Circuses - Brief Bits

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Mabie & Sands - 1893

    Sells & Rentfrow's Enormous United Shows have just closed [their season] 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. . . . New York Clipper, January 28, 1893, p. 760.
    1893: From the Mabie & Sands Railroad Shows. We opened at Le Mont, Ill., July 24. Up to the present writing business has been large and points favorable to a long and prosperous season. The show has a 100ft. top, with one 50(?)ft. middle piece, and 40(?)ft. dressing room, a 30x60(?) sideshow and travels in its own cars, one sleeper, one box and two flat cars. Mabie & Sands are the proprietors and managers. The people: Le Vanion(?) and Shanon(?) . . . Regini Sisters, Frank Scott . . . Sands Bros., Fannie Scott, Johnnie Smith and Frankie Gilmore. Victor and Mme. Lee, have charge of the concert and privileges. The band is under the direction of Prof. Cohen(?), with the following musicians: . . . F. W. Schultz . . . C. W. Flack, W. N. Lake, L. R. King, Harry Morris and T. G. Scott. New York Clipper, August 12, 1893, p. 362.
    Mabie and Sands' Railroad Circus is touring Illinois and working southward. The roster: Frank and Mlle. Scott, balancing ladder and trapeze; Vic. Lee, light and heavy balancer; Mlle. Lee, cortionist; Walter Shannon, leaper and slack wire performer; Theo. Levanion(?), bars and general business; Johnny Smith(?), singing and talking clown and concert . . . John Land, manager; G. W. Soule(?), treasurer; and Prof. Little, agent. While at Lexington, Ill., on Aug. ?, the entire company and band, headed by the old time minstrel performer, Johnny Smith, marched to the cemetery, when a few appropriate remarks were made by Mr. Long over the grave of Harry Robinson, the former minstrel manager, who is buried there. The band played a few appropriate airs, and all returned to town. New York Clipper, August 19, 1893, p. 378.

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Maginley's - 1892, 1894, 1897

    1892: Wanted, for Maginley's Railroad Show, performers in all branchs of the circus business, and a band of six or seven mouth pieces, and A No. 1 trap drummer with own drums. Would like to hear from performers that do more than one act and double in concert, and a good musical act. Can use two or three performers who play brass. Wanted, an agent, boss canvasman, property man and working men in all branches. Show opens about the middle of May. Address Eddie C. Maginley, sole proprietor, Rice's Hotel, Detroit, Mich. New York Clipper, February 20, 1892, p. 838.
    1892: Signed with the Maginley Railroad Show: A. F. Taylor . . . New York Clipper, March 5, 1892, p. 859.
    1892: Maurice La Belle, slack wire and trapeze equilibrist, has signed with Maginley's Railroad Show, which opens at 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. New York Clipper, March 12, 1892, p. 3.
    1892: The Baldwins are to go with the Maginley Circus. New York Clipper, March 19, 1892, p. 18.
    1892: Angola, the contortionist, has signed with Eddie Maginley's Railroad Circus for the coming circus season. New York Clipper, March 19, 1892, p. 18.
    1892: 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 McGinley's Show. New York Clipper, March 19, 1892, p. 18.
    1892: Eddie C. Maginley, proprietor of Maginley's R. R. Show, came to this city on a flying trip from winter quarters, Detroit, Mich., to see the parade and opening of the Greatest on Earth. New York Clipper, March 26, 1892, p. 34.
    Call. People engaged with Maginley's Railroad Show report not later than May 11 at the show grounds, Twenty-fifth Street, near Michigan Avenue, Detroit. Would like to hear from one or two mroe turns for concert, who play brass; also canvas men and property men. Address Eddie C. Maginley, proprietor, Rice's Hotel, Detroit, Mich. New York Clipper, April 30, 1892, p. 124.
    1892: Angola, the contortionist, closed with Maginley's Circus at Detroit May 27. New York Clipper, June 18, 1892, p. 229.
    A. E.(?) Taylor, advance agent for Maginley's Railroad Show, has closed his engagement on account of sickness. New York Clipper, July 23, 1892, p. 308.

    1894: A. F.(P.?) Taylor, advance agent, has signed with Maginley's Circus for this season as contracting agent . . . New York Clipper, March 24, 1894, p. 37.

    1897: The Maginleys, while performing at the New Gilmore Theatre, Springfield, Mass., were of Nov 12(?), bought of P. F. Shea & Co. a band wagon, advance wagon, a four horse cage for ticket wagon and four other baggage wagons, and circus property of the Tucker Little Giant Show, for the Maginleys' Big Wagon Show, which opens early in May. New York Clipper, November 27, 1897, p. 649.

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Walter L. Main Circus - 1888, 1894

    1888: The latest engagements with the Walter L. Main Circus for 1888 are: Giles Pullman, general agent; Dwight Clapp, contracting agent; Ernest Houghton, boss hostler; Curley Platner, boss canvasman; W. H. Snekley, boss property man; Billie Wiley, head cook; Williard A. DAmon, treasurer; Signor Down, knowckabout clown; W. Reanik, grotesque clown; Wm. Lucifer, controtionist. The show will open about April 28, and will go East again. Much of the stuff will be new. New York Clipper, February 18, 1888, p. 784.

    1894: Notes from the Walter L. Main's Shows. - The latest engagements are Albert Davenport, somersault rider; Jim Kincade, leaper; and Mrs. Evans, in charge of wardrobe. The advance cars Nos. 2 and 3, have gone, and the box brigade is forming and will go three days ahead of the show. Tom Fay and a large force of men are busy making all the tents water proof. . . . an emu and a cage of monkeys and birds are the latest additions to the menagerie. The big top will be erected Saturday, and all the people will be here April 16 for rehearsals. Manager Doc Colvin(?) arrived here from Chicago . . . Judd Webb and cars arrived from Philadelphia. The opening takes place April 21 at Geneva, N. Y. New York Clipper, April 21, 1894, p. 102.

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Main & Van Amburgh - 1890

    1890: 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. New York Clipper, January 18, 1890, p. 749.
    1890: Walter L. Main and Van Amburg's Mastodon Shows, Consolidated. Wanted, wild west people and a boss animal man. Would buy pair young lions, male and female and other cage animals. Lots of show property for sale. Walter L. Main, Geneva, O. New York Clipper, January 25, 1890, p. 770.
    1890: Main & Van Amburg Shows. Wanted, first class talking and singing clown, principal tumbler that does a specialty. Walter L. Main. Grooms, Charles Evans; canvasmen, H.(?) Flatner; animal men, Wm. Winnter; property men, John D'Alma. Address all letters to Geneva, O. New York Clipper, March 22, 1890, p. 28.
    1890: Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Main & Van Amburgh's Consolidated Shows begin the season the the South Side, April __. New York Clipper, April 19, 1890, p. 86.
    1890: Notes from the Walter L. Main & Van Amburg Circus. Business through the coal and coke regions of Pennsylvania continue good. . . . Genial Sam Scribner tells the funny sideshow opening to the people every day. Luke Rivers (Pete Jenkins) says there is nothing like cool mountain water. Geo. S. Cole is doing good work ahead. Our treasurer, Tony Richardson, thinks "Algenon(?)" is about right on a wet day. Everything is working nicely, and all are well. New York Clipper, May 17, 1890, p. 155.
    1890: Notes from the Main-Van Amburg Shows. Business continued good, and we are now among the Alleghenys (mountains). Rain has been with us for four weeks, but mud has about gone, and the boys rejoice at a ray of sunshine. . . . Young Oscar Lowanda and Marietta (Corriea) are doing a fine bareback carrying act. John D'Alma, our equestrian director, is pushing things with a vim. . . . Geo. S. Cole, our press agent, is ahead for a few days with Frank Hurd, our contractor. . . . The annex is doing well, and Sig. Nevarro's entertainment catches on. . . . New York Clipper, May 31, 1890, p. 183.
    1890: Elwood Doyle, night watchman with the Main & Van Amburgh Shows, had the misfortune to fall from the chandelier wagon, breaking his leg. He was immediately cared for, and medical assistance was procured at a little place called Buffalo Mills, Pa. May __ a subscription paper was put in circulation among the performers, and in less than thirty minutes $83(?) was raised for Mr. Doyle, who, by the way, is an old timer, well known in the circus business. Any mail for him can be addressed to Bedford, Pa., where he is now resting easy. New York Clipper, June 7, 1890, p. 197.
    1890: Tony Richardson, treasurer and manager, Walter L. Main & Van Amburgh's Circus. New York Clipper, June 7, 1890, p. 207.
    1890: The Main & Van Amburg Show is this week in the Cumberland Valley, between the mountains. The drives have been the best of late on good pike roads. The weather is hot, and Mr. Smith, of the candy stands, is doing great on the "strawberry juice." New York Clipper, June 14, 1890, p. 215.
    1890: Good business prevails in Jersey with the Main & Van Amburgh Shows. The weather is reported very warm, and the farmers are harvesting, yet at night they come in crowds and the canvas is packed. . . . Mr. Main's new black team and silver plated harness make 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. New York Clipper, July 5, 1890, p. 262.
    1890: Walter Main paid the Brazilian Circus a visit at Stapleton, R. I., and is said to have expressed himself as well pleased with the performance. He also made a big offer for the fourteen Congo Zulus, which J. S. Hoffman secured last week. Good business prevails with the show. New York Clipper, July 19, 1890, p. 295.
    1890: Wanted, musicians for Main & Van Amburgh Circus. Frank B. Flowers, leader. New York Clipper, July 19, 1890, p. 304.
    1890: The latest addition to the Main & Van Amburgh Show is a new Livingstone, recently presented by Maud Livingston to her husband. Mother and child are doing nicely. New York Clipper, July 26, 1890, p. 307.
    1890: Notes from the Main & Van Amburgh Shows. Acaris and his sister joined last week . . . Tony Richardson, treasurer, closed July 27(?), to assume the management of Frank S. Davidson's Musical Comedy Co., which opens shortly in Ohio. Henry Gilbertson is now in charge of the ticket wagon. We had several visitors the past week, including Robert Hunting, T. K. Burk, Mr. Lipman (father of Al. S. Lipman, and an old time circus man) . . . W. M.Thomas, bass player, joins the Barlow Bros.' Minstrels soon. . . . W. A.Conklin, superintendent of the New York Zoological Park, and his family; George and Edward Orrin, the Mexican circus managers; George Carlo, of South America; Ben Yates, the old time ballet master; and Billy Lester, of Lester and Allen, visited us at Asbury Park. Everybody is well and contented. New York Clipper, August 2, 1890, p. 323.
    1890: Chas. L. Van Deventer, slide trombonist, has closed with the Main & Van Amburgh Circus, to join Barlow Bros.' Minstrels, making his fourth season with that company. New York Clipper, August 16, 1890, p. 355.
    1890: Agent George S. Cole and Sam Scribner were Clipper callers Aug. 14. Mr. Scribner closed with the Main & Van Amburgh Circus 9, and on 2? 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. New York Clipper, August 23, 1890, p. 373.
    1890: Main & Van Amburg gleanings. Business with this show is at high water mark, the past week being one of the largest in the history of the troupe. The "ghost" never fails to materialize, and consequently everybody is happy. The boys have plent of "blue paper" laid away for the winter. George H.(?) Irving is now manager of the annex. Mons. Leopold closed Sept. _, and Barney Ducrow joined in his place. We are now en route for winter quarters, Geneva, O., where we close Oct. __. Geo. Castor, of Castor and Correia, and George Irving are to put out a minstrel company in November, and have already engaged several people. Manager W. L. Main will spend the winter in the South. Geo. S. Cole, our able 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. The show will be again enlarged for next season, and several important features will be added. All are well. New York Clipper, October 4, 1890, 468.
    1890: Notes from the Main-Van Amburgh Show. . . . Our season lasted twenty-six and two-thirds weeks, and has been a very pleasant one . . . New York Clipper, October 18, 1890, 503.
    1890: George S. Cole and his son, Bert, are engaged for Walter L. Main's Show for 1891, their fourth consecutive season with that circus. New York Clipper, November 1, 1890, 539.
    1890: Attention showmen. 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 in the world. Address Walter L. Main, sole owner, Geneva, Ohio. New York Clipper, November 15, 1890, 572.
    1890: George S. Cole telegraphs us that the deal made between Walter L. Main and himself for the tenting season of 1891 has been declard off, by mutual consent. New York Clipper, November 22, 1890, 587.
    1890: Walter L. Main will not include the name of Van Amburgh in the title of his show next season. It will be known as the Walter L. Main Circus, Museum, Menagerie and Hippodrome. New York Clipper, December 6, 1890, p. 619.

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Main & Co. - 1890-91; Sargeant & Kidder - 1892

    1888: Hilliard & Main Circus. Owned by Wm. Main and Harry Hilliard. Ringmaster was Harry Mack. Circus Report, Vol. 4, No. 5 (Feb 3), 1975, p. 6.
    1888: Hilliard & Main Circus, 1888, traveled on wagons, carried 114 horses and mules. Had one elephant, Babe, a group of 10 cages and two camels. Big top was a 110 ft. one pole round top. Circus Report, Vol. 4, No. 7 (Feb 17), 1975, p. 12.

    1890: Wanted, for the Wm. Main & Co. Show, two people that do strong act for big show. Also some good four horse drivers. Will be at Mannington(?), West Va., June __. Address Wm. Main & Co. New York Clipper, June 21, 1890, p. 236.

    1891: Andy ???, contortionist, has signed with Wm. Main & Co.'s Circus for the coming season. It will be his fifth year with that show. New York Clipper, January 24, 1891, p. 726.
    1891: Fitzgerald and King have signed with Wm. Main & Co.'s Circus for next season, making their fourth with that show. New York Clipper, February 28, 1891, p. 811.
    1891: Following is the roster of Wm. Main & Co.’s Shows: Main & Sargeant, sole proprietors; C. W. Kidder, general advance agent; Dick New?on, 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, Tony Bebines, Sig. Florenzi, Charles Valanti, Geo. Genover, 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. . . . New York Clipper, June 13, 1891.
    1891: Notes from Main & Co.'s Show. We are now in our fourteenth week of prosperous business, and everybody with the show is enjoying good health. At Powhatan Court House, Va., Aug. 10(?), Andy Spear, our worthy equestrian manager and principal clown, was agreeably surprised at the conclusion of the riding act. He was called back in the ring, and presented with a handsome gold headed cane, by members of the company. Clarence Burton made the presentation speech. Mr. Spear was completely overcome at first, but responded gracefully, in a few well chosen words. The cane is a very valuable one, and was selected at Richmond, Va., by Albert Meredith. Following is the roster of the show: Main & Sargent, sole proprietors; C. W. Kidder in advance . . . Geo. Stevens, master of canvas . . . Louis Schafer, concert privileges; A. D. Moreland, candy stands; Prof. Sarketo, leader of band. Performers in big show: 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. New York Clipper, August 22, 1891, p. 398.

    1892: Wanted, for the season of 1892 for the Wm. Main & Co. Show. People in all branches of the circus business. Riders, aerial acts, bars, concert people, etc. Also one sleeping car, one baggage car, and one flat car. Address Wm. Main & Co., Windsor, Ohio. New York Clipper, January 23, 1892, p. 774.
    1892: Wanted, for the traveling season of 1892 with Sargent & Kidder's New Railroad Show. A few first class 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 Show. Address Sargent & Kidder's New Railroad Show, Windsor, Astabula Co., Ohio. Would like to hear from the lady contortionist that was with the Cooper & Carroll Show last season. New York Clipper, February 13, 1892, p. 820.
    1892: 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, eighteeen draft horses and several wagons. The deal was made with William Main, who was the former owner. . . . New York Clipper, February 27, 1892, p. 843.
    1892: For sale, a troupe of well broke trick dogs, five Russian poodles and a greyhound. These dogs have been with Main & Sargent Show for past five years. Have also for sale a good band wagon. Address Sam A. Scribner, of Scribner & Smith, American Hotel, ___, Va. New York Clipper, February 27, 1892, p. 853.
    1892: Marguerite Meredith, wife of Albert Meredith, aerialist and contortionist, met with an accident at Piedmont, W. Va., with Sargent & Kidder's Railroad Circus. While finishing her trapeze act with a head first decent, her hand slipped and she fell to the ground, fracturing her thigh. She was sent to her home at Wheeling, W. Va., where she will remain until well. New York Clipper, June 25, 1892, p. 244.
    1892: Roster of Sargent & Kidder's advertising car, No. 2: O. S. Cary, general advance manager; J. E. McCarthy, superintendent . . . Wm. McLeod, head programmer and lithographer . . . Jerry Donavan, Chas. White, Billy Irwin and Jack Eberle. New York Clipper, September 10, 1892, p. 422.
    1892: Wanted, quick, for Sargent & Kidder's Railroad Show, baritone and clarionet, one to double first violin in orchestra. Address Henry Snyder, White Haven, Pa. Sept. 8, Pittston, Pa. Sept. 9 . . . New York Clipper, September 10, 1892, p. 434.
    1892: 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. New York Clipper, October 15, 1892, p. 505.
    1892: 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 bill poster, 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." New York Clipper, October 22, 1892, p. 522.

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Mansfield's Great Eastern Shows - 1906

    Notes from Mansfield's Great Eastern Shows. - We will open our second season at ???, Pa., May 3, and show over our last season's route. Most of the people have been engaged. Following is the roster: Mansfield Bros., proprietors; W. J. Mansfield, manager; Tom Allen, agent, with two men; Geo. Parento, equestrian director; Frank Hanlon, band master; John Ofrion, boss canvas man, with six men; the Three Harlow Bros.; Ed. Long, talking and singing clown, with his two trained donkeys; Geo. Parento, high ladder and single trapeze act; Joe Wiliton, wire walker, contortion and juggling; W. J. Mansfield's troupe of trained dogs, and Billy Curtiss, knockabout clown. The show will travel by wagon, using a sixty foot round top, with a thirty foot middle piece; a five pole horse tent, a 20x30 cook tent, a thirty foot round top dressing tent. New York Clipper, March 17, 1906, p. 114. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Mardell's - 1889, 1890-92

    1889: Following is the roster of Mardell & Co.’s Railroad Shows: Mardell & Co., proprietors and managers; Thos. Wieman, treasurer; . . . D. L. Nichols, equestrian director; . . . Dan Rice, . . . Mons. Beck, L. Miller, Sig. Garner, Arthur and Bessie Kherns, Bell Eatman, Anna Shafer, Etta Ford, Prof. Geiss’ Military Band, Frank Melville, propertyman, with four assistants; Wm. Smith, boss canvasman with fifteen assistants. The show was organized at Natchez, Miss. March 19, and report good business. They carry a 100 ft. top with a 40 ft. middle piece, and an 80 ft. top with two 30 ft. middle pieces, the latter for museum and menagerie. New York Clipper, April 27, 1889.

    1890: W. F. Mardell's New American Allied Shows. . . . Wanted people in all branches of circus business that can do two or more acts in the ring. New and novel features for sideshow and concert. Musicians that double in brass . . . first class billposters . . . Address W. F. Mardell, Natchez, Miss. Musicians address J. G. Weldon, __ Dauphin(?) Street, New Orleans, La. New York Clipper, February 1, 1890, p. 782.
    1890: Wanted at once, with W. F. Martell's [sic] New American Circus, aerial and bar team, lady juggler and wire act, a good knockabout and singing clown, __ musicians for band No. 2. Address W. F. Mardell, Cairo, Ill. for week of June ?. New York Clipper, June 7, 1890, p. 206.
    1890: Wanted, for the winter season south, performers in all branches of the circus business except riders, also musicians that double in brass and string. . . . Travel by rail. Address as per route W. F. Mardell's New American Circus, Marion, Ill, week of Sept. 8(?) . . . New York Clipper, September 13, 1890, p. 428.

    1891: On the road, circuses: W. F. Mardell's, Carmel, Ill. Aug 12 . . . Vernon 13-15, Enfield 18-20. New York Clipper, August 15, 1891, p. 386.
    1891: Wanted, performers for W. F. Mardell's New American Allied Shows. People that do one or more turns in the big show, good singing clown that can work in concert. Address as per route. . . . Mt. Vernon 13, 14, 15, Enfield 19, 20. Ed Conklin write. New York Clipper, August 15, 1891, p. 396.

    1892: Wanted, for the W. F. Martells New All Feature Shows, musicians, two cornets, trombone and tuba. Also people that can double in ring and concert. . . . New York Clipper, June 25, 1892, p. 257.

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Markowits' - 1889, 1891

    White & Markowit’s United Railroad Shows opens its season May 2 at Pittsburg, Pa. The roster: Tony White (manager), Dave Markowits (treasurer), C. W. Park (general agent), G. E. Austin, Rixford Bros, Falke and Semons, Mille Ollive(?), Wright and Burns, Stinson and Lynch, Olive Stirk Oate(?) (late of the Stirk Family), Ed. Moran, the Lavennes, Paul Markwood, . . . Richard Miller, F. Fallen and others. The troupe will travel by rail and carry a 100 ft. round top tent with 50 ft. middle piece. New York Clipper, April 27, 1889.
    The Big Show is Coming. Will Exhibit at the Circus Ground, Aug. 26, 27 and 28. David L. Markowit’s Big 10 cent Show, Larger, Greater, Grander Than Ever. 60 European Artists, 6 Funny Clowns. Seating Capacity for 6,000 People. A 50 cent Show for 10 cents! Sandusky (OH) Daily Register, August 28, 1889.
    1889: Carl Cuqua, leader of the band with Markowits’ Circus, denies the report that the circus went to pieces at Mandfield, O. Mr. Cuqua writes: “Everyone connected with the show left on good terms with the manager, except one aerial performer, who was fined $25 for missing two matinees. Mr. Markowits was presented with a handsome gold medal by the attaches, Sept. 7 at Lima, O. He will have on the road next season a two ring circus, and has already signed with some of the same people.” New York Clipper, September 28, 1889.
    1889: White & Markowitz Big City One Ring 10c Circus – 1889. Show had Al Sylvester; George Austin, tight wire; Lottie and Ed McGinley, double trapeze, single trapeze and slide for life; Three Redfors Bros., acrobats; Harry Zelle, contortion; Clark Gibbs, talking clown; Llewellyn Kern, horizontal bars. Circus Report, Vol. 2, Nos. 51-52, 1973, p. 4.

    1890: 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, 13(?) Market Street, Pittsburg, Pa. New York Clipper, January 4, 1890, p. 719.
    1890: Markowits' Circus will include Dave Markowits, proprietor and manager; Chas. W. Perke(?), general agent; Geo. E. Anatio(?), 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. New York Clipper, March 15, 1890, p. 5.
    1890: Dave Markowitz will start his circus from this city two weeks hence. New York Clipper, April 19, 1890, p. 86.
    1890: Call. All people engaged for the Markowits Circus must report for rehearsal at Pittsburg, Pa., April 30. Dave Markowits, __ Market Street, Pittsburg, Pa. New York Clipper, April 19, 1890, p. 94.
    1890: Falke, and Semons have closed a season of twenty weeks with the Rinehart Opera Co. and have joined Markowitz' Circus for the summer. New York Clipper, May 17, 1890, p. 155.
    1890: ___ Whitman (Ajax) has joined Dave Markowitz's Circus for season . . . New York Clipper, May 17, 1890, p. 155.
    1890: Eddie McDonald, contortionist, opened with the Markowitz Show May ?. New York Clipper, May 31, 1890, p. 183.
    1890: John Whitman writes of his sucess with the Davis(?) & Markowitz Show. New York Clipper, May 31, 1890, p. 183.
    1890: Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Dave Markowitz has closed his circus season, and returned here 12(?), where he remains to organize his show, and will open here in about three weeks. New York Clipper, June 21, 1890, p. 230.
    1890: Dave Markowitz closed his circus at Cleveland, O., June 14(?) and will reorganize it at Pittsburg, Pa., July __. John Whitman and Hughes and Farron have been re-engaged. New York Clipper, June 21, 1890, p. 231.
    1890: The band and some of the people of the disbanded Markowitz Circus have signed with Bailey & Winan's Show. New York Clipper, June 28, 1890, p. 243.
    1890: Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. David Markowitz will again take is circus on the road in about two weeks. <New York Clipper, July 19, 1890, p. 294.

    1891: Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Dave Markowitz will take the road again next month with his circus. New York Clipper, May 9, 1891, p. 154.
    1891: 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 Marrowits [sic], 214(?) Market Street, Pittsburg, Pa. New York Clipper, May 16, 1891, p. 179.
    1891: Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Sam Markowitz's Circus takes the road 28 from this city. New York Clipper, May 23, 1891, p. 186.
    1891: The Dave Markowitz Circus opened season last Friday in Allegheny City, Pa., . . . Prominent successes were made by Hughes and Fannon, the McGinleys, Zella, Nick Hughes, Emmerson and Acton, Marlow Sisters, the Washington Brothers and Cardonia. New York Clipper, New York Dramatic News, June 6, 1891.
    1891: 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 aerial acts, to do two or more acts. Address Dave Markowits, __ Market Street, Pittsburg, Pa. New York Clipper, May 23, 1891, p. 196.

    1892: 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 a good 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. New York Clipper, January 16, 1892, p. 755.
    1892: The following people have so far signed for the Markowit's Circus: Trover(?) Bros., Mlle. Lotta . . . Freemont Sisters, Sylvester, and Prof. Young's band of ten pieces. The business staff will be Chas. W. Park?, sole manager, Ike Goldsmith, treasurer; Joseph Seanor(?), agent. The show opens at Erie, Pa., late in April. New York Clipper, February 20, 1892, p. 824.

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Martell & Co. - 1884

    Martell & Co.’s Consolidated Two-ring Circus and Menagerie. Officers - Martell & Co., proprietors; Jas. T. Johnson, manager; Sam Lent, first advance agent, with 8 men; M. B. Lewis, second advance agent, with 6 men; Jack Wells, master of canvas; Menton World, train master. Company - The Martells, four in number, bicyclists; the Johnson Family of five, riders and gymnasts, with trick horses and ponies; three Martinetti Bros., clowns and pantomimists; Pete Conklin, clown; the two Harrisons, men-serpents; Ed. Sylvester and son, Alf. Ruy, iron-jaw; Reynolds, fish-scale man; Terey Family, roller-skaters; Miss Levis, ascensionist. New York Clipper, May 3, 1884. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

McCafferty's - 1892-94

    1892: Walter McCafferty's Great Double Shows and Ogawa’s Royal Japanese Circus. W. McCafferty, sole owner and manager. Wanted, people in all branches of the circus business. Also band of 6 players. Address Walt McCafferty, Sabetha, Kansas. New York Clipper, November 26, 1892, p. 614.

    1893: Ad. Funk has signed as contracting agent for W. A. McCafferty's Circus. New York Clipper, February 25, 1893, p. 821.
    1893: Wanted, for W. McCafferty's Great Golden Shows and Ogawa's Royal Japanese Circus, the best equipped wagon show in America. Bar team, female trapeze act, one more clown, and a few concert people, also 4 and 6 horse drivers. Address W. McCafferty, Sabetha, Kansas. New York Clipper, February 25, 1893, p. 829.
    1893: Roster of Walt McCafferty's Great Garden Shows, now touring Western Kansas and Colorado: P. S. McPherson, in charge . . . Horton Jacks . . . Minnie Minnetta, Sig. Harris, Al. Bishop, Abe Bishop . . . Ed. C. Murphy, and ___ Troupe of Royal Japanese. New York Clipper, June 10, 1893, p. 214.
    1893: On the road, circuses: McCafferty's, Valley Falls, Kas. July 19, Nortonville 20 . . . Meriden 22. New York Clipper, July 22, 1893, p. 313.
    1893: Notes and rosters of McCafferty's Great Golden Shows. Walter McCafferty, proprietor and manager; Mrs. McCafferty, treasurer; W. H. Rhen, in charge of sideshow . . . P. S. McPherson, in charge of stock with twenty men; ?. F. Brady, in charge of canvas with twelve men . . . C. A. Carr, in charge of properties, with three men . . . Theodore Bretta, equestrian director; Chas. Danford, in charge of stands. Performers: Bertta and wife, Bishop Bros., three in number . . . Geo. Rhen, Maudie Rhen and Sig. Harris. We travel by wagons and carry forthy head of stock, fourteen baggage wagons, two passenger hacks, two band wagons, one clown cart. The show is doing good business and the "lady in white" makes her appearance every Tuesday. We are travleing through Kansas and Missouri. Sig. Harris joined July __ at Meriden, Kan. New York Clipper, July 29, 1893, p. 328.
    1893: On the road, circuses: McCafferty's, Alma KS July 26 . . . Burlingame 28 . . . New York Clipper, July 29, 1893, p. 329.
    1893: Wanted, a few circus performers in all branches. Show going South for winter. Walt. McCafferty, Sabetha, Kan. Care of Great Golden Shows. New York Clipper, July 29, 1893, p. 339.
    1893: Notes from Walt McCafferty's Golden Shows. Business has been good, notwithstanding the hard times. The Japs are doing some fine work. Theo Baretta(?) and his trained pig knocks the "rubes" out at every performance. . . . Sig. Harris Japenese pastimes . . . The show goes South this winter for a long season. The canvas is in charage of ?. McPherson, and the stock, in charge of Geo. Brown, looks fine. . . . Ad Funk, general agent; D. L. Allen, in charge of advance No. 1 with Jess Morris, Walt Dewey . . . Joe Swift . . . billposters. . . . Walt McCafferty purchased four fine iron gray horses recently at Valley Falls, Kas., making twenty-five head now with the show. Ed. Murphy closed at St.(?) Mary(?), Kas. New York Clipper, August 19, 1893, p. 378.
    1893: On the road, circuses: McCafferty's, Endora Kas. Aug 16 . . . New York Clipper, August 19, 1893, p. 379.
    1893: For sale, an entire circus outfit, horses, wagons, tents, seats, poles, lights, and everything suitable for a wagon show. Address Walt McCafferty, Sabetha, Kansas. New York Clipper, October 7, 1893, p. 508.

    1894: Wanted, partner, to take half interest in a well equipped and established wagon show. Also want circus people in all branches. Address Walt. McCafferty, Gt. Golden Shows, Salem, Neb. New York Clipper, January 20, 1894, p. 748.

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G. B. McClellan's - 1892

    Want, for Dr. G. B. McClellan (Diamond Dick's) Circus and Theatrical Shows, now organizing at Leavenworth, Kansas. Circus people in all branches and specialty people for stage. Those who can put on light comedies, sketches and farces preferred, and band who can double in orchestra. Also boss canvas man. Show opens at Leavenworth, Kansas, Monday, April 18(?). Address J. ?. W. Hennessey, manager, Leavenworth, Kansas. New York Clipper, April 9, 1892, p. 77. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Wm. McClellan's - 1890

    McClellan's United Monster Shows and Wild West. Want people in every branch of the business; also, curiosities, freaks, features, concert people and ___ attractions of every description. Want a balloon man, with or without parachute; reliable advance agent, boss canvasman, canvasmen, billposters. Last year people write, Want a good brass band. Want to buy sideshow canvas and ___ paintings. Wm. J. McClellan, Ridgway, Pa. New York Clipper, March 1, 1890, p. 847.
    The following people have signed with McClellan's United Shows and Wild West for this season: . . . J. W. Moore and Freeman, aerialists; Ned and Mrs. Hathway, balloon ascension . . . Ed. M.(N?) and Ida Harman, double trapeze . . . F. O'Neil, drum major; Dollie Crosby, snake charmer; ___ and McBride, acrobats; Gillman and ___, triple horizontal bar act; J. H. Fisher and a 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: . . . Buckskin Lew and his relics of the West . . . Nellie Parks, electric woman . . . The show expects to open early in May. New York Clipper, March 22, 1890, p. 23.
    The Milo Brothers, John and Francis . . . have signed with the McClelland's United Shows. New York Clipper, March 22, 1890, p. 23.
    John Price, motto(?) and topical vocalist, has signed with McClellan's Circus for this season, to do principal singing and talking clown. New York Clipper, April 5, 1890, p. 59.
    All people engaged for McClellan's United Monster Shows and Wild West Museum are notified to report at Brockwayville, Jefferson Co., Pa., May 7(?), for rehearsal. Opening date, May 10(?). . . . Wanted, a boss canvasman. Wanted at all times, startling novelty acts and ladies to strong specialties. Shaffer, telegraph. Limit your baggage. Wm. J. McClellan. New York Clipper, April 19, 1890, p. 94.
    The Three Marvels go with Wm. McClellan's Circus this season. New York Clipper, April 26, 1890, p. 103.

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McCormick Silver Plate Show - 1896, 1897

    1896: Notes from McCormick Bros. Silver Plate Show. All is in a hustle and hurry at headquarters at Gallipolis, O. Blacksmiths, painters, carpenters and harness makers getting things together, and, as this is our first season, everything is to be brand new. We will carry an 80ft. round top with two 30ft. middle pieces; a dressing room top, 50 head of stock, 13(?) wagons, and an elegant band wagon. Our wagons are now ready for painting. The following have signed: Edward Conklin, juggler; Holacher(?) Family (Bert, May and Fritzie); Alf. ???; Atwell(?) Yost; Prof. Everton and dogs; and Prof. McCormick and his six trained horses, and a band of eight ??? pieces. We will have two advance wagons and one wagon well stocked with paper. The show opens about the last of April, and will show in Gallipolis a wee before taking the road. We are to tour Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Indiana and Pennsylvania. If energy and money will succeed we certainly will, as we have that with us. New York Clipper, January 11, 1896, p. 716.
    1896: Officer McGuire went to Canton this morning and arrested a man named Charles Haup at the instance of the manager of the McCormick circus which is now in its winter quarters in Gallipolis. This circus recently purchased part of Albert Wetter's paraphernalia and Haup was one of the men in charge of the goods. During the transit five uniforms and a banner disappeared very mysteriously and so did Haup. When arrested the latter stoutly protested his innocence and even when offered his freedom if he would tell where the goods were he said he knew nothing about the affair. The circus people decided that he was innocent and did not prefer a charge against him. Massillon (OH) Independent, March 3, 1896.
    1896: Notes from McCormick Bros.' Silver Plate Show: Everything to make our show complete is now ready for the road, with paper packed in the wagon, wagons, ???, stock and tents. A. W. McCormick purchased while in Massillon a band wagon, two pole wagons and a ticket wagon, to be used in parade, also seven [unreadable text]. The Comstocks are late additions to our list. Lew Talbert, boss canvas man, has reported for work. Little Fritz Holacher(?), our five year old contortionist, is to do a balancing perch with his father. Bert has secured Nat Comstock to catch for him in his return act. . . . Prof. Lee's side show 'ad' brought in lots of answers . . . ??? Frank McCormick, our treasurer, has just brought in a ??? load of draft horses for the show, all that's needed. He also bought two chariots and a clown cart for parade use. Prof. W. M. Burdette and his ??? are rehearsing in Charleston, W. Va. Prof. Rielly(Reilly?) is teaching a dog a bareback riding act, also a goat and monkey to ride. We open May 1, or earlier. Out outfit is entirely new and well ???. Ed. Conklin, the juggler . . . We have secured Frank Vago for slide trombonist in our band. New York Clipper, March 28, 1896, p. 53.

    1897: Notes from McCormick Bros.' Nickle Plate Shows. We are now in our fourth week, playing to good business. Despite the rain we had all through the first week we filled the tent at night shows. . . . At Duquesne, Pa., the mud and water was so bad and the rain poured down so heavily that the performers had to work outside of the ring. On May 13(?) one of the canvasmen fell overboard and drowned before a yawl could get to him. Mr. Sturgis(?) has the annex with ??? and his troupe of Oriental dancing girls. This branch is run on the continuous plan, opening at 2 p.m. and giving a show every fifteen minutes until after the big show at night. New York Clipper, May 29, 1897, p. 203.

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McCourt's Little Mack - 1891

    Little Macks Pythian Circus is now in preparation, and promises to bring forth several novelties. An adjustable ring and stage will be among the special features. New York Clipper, April 11, 1891, p. 74.
    1891: Wanted, for Little Mack's Pythian Circus, one male and one female rider who can furnish their own horses; also one uniformed brass band, six mouth pieces; and performers in all branches with ___ turns and good wardrobe; also one treasurer. Privileges for sale. Address J. J. McCourt, Jefferson, Ind. I pay all board and expenses when out. Will travel by river. Will start May 1. New York Clipper, April 11, 1891, p. 85.
    1891: Tully Strayer(?) has signed as general agent for McCourt & Patman's Circus. He carries four billposters in the advance. The show opens Aug. 10, at Louisville, Ky. New York Clipper, August 15, 1891, p. 382.

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McDonald & Reichold - 1894

    Notes from McDonald & Reichhold's World's Fair Shows. Everything is progressing in a business like way about our winter quarters. Little remains yet to be done except a few finishing touches in the paint show on the ticket wagon and tableau chariots, and we will be ready for our opening in Chicago, Ill., May 7. Everything will be brand new from stake to flag staff. . . . Our band wagons, chariots, tableau cars, cages, chime bell wagon and pony and donkey carts, are all equisitely gilded and painted, and especially decorated for this season. Our band uniforms, parade, tournament and entree wardrobe is all new. We carry seventy-two head of baggage horses and thirty seven head of ring stock, all of which are in the pink of condition. All of our paper will be special lithograph stands. Our roster is thoroughly complete, and is as follows: Andrew McDonald and George Reichhold, sole proprietors; Andrew McDonald, manager; J. ?. Noble, superintendent; Robert T. Westendorf, general agent with sixteen men; Jos. Noble, treasurer; Prof. Zano(?), equestrian director; James Grieve, press agent . . . Prof. Williams, band master with fourteen men . . . Phil Evans, Fife and Drum Corps with ten men; Bud Hawes(?), lecturer and ringmaster; John Wright, manager of concert . . . Andy Smith, cook . . . Performers: . . . Frank Oakley, "Pete Jenkins" . . . Prof. George Richhold and his famous school of trained horses, mules and pones, introducing his celebrated mule, Commodore. "The Old Roman(?)" Andy McDonald . . . with Madam Addie McDonald in her thrilling eight(?) horse chariot race . . . Andy Wright, infant clown . . . The show opens with a ten horse lay down entire and an outside(?) tournament, representing people and costumes of all nations. This show will tour some of the best territory in the West this season. New York Clipper, May 5, 1894, p. 133. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

McDonald & Wells - 1892

    Circus people wanted, performers, musicians, boss canvasman, chandelier man. Address McDonald & Wells, Paris, Ill. New York Clipper, February 20, 1892, p. 836.
    Call. 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 9, 1892, p. 78.
    Roster of McDonald & Wells' Big Show. Geo. W. McDonald and F. E. Wells, proprietors and manangers; 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, Woodard, John Henry, Clarence Hood, Ed. Skinner, Frank Reed, J. W. Hart . . . J. W. Wood and James Goodrow. The show opened at Paris, Ill., April 21 to reported big business. New York Clipper, May 7, 1892, p. 130.
    On the road, circuses: McDonald & Wells, Newton, IL May 4, 5, Robinson 6, 7. New York Clipper, May 7, 1892, p. 135.
    Wanted, for McDonald & Well's Circus, boss canvas man; also people for big show and concert. Three days stand. Stop at hotels. Address McDonald & Wells, Washington, Ind.(?). New York Clipper, May 15, 1892, p. 156.

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Walter J. McDonald's Circus - 1900

    Walter J. McDonald's Shows. Opening date April 21, 1900. People recently engaged: May Orrin and J. L. Davenport, riders; Signor Cereno and Family, Leo Blondin, William De Vario, Frankie Barry and her troupe of twelve poodles, Stall and Carlysle, the Johnson Trio, and Prof. Robert Kirkpatrick's concert band of fourteen pieces. New York Clipper, March 17, 1900.

    The Walter J. McDonald's Circus is now doing it s seventh week, and by the liberal patronage bestowed upon it up to this writing, it seems as if this show is destined to become a prominent factor among the bidders for public approval. . . . we have had no accidents. Geo. Le Non. 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.

McFadden's - 1891

    Wanted, for McFadden & Co.'s New World's Fair Pavilion Shows, useful circus and variety performers in all branches. Must be able to do two or more turns. Also want band of 5 or 6 mouthpieces. Must double in string. Show opens June 11. Address No. ___ E. Strawberry St., Lancaster, Pa. N. B. Would like to hear from Thos. Boscoe, Harry Lorraine and John J. Ray. Would like to buy a few second had sideshow paintings. New York Clipper, May 30, 1891, p. 210.
    1891: On the road, circuses: McFadden's, Denver, Pa. June 10 . . . Jonestown 12 . . . New York Clipper, June 13, 1891, p. 231.
    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; Clarence Meen, steward, with five assistants . . . Sam Dock . . . Noland Bros. . . . 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) . . . Miss De Coma (serpent enchantress) . . . Concert people: Gallagher and Franklin, Master Floyd Gilham, Joe Kearney, Harry Vertelli (shadowgraphs) . . . Miss De Coma and Prof. Dick Githam's Silver cornet band and ladies operatic orchestra of ten pieces. The show uses an 80ft. round top, with one 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(?). New York Clipper, June 27, 1891, p. 268.
    On the road, circuses: McFadden's, Mt. Carmel, Pa. June 24, 25, Shamokin 26, 27. New York Clipper, June 27, 1891, p. 269.
    Wanted quick, useful circus and variety people. Two or more turns. McFadden Pavilion Show, Mt. Carmel, Pa., June 24, 25, Shamokin 26, 27. Lewis and Lewis and Eddie Moore write. New York Clipper, June 27, 1891, p. 276.
    On the road, circuses: McFadden & Co.'s, Weatherly, Pa. July 1, 2 . . . Lehighton 6, Siegrfeid's Bridge 7. New York Clipper, July 4, 1891, p. 281.
    On the road, circuses: McFadden & Co.'s, Stroudsburg, Pa. July 17 . . . New York Clipper, July 18, 1891, p. 313.
    Notes from McFadden & Co.'s New World's Fair Pavilion Shows. Business with us has been first class ever since we have been on the road, and our performances are giving the best of satisfaction. Frank Sanford, Grant(?) Williams and the Belmont Sisters joined recently, and are making hits. The sideshow, under the direction of Clint M. Newton, is doing a big business. We have added to this department four new paintings, some snakes and alligators, and Mlle. Bolton's educated cockatoos and mice. Everybody is enjoying the best of health, and the man in white perambulates with regularity. New York Clipper, August 1, 1891, p. 346.
    Wanted immediately, circus and variety people in all branches, especially lady artists. Want good troupe of dogs. Join immediately, long season. Address McFadden & Co.'s Pavilion Shows, Jamison City Pa. July 30, Millville Pa. July 31, Washingtonville Pa. Aug 1. Also want boss canvasman and assistant. New York Clipper, August 1, 1891, p. 356.

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Sam McFlinn's - 1887-1888, 1903

    1887: Sam McFlinn's Circus (April) McFlinn's Circus has been drawing only fair afternoon houses, but the night ones make up the loss as the tent is well filled. His riding monkey is a big card. Fort Scott, Kansas. New York Clipper, April 23, 1887, p. 85.
    Evansville, Ind., July 26. Sam McFlinn's Circus has a packed tent last night. The show will stay all the week. New York Clipper, July 30, 1887, p. 306.
    Sam McFlinn's Ten cent Circus closed a week's engagement to good business October 8. Waco, Texas. New York Clipper, October 22, 1887, p. 504.

1888: Sam McFlinn's Dime Circus did a good business July 16 and(?) week. Cedar Rapids, Iowa. New York Clipper, July 28, 1888, p. 314.
    Sam McFlinn's Circus comes August 15-17. Sells Bros. Circus came 9-11. Lincoln, Nebraska. New York Clipper, August 18, 1888, p. 363.
    Sam McFlinn's Dime Show opens November 19 for a week. Houston, Texas. New York Clipper, November 24, 1888, p. 594.

1903: Show property. Have two sixty-five foot cars - one sleeper and diner, one combination flat and stock, one combination band and ticket wagon, two baggage wagons, January wagon, one tr?p for parade, complete side show outfit, twenty lengths eight tier seats, complete set poles and stakes for eighty foot top, with two(?) shows going South for the Winter, or will take partner with money, for a Two Car Show. Sam McFlinn, Chicago, Ill. New York Clipper, September 12, 1903, p. 684.

    Advertisement. "Old Hard Luck." The crown prince of the sawdust circus. Sam McFlinn, principal ???, grotesque and leaper, songs, gags and business new. Three trick acts for the ring. At liberty. Last three seasons with the Great Eastern Circus. Sam McFlinn, Danville, Illinois. New York Clipper, February 6, 1875, p. 355. G. W. MacFlinn, father of Sam MacFlinn, died at Burlington, Ia., March 12(?), aged seventy-three years. New York Clipper, April 2, 1892, p. 50.

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McFlinn & Hall - 1889, 1890-91

    1889: Sam McFlinn writes that the McFlinn & Hall Show closed in good shape, and the horses sold were the baggage horses, and brought good prices. The show will be enlarged for the coming season, and will travel by rail. New York Clipper, December 14, 1889, p. 663.
    1889: Sam McFlinn's, Little Rock, Ark., Dec. 31, indefinite. New York Clipper, December 31, 1889, p. 708.

    1890: McFlinn & Hall's. Livingstone, Tex., Dec. 31, Liberty, Jan. 1. New York Clipper, January 3, 1891, p. 675.
    1890: W. S. Wheeler (clown) is with the S. H. McFlinn Circus at present. Next season he goes with Ringling Bros.' Show. New York Clipper, February 1, 1890, p. 781.
    1890: 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. New York Clipper, March 8, 1890, p. 861.
    1890: Wanted immediately, performers in all branches of the circus business, telegraph McFlynn & Hall, Dallas Tex. New York Clipper, March 15, 1890, p. 15.
    1890: Notes from Sam McFlinn's Circus. Business through Texas continues very good . . . The Patterson Brothers and Minnie Patterson joined at Gainsville. . . . Lon Moore will join shortly. The show is on its way to the Pacific coast. . . . New York Clipper, April 5, 1890, p. 59.
    1890: . . . Billy Kells, who has been South with the Hall & McFlinn Show all winter . . . New York Clipper, May 10, 1890, p. 139.
    1890: Wanted, for MacFlinn & Hall's New Colossal Shows, a few more first class performers and specialty people. Address Denver, Col., May 1, for two weeks. Long season. Address Sam MacFlinn, Denver, Col. New York Clipper, May 10, 1890, p. 140.
    1890: 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. New York Clipper, July 19, 1890, p. 301.
    1890: Notes from the New York Circus. . . . The roster is as below: . . . Sam McFlinn and Col. G. W. Hall, proprietors . . . Chas. Holland; J. H. Howard . . . Claude Blackburn . . . J. H. Howard . . . Frank A. Dutch is in charge of canvas. . . . New York Clipper, July 26, 1890, p. 307.
    1890: 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. New York Clipper, November 15, 1890, 568.
    1890: Houston, Texas. McFlinn & Hall's Circus, Nov. 26, 27, 28, drew crowded tents. Their advance agent, Mr. Brannan, left for Mexico on a tour of inspection. New York Clipper, December 13, 1890, p. 629.

    1891: MacFlinn & Hall's Circus have ___ their successful three years' tour, and are now at Houston, Tex., reorganizing . . . New York Clipper, January 17, 1891, p. 709.
    1891: Wanted for MacFlinn & Hall's Great Railroad Shows, Circus, Museum, Menagerie, Wild East and Oriental Fair. Performers in all branches, good band of six or ten people. Performers of oriental or foreign nationalities preferred. Arab Troupes, etc. Long season. Money sure. Privileges - Cave Rock, perfume joint, hobby horse, balloon, etc. - To let. Address MacFlinn & Hall, Houston, Texas. New York Clipper, January 17, 1891, p. 716.
    1891: Houston, Texas. Hall & McFlynn's Circus is wintering here till the weather is more favorable and the scare about small pox subsides, when it will go on the road again. New York Clipper, January 24, 1891, p. 723.
    1891: Houston, Texas. Hall & McFlynn's Circus are still quartered here. The wagons are being painted and everything is going through a state of renovation for a reopening of a tour through the state. Ed. Brannan, their advance agent, is wintering here. New York Clipper, January 31, 1891, p. 739.
    1891: Sam McFlynn is at Burlington(?), Ia., with his family. The McFlynn Circus will begin its travels again in February, and will tour Texas. New York Clipper, January 24, 1891, p. 726.
    1891: Blair Stone and wife, and the D’Alma Family are getting ready to join the MacFlinn and Hall show. They are now in Columbus, O. New York Dramatic News, February 7, 1891, p. 12.
    1891: 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. New York Clipper, February 14, 1891, p. 779.
    1891: Alf. Dorian, contortionist, joins McFlynn & Hall's Circus Feb. 23(?) at Houston, Tex. New York Clipper, February 21, 1891, p. 795.
    1891: Lon Moore has joined McFlinn & Hall's Circus, resuming his former role of singing and talking clown, making his __th season with that show. His wife and daughter will not travel the coming season. The latter is learning two new acts. Mrs. Moore has almost recovered from an accident which occurred at Dodge City, Kan., about two years ago. New York Clipper, February 28, 1891, p. 811.
    1891: McFlynn & Hall's Railroad Circus is now touring Texas to excellent business. The show is reported to be in tip top shape, and increased by the addition of a South American tapier and baby, a hippopotamus, two elephants, . . . and forty spotted horses. The business staff comprises McFlynn & Hall, proprietors; E. L. Brennan, railroad contractor. . . Wiley Ferris, amusement director. The performers include Charles Wertz, Wiley Ferris . . . Ed. De Long . . . The company travel in their own cars . . . New York Clipper, March 14, 1891, p. 5.
    1891: Austin, Texas. MacFlinn & Hall's Circus will appear April 4. New York Clipper, April 11, 1891, p. 77.
    1891: Fort Worth, Texas. McFlinn & Hall's Circus comes 21, 22. New York Clipper, April 25, 1891, p. 119.
    1891: Little Hazel MacFlinn, the mascot of the MacFlinn & Hall Show, and a general favorite with the attaches, was the recipient of a handsome gold locket, with a diamond setting, on the event of her second anniversary, April 17. New York Clipper, May 2, 1891, p. 134.
    1891: Pueblo, Colorado. MacFlynn & Hall's Minstrel Shows are billed for May 9, 11, 12, 13. . . . New York Clipper, May 9, 1891, p. 154.
    1891: Pueblo, Colorado. Hall & McFlinn's Circus opened _ and did a good business 11, 12. New York Clipper, May 23, 1891, p. 187.
    1891: McFlinn and Hall’s show reports large business through the West. On Monday next the tents will be pitched in Leadville, Col. New York Dramatic News, June 6, 1891, p. 10.
    1891: Chas. Casey, of MacFlinn & Hall's Circus, joins Hardbeck & Truesdell's "Michael Strogoff" and "Inside Track" Co. at St. Louis, Mo. New York Clipper, July 18, 1891, p. 312.
    1891: ___, besides having purchased the interest of Geo. Hall in the MacFlynn & Hall Show, has now bought out Ed. Holland, of the Van Amburg Show, and will add all . . . elephants, camels, horses and entire outfit to the Van Amburg Shows, making it one of the largest wagon shows on the road. Mr. Holland will retire to his home at Delavan . . . New York Clipper, August 29, 1891, p. 416.
    1891: Wanted quick, to buy or to rent, all kinds of cars for southern tour. Also wanted circus people in all branches to double in concert. Sideshow people, boss canvasman, and transportation boss. Wire reply to Sturtevant, McFlinn & Co. Permanent address Kansas City, Mo. Carroll, musical albino, wire. New York Clipper, September 26, 1891, p. 498.

    1892: George Hall, the veteran circus manager and agent, widely and familiarly known as "Pop Corn George," was a cheerful 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 . . . New York Clipper, February 6, 1892, p. 792.
    1892: G. W. MacFlinn, father of Sam MacFlinn, died at Burlington, Ia., March 12(?), aged seventy-three years. New York Clipper, April 2, 1892, p. 50.
    1892: 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. All well broke and nicely marked young horses. One 62(?)ft. 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 __ft. 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. Will sell reasonable. Address Mrs. Ida MacFlinn, owner, Burlington, Iowa. New York Clipper, April 23, 1892, p. 112.

Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

McMahon's - 1891

      Following is the full roster of McMahon’s International Hippodrome, Circus and Menagerie: John S. McMahon, proprietor; Joseph B. McMahon, manager; John Prendergast, treasurer; George Costello, general agent; Frank R. Clifton, press agent; T. J. Brown, contracting agent; C. H. Hawbaker, manager advertising car; George Finkham, boss bill poster with fourteen assistants; Mike Cohen, calcium lights and stereopticon; Professor John Talbot, caliope player; John S. McMahon, four horse rider; Toto Siegrist, bareback and principal somersault rider; James Kincade, bareback trick rider; Bam Bennett hurdle rider; William O’Dell, scene rider . . . New York Dramatic News, March 28, 1891.

      Nothwithstanding the disagreeable weather experience by McMahon’s Circus since their opening in Oregon and Washington, business is reported to be entirely satisfactory . . . New York Clipper, May 16, 1891.

      McMahon's New Rail Road Shows. Circus, Wild Animal Exposition and Grand Anthropological Museum. Jo-Jo Europe's Greatest Wonder, the autocrat of the curiosity world, engaged at a salary of $1,00 per week. Queen Jumbo and Romeo, the ??? moving mountains. The Standard (Ogden, UT), September 13, 1891. Ad.

      The Coming Show. The Cincinnati (O.) Enquirer says: McMahon's Circus . . . The keen-eyed emissary of the Czar who accompanies Jo-Jo, on being questioned as to Jo-Jo's salary, says he receives $1,000 per week. Not the least attractive feature of the great show is the monster pachyderm, Queen Jumbo, the largest elephant in the world. The performance of Jumbo and mate Romeo . . . Evening Gazette (Reno, NV), September 20, 1891.

    The Circus. The Chicago Times says that "McMahon's show . . . Having traveled all over the world and being familiar with everything in the arenic line, . . . While in Russia with his circus troupe on hearing that Barnum had secured the largest elephant in the world for exhibition from the zoological gardens, London, Mc said he knew of a larger animal and on his return brought Romeo and mate, the two largest and heaviest animals ever seen, and now with Jo-Jo, all Europe's greatest wonder, the autocrat of the curiosity world, a trio never equaled as attractions. . . ." [McMahon's Circus at Reno, Sept. 26th.] Evening Gazette (Reno, NV), September 24, 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.

McMahon & Clifton's - 1885

    John S. McMahon and Frank R. Clifton, proprietors of McMahon & Clifton's Circus, arrived April ?? on the Principia(?) from Yucatan, Mexico. They closed season there and Clifton joins King, Burke & Co., second season, and McMahon goes to Burr Robbins. John S. McMahon, the skillful hurdle-rider, who has had fourteen years' experience in the circus business, is one of the strongest attractions with the Burr Robbins Show. New York Clipper, May 2, 1885, p. 104; July 25, 1885, p. 296. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

John S. McMahon's - 1891-1892

    1891: Roster of McMahon's International Hippodrome, Circus and Menagerie. John S. McMahon, proprietor; Joseph B. McMahon, manager; Geo. Castello, general agent; Frank R. ???, press agent; T. J. Brown, contracting agent; C. H. H?wbaker, manager of advertising car, Geo. Tinkham, boss bill poster, 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 Romell(?), Thomas Romel?, John Ruth (Roth?), Julien Bennett, Mason and Zazel, Mlle Alma, the Lannesta troupe of Spanish acrobats, . . . the Arab vaulters. The performing elephants, Romeo and Queen; the trick horses, . . . and the leaping horse Pomona. Clowns - Harry Emmerson, Chas. Mor?co and Erastus Washington Lincoln. Bosses of departments - James Sullivan, master of canvas; Frank Rose, master of transportation; Jerry Washburn. Menagerie - Sam L???, master of horse tents, and F. A. Garland, steward dining car. Sideshow - Harry Heike, director; Will Salvina, ?? 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, U?zie, a living Japanese Salamander, and Prof. Ray's military band of twenty-two pieces. A new advance car, one ??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 30 ft. middle piece, and a sidshow top 50x?? will be used. New York Clipper, March 28, 1891, p. 49.

    1892: John G. Davenport Jr. left Chicago Feb. 12, to join John S. McMahon's Circus, at San Francisco. New York Clipper, February 27, 1892, p. 813.
    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. . . . Trillie(?) De Van, Captain Beach, Lou Worley, Chas. Williams, Lottie Me??ds, Gracie Bennett, Ha??? Myers, Blanch Rose, Phil Ellsworth and J. P. Sullivan. New York Clipper, April 2, 1892, p. 50.
    John S. McMahon's New York Circus and Menagerie closed their season at Portland, Ore., Nov. 1?, and shipped the cars and complete ??? 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 Zazel, Hugh Barretta, Chas. Albion and Wilson, Wm. Clifford, Jean Durand, Meranda and Little Fannie, and Paul and W. R. Ashe. New York Clipper, December 3, 1892, p. 624.
    For sale, the entire outfit of the late John S. McMahon's Circus, consisting of 1 fine 62 ft. Pullman sleeping car, 1 specially built elephant car, 1 stock car, 1 flat car, 1 advertising car, . . . trained elephants, 4 principal horses, 2 four horse act teams, jockey horses, hurdle horses 1 fine trick horse, 4 baggage horses. The ring stock are all fine looking and thoroughly trained. 2 100 ft. round tops (1 almost new), 50 ft. middle pieces. Menagerie, side show, dressing room, cook, horse and horse tents, semis, poles, etc. Band wagon, uniforms, fine wardrobe, all in good condition, and everything necessar to complete a first class 5 car show will be sold all together or separate. Chas. H. McMahon, Chicago, Ill. Winter quarters, 18 Emerson Avenue. New York Clipper, December 3, 1892, p. 629. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

McMahon & Costello - 1892

    Ra?an and Bennett have been engaged for the McMahon & Costello Shows. New York Clipper, April 2, 1892, p. 50. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Great Melbourne Shows - 1900

    Roster of the advance: Lew Cole, advertising agen; Bert Eades, boss bill poster; Frank Miller, bill poster; Lewis Comstock, lithographer and programer. The Great Melbourn opened this season at Palmyra, Wis., May 5. 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.

Merriman's - 1890

    1890: Wanted, for the Wm. B. Merriman R. R. Show. People in all branches of the circus business but riding, that can do two or more turns. Also musicians, a leader that plays cornet. Address Tony White, manager, ___ Cherry Alley, Pittsburg, Pa. New York Clipper, June 14, 1890, p. 223.
    1890: Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. The Merriman & Burt(?) Railroad Show, with Prof. Tony White, manager, opens season at Wood's Run (Allegheny) 19(?). New York Clipper, June 21, 1890, p. 230.
    1890:: Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. The Merriman & Burt(?) Circus play in and about the city for the next three weeks. New York Clipper, June 28, 1890, p. 246.

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Miller, Austin & Robinson - 1893

    Wanted, for Miller, Austin & Robinson's Combined Show, people in all branches of the circus business. Wanted, riders with or without stock, leapers, tumblers and bar performers. One sensational "aerial act." Two agents who understand well the Southern country. Would like to hear from Mr. Chas. Kidder. Wanted concert people in all branches of the business. Wanted, one chandelier man, one boss canvas man, one 60ft. flat car, and one ?0ft. stock car, one second had 100ft. round top tent, with ___, complete. Must be cheap for cash. This show opens at Key West, Florida, on or about Jan. 1, 1893. All privileges to rent. Address E. Marron, Esq., Calle de Panas, No. 5, Puebla, Mexico. New York Clipper, November 19, 1892, p. 599. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Miller & Freeman - 1888

    . . . Miller & Freeman Circus and Menagerie . . . Mr. James Murray is the most brilliant in the ring . . . The perilous parachute decent of Professor Ned Hathaway was witnessed by thousands . . . Daily Advocate (Newark, OH), April 5, 1888.

      Miller & Freeman's circus shows today in this city. The train did not arrive in the city until 10:30, making it too late for the procession to take place. . . . Admission 25 cents. Prof. Colby leaped from a balloon at a distance of about 1,000 feet this afternoon. Daily Advocate (Newark, OH), May 3, 1888.

      A Land Slide Causes a Circus Train to Be Wrecked Near Steubenville. Steubenville, O., May 7. - A land slide on the Cleveland & Pittsburg railroad near this place was run into Sunday by Miller & Freeman's circus train. The accident happened in a deep cut known as the "Backbone," where a watchman is stationed every day except Sunday. The engine and five cars left the track. The cars are so badly wrecked as to be utterly worthless. . . . Elmer Ellsworth, of Cincinnati, the colored cook attached to the circus, was instantly killed. None of the sleeping cars containing the performers, or the stock cars loaded with horses, left the track. The cars that were wrecked contained the canvas wagons and baggage trucks, and the circus will lose over $3,000. They were on their way from Zanesville, O., to Newcastle, Pa. . . . Daily Advocate (Newark, OH), May 7, 1888.

      Miller & Freeman's circus is having a great deal of hard luck this year. The press dispatches report of another wrecking of their train, this time between Springfield and Rockville on the New England road. Several employees were severely injured but none fatally. Weekly Tribune (Harnellsville, NY), June 8, 1888.

      While Miller & Freeman’s train was making the run, June 3, from Springfield, Mass. to Willimantic, Ct., on the Springfield division of the New England Railroad, the low truck of one of the cars struck a switch frog at East Long Meadow and threw the canvas car and one other down an embankment and badly injured the following: Jacob Meyers, James A. Jackson, Chas. Cryne, Richard Orman, Jasckson Morse, John Meagin, Harry Kiernan and Edward Locksley. The injured men were carried to the hospital. James A. Jackson was hurt the worst, the canvas wagon rolling upon him. New York Clipper, June 9, 1888.

    Miller-Freeman circus . . . Prof. Charles Colby, the second aeronaut, while performing the parachute jump from the balloon at Marlboro on Thursday, fell upon the roof of a house, broke his leg and will be disabled about four weeks. Fitchburg (MA) Sentinel, June 22, 1888.

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Miller Bros. American and German - 1891

    Wanted, for Miller Bros.' American and German Allied Shows, man with trained horses, dog, monkey, also people in all branches of the circus business. Show travels by wagon. Chas. B.(?) Reed and Wm. Rehn, please write. Address Miller Bros., Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. New York Clipper, February 28, 1891, p. 815.
    Wanted, band leader that can play second violin, tenor and baritone player. Also boss canvasman, etc. Miller Bros. American and German Allied Shows, Beaver Dam, Wis. New York Clipper, April 11, 1891, p. 88.
    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. New York Clipper, May 2, 1891, p. 134.
    Wanted, circus people and musicians for Miller Bros.' Wagon Shows. Address Miller Bros., Sumner(Summer?), Iowa. New York Clipper, June 13, 1891, p. 242.
    Wanted for Miller Bros.' Shows, circus people that do two or more acts. Miller Bros., Hudson, Iowa. New York Clipper, July 25, 1891, p. 339.

    1893: Circus property for sale cheap. Advance wagon, band wagon, ticket and baggage wagon, tents, poles, seats, lights, ??? and tenor drums, cymbals, tuba, cornet, violia(violin?), etc. Will sell separate. Stored in Iowa. C. C. Miller, Beaver Dam, Wis. Miller Bros. have signed with Ringling Bros.' for season 1893. New York Clipper, January 7, 1893, p. 702.

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Miller Bros. & Arlington 101 Ranch - 1915

    Sideshow: Al Mastiff, Punch & Judy; Hans Schneider, Gretchen Schneider, midgets; Mme. A. Schulti, giant; Steve Brown & Hilda, handcuffs; Geo. Devere, tattooed man; Homer Herrick, juggler; Feltona, bag puncher. Six-in-One show: May-Joe, three legged child; Capt. Claude, midget Samson; Jolly Amelia, fat lady; Kokomo Twins. Circus Report, December 4, 1972, 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.

Millikin - 1891

    The Millikin & Cram(Cran?) Circus closed July __ 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 to take the road in September. New York Clipper, August 8, 1891, p. 364. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Mitchell's Big Pavilion Show - 1898, 1899, 1900, 1904

Listed as a circus in Sturtevant's, not listed in Parkinson's Directory of American Circuses. Appears to be a traveling tent show with circus acts, sometimes listed in the Miscellaneous column, sometimes in the Circus column in the Clipper. The show may have toured primarily in West Virginia. Thanks to Linda Westfall, grandaughter of owner Harvey L. Mitchell, whose inquiry about this show prompted the gathering of the information below. - Judy Griffin. Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

1898: "Notes from Mitchell's Big Pavilion Show. - We are in our eighth week, and business has been first class. We have packed the tent since our opening day. We turned people away at Smithfield and Stringtown. Roster: Harvey Mitchell, owner and manager; Wm. Gorden, treasurer; H. O. Cunningham, advance agent; John Lowthe(?), leader of orchestra; Lowther Family, five in number, specialty people, song and dance and comedians; Burmingham and Stone, double traps, break-away ladders, clown comic and brother act; Wm. Burmingham, song and dance and singing clown; Chas. Stone, balancing, traps and slack wire." New York Clipper, July 16, 1898, p. 324.
    Miscellaneous. "Notes From Mitchell's Pavilion Shows. - We are in our twelfth(?) week, and business has been good for the weather we have had. It has rained for the last two weeks. We were water bound on Aug. 10 at Drenning's Sulphur Springs, in Nicholls Co., W. Va. so we could not move one way or the oather. The Lowther Family and Stone and Burmingham are still making their regular winning through Western Virginia. We have not decided our closing day yet, but will run as long as the weather permits it. Everybody with the show is well and still reads the Clipper." New York Clipper, August 27, 1898, p. 425. "Mitchell's Pavilion Theatre Co. closed the season at D???, W. Va., Sept. 24, and is in Winter quarters, Clarksburg, W. Va." New York Clipper, October 8, 1898, p. 537. Photo, Mitchell's Pavilion Show, 1898 courtesy of Linda Westfall, grandaughter of owner Harvey L. Mitchell.

    Sturtevant's List of Circuses, 1899, Mitchell's Pavilion Circus

    1900: Listed in circus column. "Notes from the Mitchell Big Pavilion Show. Success still crowns the efforts of the Mitchell Show to please the public. The glorious fourth of July was passed at Fairview, West Va., where the lot was shared with the civic Order of Maccabees, who had a ??? round top pitched within a few feet of our fine spread of canvas, the entire combined showing presenting an appearance that would ??? one to think it was the visit of one of the "big shows." Thousands of people were in town, and of course we turned 'em away. The attractions presented by the Order of Maccabees, and our show worked in such good harmony that, upon the night of the ??, our closing night, the Maccabees attended in a body, and a special program was arranged for the occasion. Business continues at high water mark, and speaking of high water brings to mind an incident that came very near proving a serious thing in a recent trip from Piney Fork to Pine Grove. The heavy rain of the two days before had swollen the streams to the danger point, and we were warned not to attempt to ford the river. Still, being anxious to make the next stand, we pushed on. At a ford where two creeks meet was encountered the most danger. All got over without accident until the arrival of the carriage containing Chick Kekoe(?), Ida Rainer and Will Birmingham. They had nearly crossed when they struck a 'quicksand' hole, the the team began to sink. In an instant the water was over the seats of the carriage and the people in water knee deep. By much persuasion from the driver the team made an extra effort, and, though being carried down stream, managed to effect a landing, with no damage done outside of that caused by the performers clothing getting wet. Still the experience and narrow escape is one they do not care to repeat. Everyone with the show is well, and all have commenced banking the 'long(?) green,' which comes regularly, and they are all trying to decide whether to invest in oil wells, farms or mining stock. One indication of the satisfaction given the public by our show is the press notices received everywhere." New York Clipper, July 28, 1900, p. 476.
    "Mitchell's Big Pavilion Show Notes: We closed a season of seventeen weeks Aug. 23 at Clarksburg, W. Va. The season was the most successful the show has ever known, and it will go out next year enlarged to double the present size and with an equipment entirely new in every department. Business was big everywhere. It was a rainy season, there being more rainy days than pleasant ones. The big top was blown down twice, but one one was injured. The only other accidents that occurred during the season were the narrow escape from dorwning of some of the people while fording a river. A matinee performance was given at Spencer, W. Va., where one hundred and ??? of the inmates of the Spencer Insane Asylum were present in charge of ?????. The show went into Winter quarters at Clarksburg. The destination of performers so far as known is as follows: Kehoe(?) and Rainer go to the new Dewey Theatre, Clarksburg; ?. Danola(?) to the Auditorium Theatre, Norfolk; Will B?rmingham to Loudon; Ray(?) Phillips to Chicago; The Lowther Family to Bridgeport; Charlie Green to New Orleans; the band, to St. Louis, and others to various variety houses. There was one wedding during the season, that of Proprietor H. E. Mitchell to L????e Lowther, leader of orchestra." New York Clipper, September 8, 1900, p. 611.

    1904: Advertisement. "Wanted quick, for Mitchell's Big Pavilion Wagon Show, three good song and dance sketch teams. Other useful people write. Address. H. L. Mitchell's Show, Clarksburg, W. Va." New York Clipper, May 14, 1904 p. 281. All information should be checked with additional sources

    As noted above, Harvey L. Mitchell did marry Lieu Lettie Lowther on July 12, 1900, in Barbour County, West Virginia. Dodd, Jordan, comp., West Virginia Marriage Records, 1863-1900. Lettie's birth record lists her name as Lettie Loy Lowther. Harvey was listed as a showman in the 1900 census for Harrison County, West Virginia. He MAY have given up on show business by 1910. In the 1910 census Harvey was working as a watchman in a brickyard where his brother, Walter, was superintendent. By 1918 Harvey was a laborer for the Harrison County Court at Clarksburg, West Virginia, born January 9, 1873, wife Lettie Mitchell (World War I Draft Card).

    The Lowther Family seem to have been entertainers during this time period. Lettie's father, the orchestra leader listed above, was John D. S. Lowther, her mother, Ida E. Kelley (birth record).

Mullen & Quinette - 1892-94

    1892: W. H. Quinnett, general manager of Mullen's Railroad Show and Quinnett's Free Museum, writes that extra preparations are being made for their next season's tour, opening in May. The show will be equipped with new ___ and paraphernalia throughout, and the roster will number nearly half a hundred people. New York Clipper, November 26, 1892, p. 602.
    1892: Wanted, for the enlargement of the Mullen & Quinett's Shows, for the season of '93, boss canvas man, chandelier man. Wanted to buy, three performing ponies, troupe of five or six dogs, or will engage a man with ponies and dogs. A leader of band, a man that can direct a band of 14(?) pieces, and musicians and performers of all kinds except riders. We have our own cars and stop at hotels. Address W. H. Quinett, No. ___ Franklin Avenue, St. Louis, Mo. New York Clipper, December 17, 1892, p. 665.

    1893: The following people have signed with the Mullen & Quinnett Show: . . . Metcalfe and Norton, Joseph Tritch, John Fillier, Flo.(?) Tritch . . . the Anderson Bros., Prof. John M. Williams and his dog circus games, Wing . . . and Chas. Halters' band. New York Clipper, January 7, 1893, p. 702.
    1893: Prof. Chas. Hacker's band has signed with Mullens & Quinnett's Big Show. Tony F. Loss(Loes?) 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 canvas man. New York Clipper, January 21, 1893, p. 734.
    1893: The Zoyarows(?), Robert and Millie, aerialists, has [sic] signed with Mullen & Quinnett's Railroad Show. New York Clipper, February 11, 1893, p. 784.
    1893: Wanted, for Mullen's Big 10c and 20c Railroad Show and Quinnet's Grand Free Museum, W. Mullen and W. H. Quinnett, managers, a magician and Punch and Judy performer, man that can talk on street and big show. Also lady snake charmer with snakes, birds and monkeys and a man that can play bass drum by note and work in concert. Will engage or buy two or more performing ponies. Address W. H. Quinnett, ___ Franklin Avenue, St. Louis, Mo. New York Clipper, February 11, 1893, p. 797.
    1893: Wanted, a complete band with Mullen's Railroad Circus, one clarionet and cornet player, B flat preferred. . . . New York Clipper, February 18, 1893, p. 812.
    1893: Edwardsville. We are going to have two circuses in town next month. Mullen's circus will organize here on the 2d of may, and practice daily until the 11th of May, when they will open the season here. Mr. Mullen enlisted in Edwardsville in Co. K., 10th Ill. Infantry. He should have good audiences from his old neighbors. Then Zelle Bros.' circus will be here about the 22d of May. Alton Weekly Telegraph (Alton, IL), April 27, 1893.
    1893: C.(?) E. Chamberlain and wife and Capt. Chas. Grapes(?) have been engaged for Mullen & Quinnett's Show. New York Clipper, March 11, 1893, p. 2.
    1893: The Moncayo Family have left the Hall Show and joined Mullen's Railroad Shows. New York Clipper, June 3, 1893, p. 198.
    1893: On the road, circuses: Mullen & Quinnett's, Louisville, IL(?) May 31, Flora June 1, Clay City 2, Olney 3, Sumner 5, Lawrenceville 6. New York Clipper, June 3, 1893, p. 198.
    1893: The complete roster of Mullen's Rail Road Shows and Quinnett's Grand Free Museums is: W. H. Quinnette, F.(?) S. Moncayo . . . Prof. W. R. Jones, E. A. Ryan, Harry Franklin . . . Frank Quinnett, Mrs. Myrtle Mullen, Mrs. Etha Moncayo, Lulu Moncayo . . . Prof. Chas. Hacker, Andy Kilbourn, George Reigler, Phil Kadel . . . Chas. Starkey . . . Harry Hatton, W. R. Potter . . . New York Clipper, June 17, 1893, p. 230.
    1893: Wanted, one more cornet player, for Prof. Hacker's Band with Mullen's R. R. Shows. Would like to hear from musicians of all kind. Work the year around for the right parties, long season. Chas. Hacker, care of Mullen's R. R. Circus, Worthington, Ind. June 19, Clay City, Ind. June 20, Brazil, Ind., June 21-22. New York Clipper, June 17, 1893, p. 244.
    1893: On the road, circuses: Mullen's, Bedford IN July 6, Mitchell 6, Brownstown 7, Seymour 8, Columbus 10, Hope 11. New York Clipper, July 8, 1893, p. 281.
    1893: On the road, circuses: Mullen's, Hope IN July 12, Greensburg 13, Rushville 14 . . . Cambridge City 17, Hagerstown 18, New Castle 19, Lynn 29 . . . Ridgeville 22. New York Clipper, July 15, 1893, p. 296.
    1893: After Aug. 1 Mullen's Circus will be changed from a ten and twenty cent show into a twenty five cent show. The advance in the schedule of prices of admission is due to an increase(?) in the rolling stock and roster. New York Clipper, July 22, 1893, p. 312.
    1893: On the road, circuses: Mullen's, Hartford IN July 26, Montpelier 27 . . . Warren 29, Marion 31. New York Clipper, July 29, 1893, p. 329.
    1893: On the road, circuses: Mullen's, Russiaville(?) IN Aug 2, Frankfort 3, Delphi 4, Monticello 5 . . . New York Clipper, August 5, 1893, p. 347.
    1893: Mullin's Twenty-Five Cent Railroad Show is now in its third week at a quarter admission charge, and reports good business. The show will go South and reach its old winter quarters about Christmas. New York Clipper, August 19, 1893, p. 378.
    1893: Wanted, for Mullen's Big 25cts. R. R. Shows, sideshow man, or lady and gentleman, one that can do Punch and Judy . . . lady, for snake charmer with her own snakes, also people for the ring, for all kinds of work, to strengthen show. Address per route: Hoopston, Ill. Aug. 15(?), Paxton, Ill. Aug 16(?) . . . El Paso, Ill. Aug. 21. New York Clipper, August 19, 1893, p. 388.
    1893: On the road, circuses: Mullen's, Kahoka MO Aug 31, Memphis 31, Lancaster Sep 1, Glenwood 2, Kirksville 4, La Plata(?) 5, Bucklin 4. New York Clipper, September 2, 1893, p. 413.
    1893: On the road, circuses: Mullens', St. Louis MO Sep 2?-Oct 14. New York Clipper, September 30, 1893, p. 479.
    1893: Notes from Mullen's Shows. After a season of nineteen weeks on the road the Mullen Circus is now in St. Louis, where it will stay until cold weather drives them in. The show has been a success and will be put on the road next season with five cars and one advance car, making the largest show on the road for ten and twenty cents. Since reaching St. Louis S.R.O. has been displayed at each performance. The show will close about Oct. 14. Following is the roster: M. Mullen, sole proprietor and manager; W. H. Quinnett, assistant manager; Prof. Chas. Hacker, musical director with fifteen men . . . Harry Sweet, boss canvasman with twenty men; Joe Palmer, boss property man and four men; Frank Shepard, chandelier man . . . Pat Mullen, door keeper; Mrs. Mullen, charge of reserved seats . . . Prof. Wormwood with his troupe of educated dogs, monkeys and cats; Joseph Oatman and his troupe of five horses; Andy Kilburn, Geo. Ringler . . . Chas. Stardey, Manford Miller, F. C. Tuller, Harry Hatton, Walter Potter . . . Henry Runge, Tony F. Loos, W. H. Quinnett, J. M. Tritch, Mrs. J. M. Tritch, Pete Hoddy, Doc Hoddy, Jennie Hoddy, Frank Quinnett, James Farnham . . . ?. H. Franklin, Boots(?) Tritch, Geo. A. Curry and Mrs. Joseph Oatman. New York Clipper, September 30, 1893, p. 483.
    1893: Notes from Mullen's Circus. Everything is going along nicely, and business has been larger than expected. The additions for this week are the Hudson Bros., Prof. W. W. Florence, Geo. Adams, Andy Rose . . . Ed. Andrews . . . J. C. McKenzie, and DeAlma and Rogers. The dressing room has been enlarged to a 70ft. top with 2?ft. middle piece. New York Clipper, October 7, 1893, p. 499.

    1894: W. H. Quinnett has signed with G. ?. La Pearl's Big Railroad Show as railroad contractor and general agent. He will make his headquarters at Danville after Jan. 25. New York Clipper, January 20, 1894, p. 735.
    1894: The Mullen's Big Railroad Show will open in St. Louis, Mo., on or about June 1. We will use a 100(?)ft. top, with a ?0ft. middle piece, ___ ft. horse tent, carrying eighteen ponies, four large draught horses, one donkey and Prof. Chas. Everton's troupe of dogs, fifty(?) in number. The show will travel by rail, carrying three cars, one sleeper, one combination stock car and a 80(?)ft. flat, two large wagons, one band wagon and one ticket wagon. Everything will be new. The show will have Prof. Henderson's band of sixteen pieces. Nat Comstock has secured all privileges and will make outside ascensions daily. New York Clipper, May 5, 1894, p. 133.

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Munson & Co. - 1892

    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. Write quick. New York Clipper, November 12, 1892, p. 583. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Murray's International - 1891

    Roster of Murray's International Circus: Chas Murray, proprietor; Fred Winans(?), treasurer . . . Fred Delmont(?) . . . H. W. Bryant . . . The show will travel by wagons. . . . The show opens at Cambridge City, Ind. June __, and will tour Indiana and Ohio(?). New York Clipper, March 14, 1891, 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.

Murrelle's Great Southern Carnival - 1891

    Great Southern Carnival. Wanted, concert and circus people, except riders. Also, boss canvas man, chandelier man and dog, goat and pony circus. People must play brass. Open April 1. Would like to hear from first class sensational horse trainer. Address A. C. Murrele, manager and lessee, and manager Pythian Opera House, Jackson, Tenn. New York Clipper, March 21, 1891, p. 36.
    1891: Prof. Frank Oldham has signed with Murrello's Great Southern Carnival for the tenting season of 1891. . . . New York Clipper, April 4, 1891, p. 59.
    Wanted, for Murrell's Great Southern Carnival, season opens May 4, a few more all 'round circus people. No riders. Also want a band of six mouth pieces. Address A. C. Murrelle, lessee and manager, Pythian Opera House, Jackson, Tenn. New York Clipper, April 4, 1891, p. 70.
    Nichols(?) and DeMora, contortionists, have signed with Murrele's Great Southern Carnival for the season of 1891. New York Clipper, April 11, 1891, p. 74.
    Call. All people engaged for Murrelle's Great Southern Carnival. Please report to F. P. Gillespie, equestrian director, Thursday, April 30(?), at Jackson, Tennessee, for rehearsal. Show opens same place, Monday, May 4. We have room for a few more all 'round circus people. Also want a boss canvasman and chandelier man. Show makes two, three and six day stands. Address A. C. Murrelle, manager Pythian Opera House, Jackson, Tenn. New York Clipper, April 18, 1891, p. 106.
    1891: Murelle's Royal Pavilion. Wanted, brother act to fill in on bars and tumbling. Also wire walker who does two turns. Address Cairo, Ill. June 1 to ?. A. C. Murrelle. New York Clipper, May 30, 1891, p. 211.

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Nelson's World's Show - 1894

    Nelson World Show. Wanted, circus people in all branches of the business that do two or more acts, and a first class clown, canvas men, drivers, chandelier man, boss canvas man . . . good circus agent. . . . Robert Nelson Jr., Mt. Clemens, Mich. New York Clipper, March 10, 1894, p. 12.
    Notes from Nelson's World's Show. Everything is busy at the Winter quarters of this show at Mount Clemens, Mich. Bob Nelson's elegant new ring barn seeing life itself from the work going on within. The wagons for the road were all delivered recently, and are marvels of workmanship. The wagons have red bodies, white running gears, blue stripings, and are elaborately lettered. Eighty horses will be used. The new band chariot, white and gold, will arrive next week from Indianapolis. All the people are engaged and reporting for practice every day. The staff of officials is as follows: Robert Nelson Jr., proprietor and manager; Robert Nelson, equestrian director; Ed. Willis, treasurer; Jno. Willis Jr., assistant treasurer; John Marks; John Keeler, boss hostler, and twenty assistants; Jas. Moore, master of canvas; Charles Adams, assisstant, and ten canvas men, with 110ft.(?) round top and 60ft. middle piece. Jacob Ziener, chandelier man, and two assistants; Dalbert(?) Woodhouse, master of properties, and two assistants; Mrs. Maize, wardrobe mistress; Chas. Keeler, harness maker. The advance brigade consists of Doc. J. H. Laine, general agent; George Costello, press agent; George Scott, excursion agent; Harry Capito, boss bill poster, and four assistants; Wm. ?allert, lithographer, and one assistant, and Wm. Capeley, programmer. One large four horse bill wagon, one large two horse paste wagon, one one horse scout wagon, one one horse programme wagon, and the general agent's buggy with two horses, the lettering being very handsome. The performers are: The Nelsons, six in number, premiere acrobats, etc.; La Belle Adele, lady principal equestrienne; Charles Mayo, principal equestrian; . . . pony hurdle rider; Mons. Chirini, ladders; Les Freres Ob??es, three comics; Mlle. Bogardus, and her school of trained dogs and doves; the Sisters Vlad??? (Alice and Elize, contortionists; Leopold and ???, flying trapeze; Mlle. Sebastian, cloud rings; Frank Christie and Dave Cunningham, clowns; the three performing ponies, Fanny, May and Grace, broken and performed by Robert Nelson Jr.; the two Sisters L???, high wires (doing their act on double wires side by side). The leaping dogs, Bruno and ???, will be a new feature, and Prof. Mallett and fourteen musicians, the band being a feature in their musical car, the Temple of St. Cece???. New York Clipper, April 14, 1894, p. 85.

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Billy Nelson's - 1891-92, 1894

    1891: Billy Nelson's Circus, Museum, Menagerie and Wild West, en route through New England. New York Clipper, May 23, 1891, p. 192.
    1891: Billy Nelson's Circus, Museum, Menagerie and Wild West. Turning 'em away nightly. New York Clipper, June 13, 1891, p. 244.

    1892: Notes from Billy Nelson's Big Show. Since his return from Europe, proprietor Nelson has been busily engaged getting everything in readiness for this season. The show will be bigger and better than ever. Our tent will be one of the largest. We will make a special feature of our street parade, which will be worth ___ miles to see. Nelson has secured several strong features, among which are a troupe of Mexicans, five(?) in number, who do one of the most wonderful aerial acts imeasureable . . . Harry Woods, illusionist and wonder worker has been engaged as manager. He will also make a feature of his "black(?) act(?)." New York Clipper, April 16, 1892, p. 82.
    1892: Call. Billy Nelson's Greatest Show Beneath the Sky. Open at Hartford, April 19. Report 9 a.m. 18. N.B. only 18x18x24 trunks will be carried. Special engagement of Cora Bell Armstrong, human spider, at $150(?) week. May I. Booker, witch of Mansfield, mind reader and palmist, outside attraction. Harry Woods, illusionist, manager of this enterprise. Wanted, sideshow people. __ Asylum Street, Hartford, Ct. New York Clipper, April 16, 1892, p. 94.
    1892: Billy Nelson wants tattooed lady, iron jawed lady, long haired lady, lady sword swallower, fire king, ect. Long season. I pay expenses. __ Asylum St., Hartford, Ct. New York Clipper, April 23, 1892, p. 108.
    1894: Notes from Billy Nelson's Shows. This show will be there when the birds begin to sing stronger than ever. The following people have been engaged: The queen of the air, May Cameron(?), high wire and flying rings; John H. Reardon(?), the singing clown; Cunningham . . . Foley and Hagen, triple bars; John J. McGrath, perch act; Pete Salmon and his trained horses; Minnie Gault(?), performing dogs; John Leary . . . Guy Smith, manager of concert . . . Millie Franklin, outside attraction, with several more strong attractions yet to book. New York Clipper, March 24, 1894, p. 37.

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New York Circus Co. - 1901

    Roster of the New York Circus Co., now touring Porto [sic] Rico and the West India Islands: T. S. Chapman, proprietor; James Donavan, manager; Emma Stickney, Stick Davenport, the Kenyons, Morello Bros., Emma Donavan, Tote Ducrow, May Davenport, Mlle. Novello, Chas. Rench, Reno McCree, Chas. Anzo, De Garmo Bros., Robert Stickney and Ike Goldsmith. New York Clipper, January 19, 1901, p. 1046. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Nichol's - 1838

    Victory Arena, or Nichols' Extensive Circus. The entertainments will commence with a superb cavalcade and allegorical representations of the four quarters of the globe, America, Europe, Asia and Africa, showing a succession of intricate manoevers; with eight beautiful and highly trained horses, and actually performing the difficult mazes of the Waltz and Star Dance, with various other difficult feats. Mr. S. Miller, the celebrated equilibrist. Miss C. Devine & Master W. Nichols, mounted on the unparallelled twin ponies, Kanko and Osceola, go through their celebrated Allemand. Positionist and Pro??? artists, transformations and contortions. Mr. Nichols will introduce his niece, Miss Elizabeth Devine, who will ride a single horse, and represent many beautiful, daring, and classical attitudes never before attempted by one of her age, being only 12 years old. Clown to the whole performance Mr. G. Knapp. Master Aymar, as young Nimrod, on his beautiful horse, Mazeppa, will introduce a variety of feats. Mr. Howes will introduce the Learned Water Poodle Dog Monk. Master W. Nichols will perform many astonishing feats, riding on his head &c. and will go through the scene of his Flat Head Warrior, or armed Horseman of the Missouri, and portray the manners and customs of the Aborigines. Comic songs and other performances. Star and Republican (Gettysburg, PA), August 14, 1838. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Nixon & Kemp

      The veteran, but keenly observant and reminiscent, Mons. La Thorne writes as follows to the Clipper from his retirement in this city:
      Reading in your obituary columns two weeks ago of the death of William H. Kemp, the old time clown, I observed several discrepancies; and, as the Clipper is usually accurate on all subjects, I will try and set it right on this. Mr. Kemp came to this country in the Winter of 1846 and opened at the Bowery Amphitheatre, this city, under the management of John Tryon. The clowns there at the time were Sig. Felix Curlo and Sam Thrift. John Gossin was not a member of the company. Mr. Kemp’s performance consisted in walking a barrel, and carrying another one in his hands. He afterwards had a globe made, and used to carry Master Geo. Nixon on his shoulders up and down an incline run. When the circus closed, in the Spring, he went to work at his trade (gold beater). In the following Fall he was again at the Amphitheatre. This time he produced an old English pantomime, which was very successful. He next started with Mr. Nixon in the traveling circus of Nixon & Kemp. This flourished for some years. Then he settled down, and disappeared entirely from the show business. He launched out extensively in the gold beating business, and, as his material was considered the best in the market, he rapidly accumulated a fortune. He was not a good talking clown, as his cockney dialect did not suit the boys. He was a trick and pantomime clown. Mme. Mccarty was not the wife of Mr. Kemp, nor any relation to him. She came to this country a year before he did, and opened at Seth B. Howes’ Circus, then performing at Palmo’s Opera House. She was the first lady equestrienne in the country to jump over banners, through balloons, etc. "White Tents," New York Clipper, May 9, 1891.

      According to his marriage record, William H. Kemp was born in England, the son of Thomas Kemp and Maria Eganton. He married Martha M. Stanley Tye on October 3, 1866 in Manhattan, New York. In the censuses from 1850 to 1880, William’s wife was listed as Martha or Martha M. Martha was born in England. Her parents were John H. Stanley and Martha Brooks. From: Extracted marriage record, Family History Library, Batch No.: M005678. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Norris & Rowe - 1900, 1910

      1900: Norris & Rowe Shows cleard $10,800 in fifteen days at the Mechanic's Pavilion in San Francisco. This is no pipe story, either, but the result of heavy billing and faithful conscientious house-to-hourse program. They put up 10,000 sheets of wall work, 900 window lithos and distributed 65,000 couriers. Carrying a ten-car show on six cars, the biggest six cars of stuff ever handled. Billboard, May 1, 1900, p. 6.

    1900: Norris & Rowe added Major Mite to their concert, and he draws big. the seas lions are improving daily. They showed in six inches of snow at Truckee, California, and at Reno, Nevada, experienced their first blow down. A canvasman's jaw was broken. He was sent to a San Francisco hospital. Billboard, May 28, 1900, p. 5.

    1900: Over 3,000 people saw a unique performance of Norris & Rowe's Animal Circus at Portland, Oregan, May 14. Every seat in the big tent was occupied, and many had to content themselves with seats on straw which had been placed on the ground in fromt of the vast amphitheater, and hundreds were refused admission. . . . "It is strange that illusion, as we call it, doesn't fool animals," said Professor Norris. "I have seen that proved over and over again. A frew years ago I took one of my educated dogs into a mystic maze at the Nashville Exposition. It was simply a room with mirrors so arranged that you seemed to be in a narrow corridor filled with turns. It was very puzzling, and I used to get lost in the place myself, but it would never bother my dog for a moment. He would run through it fgrom end to end at full speed, and never bump against a mirror. The elder Hermann told me that animals were never deceived by false table legs built up with looking glasses and used in his stage tricks. They always passed around on the other side. I guess they must see better, somehow, than human beings." Billboard, June 2, 1900, p. 5.

    1900: H. Fitzpatrick and W. W. Brown have returned to their homes on account of sickness in their families. Hannaford has taken position as treasurer with the show. Dr. Parkhoust has returned from a home visit in Columbus, O. Major Mite will leave the show in three weeks to join Gus Hill's Liliputians. Dr. Milles, who has the privileges of the show has gone to New Haven, Conn. on a visit. Mr. Norris and wife will go to the Paris Exposition as soon as Fitzpatrick and Brown return. Report business very good for the week in Detroit. Added to the show this week fourteen monkeys and four ponies. I note with pleasure that Mr. Rowe still has his diamonds, nothwithstanding his late frost in the Dakotas. M. L. Levine, Detroit, Mich., Aug. 6. Billboard, August 11, 1900, p. 5.

    1900: Norris & Rowe Shows had a bad headon collision going into Hamilton, Ont., Aug 10. One man was badly hurt and they lost the afternoon show at Hamilton. Business is big in Ontario. Billboard, August 25, 1900.

    1910: The only premature closing was that of the Norris & Rowe Show which was taken over by the creditors at Newport, Kentucky, on May 9, and transferred to the Hagenbeck-Wallace winterquarters at Peru, Indiana, where the show was sold at auction to satisfy the claims against it. A peculiar incident of the sale was the purchase of a larger part of the outfit by one of its former proprietors, Walter Shannon, who was backed up by H. E. Brotherton, of Ashtabula, O. At the end of the time allotted by the court for the purchase money to be paid over, Mr. Shannon acknowledged his inability to raise the necessary funds, thereby forfeiting the $3,000 guarantee which he had put up as a deposit.
    At the second sale, Mr. Shannon again appeared as a bidder, and was announced as the purchaser of the outfit for the sum of $15,000 plus the $3,000 guarantee which he had deposited. But the court ruled against this sale and Messrs. Shannon and Brotherton were in a good way to lose a large part of the $18,000. But the subsequent and final sale of the property brought a sufficient sum to pay off the debts incurred in quartering the show during the time it has been held in abeyance to the actions of the purchaser and the decisions of the court, and to satisfy the chief creditors. As the case stands, Messrs. Shannon and Brotherton are reputed to have lost in the neighborhood of $6,000(?) on the transaction. "The World of White Tops," Billboard, Xmas Number, 1910. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

North & Lake - 1892-93

    1892: 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 show; Harry Streif, clown and balloon man; Hattie and Joe Richard, aerialists . . . Perl(?) Todd, Walter Todd, Kate Richard . . . Johnnie More, Charlie Mason, Jennie May Wilson, Arthor(?) Fox . . . and Albert De Mason. New York Clipper, October 29, 1892, p. 538.
    1892: Prof. Harry Streif joined Lake & North's Show at Burlington, Ia., to do clown and concert work. The show goes South for the winter. New York Clipper, October 29, 1892, p. 538.

    1893: Lon Moore closed with Lake & North's Circus at Tampa, Fla., Feb. 2, and is now at his home, Defiance, O. His wife, daughter and himself are in active 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. New York Clipper, February 18, 1893, p. 800.

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Norton's - 1891-92

    1891: Wanted, circus people, for Norton's Big Dime Shows. Principal for bar, leaps and tumbling, also ___ aerial act. Those who double in brass preferred. Want few more musicians. Show opens July 4(?). Privileges for sale. Address N.(?) Norton, Fort Wayne, Ind. New York Clipper, June 27, 1891, p. 277.
    1891: Wanted, circus people, for Norton Big Dime Shows, in all branches to strengthen show. Good advance agent. Want good bar team, aerial act. Must be able to join at once. Address N.(?) Norton, Fort Wayne, Ind. New York Clipper, July 4, 1891, p. 293.
    1891: Wanted for Norton's Big Dime Shows. Good, useful people in all lines of the circus business. Ladies with good acts who do two or more turns, write. People who double in ___ and concert prefered. New York Clipper, July 25, 1891, p. 339.
    1891: A correspondent at Greenville, O., states that Geo. O. L???, 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 Fort Wayne, Ind., July 4, suddenly disappeared at Winchester, Ind., leaving all salaries and hotel bills unpaid. New York Clipper, October 3, 1891, p. 502.

    1892: Roster of Norton & ___ Shows: Dr. N. Norton, proprietor and manager; C. B. Worth, advance, with three assistants; Cliff Lewis, equestrian director . . . Wad Edwards, master of stock; Paul Darrow, properties; Tom Newcome, chandelier man; Cliff Lewis . . . John Meyers . . . Mrs. Frank Green . . . 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 2?. 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 more than time to reach the cars of our audience when the gale struck us, lilfting 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. It was a close call. Not a person was hurt or a penny's worth of damage done. . . . The show makes one day stands and travels through Indiana and Michigan. New York Clipper, June 11, 1892, p. 210.

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