas. Bartine, sole proprietor and manager; John McDonough, assistant manager; Clarence Burton, equestrian director; Charles Forbes, general contracting agent; Geo. Burke, general advertising agent, with four billposters; Tom Lee, master of canvas; John Palmer, assistant Boss canvasman, with ten assistants; F. W. Pike, master of stock, with twelve assistants; Geo. L. Glesinger, manager of candy stands and reserved seat privileges; E. S. Adell, manager of sideshow; Louis Brooks, steward of cook house; Prof. W. C. Youngs, leader of band of ten musicians. Performers - Clarence Burton, Artie Burton, Louie Burton, Mlle. Annie Burton, Frank Ross, Maud and Annie Parks, Prince Muro, . . . C. P. Stebleton, Geo. Greno, John Robinson, . . . Asa Barker, Wm. Arnold, Frank Bronibaugh, John Boyd. Concert people - Billy Mincer, Chas. Bartine, Barker and Brooks, and Master John. The show travels by wagon, using twelve baggage wagons, four cages, three passenger band wagons, three buggies and forty-five head of horses. Tents - 90 ft. round top, two 36 ft. middle pieces; 40 ft. round top dressing room, 35 x 65 ft. sideshow tent, two horse tents and two cook tents. Everything in and out of the show is brand new this season, from the stakes up, and painted in high, flashing colors. New York Clipper, April 27, 1889.

    1890: Chas. Bartine's Circus and Menagerie is now organized as follows: Chas. Bartine, sole proprietor and manager; John McDonough(?), assistant manager; E. P. Shull(?), treasurer; W. Fred Aymar, general superintendent; Clarence B???, equestrian director; J. H. Miller, general contracting agent; L. H. McDugal, general advertising agent, with ten billposters; Joseph Wur??ney, musical director, with twelve musicians; Jas. Kingsbury, superintendent of horses, with twenty grooms; Jno. D. Robinson, superintendent of lights; Chas. W. Ross, boss property man, with six assistants; Chas Derring(?), superintendent of wardrobe; Doc Horton and W. C. Co?well, managers of reserved seats and candy stands. All other privileges are run by the proprietor. Performers - The Three Burton athletes, Geore and Mollie Belford, Frank M. Ross(?), . . . Etta Leadora, . . . Patterson Bros., . . . C. P. 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 Bar???. John Bartine, Charley Maddox, . . . Geo. W. Blitz, Prof. Angelo and his troupe of performing ???, etc.; Billy Arnold, Will C. Young, Kay Kepley, Chas. Tinkham, T. F. Fanning(?), Asher Cady, and others. The show will use a round top with a middle piece for the circus, an 80Ft. round top, with a middle for menageri; a side show top, a dressing room, two horse tents, sixteen baggage wagons, nine cages, one ticket wagon, twelve band wagons, three passenger wagons, three carriages, two buggies and one hundred and ?? head of horses and ponies. New York Clipper, March 15, 1890, p. 4.

    1891: J. H. Miller After His Money. A special dispatch from Zanesville to the state Journal appeared in this morning’s paper as follows: "James H. Miller, of Newark, O., came here this evening and secured a writ of attachment against the Charles Bartine circus, which is exhibiting here tonight, for $450, alleged to be due him as agent's salary for last season. . . . Arrangements are being made by Bartine to furnish a redelivery bond and go on ahead and fill his dates." Newark (OH) Daily Advocate, August 25, 1891.

    1892: The roster of the Chas. Bartine Circus is: Bartine & Miller, proprietors; Chas. Bartine, general manager; L. ?. Miller, assistant manager and treasurer; Ed. Leon, equestrian director; . . . John Lewis, boss bill poster with three assistants; Geo. Phillips, press agent and lithographer with two assistants; John ?. Robinson, superintendent of lights; . . . Al Lewis, boss property man with three assistants; Martin Murphy, boss canvasman with ten(?) assistants; Sam Reed, boss hostler with fifteen assistans; Frank L. Wa??, steward; Dennie Crosser, in charge of ring stock; Burt L. ???, musical director with ten first class musicians; the Four Leons, Geo. Donher(?), Mlle. Lotta, Ida Baily, Millie Leon, . . . Nellie Bartine, Nettie Bartine, Elsa Bartine, . . . Dan ?. 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 ponies, and fifty head of horses. The show will travel by wagon and will open April ? at Germantown, O., touring Ohio, Indiana and ???. New York Clipper, March 26, 1892, p. 34. Chas. O. Morrison, the contortionist, has signed with Chas. Bartine's Show. New York Clipper, April 2, 1892, p. 50.
    Charles 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 wil 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 side show 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,a nd a twon pony hurdle act by Little John. New York Clipper, November 5, 1892, p. 554.

    1893: The first billing brigade of the Chas. Bartine Shows will start April 3. It consists of one hour horse bill wagon, two one horse skirmish . . . one buggy and five billposters. Lute C. Gillvit(?), general agent of the show, will direct them. The show will be thoroughly billed this season with new special paper. 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. New York Clipper, March 25, 1893, p. 34.

    1902: Chas. Bartine Consolidated Railroad Shows, season of 1903, headquarters, Connersville, Ind. Chas. Bartine. New York Clipper, December 13, 1902, p. 942. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

A. A. Beckett's Hippodrome Circus

    These people are engaged for A. A. Beckett's Hippodrome Circus for the season of 1886: J. E. Nobles, agent, with eight assistants; Eugene Gilmon, Ed. Morris, George Richardson, Alexis E. Scafar, John Lambert, Mons. Larabeto, William Mayo with six trained horses, Billy Andrews, Nelson Sinclair's dog-circus, Jean Earle, Samuel Dock, Harry Eldon, Willie Ash, Louis Alfreddo, John Sloman, Lee,Juggler, Three Alberts. Sideshow — John Kelly, manager; Ben Bowman, Chas. Smith and goats, Dr. Lynn, Punch-and-Judy and sleight-of-hand; Circassian; Mlle. Bowman, snake-charmer; Millie Scafar, half-lady; Michigan Giant. Master of canvas, Chas. Rhoades; Prof. Chas. C. Chase, with band- of ten men. The show opens May 1. New York Clipper, March 20 or 27, 1886. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Belford Circus - 1896

    Belford Circus notes. The Winter quarters are at present a busy sight. With new wagons and chariots on the way to the paint room, they will certainly look handsome in all white and gold leaf. Molly Belford is busy arranging the new band uniform, also the wardrobe. Mr. Belford and Fred Howell are ??? a new act in the way of Mexican ladder and head balancing, with a giant swing(?) by the feet. Mr. Belford's sister, Katie, will do the flying rings this season. Florence Smith will have charge of wardrobe. Mrs. Belford will act as treasurer, Prof. O. Y. Burr leader of band and assistant manager. The people engaged so far are: Fred Howell, J. B. Earley, Wood Alexander, Newton Moler(Muler?), Russel Alexander, O. V. Burr, ??? ??? and Florence Smith. New York Clipper, February 1, 1896, p. 761. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Berry & Sutherland's Oriental Circus and Palace Pavilion Railroad Shows - 1894

    Notes from the Berry & Sutherland Oriental Circus and Palace Pavilion Shows. - This is the first and only circus that was ever organized in the copper country of Lake Superior, and still the distance from Chicago is but 300 miles. Everything is progressing in first class order and we will open in Red Jacket about he middle of May. This new organization will be under the personal supervision of MIles Berry, the well known circus agent and manager, who has been associated with hte executive staff of the different leading circuses of America for hte past twenty-three years. The show will be transported on its own special train. The first annual tour will be a season of forty weeks from the opening date, and during that time the show will be taken through the best territory in the United States and the provinces of Canada. Many new and original ideas will be brought into execution, both in advertising and performance. New York Clipper, April 21, 1894, p. 103.
    Wanted, performers in every branch of the circus business, who can do two or more acts; a good singing and talking clown; . . . concert people who can play drums, boss canvas man, chandelier man and working people. Also a hustling agent and billposters. To let, sideshow and candy stands. Address Miles Berry, manager, Red Jacket, Mich. New York Clipper, April 21, 1894, p. 111. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

J. C. Betts' Excelsior Pavilion Show

      The people engaged so far for J. C. Betts' Excelsior Pavilion Show are: J. C. Betts, proprietor and manager; Ed. Franlando, equestrian director; Kriz Bros., gymnasts; Fred Spencer, rope dancer; Gilbert Bros., Johnny Erwin (flying trapeze), Ed. Kriz, Minnie Johnson, Wm. Snell, Bessie Green, Jessie Betts, Fannie Betts and Eddy Fralando. The show has twelve wagons and thirty horses, and will leave Postville, Ia., in April. New York Clipper, April 3, 1886, p. 36. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Black Bros. - 1886-1888

      During the storm of last Thursday evening the tent of Black Bros. dime circus at Hornellsville was blown down on the heads of about 2,000 spectators. No one was injured. Olean (NY) Democrat, August 12, 1886.

      Mrs. E. Black has returned to Olean after an absence of six months, in which she made an extensive tour of the south in company with her sons, proprietors of Black Bros.' show. Olean (NY) Democrat, May 5, 1887.

      The roster of Black Bros.' Ten-cent show is: J. G. Hudgins, contracting agent; Henry Millard, business manager; W. B. Black, general manager; Harry Black, assistant manager and equestrian director; Fred Black, treasurer; Fred Harrise, ticket seller; C. C. Matthews, Jessie Dare, Sig. Montanio, Master Harry Montanio, Master Perry Montanio, John Trevino and Mrs. Trevino, Ed. Saunders, Monico Garcea (five in number), Mateldo Roes, Frank Sheets, leader of band, with eight pieces. Concert people: Mary Milton, Josei Montanio, Dan Barrett. William E. Rhodes, boss canvasman, with ten men; Lacey Milligan, general clown. New York Clipper, May 28, 1887.

      The Quincy Herald says of the Black Bros. Circus: . . . The tumblers are good, the riders excellent the trained animals above average in intelligence and training, the clowning is funny, the tight wire and rope acts thrilling . . . Decatur (IL) Daily Republican, May 24, 1887.

      Fred M. Black and wife arrived in the city Saturday evening from Los Angeles, Cal., and are the guests of Mrs. E. Black on Hamilton street. Mr. Black is one of the owners of the Black Brothers circus which closed its season at Los Angeles a short time ago. William and Harry Black are at Union City, Pa., where the circus is established in its winter quarters. Olean (NY) Democrat, December 8, 1887.

      Henry and Fred Black went to Union City, Pa. yesterday. The will commence preparations for the next season's tour of Black Bros. circus of which they are proprietors. Olean (NY) Democrat, February 2, 1888.

      James Black, who has been with Black Bros. circus for some months past returned last night from Witchita, Kansas, where the circus has gone into winter quarters. Olean (NY) Democrat, November 29, 1888. All information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Electa Black household. 1880 Federal Census, Union City, Erie County, Pennsylvania, National Archives file T9-1129, p. 225C.
Electa BLACK, age 51, occupation keeping house.
William B. BLACK, son, age 27, occupation hardward merch.
Harry B. BLACK, son, age 23, occupaton farmer.
Gertrude J. BLACK, daughter, age 19.
Fred M. BLACK, son, age 17.

Blondin's Show - 1910

      The roster of the Blondin Show is as follows: Leo Blondin and E. F. Reed, equal owners; Leo Blondin, manager; E. F. Reed, treasurer; Chas Bowen, general agent; Chas. R. D. Foote, stage manager; Clair Balding, assistant manager; E. W. Marsh, musical director; Tom Buckley, superintendent of lot and canvas. The street attractions are Spellman’s Band of fourteen pieces. R. Ferris Taylor, who sings with the band and Cuba Crutchfield, trick roper, Mrs. Leo Blondin and son, John Lee joined the show at Ogden, U. "Circus Gossip," Billboard, November 12, 1910, p. 24. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Bockus & Kilonis - 1936

      John D. Kilonis of Manchester, well known in this section as a wrestler a few years ago, is planning to head a one-ring circus during the coming summer. It will open May 2 in Manchester and then tour New England, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the South. Fitchburg (MA) Sentinel, February 8, 1936.

      The Bockus & Kilonis Wild Animal circus, one of the largest of motorized shows, arrived here from Nashua today and will give a performance this afternoon and evening at the Summer street grounds. It is the first year of the combined Bockus and Kilonis attractions. The combination succeeded in attracting many well-known circus and animal acts. The glamour attached to the arrival of big railroad shows was missing somewhat today, although many were thrilled at the way the automobiles with their trailers rumbled over the roads to the show grounds. The circus was in Nashua yesterday and played to an enthusiastic capacity crowd last night. In keeping with the policy of traveling by daylight, the trucks did not leave Nashua until 5 o'clock today, and they rolled into Fitchburg at different times, so the early risen missed the mass ensemble anticipated. Supt. Manchester, who entered the circus business 42 years ago, and who was with the Buffalo Bill circus when Dexter W. Fellows made his debut in 1899, had charge of the erection of the tented city. Long before the performers, animals and attractions arrived the cook tent .the dressing rooms, the animal tent, the side show and finally the main top arose as if by magic. An army of employes were busy, each one had his appointed task; and to the sound of sledge hammer thumps and commanding voices of stern bosses the tents arose. The portable power plant was quickly in operation and attendants promised to have the ground as bright as daylight tonight. Employes say the animal display is the best ever seen in this city. The wild animal circus is part of the main show and all patrons see every animal at every performance. John Kilonis, one of the owners, is well known here as a wrestler. He appeared here many times several years ago, and took part in many hard fought bouts, including one at the Lyric with Paul Bowser, now wrestling promoter. He now resides in Manchester, where the circus makes its headquarters.
     J. B. Swafford, general manager of the circus, was formerly manager of the Cumings theater in this city and later went to Gardner where he continued in the theatrical business as house manager and later led his own tented shows. Supt. Manchester, "the first man on the lot in the morning and the last one off at night," is also a veteran. He has been in the circus business 42 years and during that time made and lost two fortunes. He owned the Sautelle circus at one time and also owned and managed the Irwin circus. The show goes from here to Gardner where it will appear tomorrow. Fitchburg (MA) Sentinel, May 6, 1936.

      Bockus & Kilonis Circus To Give Varied Program Here Wednesday, May 6. The Bockus & Kilonis wild animal circus, here Wednesday, May 6, is new, spick and span and presents an interesting diversified program. Thrillers and sensational troupes have been engaged from both sides of the Atlantic. The rings and stage will offer graceful and difficult equestrian feats performed on the backs of snow-white horses by fearless men and women riders. High school horses are ridden by captivating misses in gorgeous and glittering riding habits. Reckless and breath-taking aerialists perform ardous feats at the dome of the big canvas on swiftly moving trapeze and slender silver wires. Acrobatic troupes amaze and astonish, from the sturdy parents, down to the cute tumbling tots. A score of gymnasts including leapers, jugglers, wire walkers, contortionists and ludicrous clowns amuse with their timely burlesque offerings on various topics of the day. In a large steel arena appears the exciting and intensifying feature, Marion Knowlton, "Lady, of the Lions," a death defying woman, wild animal subjugator dominating jungle-bred lions and tigers. Her act is the feature of Capt William Schulz wild animal exhibition. Ted Merchant, cowboy screen star, present his own company of cowboys, cowgirls and horses in "Frontier Life." Fitchburg (MA) Sentinel, May 30, 1936.

    Bockus & Kilonis circus closed in Maine last week. The circus had tough luck in accidents and weather and finally decided to close the season. Fitchburg (MA) Sentinel, June 27, 1936. All information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Bonheur Bros. - 1896, 1904

    1896: Notes from Bonheur Bros.' Winter Quarters . . . A. G. Bonheur is still at his home in Danville, Ill. Howard has gone to Des Monies, Ia., to purchase a troupe of educated dogs. The two little cocker spaniels, who were nursed by a cat, are growing ???, and are rapidly acquiring their first lessons in the A B C of canine accomplishments. A fine dining tent and several new sleeping tent are ready for selling. New York Clipper, January 11, 1896, p. 716.
    Notes from Bonheur Bros.' Winter Quarters. A. G.(C.?) Bonheur has returned from his mother's home in Danville, Ill., having spent a pleasant time among old friends. W. H. Duke, concert performer, announcer and clown, has signed and will make the openings for sideshow and big show. Alice Walker, snake enchantress, will double in a Irish song and dance for concert, introducing her trick dog McGinty. Everyone is anxious to know the date of opening exhibition. It is the first time the show has wintered in this part of the country, and it is comparatively ad stranger to the people here. We are using an old store building for a paint and wagon shop. It was erected here when the town was first laid out. [town not named] New York Clipper, February 1, 1896, p. 761.

    1904: Notes from Bonheur Bros. - The newly built quarters of the Golden Masent(?) Show are commodious as well as convenient. The living rooms are amply sufficient for the accommodation of the people. The buildings are quite large, and contain rooms for carving and painting, and others for repair work and machinery for b?lk?ing wagons. Several new wagons are under construction for season of 1904. All performers have been engaged, and most of the working people have been contracted for. The show, newly organized and equipped, will open in Augusta about May 1. A lake has been excavated on the land owned(?) by the Bonheur Bros. and a huge windmill has just arrived, and will be erected with a strong force pump for pumping the water through a three inch pipe to supply the lake with water, which will be stocked with fish and various m???es and aquatic plants to supply the finny tribe with luxuries. The buildings are now receiving their coat of paint, and the living rooms are under the hands of expert plasterers, who are giving them a marble finish. Clyde Rialdo is principal clown. The Rialdos and the Wilmorth(?) Family have signed. Fred Voss, comedy juggler and clown, has joined. New York Clipper, March 12, 1904, p. 62. All information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Boyd & Peters 1879-1881

      Davis and Peters circus have been stopping this winter at Clark Rose's. They will show here in the spring before starting out. [possible] Birmingham Eccentric (Birmingham, MI), February 14, 1879.

      Boyd & Peter's Great Trans-Atlantic Circus, which has been visiting here [Royal Oak], will give their first exhibition here, on the 24th inst. Pontiac Press (Pontiac, MI), April 14, 1880.

      1880-04-21 Mr. S. C. Peters, of Boyd & Peters, the showmen, is evidently as susceptible to feminine charms as any man, and while the "animilies" were wintering at Royal Oak, Peters successfully wooed and won Miss Kittie Dows, and April 1 they went to Detroit and were spliced in good shape by Rev. Z. Eddy, D.D. Pontiac Press (Pontiac, MI), April 21, 1880. [Kittie Peters age 16, Royal Oak, Oakland County, MI 1880 census.]

      S. C. Peters, of Boyd & Peter's show that is to give an exhibition in Pontiac to-day, came very near losing his life at Royal Oak last Wednesday evening. He was returning from Detroit with a load of corn, and when almost home the wagon capsized and he was buried under the load in such a way that he was unable to extricate himself. John Krepps, his night watchman, got uneasy over the prolonged absence of Peters, and about midnight started down the road to investigate, and had only gone half a mile when he discovered why his employer didn't return. Help was speedily summoned and Peters was taken out more nearly dead than alive. It was a very narrow escape. Pontiac Press (Pontiac, MI), May 5, 1880.

      Boyd and Peter's combination of high sounding titles struck Pontiac last Wednesday and didn't create a very favorable impression. The street parade was like the horseflesh, thin, and while some parts of the circus were hard to beat, others didn't amount to much. We suppose that allowances should be made for the fact that the proprietors are young at the business and this was their 3rd or 4th stopping place. Pontiac Press (Pontiac, MI), May 12, 1880.

      Mrs. Harriet Carew and Mrs. S. C. Peters have gone to Penna. to visit Boyd & Peters' show. Birmingham Eccentric (Birmingham, MI), July 9, 1880.

      We are told that Boyd & Peters circus has come to a stand still down in Pennsylvania. Maltrome Burkett, aged 14 years, of Somerset county, that state, claims that she was abducted and outraged and kept with the circus for a week, being conveyed from town to town in the ticket wagon, and when allowed to leave she was partially demented. Her story as told in court is too horrible for publication. Last Thursday S. C. Peters, A. W. Davis, Clark Rose and John Campbell, managers, together with fifty attaches, were arrested and jailed to await examination. Pontiac Press (Pontiac, MI), July 28, 1880. Researcher note: The girl mentioned is not Maltrome Burkett, but Salome Burket(t), my husband's grandmother's sister. Joanne Burkett.

      Mr. S. C. Peters left here Monday for Minnesota. He has obtained an excellent situation as cashier in J. A. Bowerman's bank at Detroit, Minnesota. His wife will join him in a very short time. Pontiac Press (Pontiac, MI), June 8, 1881.

      Paraphernalia of Boyd & Peter's Circus sold by Sheriff of Armstrong county, at Leechburg, Monday Aug. 2. Claims came principally from Cincinnati, where the show was organized. Indiana (PA) Weekly Messenger, Aug. 4, 1880.

      Mrs. Hettie Peters, from Minnesota, is visiting at Virgil Rose's. Birmingham Eccentric (Birmingham, MI), November 11, 1881.

      Mrs. Kittie Peters is regaining her health since her return to Michigan. Birmingham Eccentric (Birmingham, MI), December 2, 1881. All information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Brewster-Higgins Pavilion Shows - 1900

      Frank Dillon, general agent, wintered at Pappilon, Nebraska. Opened their season May 9, at Fremont, Nebraska. Billboard, May 1, 1900, p. 6. All information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Bryant & Edgerton Sisters' New Model Circus - 1893

    W. T. Bryant's and the Edgerton Sisters' New Model Shows opened May ? 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. Edgerton 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. Perri?, Geo. Depree and Hopely, Geo Blowers, Geo. Edgerton, S. Scribner, Kittie Perine, Lillian Morton, Mille Lolo, Milo and Shoffer, E. Stafford, Marguerite Evans, and Babe Evans. New York Clipper, May 13, 1893, p. 148.
    The Show Departs. The W. T. Bryant Combination Goes to Chicago. The last remnant of the W. T. Bryant "New Model Circus" went to Chicago Monday. One of the partners, a disconsolate looking man, stood thoughtfully beside a circus wagon at the show grounds yesterday afternoon. Then he went to a blacksmith shop and sold the wagon for $1. He was a one-third owner in the circus and a performer. The two Edgerton Sisters, trapeze performers, who are relatives of this man, left town with him Monday afternoon, riding on their two white horses. Thus departed by separate ways all that was left of the "New Model Circus." Fort Wayne Weekly Gazette, August 3, 1893, p. 5. All information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Buchanan Bros. - 1900

    Bill posters and others are warned to be careful about taking the show's business. Several reports have come in telling of people who have had the worst of the deal with Buchanan Bros., and the latest is from Pella, Ia., where the bill poster who did the show's work was unable to make connections with the show's cash box. In fact, the show would not pay out a cent to any one. Billboard, June 9, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Buckskin Bill's Wild West - 1900

    Opened at Paducah, Kentucky, May 5. The show turned 2,000 people away at the night show at Memphis, Tennessee, May 10. The got roasted in the papers for not carrying more seating capacity, although they had up fifty-six lenghts of seats. The crowds were so dense that no one could see the show to advantage, thence the newspaper criticisms. Whitey Larkin now has the stock (146 head), and Jack Pheiffenberger has the canvas, and the show is now handled with ease and certainty. George Fisher is the 24-hour man. Billboard, May 1, 1900, p. 6; May 21, 1900, p. 5.

    Sid. Terrell, of the Buckshin Bill Wild West, paid a flying visit to Cincinnati June 13. He was accompanied by his general agent, Dan R. Robinson.
    The Buckskin Bill Wild West was almost burned up at Big Rapids, June 14. A big planing mill on the lot caught fire and the wind carried the flames and sparks in dangerous proximity to the show. A hasty tear-down resulted in the loss of the afternoon show. Billboard, June 23, 1900, p. 5; May 21, 1900, p. 5. All information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

    Paducah, Ky., Aug. 9. Buckskin Bill's Wild West Circus to-day sued the Erie Lithographing Company, of Erie, Pa., for $2,560, alleging violation of contract in not delivering lithographs, so as not to delay the circus. The Erie Company had shipped $2,560 worth of paper to Paducah, C. O. D. The Messrs. Terrell Bros., who own the Buckskin Bill Shows, paid the C. O. D. and took the paper out, but before the agent of the Adams Express Company could return the money Messrs. Terrell Bros. attached it. Thus was the unusual anomaly presented of a show attaching a show printer. The Terrell Bros. base their suit upon the grounds that the paper was not printed on contract time, and that it has not been shipped promptly at their orders. They aver that they have been damaged severely and caused great loss thereby. Billboard, August 18, 1900, p. 5; May 21, 1900, p. 5. All information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

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