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    Older, Crane & Co.’s New York Circus, Museum and Congress of Trained Animals. Officers - Older, Crane & Co. sole proprietors; P. A. Older, manager; George J. Crane, general director; A. Leshler, treasurer; John La Rue, equestrian director; Will A. Innes, general agent; Sumner Burroughts, assistant agent; Glen White, lithographer; Lew Coleman, Al. Weston, Edward Granger, Wm. Tucker and John Roberts, billposters; C. T. Henderson, master of canvas; George Blake, assistant master of canvas; . . . P. C. Walker, master of transportation; Rufus Chapin, manager of privileges; James Palmer, manager sideshow; Prof. Cummings, descriptive lecturer; leader first band, Prof. Charles Bliss, with 15 men; leader second band, Prof. Graves, with 10 colored juveniles. Clowns - George J. Crane, Ben Snow, Wm. Maurittus, John La Rue, Willie La Rue. Company - Riders: Clarinda Lampkin, Julia Lowande, Mlle. Elsie, Edward Shipp, Charles Young. Gymnasts: The La Rue Family, four in number; Philip Farnum, Dick Farnum, Wm. Maurittus. Aerial artists: St. Clair Bros., Charles F. Orville; Floyd St. Clair, principal leaper; Frelando, juggler; Rich Dialo, fire-king. Specialists: Mlle. Elsie’s two performing white stallions, Prof. Charles Young’s performing horses, ponies and riding goats; Ben Snow’s performing and riding dogs and leaping grayhounds; Senorita Alba Winta, wire ascensionist; Harry G. Lampkin, equilibrist. Sideshow people - Augusta Livingston, tattooed lady; Miss Owens, long-haired lady; Mme. King, fat woman; Irene, midget; Welsh’s Punch-and-Judy; Prof Cummings’ “Rhoda” and “Mythia.” 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.

Orrin Brother's Circus, Mexico - 1894, 1906

    1894: At the Orrin Bros.' Show, City of Mexico, the Easter reopening, March 25, was a big success. The water pantomime, "A Marriage Near(?) Naples," was produced in excellent form and has proved since then one of the best attractions ever done at the Circus Teairo(?). It will continue in the bill for several weeks. All the performers are reported as well. New York Clipper, April 7, 1894, p. 71.

    1906: Orrin Brother's Circus celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary in Mexico Feb. 27, with a special programme, a copy of which has been received the Clipper. The list of attractions follows: Orchestral overture, the Nelson Troupe, eccentriques; Mr. Tessler. equilibrist; Adgie Castillo and her lions; Richard Bell, clown; Wolkowsky Troupe, orchestral offering; Loreta Trio, the Zolars, acrobats; Helen Gerard, haute ecole; . . . On Washington's Birthday the circus gave its twentieth annual benefit performance for the American Hospital, among those appearing being: Montague's Cockatoo Circus, Tessier, the Zolars, Texas and Katrina, . . . the Wolkowskey Troupe, Richard Bell, Adgie and her lions, Helen Girard and Sie Hassan Ben Ali's Arabs. The statement of the hospital auditor shown that in the twenty years elapsed the total benefit receipts amount to $13,445.46. The receipts have steadily increased each year over that preceding, until last year they amounted to $1,618.95. 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.

Miles Orton's - 1892

    Roster of the sideshow with Miles Orton's Show: R. L. Bowman, manager and orator; Mrs. R. L. Bowman, Agnes May, Prof. W. Young, Gertie Pla??, Mamie Clay, Prof. W. Bunch, Sidonio, Charlie Scott, Prof. W. H. Jacobs's Colored Band of eight men; Jim Reed, in charge of sideshow canvas, with four assistants; a cage of monkeys, and a cage of birds, a 60ft. round top, with a 40ft. middle piece, and sixteen new double deck paintings. 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.

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    Ed McClure, goes ahead of the Great Patterson Shows as a contracting agent. Jas. Patterson, the manager, has during the winter kept a force of men busy at the winter quarters, and the coming season will find the Patterson Shows larger than ever. The show opens at Joplin, Mo., April 29. New York Clipper, February 11, 1911, p. 1291. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Patterson' Jungleland - 1912

    J. J. Bejano and Mrs. James Patterson, owners, opened at Paola, Kan., April 24, the Great Patterson Shows to tremendous business. The show carries 120 feet of banners, illuminated by four flaming arcs. On the inside is featured Patterson's baby lions, Chico, man eating gorilla; Mexican boxing roosters, octopus, mice circus, Ugo, strangest girl alive, and eignty-five cages of rare, strange and curious animals. The show is housed in a mammoth red and white tent, one hundred feet long, made by the United States Tent & Awning Co., and is a masterpiece of the tent maker's art. Doc Graham is manager of the show. James Patterson writes: "I have been buying tents and show paraphernalia for a number of years past, but in all my experience I have never received or witnessed an outfit delivered to any showman such as has been sent to me by the United States Tent and Awning Co., of Chicago. It is one that proves a beauty and a joy forever. At my opening in Paola, Kan., every showman that passed the tent looked it over and said: 'What a magnificent tent.' Furthermore the people who visited my animal show remarked: 'Isn't this a grand tent?' " New York Clipper, May 18, 1912, p. 16. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Pawnee Bill's Wild West - 1894

    Notes from Pawnee Bill's Wild West. - Wm. H. Gardner, of Pawnee Bill's Wild West, arrived at Antwerp March 18. He writes that the buildings of the exposition are nearly completed, and are magnificant. The buildings for the Pawnee Bill Wild West are also commenced. The ground contains seven acres. The grand stand is of iron, and will seat 12,000 people. D. M. Browning, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, has issued the necessary permit to take the Indians abroad, and it has been approved by Secretary H??? Smith. The Mexicans have already arrived, and are stationed at the St. James Hotel. The live stock, including a herd of buffalo and wild Texas steers, one hundred head of stock in all, and all the Indians and Mexicans . . . The first cabin passengers sail from N. Y. City 11. The show will be thoroughly equipped and is now complete in every detail. New York Clipper, April 7, 1894, p. 71. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Perry & Gorman's Indoor Circus - 1918

    Produce Circus For Camps. Perry & Gorman, with offices in the Gaiety Theatre building, have secured a routing over the United States Govenment's Liberty Theatre circusit for "Circusland," an indoor society circus. The itinerary takes the show into eighteen of the largest and best equipped of the Liberty theatres, the smaller houses of leaner capacity and equipment being passed up in the routing. The show is to open December 15 at Camp Merritt, N. J., and is scheduled to close March 10 at Camp Sherman, Ohio. It may then be booked into regular week stands. Sixteen recognized circus features have been booked, and several supernumeraries, such as clowns, freaks and sideshow curio people, will also contribute their efforts and "bits" to the production. Headed by "Nervo," the "human comet," the acts already booked include MacAleavey, jumping expert; Al Reeves, and escape artist; the Sullivans, comedy acrobatic boxing midgets; the Aerial Lavines, a casting act; Starrett's one-ring comedy dog and pony circus; Van Jerome, the "frog man" contortionist and late of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Shows; Six Posing Nymphs in plastic posing; H. F. Stowe and his Arabian high school horse, "Snowball"; the Burns Sisters, gymnasts and iron jaw performers; the "Circus Billposters" grotesque pantomimic farce creators; Three Franklin Sisters, an aerial act, and the Berlo Sisters, tan experts. Harry Bonnell is to be the business manager. Perry & Gorman put on a couple of very pleasing indoor circus shows at the nearby ??? last winter for the benefit of the Soldiers' Athletic Fund of the Y. M. C. A. This type of show has proven very popular with the soldiers. New York Clipper, November 6, 1918, 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.

Phillips & Scott's New United Railroad Shows

    Roster of Phillips & Scott's New United Railroad Shows: Thos. G. Scott, general manager; C. H. Phillips, contracting agent; J. M. Blakslee, advance; Joseph Becker, advertising agent, programmer and privileges. Performers: Ducrow Family, the Martinetti Bros., Willie Martell, Geo. W. Wiedell, J. C. Sullivan, Harry Demonio, Littlie Scott, Mary Phillips, Lena Scott, Minnie Davenport, Andy Amann, equestrian director. Concert: Prof. Chas. N. and Mme. Steen, Josie Amann, Fletcher and Wall, Prof. Jas. A. Quigley and his sideshow, assisted by Prof. W. R. Jones. Prof. R. W. Davenport, leader of band; SAm P. Levi, candy privilege; Allen Black, transportation; Peter Rogers, boss canvasman, with ten assistants; Joe Wolf, boss hostler, with two assistants. The show will travel by rail, and will open in Vandalia, Ill., April 26. New York Clipper, February 18, 1888, p. 784. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Pomeroy's Western World - 1889

    W. H. Pomeroy, of Pomeroy's Western World Show, was here [Missouri] last week superintending his printing, which is being done by the Great Western Printing Co. Mr. Pomeroy is investing $25,000 in a Wild West show which is being organized at Paw Paw, Mich. They will start about May ?. New York Clipper, April 13, 1889, p. 72. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Pomeroy & Samuels' - 1891

    City Local News. [San Antonio, TX] W. H. Pomeroy and Max Samuels are organizing a circus, soon to take the road. Daily Light (San Antonio, TX), May 4, 1891.
    Pomeroy & Samuels' Circus will open its season May 16. New York Clipper, May 9, 1891, p. 150. 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 International Railroad Show (Pomeroy) - 1892

    The regular tenting season of the Great International Railroad Shows opened auspiciously May 5, at San Antonio, Tex. The opening was creditable. The roster: W. H. Pomery, lessee and manager; T. B. Long, contracting and general agent; Fank De Leon, treasurer; Milton M. Lyon, press representative; John Lewis, manager side show annex; Wm. Connors, master transportation; T. J. Clancey, boss canvas man; Griel(?) Valentine, Prof. T. P. Fallon, the Earl Sisters, Prof. C. H. Long, Alf. Dorian, the Leons, the Dixon Bros. and Jos. Scott. New York Clipper, May 21, 1892, p. 162.

    Roster of the Great International Railroad Shows: W. H. Pomeroy, sole lessee and manager; H. R. De Leon, treasurer; T. R. Long, general agent; F. J. McCarthy, contracting agent; J. F.(p.?) Rothschild, agent in charge of car No. 2; A. C. Ade, in charge of paper, and eight billposters; C. Lindeman, in charge of box brigade, with four assistants; M. Lyon, lithographer; D. Whealley(?), programmer; James Finnegan, master of transportation, with eight assistants; T. S. Clancy, boss canvas man, with fourteen assistants; S. W. Marshburn, chandelier man, with two assistants; James Jones, boss hostler, with five assistants; Gil Valentine, chef de la cuisine; cook tent, Powers, with five assistants; W. Murphy, boss property man, with four assistants; Uncle John Lewis, in charge of sideshow; Pop Carpenter, general solicitor; Frank Wallace, head porter of car No. 4, with three assistants; J. S. Harp, reserved seats; Alfred Dorian, equestrian director; C. H. Long, Theo Harrella, Mlle. Minnelta, Jas. Scott, Alf. Dorian, Sig. Lagone, J. T. Leon, Mast. Earl, Mlle. Rosa, Mamie Blake, Dixon Bros., Zebenos, Mexican Family (five in number), Earl Sisters (four in number), trick ponies, educated donkeys and a large troupe of dogs. Mlle. Carrolla makes a balloon ascension daily. T. P. Fallon(Pallon?) is leader of band, with ten mothpieces. They use a 110ft. round top, with two 40ft. middle pieces, a 50ft. museum top, a 40ft. dressing room top., two 20x50ft. horse tents and two 20x40ft. cook tents. The show is twice the size it was last season, and everything is brand new, well painted and decorated. As a special feature in the museum, we have Jumbo, the largest horse. Minnetta and Barretta, and Dorian, the man snake, are special features in the big show. The route lays through New Mexico, Arizona and Southern California. New York Clipper, June 4, 1892, p. 194.

    The Great International Railroad Shows move triumphantly on in spite of opposition and excessive stagnation of business in Texas. The show goes merrily on coastward, making more than expenses through a country where the jumps are the longest and the mighty dollars the scarcest. Starting from San Antonio, Tex., May 5(?), the route took us to Laredo, southward, for one week, thence to El Paso, the northern highway out of the big State, showing daily at eleven at points en route with satisfaction to all and our audiences as well. Leaving the drouth stricken district with money in the treasury, whereas for at least three seasons heretofore Manager W. H. Pomeroy had always gone down into his pocket to pull out of this self same port. If report be true, all previous records of circusing through this State have been outdone this year by the Great International. Through New Mexico via Alburquerque, thence West through Arizona, the show continued to make money at one and two day stands, though the jumps were long and hazardous. The advance, under the generalship of T. B. Long(?), go on toward the setting sun. Everybody is working harmoniously, and we think to the satisfaction of the management throughtout. Some changes have been made in the personnel of the advance since my last, viz.: F. J. McCarty, former contracting agent, retiring in favor of J. Rothschilds, . . . Everything now looks bright for a successful tour of the Pacific slope. New York Clipper, June 18, 1892, p. 228.

    The property of the "Great International Railroad Shows," exhibiting in Southern California under the management of W. H. Pomeroy, was attached at Los Angeles June 27, on a small claim for wages, and the following day other attachments were levied to secure payment of local claims and a draft from Texas. The aggregate of . . . was about $150(?), which was settled after some difficulty. In connection with the matter, Mr. Pomeroy served an affidavit on the officer making the attachment, showing that the property belonged to a man in Texas. New York Clipper, July 16, 1892, p. 292. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Pubillones, Cuba - 1891

    Tote Ducrow, of the Pubillones Circus, at Havana, under date of April 25, writes as follows: "The show has been doing finely all over the island of Cuba, and the company are all in good health. We opened here last night (April 24) to a packed house, with the tent was blown away and almost everything destroyed. The losses will be heavy for Mr. Pubillones to bear. His other show - the Salvani Dog and Monkey Show - is making good money, and will not close this season. We will close some time in June. Following is the roster: Faranta Family, Agnes Mora, Na?? Adams, Jennie Ada??, Tony Lowardo, Karl Nichels, Nap? Lowando, Tony Lar?ello, Ber?llio Arfem, the Senors Antino Pubillonnes, Orivlo Constantine, Pala?co Rodrigas, Ramon Ma??ga, Pancho V???, Conrado Madenga, with Little Tomasito, Cuban clown; Tote Ducrow, principal clown; Santiago Pubillones, proprietor and manager. Charles W. Fish closed last week, and left to join the Barnum & Bailey Show." New York Clipper, May 9, 1891, p. 150. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

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      Another showman has come to grief, in spite of the attractions of his elephant, hippopotamus and kangaroos. Montgomery Queen, proprietor of the California circus, well-known in the west and south, has file a voluntary petition in bankruptcy. His liabilities are over $160,000, and his total assets are about a score of animals, worth, perhaps, $30,000. Daily Constitution (Atlanta, GA), February 14, 1878.

      Following is the roster of Queen’s Circus and Menagerie: Polly & Austin, proprietors; J. A. Polly, treasurer; M. Austin, business and advance agent; Louis Angels, equestrian manager; Manning and Young, the Lingards, James Cameron, Three Yost Brothers, Gayler Sisters, Prof. Hern and trained dogs, Barnell (juggler), O’Brien, P. Harrington, Geo. Clark and William Litten. New York Clipper, July 23, 1887. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

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    1948: Ship Carrying Circus Hunted in Caribbean. Balboa, C. Z. (AP) - A small motorship carrying a circus - complete with lions, tigers and other beasts - is missing today in the Caribbean. U. S. Navy planes from the Canal Zone, Jamaica and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, have joined in the search for the vessel, the Euzkera, which left Mariel, Cuba, Aug. 28 for Cartagena, Colombia. She was due at Cartagena six days ago. The Euzkera, now under Honduran registry, was described here as a former yacht used by U. S. President McKinley. The Havana agents for the 140-foot craft said she was carrying the Razzore Circus. Accounts as to the number aboard varied. The Havana agents said there were 46 passengers and 11 crew members. Reports here said there were from 55 to 67 aboard. Binghamton Press (Binghamton, NY), September 8, 1948, p. 28.

    1949: Tragedy Hits But Circus Goes On. By Charles Fernandez. Havana, Cuba - Circus life breeds stout hearts. Because of that and an abiding faith in the Almighty the last of the Razzores is going on with the show. Out of the despair of one of the saddest tragedies in circus history this 49-year-old son of the sawdust has emerged with an object lesson in spiritual courage. Left alone and broken-hearted, the real-life Pagliacci is back with a new show as if in desperate defiance of the blue Caribbean waters that swallowed his money, his circus - and his family.
    Born for the Circus. Emilio Rogelio Razzore was born of, and for, the circus. As a tottering tot of 5 he started out to amuse and entertain in the circus which his father and his father's father had made the best known in all of Latin America. The Brazilian-born lad did everything. As the big top moved from country to country he swung from the trapeze, he tamed lions, he played the clown. When his Italian father died, it naturally befell Emilio as the eldest child to carry on the show which Grandfather Razzore had founded in Rio de Janeiro in 1836. The job wasnt too difficult; Emilio had loyal help. The Razzores, with the closeness of blood and circus clannishnss, were a tightly knit family.
    Plenty of Help. Brother Romulo was a jack-of-all-trades under the tent. Brother Juan doubled as clown and acrobat. Sister Amanda was good as aerialist and general acrobat. Emilio's wife, Betsabel, was soloist with the circus band. And their children - Moraima, 18, Guillermo, 14, and Willie, 9 - were in the show. Romulo's wife, Fresolina, worked with Emilio in the lion's cage, and Juan's spouse, Ainaims, lent beauty to the circus pageantry. Then there were four nephews and nieces; Juan Razzore, 16-year-old acrobat, and his 11-year-old sister, Dolinda, just a big-top beginner; Emilio de Laudo, the 18-year-old band leader, and 5-year-old Amandita, who was like a daughter to Emilio. When times were bad the family alone had put on the whole show. But times were good now—the circus had just completed a successful two-year run in Cuba.
    Tragedy Strikes. Thus it was late last August when Emilio bid his 14 kinfolk and 27 other members of his troupe "bon voyage" at the Havana docks. The motor vessel Euzkera, which had been the presidential yacht of William McKinley, had been signed to take the circus, including 60 trained animals and equipment valued at $300,000, to Cartagena, Colombia. Emilio was to fly ahead to lay the groundwork. Emilio got there, but his circus never did. During the clear night of Sept. 1 the Euzkera capsized. The circus, the animals, the Razzore family disappeared beneath the blue waters. Nine of the 41 aboard survived —including Jesus Vargas, the monkey trainer; Santiago Bravo, the Negro lion tamer; three of the six Chinese Chang brothers; Ruben Morales, Cuban member of the band. But among them was not one Razzore. And with brother Juan went more than $30,000 in cash which represented virtually all of the net from the successful Cuban tour.
    Old Friends Help. When Emilio got the sad news to Cartagena he could hardly believe it. With $1,000 in travelers checksand the clothes on his back, he flew back to Havana - aimlessly groping for the answers. Bewildered, unable to sleep or eat, Emilio discovered a measure of solace in the flood of offers of help that poured in from friends and unknowns in all of Latin America. But Emilio declined them all - with gratitude. "I didn't want charity," he explains, laconically. Emilio's life was the circus. Sensing that, a Havana editor prevailed on him to try to organize a new show. He said Havana businessmen would be glad to help him get started anew. The last of the Razzores accepted that suggestion. He took $15,000 from the helpful Habaneros - but only as a loan. And his old circus friends quickly pitched in. Two days before Christmas the Razzore circus - only about a third as large, it's true - opened here in Havana at the same spot where it had played to thousands before the tragedy. And the new show packed them in. Binghamton Press (Binghamton, NY), February 16, 1949, p. 37.

    . . . Andres and Aurelio Atayde, operators of three circuses in Mexico, sent him an old tent, bleachers and enough animals to make a decent menagerie. Headline acts of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus, winter quartered in Sarasota, offered to perform in the new Razzore show for much less than they ordinarily asked and got. Vargas, the surviving monkey trainer, bought a chimpanzee at the monkey jungle in Miami and trained it to perform in 30 days. Survivor Morales formed a new band. Two days before Christmas the Razzore circus - only about a third as large, it's true - opened here in Havana at the same spot where it had played to thousands beforte the tragedy. Offering such stellar attractions as Ringling's Alzana high-wire family, the Clayton Behee aerial troupe and tht Chinese juggling team, the new show packed them in. But while the majority cheered the Razzore comeback, a few jeered. The father of a victim of the Euzkera shipwreck blamed Emilio. A circus competitor spread damaging rumors. Undaunted, Emilro carried on with the show until even the few recalcitrants were forecd to admit the spiritual courage of the man. Even the elements co-operated. Rain which would have wrecked his tattered and torn tent failed to come during an extended seven week run. . . . Today, with his grief tightly locked behind the glitter of the big top, Emilio Razzore is well on his way to resuming the circus tradition in which his family gave their lives. He has repaid $9000 of the $15,000 loan. He has ordered a new tent for a tour of the interior of Cuba. Later, he plans to spend three months reorganizing the show for possible tour of the old Razzore beat in Latin America. . . . Oakland Tribune (Oakland, CA), February 16, 1949, p. 4A. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Reed's Circus - 1889, 1892, 1894, 1900, 1901, 1903

    1889: A. H. Reed's Circus closed its season Oct. ?? at Carrollton, Ill., where it went into Winter quarters. New York Clipper, November 16, 1889, p. 599.

    1892: Wanted, for A. H. Reed's Circus season, 1892. People in all branches of the circus business. Performers, musicians, boss canvasman and chandelier man. Show travels by wagon. A. H. Reed, Carrollton, Green Co., Illinois. New York Clipper, January 9, 1892, p. 742.
    The Three Burtons, athletes and aerialists, and Will Mineer, clown, have been engaged for A. H. Reed's Circus. C. Burton will act as equestrian director. New York Clipper, February 6, 1892, p. 792.
    Prof. Wm. Jones and wife have signed for the museum annex with A. H. Reed's Circus. New York Clipper, March 19, 1892, p. 18.

    1894: M. D. Ri??? has signed as leader of the band for Reed's Circus, making his fifth season. Theo. Larges, contortionist, and St. Arno, equilibrist, are the additions to that circus. New York Clipper, April 14, 1894, p. 85.
    Notes from A. H. Reed's Circus. We are playing to fair business, but not so good as previous seasons. We are now in Missouri, making the inland towns, and the last two weeks have done large business. Manager Reed is in poor health, and not able to travel, but everything runs smoothly under assistant manager Orke(?). The show goes South, and will not close this Winter. New York Clipper, September 1, 1894, p. 405.

    1900: Notes and roster of Reed's 25 Cent European Shows. A. H. Reed, proprietor and manager; Mrs. Viola Reed, treasurer. We carry a company of thirty-eight people, twelve wagons and thirty head of stock to transport the show. Big top, dressing room, horse tent, dining tent. Frank ??? has charge of canvas, with eight assistants. Col Jim ??? has the side show and concert. Dan Bulkley(?), leader of band with the following musicians: T. Morris, G. Upchurch, Billy Lowe, E. Boree(?), . . . Peggey Long and Fred Brenner(?). Performers with big show: Clyde Rialdo, equestrian director; Billy Lowe, talking and singing clown; Brenner(?) . . . bars and revolving ladder; Rialdo, equlibrist, aerialist and knockabout clown; Mrs. Viola Reed's troupe of educated dogs and ponies. Little Lena Hays'(?) singing and dancing is a feature in the concerts. C. H. Rigall, advance representative, with two assistants, is doing good work ahead. The route lies through Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. This is our fifth week out and the ghost walks regularly. New York Clipper, June 2, 1900, p. 310.

    1901: Wm. Irwin and wife have signed with A. H. Reed's Circus; also Frank Dempsey, boss canvas man, making his third season. Wanted, for Reed's Circus, season 1901, performers and musicians. Show travels by wagon. A. H. Reed, Verona, Indiana. New York Clipper, February 16, 1901, pp. 1133, 1135.

    1903: Mrs. Viola Reed, wife of the owner of Reed's circus, was bitten in the arm and face by a large greyhound about a mile from Frederick this morning. The circus, which showed at Walkersville yesterday and travels overland, was on its way from Walkersville to Middleton and when near Frederick, as Mrs. Reed was putting the hound into a care, it bit her. . . . Daily News (Frederick, MD), August 25, 1903. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Reed's Winter Circus - 1894

    Notes from Reed's Winter Circus. - Reed's Winter Circus closes the season April 2 at the Wonderland, Jamestown, Pa. In curio hall: Prof. Black's troupe of educated ponies and dogs; Mlle. Nattalene(?) and her den of serpents. Theatre: the Russells, acrobats; Chas. Merritt, contortionist; Chas. Howell, juggler; Martiere Sisters, trapeze performers; Lawrence, mimic and ventriloquist; and Rose E. Winchester on the slack wire. New York Clipper, April 7, 1894, p. 70. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Reese, Levis & Dolphin's Circus - 1885

    The complete company of Reese, Levis & Dolphin’s Circus is as follows: D. B. Levis, manager; Frank A. Reese, treasurer; T. G. Dolphin, advance, with four billposters; Chas. Austin knock-about clown and troupe of performing dogs; Mlle. Austin, slack wire and hair slide; Prof. Kane, balancing trapeze, bamboo perch and outside ascension; Downie Bros., brother act and high tight-wire; Little Eddie, contortionist; Mott and Durand, double trapeze and bars; four performing ponies and mules; Prof. Guilo and eight pieces. Evans and Coyne, Miss Leoni and Eddie Watts are the concert people. John Bradley, late of the Wild West Show, has the candy stands. New York Clipper, August 1, 1885. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Reno & Alvord Show - 1900

    Opened at Aurora, Nebraska, April 28. Over $2,500 has gone into the show this winter, but they don't owe any one a dollar. W. B. Alvord will be ahead of the show as usual. Billboard, May 1, 1900, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Reynold's Worlds United Shows - 1894-1895

    1894: All performers engaged for Reynold's Worlds United Shows, report at Rockford, Ill., by May 2, musicians, April 30. Show opens May 5. . . . W. B. Reynolds, general manager, Rockford, Ill. New York Clipper, April 21, 1894, p. 112.

    1895: For Sale Reynold's Circus, Menagerie and Hippodrome. The entire outfit, consisting of band wagons, ticket wagon, cages, tableau chariots, baggage wagons, cars, animals, horses, harness, trappings, wardrobe, lights, tents, poles and all properties complete. Animals includ the two largest and best performing elephants in American, also the lot of ring stock, then in number, will be sold in a bunch or separate. G. W. Reynolds, sole owner, Rockford, Ill. New York Clipper, November 2, 1895, p. 559. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Rhoda Royal Shows - 1900

    In Renovo, Pa., they recently gave exceptionally creditable performances. . . . Madam Royal in the delightful menage act; Prof. Joe Berris in his unexcelled equine paradox; the marvelous Eddys; the Petits, in their thrilling triple bar work in mid-air; the Johnson Brothers, were all special features. The finale to the circus programme was the wonderful exhibition of horsemanship by the body of Rough Riders, under command of Capt. Sharp. . . . The financial end of the show is taken care of by that king of treasuers, "Tony" Richardson. 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.

Dan Rice's - 1881

      Wm. H. Stowe, Dan Rice and J. C. Oates have formed a partnership for the purpose of conducting a circus business. A New Orleans, La., correspondent, writing on Jan. 26, says: "They are now organizing under the name of 'Dan Rice's New Greatest and Best of all Great Shows, Circus, Museum, Menagerie and Cosmopolitian Allied Exhibition.' The show will travel by special railway trains. Dan Rice will reappear as clown for the first time in several years. Miss Lizzie Marcellus, a beautiful brunette, will be chief equestrian. Wm. H. Stowe leaves 27 for New York City, and while there will purchase tents, animals, etc., and engage performers and specialists. They have warerooms [sic?] and stables on Rampart street, and have a force of painters and workmen overhauling the paraphernalia of the late Thornton Circus. J. C. Oates is in Memphis negotiating for the purchase of Stickney's Circus and when the organization is complete the show will be first-class in every particular. Their first performance will be given here Feb. 20. New York Clipper, February 5, 1881.
      Dan Rice's new show will be officered as follows: Dan Rice, general manager; B. F. Tatum, treasurer; Major G. W. Morris, general and rail road agent; Wm. Stowe, equestrian manager; Chem Davis, contracting and press agent. They have just purchased the De Haven Circus at Aberdeen, Miss. The De Haven Circus was organized by De Haven in Chicago, Ill. about two years ago, a Mr. Dutton furnishing the money and De Haven the brains. Their failure was caused by weather. New York Clipper, February 26, 1881.
      While Miss Lizzie Marcellus was giving her equestrian act in Dan Rice's Circus in New Orleans, La., the night of March 11, the bale-ring of the circus tent broke, precipitating the canvas almost to the ground, taking with it, says our correspondent, "the tank containing thirty gallons of gasoline, which supplies the ring chandeliers. The tank broke, the oil ignited, and flames spread over the greater part of the ring, causing a panic among the audience. Marcellus, although thrown with great force from her hose and carried out of the ring, returned, and while her horse (Selim) was frantic with rage, and all others dared not approach him, she did so, and succeeded in rescuing the animal from the flames. Wm. H. Stowe quited the audience, and with employes of teh show succeeded in smothering the flames. The result might have been disastrous had not the canvas been so thoroughly saturated by the late heavy rains. They pulled stakes night of 12, and left same night by Morgan's Railroad for the lower Red River country." New York Clipper, March 26, 1881. Information should be checked with additional sources

Rice & Davis Big United Shows - 1900

    Rice & Davis Big United Shows and Elton Bros.' Show took in Tarre, Pennsylvania, the same day. Both shows did a good business. Rice & Davis' show is heading to Ohio. J. A. Jones, its manager, is a hsutler, consequently a good season should follow. Billboard, June 16, 1900, p. 6. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Ringling Bros. - 1886, 1900, 1910

    1886: Ringling Bros.' Double Shows, Museum, Caravan and Congress of Animals open at Baraboo, Wis., May 15, and travel with wagons and their own stock. The people are: Al. Ringling, W. H. Ringling, Alf. Ringling, Chas. Ringling, John Ringling, Mrs. Al. Ringling, Prof. Rich, Dialo, Hercules, Walt McCafferty, Chas. W. Meyers, Dan Malcolm and Mlle. Loretti, Chas. and Mme. Covelli, Zola Zulanda, Prof. Shafer and Family, P. J. Nichols, Fred Madison, A. A. Rush, W. D. Latham, W. H. Van Cleve, J. S. Whitsell, Frank E. Leadow and the Moeller Bros., German gymnasts. The executive staff consists of Ringling Bros., proprietors and managers; Dick Hunter, general-agent, with a corps of billposters, lithographers, etc.; Frank Dempsey, boss-canvasman; John Hamilton, boss-hostler; and Fred Workman, master of properties. The show is transported by sixty horses, and has six cages and eighteen wagons. New York Clipper.

    1900: Wheeling, W. VA. April 19. The parade proved bright and interesting, A new feature introduced by Fred Lamont found fine favor. It might be defined as a "Rube" acrobatic act on a hay wagon. It finishes the parade, and provoked storms of laughter all along the route. Every stitch of the canvas was new, and the show looked beautiful on the lot. It was finely flagged. The big top had four poles up and the menagerie had six. There are thirty-two carges in the menagerie, twenty-three elephants and eleven camels, besides minor led stock. Despite the fact that only two rehersals were had, the performance gave great satisfaction. It was the first time Messrs. Ringling Bros. had ever showed Wheeling. The used the lot on the island. Kerry Meagher is in the wagon. Chas. Andress is claim adjuster. Lou Nichols is side show manager.
    Ringling Bros. astonishing jump from Baraboo to Wheeling to open (seven hundred and eighty-five miles) had not sooner been announced than their contracting agents appeared in Jersey City at the very gates of New York. This remarkable manouver was succeeded by another equally surprising when Winstead, Conn. was announced as the next town on the list. Billboard, May 1, 1900>.

    1910: The show arrived at Lincoln, Neb., early Sunday morning. It was a long haul and good lot. Monday, business was big in the afternoon, and good at night. Robt. Stickney Jr. and wife were entertained all day Sunday and Monday, and father and son had a very enjoyable time. At Omaha the show arrived early. We had a short haul, good lot and long parade. Afternoon business was big, and night was packed. FLoto Show billed here at 25 cents. Mrs. Sadie Casino is on the sick list, and remained here with relatives to recuperate. Well, we are all together again, our top is aII fixed and everything is going on in regulation Ringling style again.
    Carroll, La., was a small one. Afternoon was big and night good. The Puff Club had a meeting, and Joe Casino, Capt. Taylor and M. Fitzgerald were made members, also Edward Wulff and Alexander Patty. The banquet talk is all that can be heard in the dresslng room. The Muchers' Club is getting strong and has quite a membership. Carl Luster(?) is on the sick list. The Pinochle Club is still at it. Koko Shadle is the champion player. He went to bed Wednesday night after a long session, and the next morning he was telling the boys of the good games he had played, and of the 250 melds and 100 aces and big bids. He wanted to start a game right then and there. He is some player, is Koko, and if ever he has a monument erected it will surely be a pinochle deck. Hiss side partner, Chris. Livingston, is almost as enthusiastic over the game. Mme. Wulff's menage act, with her trained dog and pigeons, present a novel garland arch, which is a big hit with this show, and will open in New York shortly and treat the residents there to a novel act. Herr Edward Wulff is working on some new stuff for the New York opening.
    Des Moines, Ia. - The show arrived early and had a long haul and good lot, on a street car lot. Our sleepers were nearer to the show than they have been for many years, as they were so cIose to the canvas that the guy ropes were attached to the rods of the cars. We sat on the car steps and saw the concert and heard the jokes as plainly as if we were in the seats. Business in Des Moines was big in the afternoon and good at night. At Waterloo, Ia., the show arrived early and had a long haul and good lot. Afternoon was big and the weather very hot. New York Clipper, July 23, 1910, p. 582. Information should be checked with additional sources

Burr Robbins Circus - 1885

      The following people go with Burr Robbins’ New Consolidated Railroad Shows this season: Geo. Holland, Sam McFlynn, Wm. Ashton, Wm. Francis, Jno. S. McMahon, Jno. L. Davenport, Master John Davenport, Master Albert Davenport, Jno. H. Coyle, W. Fred Aymar, A. Marquez, three Brothers De Van, Malville and Malcolm, Rob. A. Hewlette, Geo. Chareste, Prince Satsuma, Lewis Jordan, Thomas Romalo, Wm. Van Vleck, Willie Le Beau, Burt Stowe, Hugh Harrison, Jno. Scott, Geo. W. Lewis, Howard N. Stone, Harry McFlynn, Mose Lovery, W. H. Streeter, Kate Holloway, Ida McFlynn, Mlle. La Vern, Stella Bertram, Minnie Bertram, Prof. Jno. M. Smith, leader, with 16 men. Sideshow - J. C. Shipley, Hattie Shipley, Geo. Connors, Madam Carver, Gen. Carver, Lulu Ritter, Sig. Francis, tattooed man, Maori chief, Albino lady, White Moore, long-haired lady, cannibal Fan child, giant skeleton and a colored band of ten pieces. The show opens May 1. Burr Robbins will control all privileges. J. C. Shipley will manage the sideshow and outside privileges and Jno. A. Scott the inside privileges.
      Following is the roster of the advance brigades of Burr Robbins’ New Consolidated Railroad Shows: George K. Steele, general advance director; C. T. Kimball, railroad contractor; Harry Murray, contracting agent; Edward Buckley, press agent; A. B. Bennett, agent in charge advance coach No. 2; Morris Connor, chief billposter; J. P. Manley, lithographer; W. S. Cleveland, J. E. McCarty, A. A. McDonald, George Kramer, Otto Kastner, T. B. Reed, C. S. Ahern, Chas. Henry, Frank Whitney, advance coach No. 1; Ed. C. Wade, chief billposter; Chas. A. Bernard, Horace D. Newman, Michael Burke, Newton Fox, Elmer May, Chas. Harriman, Arthur Wellington, Frank A. Spear, advance coach No. 2. New York Clipper, May 2, 1885>. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Burr Robbins New Consolidated Railroad Shows - 1886

      The Burr Robbins New Consolidated Railroad Shows opened at Beloit, Wis., May 6, to well-filled tents. Following is the list of the principals: Albert and Jno. Davenport, riders; Sig. Murdelle, high-wire; Three Albions, brother-act and Roman-ladders; the Musdelles, double-trapeze; Elnino Eddie, tight-rope; Gay and Levanion, Spanish-rings; Valvo, Japanese-perch; Victor Jerome, contortionist; Mlle. Angelo, Indian-clubs; Franc Martinez, Jules Trollop, Fritz Steinschmit, clowns. The annex is managed by Geo. Connor, and contains Madam and Gen. Carver, mighty and mite; Frank De Burdy, tattooed; Zobediah Zoleda, Circassian; Prof. Harrington and Miss Harrington, trained-birds, and the Peters colored band. New York Clipper, May 15, 1886, p. 136>. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Frank A. Robbins' Circus - 1885, 1906, 1910, 1912

    1885: Frank A. Robbins’ Circus, Museum and Menagerie includes, in the advance department: O. J. Ferguson, manager of all advertising and railroad contractor; Henry W. Mann, contracting agent; Harry Hapgood, press agent; J. A. Reed, superintendent car No. 1, with sixteen billposters; F. W. Hodges, superintendent car No. 2, with twelve billposters; W. H. Sylvester, manager of Stereopticon Exhibition and superintendent of bugle brigade, with six buglers; Ora J. Robbins, advertising programme with the show; Frank A. Robbins, proprietor and manager; Wm. Loper, assistant manager; Warren Bouton, treasurer; Jas. E. Cooke, equestrian director; Chas W. Fish, somersault bareback equestrian; Chas. Lowry, hurdle rider; Jas. E. Cooke; four horse equestrian; Mme. Dubsky, equestrienne; Mme. McDonald, equestrienne; Col. John Foster, clown; Ringford Bros. (John and Connie), Metle Bros. (Rudolph and Louis), Annetta (snake charmer), DeComa Family (three in number), Andy Gaffney, Cuponti, Jacket Chy’s Royal Japs, Mlle. Alma, Wm. Harbeck, Felix McDonald, Ali Berber’s Troupe of Bedouin Arabs, Leopold and Wentworth, Leonard Ayres, John Wilcox, Francis Palmer (human cannon ball), Prof. Oscar Perry and band of sixteen people, Mme. Agnes Hall’s brass and reed band of twelve lady musicians. Geo. W. Cole is manager of the concert, and the people are Phil. Gibbons, Billy Milligan, Geo. McConnell, Leo Grant, Thos. Haley, Lillie Ellis, Maud Chatwood and Mlle. Julia Hulskamp. John Fulton is manager of the sideshow, with these curios: Mlle. Estell, long haired lady; Mlle. Aimee, tatooed lady; German Rose, queen midget; Mme. Etta, Albino; Zuleika, Circassian princess; Wm. Russell, fat boy; George and Henry, Zulus; Prof. Reynolds’ performing birds; Alex. Wilson, ventriloquist; Walter Broma, magician and Punch-and-Judy; Willis Jackson’s colored band and jubilee singers, and eight-footed horse, snakes, giant ox, etc. Geo. S. Cole, Cuponti, Walter Broma and Charles Corbin are the solicitors. The candy stands and reserved seats include Wm. Buxton, Jas. Dains, Tony Burke, Wm. McIntyre, James Casey, Thos. Eagan, Jos. Lynch, Ed. Crowley, Peter McLoughlin, Hugh Kelley and Timothy O’Donnell. Lucius Foster is master of canvas, with 40 assistants. Size of circus canvas, 130 ft. round top, with 3 fifty foot middle pieces; dressing room top, 80 ft. round top and five forty foot middle piece; menagerie top, 80 ft. round top and five forty foot middle piece. No. of horse tents, 4; No. of cook tents, 3. Wm. Randolph is master of horse, with 45 assistants. No. of horses, mules, ponies and donkeys, 185. Felix McDonald is superintendent of menagerie, with 20 assistants. No. of elephants, 10; No. of camels, 4; No. of cages, 50. John Kent is master of transportation, with 10 assistants. Total number of people employed, 320. New York Clipper, April 11, 1885.

    1906: Roster of the Frank A. Robbins Show, season of 1906. - Frank A. Robbins, president and general manager; Fred Beckman, treasurer and general agent; Chas. W. Sprague, secretary; Frank A. Robbins Jr., assistant manager; Chas. A. Robbins, general superintendent; John Glennon, assistant treasurer; Mrs. Frank A. Robbins, manager candy stands;: Mrs. Chas. A. Robbins, in charge of wardrobe; Winona Robbins, cashier main stand; Milton Robbins, reserved seat door tender; Dave Haley, contracting agent; Wm. Goodwin, superintendent No. 1 advertising car; Thos. Van Osten, superintendent No. 2 advertising car; Harry Hodge, manager of sied show; Wm. Du Crow, equestrian director; Gennaro Marranzini, leader of band; Frenchy Haley, master of canvas; Whitey Likens, master of horses; Clint A. Graham, master of transportation; Steve Roberts, master of side show canvas; Ike Smith, master of lights; Jas. Shipman, steward and charge of main door; . . . The performers so far engaged are as follows: Jack Cousins and wife, Chas. Watson and wife, A. G. Lowande and wife, Three Herbert Bros., the Aerial Lloyds, the Ellets, . . . the Aerial Weavers, Carlosa and Silverton, Edwin La Belle, Vincent C. Harig, the Belfords, Girard Leon and Jos. Marty and wife. Side show people: Margerite Still, Frank J. Hurley, C. A. Bonney. Harry Moulton, Millie Lucretia, L. E. Debonaire, Montana Frank and Montana, Soldene and Olivia, Harry Mlio and La Belle Cleo. Frank A. Robbins has left for an extended trip, first to Lancaster, Mo., then to Birmingham, Ala., via Kansas City, where he will see the opening of the Martin Downs Shows, then to Cincinnati to attend the opening of the Hagenbeck Show, coming home via Canton, and Geneva, O. The Frank A. Robbins Show is practically ready for the opening, April 26. New York Clipper, March 17, 1906, p. 114.

    1910: The Frank A. Robbins Shows are in their eleventh week in Pennsylvania. Business has been very satisfactory, and all conditions point to continued success in this State. Visiting day at Ellwood City found Dan Robinson and Walter L. Main the guests of Mr. Robbins, and all enjoyed a very pleasant afternoon. On Thursday, July 7, Equestrian Director Dave Castello Sr. celebrated his fiftieth birthday. It is unnecessary to say that it was a big day around the Robbins Show. Dave received many fine presents, and congratulations from his numerous friends with other shows. Also a very handsome goldheaded umbrella, a pair of military brushes, mounted with sterling silver, and many beautiful gifts from the performers with the Robbins Shows. New York Clipper, July 23, 1910, p. 582.

    1910: Comprising the advance of the Frank A. Robbins' Show, which closed its season October 12, were Frank A. Robbins, railroad contractor; J. Henry Rice, general agent; Chas. A. Chapman, manager Car No. 1; C. D. Daley, manager Car No. 2, with sixteen billposters; H. E. Wallace, opposition agent; Ralph E. Allen, local contractor; Earl Conner, excursion agent; J. E. Gordon, press agent. Billboard, October 22, 1910.

    1912: Frank A. Robbins' Wild West News. Roster of this show, which is at present playing a limited engagement at Sea Breeze Island, Bridgeport, Conn., is as follows: Frank A Robbins Jr., owner: Chas. Aldridge, general manager; Mrs. Frank A. Robbins Jr., auditor; Earle Cherry, manager side show; Harry Hall, manager five-in-one show; Chas. Aldridge, chief of cowboys, with the following bunch of "broncho busters:" Bill Harder, Ed. Lewis, Eagle Jack, Bill Davies, Dave Sheldon, Mexican Pete, Broncho Joe and Red Mathers. Cowgirls: Lottie Collier, Hazel St. Clair, Miss Cherry and Miss Allen. Chief Yellow Bird and band of eight Sioux Indians, including Young Deer, the only Indian contortionist in the world: Ogalalla(?) George, interpreter. Jos. Laporte and cowboy band of fourteen pieces.
    The side show. Earle Cherry, manager, contains the following acts: "Brown," handcuff king; Prof. Blanck, "One Man Band;" the Great Nichels, mind reading, assisted by Miss Ayemar; Sig Albertino, Punch and magic; Muscular Le Van, heavy weight lifting, and Mons. Le Baron, animal trainer. Five-in-One show. Harry Hall, manager; Zoma, the wild girl; Pete, monster reptile; Estelle, fat girl; Ed. James, living skeleton; Prof. Jones, miniature working world.
    The performance has many redeeming features, chief among which is the trick and fancy riding by Lottie Collier, and the riding and subduing of "Gray Wolf," the bucking broncho, by Chas. Aldridge, and last, but not least, a wonderful exhibition in the art of rope spinning by Ed. Lewis, a young man who spins three ropes at one time. Using a contrivance that fits over his head, he spins one in either hand and one with his head. Wm. Stickles, the "Rube," furnishes plenty of fun during the performance, and was assisted by his long-eared friend, "Dynamite," the unridable mule.
    Pete King is boss canvasman; Bill Henry, chandelier man; Abe Saunders, George Jones, car porters: Harry Allen, announcer. At the conclusion of the engagement at Bridgeport the show goes to Waterbury, Conn., to fill a four weeks' engagement at Lakewood Park.
    Frank A. Robbins has purchased a new Packard touring car. It is a beauty, seating eight, being used mostly for carrying Mr. Robbins and his family from stand to stand. New York Clipper, June 15, 1912, p. 11. 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 Robinson - 1891-1892

    Notes from Robinson's Circus. The elements favored the Robinson show April 27(?), when, for the first time in many years, they opened at Cincinnati amid a burst of sunshine. The street display took place, and was voted a success in every way. Everything looked bright and new, and showed the faithful work of those about the Winter quarters. The opening was a success, and gave to Cincinnati people onw of the finest exhibitions ever presented under the Robinson canvas. Manager Jack Robinson was elated. The great spectacle, "Solomon and the Queen of Sheba," began the performance, and it can safely be said to be Rettig's masterpiece.The costumes are elegant, the ballet well trained, and show the able work of Constantine, the master. Over six hundred people take part in the performance. The hippodrome races, the bareback riding of the De Motts - Willie, Josie and Louisa - the daring feats of George Holland, Young Hollin and others made hits. Josie De Mott never rode so well, and was applauded to the echo. Emma Lake (Mrs. Gil Robinson) was called upon at short notice to make her appearance with the show in place of Mrs. George Holland, who was suddenly taken ill. Little Cad Robinson, manager John's six year old daughter, did a pretty manege act upon her pretty little spotted pony. John Lowlow looked after the rings, and was as busy as a bee. Dan Dale is handling the tickets in the wagon, as usual. The Robinson boys have the finest show they ever had, and one they can feel proud of. The Robinson Show is just about half as big again as it was one year ago. Then it required a train of thirty cars to carry their paraphernalia; now two trains are required and forty-five cars. "The Queen of Sheba" is the Biblical story, gorgeously illustrated in the beginning. It akes the place of the time honored grand entree, and when the Queen arrives to greet King Solomon that incident in the lives of those characters of olden times given an opportunity for a pageant of dazzling brilliance. The scenery is simply grand. It could not be otherwise, for it was designed by John rettig, who fathered all the spectacular successes of the "Order of Cincinnatus," "Rome Under Nero," "The Fall of Babylon," etc. The spectacle is presented under the general direction of Charles Constantine, and three hundred people participate. There are one hundred girls in the ballet. As usual, there are three rings, and the bareback act of Josie De Mott was one of the greatest on the programme. There are jugglers, acrobats, tight rope walkers and trapeze artists in plenty. One feature, which will take with the little people, is an act from the life of Humpty Dumpty. There are a dozen races at the wind up. This is the show's business roster: Sole proprietor, John F. Robinson; managers, Gil S. and John G. Robinson; assistant manager, F. C. Cullen; treasurer, Charles M. Robinson; assistant treasurer, Dan Dale; general agent, Oliver Scott; advertising agent, Sam Joseph; assistant advertising agents, Nick Huberts and De Witt Forrest Davis; press agent, Will E. owens; programme agent, J. J. J. Kane; John Kategan(?), W. P. Adams and Cook, managers of cars Nos. 1, 2, and 3, respectively: equestrian director, John Lowlow; director of hippodrome, John Wilson; manager of privileges, James Hutchings; assistant manager of privileges, Dennis F. Lynch. The performers include: Josie De Mott, Louise De Mott, Mable Reed, Millie Leon and Mme. Forepaugh, Millie De Mott, George Holland, Orrin Hollis, Dan Leon and Master Willie Forepaugh, the Lamont Bros., William Forepaugh, Frank Cook, Walter Kirl?y and wife, William and J. Batchellor, the Forepaugh Family, Da Commas, the Morrisons, the Seymours, the Reeds, the Fisher family. In the museum are Shields and his giant wife, Cad and Clara Claire, . . . Lilly Wray, Mr. and Mrs. Cornoms(?), Felix Wurlop, McKenzie and Madame B?r?o. The second stand was made at Covington, Ky., May 4, and the third at Newport, 5. New York Clipper, May 9, 1891, p. 150.

    The John Robinson Show opens its season at Cincinnati, O., April 23, after which it is to invade Kentucky. The entire outfit has received an elaborate overhauling and many costly additions during the Winter. New York Clipper, April 2, 1892, p. 50.

    Roster of John Robinson Advance No. 2: W. F. Adams, agent; . . . Ed. Braddock, lithographer; J. Pigg, programmer; "Senator" Hop Little, calliope player; Will Allen, Billy Norton, Chas. Kline, Joe Kaiser, Frank Hardy and Jack Mahon(?), billposters. New York Clipper, November 5, 1892, p. 554. 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 Robinson - 1900, 1910

    1900: Gil Robinson went all the way to Egypt this past winter to buy camels for the John Robinson Shows. He bought thirty, all young and strong. Despite great care fourteen of them died on the vessel on the way over. This is one of the reasons that the price of camels in America is high. Billboard, May 1, 1900.

    Cincinnati is to be credited with putting out the first real winter circus. That is a full-fledged winter circus that will use a special train of its own cars to transport it through the country. It will be the John Robinson Winter Circus and will take to the road the first of the year. Arrangements have been made for the appearance of this new enterprise in a number of the leading cities in the East and middle West. The John Robinson Circus has been most favorably known for the past eighty-seven years and the new winter circus will be the very cream of the big show with a number of new attractions added. It will be billed just as the big show has always been and there is no reason why it should not get money.
    The executive staff has already been selected and while it will carry the names of many of the staff of the Ten Big, there are many new ones that will be identified with the winter circus only. The riding acts, aerial acts and ground acts will be selected from the bery best obtainable and the aggregation of trained animals will be particularly interesting.
    In connection with the regular circus performance there will be a perfectly organized and historically exact wild west exhibition. This will be made a feature of. To conform with the best of circuses a street parade will be given in each town and this is considered by the showmen as getting a winter circus as near the summer event as possible. The Robinson large herd of elephants will form part of the exhibition and it will be the only herd that any winter circus carries. The policy of the circus will be to make the indoor circus as near the big summer show as possible and nothing will be left undone to attain this. The winter circus train will be made up of twenty cars and will be run in one or two sections as the occasion may require.
    Mr. John Robinson will be the manager, Ed. C. Knupp will take care of the railroads. Fred(?) Mattie will promote. Col. Heckman will have full charge of the advertising. John D. Carey will be general press agent with two assistants and several minor offices are yet to be filled. Thus far the advance arrangements have been highly satisfactory and the winter circus is billed solid until the opening of the summer season for the Ten Big.
Ring Barn Gossip
    Opposition between winter circuses will soon be in order and then may the good weather dispenser have pity on the tack spitters. Ed. C. Knupp, of the John Robinson Winter Circus, was in Buffalo last week, looking after the interests of the big indoor show. The John Robinson Winter Circus will carry 150 head of horses for draft purposes. These, of course, will figure in the street parade but besides these there will be twenty-five ring horses and those to be used in the big menage acts. The John Robinson winter circus will carry a band of twenty pieces and will be featured in the concert preceding each performance. When the John Robinson Winter Circus hits the town and gets busy with its billing there is certainly going to be some rustling among the theatre publicity givers. This same John Robinson has long had a reputation for billing and the line of paper has always been regarded as some paper. Robinson to Put out Winter Circus. [1911] Billboard, December 3, 1910, p. 21. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Robinson's - 1891 [John F. Robinson]

      Notes From Robinson’s Circus. The elements favored the Robinson Show April 27, when, for the first time in many years, they opened their season at Cincinnati amid a burst of sunshine. The street display took place 25, and was voted a success in every way. . . . The great spectacle, “Solomon and the Queen of Sheba,” began the performance, and it can safely be said to be Rettig’s masterpiece. The costumes are elegant, the ballet well trained, and show the able work of Constantine, the master. Over six hundred people take part in this performance. The hippodrome races, the bareback riding of the De Motts - Willie, Josie and Louisa - the daring feats of George Hollond [sic Holland], Young John Hollis and others made hits. Josie De Mott never rode so well, and was applauded to the echo. Emma Lake (Mrs. Gil. Robinson) was called upon at short notice to make her appearance with the show in place of Mrs. George Holland, who was suddenly taken ill. Little Cad Robinson, manager John’s six year old daughter, did a pretty manege act upon her pretty little spotted pony. John Lowlow looked after the rings, and was as busy as a bee. Dan Dale is handling the tickets in the wagon, as usual. The Robinson boys have the finest show they ever had, and one they can feel proud of. The Robinson show is just about half as big again as it was one year ago. Then it required a train of thirty cars to carry their paraphernalia; now two trains are required and forty-five cars. “The Queen of Sheba” is the Biblical story, gorgeously illustrated in the beginning. It takes the place of the time honored grand entree, and when the Queen arrives to greet King Solomon that incident in the lives of those characters of olden times gives an opportunity for a pageant of dazzling brilliance. The scenery is simply grand. It could not be otherwise, for it was designed by John Rettig, who fathered all the spectacular successes of the “Order of Cincinnatus,” “Rome Under Nero,” “The Fall of Babylon,” etc. The spectacle is presented under the general direction of Charles Constantine, and three hundred people participate. There are one hundred girls in the ballet. As usual, there are three rings, and the bareback act of Josie De Mott was one of the greatest on the programme. There are jugglers, acrobats, tight rope walkers and trapeze artists in plenty. One feature, which will take with the little people, is an act from the life of Humpty Dumpty. There are a dozen races at the wind up. This is the show’s business roster: Sole proprietor, John F. Robinson; managers, Cil N. [?] and John G. Robinson; assistant manager, E. C. Cullen; treasurer, Charles M. Robinson; Assistant treasurer, Dan Dale; general agent, Oliver Scott; advertising agent, Sam Joseph; assistant advertising agents, Nick Roberts and De Witt Forrest Davis; press agent, Will E. Owens; programme agent, J. M. J. Kane; John Rategan, W. F. Adams and Ben Cook, managers of cars Nos. 1, 2 and 3, respectively; equestrian director, John Lowlow; director of hippodrome, John Wilson; manager of privileges, Dennis F. Lynch. The performers include Josie De Mott, Louise De Mott, Mabel Reed, Millie Leon and Mme. Forepaugh, Mille De Mott, George Holland, Orrin Hollis, Dan Leon and Master Willie Forepaugh, the Lamont Bros., William Forepaugh, Frank Cook, Walter Kirley and wife, William and J. Batcheller, the Forepaugh Family, De Commas, the Morrisons, the Seymours, the Reeds, the Fisher Family. In the museum are Shields and his giant wife, Cad and Clara Claire, Zolala, Lilly Wray, Mr. and Mrs. Cornoms, Felix Wurlep, Daniel McKenzie and Madame Barmo. The second stand was made at Covington, Ky., May 4, and the third at Newport 5. New York Clipper, May 9, 1891.

      Wounded by a Lion. Montreal, Sept. 2. - While Robinson's circus street parade was in progress here several of the lions in an open cage began fighting. Equestrian Lawler [sic] tried to quiet them, when one of the lions seized him with one of his paws and lacerated his head and face in a terrible manner. It is thought he will die. Daily Republican (Mitchell, South Dakota), September 2, 1891.

      Circus Train Wrecked. . . . Wheeling, Sept. 21, - The Robinson show train was wrecked between Steubenville and Washington, Pa., Saturday morning . . . The wife of Boss Hostler Eagles . . . was the most severely injured . . . Jack Lynch, the head cook, was also very painfully injured . . . none gravely hurt. The most serious damages is the destruction of the two cars, the wrecks of which had to be burned to clean the tracks to let the show go through on time. . . . Daily Times (Lima, OH), September 21, 1891.

      Circus Train Wrecked. Four Sleeping Cars Leave the Track and a Score of People Injured. Pittsburg, Sept. 21. - A disastrous wreck occurred . . . at an early hour. One report says that between fifteen and twenty persons were injured. One, a woman, fatally. The John Robinson circus train was running as a special and at a high rate of speed. When within 100 yards of the station four sleepers left the track. Two of the sleepers rolled down a steep embankment and were smashed to kindling wood. The other sleepers were also badly wrecked. . . . Mitchell (South Dakota) Daily Republican Mitchell, South Dakota), September 22, 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.

Undocumented information. “Old” John Robinson was born July 22, 1802 in Albany, New York, and died on August 4, 1888 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was the first of three generations of circus proprietors. His father was John Robinson, who was born in Scotland; his mother Nancy Boyd. John married Margaret Yates in 1835 in Schenectady, New York. He later marred Elizabeth Frances Bloomer on January 4, 1841. The children of John Robinson were: John Franklin, born November 4, 1843 in Linden, Alabama; Gilbert N., born July 15, 1845 in Buchanan, Virginia; James H., born February 25, 1847 in Charleston, South Carolina; Frank M., born November 28, 1849 in Alabama; Kate V., born April 5, 1851, in Virginia; and Charles Marcelus, born February 5, 1854, in Cincinnati, Ohio. John Franklin Robinson, who died on April 30, 1921 in Miami, Florida, was buried in Spring Grove Cemetery & Aboretum, Cincinnati, Ohio. John Franklin married Maud Logan, and later married Caroline Heyward on April 4, 1866. From “Frank Genealogy of New York,” Ancestry.com. Information should be checked with additional sources

Robinson's Big Ten Shows - 1900

    Mr. J. G. Robinson . . . Our business has been a shade better up to date than last year, and quite a heavy shade at that. We have only had one day of which to complain, and that was our stand at Tipton. At Layfayette rain struck us at 7 p.m., and fell in torrents, but it had little effect on the business, as they came in the mud and slop better than three thousand strong. Never in my time, and I go a way back, have I ever seen such a house in such cloud-burst weather. At Niles, Ohio, our business was very good, although the Wallace folks were only nine miles away at Youngstown. There was considerable visiting on both sides. Mr. Robinson went over in the morning to view the parade. . . . F. B. Wilson. Do you have more information on this show? Billboard, June 23, 1900, p. 5.

    The social feature of the week was a dinner given by Mr. Stevens, of the executive staff, at the Hotel Schnenetey(?), in Pittsburg. Covers were laid for twelve, the table being arranged to represent a circus ring. Mr. John G. Robinson and his lieutenants, Cullen, Dale, Stickney, steele, Ellsworth, Ambrose, ????, McConville, Dutton, and Wilson made up the party. Cambridge, O., July 7, 1900, p. 5. Billboard, June 23, 1900, p. 5.

    The Robinson advance force, in spite of promises of Messrs. Scott & Aiken, pulled Buckskin Bill's paper at Piqua, O. in retaliation. Mr. Dan Robinson put in Charleston, W. Va., and what Dawson and his braves did to the Robinson paper was - well, it was a plenty, all right. Billboard, July 7, 1900, p. 5. Information should be checked with additional sources Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Rogers Bros. Circus - 1947-1953

    1947: Advertisement. Rogers Bros. Big 3-Ring Circus, Hippodrome Wild West and Trained Animal Show. Adults 90 cents, children 50 cents. Independent-Record (Helena, MT), July 15, 1947, p. 2.

    1948: Rogers Bros. Circus at Franklin, PA, May 19, 1948; Oil City, PA, May 20. Derrick (Oil City, PA), May 15, 1948, p. 13.

    1949: Rogers Bros. three ring circus at Portsmouth, Ohio, June 24, 1949. "Arriving by a fleet of more than 100 rolling units, the circus raised its tented city in short order. The 'roustabouts' first placed the cook-house and dining tent then moved on to assemble the other units of the tent city. Before the day is over cookhouse employes will have prepared 1,000 meals for more than 250 aerialists, clowns, acrobats, equestrians and numberous other performers and various employes. . . . program is highlighted by the music of the Roger Bros. circus band. . . . Charlotte and Capt. Eddie Kuhn staging wild animal acts . . . the Aerial Queens, stars of the flying trapeze; Nina Odell who directs her trained elephants Shirley Temple and Suzie Q; and Miss Gutierreue(?) who whirls high in the air on her aerial loop to loop. Tommie Whiteside, king clown, heads a host of hilarious clowns . . . The horse show featers precision-performing equines trained and presented by Capt. Jimmy Odell. The zoological exhibit includes elephants, lions, pumas, tigers, bears, baboons, llamas, monkeys and other beasts of the jungle." Portsmouth Times (Portsmouth, OH), June 23, 1949, p. 20.

    1949: Advertisement. Rogers Bros. Big 3 Ring Circus, at Flagstaff, Arizona, September 24, 1949. Captain Eddie Kuhn and his steel den of man eating jungle beasts; Hope Lesperraz, aerialist; Mike and Mono Gutirrez, wizards of the wire; Fankie Lou Woods, aerial ballet; Rogers liberty horses; performing elephants; Flying Viennas, featuring the only man to do a double somersault while blind folded in mid air. Arizona Daily Sun (Flagstaff, AZ), September 19, 1949, p. 8.

    1949: "Clyde Beatty and Rogers Bros. Circuses to Perform Here Today. . . . for Lubbock today not one but two circuses will perform here this afternoon and tonight. The Rogers Bros. circus, appearing under the sponsorship of the Lubbock Junior Chamber of Commerce, will show on the fairgrounds, and the Clyde Beatty Circus will perform across from the fairgrounds on East Broadway. The Beatty show arrives by Fort Worth and Denver railroad . . . Arriving by truck, the three-ring Rogers Bros. show has a program including over 24 feature acts. The circus has 250 persons on its payroll, including performers like Eddie Kuhn, who faces lions, leopards and other wild animals in one arena, the Flying Viennas, who promise to thrill spectators when they perform their somersaults blindfolded at the pinnacle of the big top, Frankie Lou Woods, who will present his famous Hollywood aerial ballet, and Margaret Ann Robinson, said to be the world's smallest woman with her height of 18 inches and her weight of 16(?) pounds. . . ." Morning Avalanche (Lubbock, TX), October 11, 1949, p. 4, Sec. II.

    1950 advertisement stated Roger Bros. was a four ring circus. Played Beckley, WV, August, 2, 1950. Sunday Register (Beckley, WV), July 23, 1950, p. 10.

    1950: Rogers Bros. Circus, 1950, had Joe Horwath, cat act. Sounds of the Circus website, www.euchronia.net/sotc/songs4.html.

    ". . . Featured in the Rogers Bros. Circus will be Capt. Jack Rogers and a trained wild animal act." Show to be at Alexandria, IN, May 23, 1952. Anderson Herald, April 22, 1952.

    1951: A four-ring circus, owned by Si Rubens. Had a 5-pole 90 ft. round top with two 40 and two 50 middle pieces. Had three rings and one stage. Had a menagerie, three elephants including "Shirley." George Barton had his horses and ponies on the show. The wild animal act was worked by Swede Johnson, billed as Capt. Jack Rogers. Lloyd O. Black had the side show. There was also a monkey and snake pit show. Rubens' winter show was titled Seers Bros. The spec was titled "United Nations on Parade." Performers were Billy Barton, cloud swing; Carlos Ricci, juggling; Felix Morales, head slide for life; and others not named. "Rogers Bros. Circus, 1951, Joseph T. Bradbury, White Tops, May-June, 1951, pp. 22-23.

    1953: Rogers Bros. Circus at Casa Grande, Arizona, September 5, 1953. "The Congress of Merry Makers headed by that noted old time veteran of the White Tops, Buck Leahy, includes such famous fun makers as: Frank Ward, Bozo Watson, Bill Mathews, Tommy Collins, Ab Johnson . . ." Casa Grande Dispatch (Casa Grande, AZ), August 27, 1953, p. 14.

    1953: "The forthcoming Rogers Bros. Circus will be presented in a mammoth "Big Top" in three rings, elevated stages, a huge steel arena where the several trained wild animal acts are shown and on the Hippodrome track. Featured on the lengthy program will be a congress of international circus and arenic stars, including Captain Jack Rogers, famed European wild animal subjugator and his mixed group of performing jungle Kings and Queens of the forest and jungle with trained and perfoming fighting Nubian Lions — Royal Bengal and Sumatra Tigers, Black Panthers from Borneo and South American Jaguars — trained Liberty Horses — Shetland Ponies — a Canine Revue and educated Simian Actors — an Aerial Ballet with a bevy of beautiful gorgeously clad girls and preceded by a glittering, glorious, scintilating opening spectacle — The Land of Make Belief — that inaugurates the daily afternoon and night performances on Circus Day. . . ." At Casa Grande, AZ, September 5, 1953. Casa Grande Dispatch (Casa Grande, AZ), August 20, 1953, p. 12.

    1953: Roger Bros. at Cass County Indiana Fair grounds, June 26, 1953. Featured wild animal acts and circus stars. The elephants with the circus were to appear in the downtown area with their six-year-old girl trainer. Logansport Press (Logansport, IN), June 25, 1953, p. 4.

    1954: Si Rubens announced he again would take charge of Rogers Bros.' Circus. Billboard, January 9, 1954.

    May not be Si Rubens show. Advertisement. Roger Bros. Shows and Rides, Otter Tail County Fair Grounds, Fergus Falls, Minnestoa, July 22-23, 1955. DeWaldo presents: Wideman's performing elephants; Heerdink's comedy bar act; Bob Parry ski jumper; Watts & Newman musical team; Miss Glorie, rolling ball; clown Billy; DeArmo South American jugglers; Bonnie Brooks, organ. Held a parade. Daily Journal (Fergus Falls, MN), July 12, 1955, p. 5.

    It is unknown if this 1968 Rogers Bros. was the same show. ". . . March 3 . . . Roger Bros. Circus . . ." Featured Arwood's Acro K-9's dog act. Roselle Register (Roselle, IL), February 25, 1968.

    After Bud E. Anderson was killed in a truck accident in 1950, Si Rubens married Bud's wife, Dorothy and framed Rogers Bros. Circus, later a minstrel show. Bandwagon, Vol. 50, No. 3 (May-Jun), 2006, p. 11. Si was with Bud E. Anderson's show before framing Rogers Bros. With Si Rubens as his partner, Bud brought out his old Bud E. Anderson Circus in 1944. Bud E. Anderson killed in Montana, 1950. His widow was Laura. Bandwagon, Vol. 9, No. 2 (Mar-Apr), 1965, pp. 20-23. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Royer Bros. - 1901

    The Bros. Royer, of "Next Door" fame, are very busy fitting up a new wagon show. Archie Royer and Geo. W. Belford, of the old time Belford Show, are the owners and managers. Mr. Royer has had women working on banners all Winter. He has also purchased a lot of wagons and paraphernalia of Mr. R??olds and several beautiful wagons of Albert Wetter, and intends building his show up from year to year. He will open his tenting season May 11, at Pottstown, Pa. New York Clipper, January 19, 1901, p. 1046.

    Wanted, for Royer Bros.' Great United Shows, artists doing 2 or more acts and man with trained ponies and dogs, good band leader and other musicians; also workingmen of all kinds. Show opens at Pottstown, Pa., May 11. Stop at hotels. Archie Royer, Pottstown, Pa. New York Clipper, April 27, 1901, p. 197.

    Rose Royer, an acrobat, died Jan. 14(?), at Carrolton, O., from pneumonia. The deceased with twenty-four years of age, and with her husband was known as Archie and Rose Royer. She was born in Towanda, Pa., and was married in Steubenville, O., to Archie Royer, April ?, 1893(?). They immediately joined the Walter L. Main Show, being in the great Main Circus wreck of that year. She also served with the Wallace, Cole's and Ringling Bros.' Shows, and was two seasons with Byrne Bros.' "Eight Bells." The present season she was starring with her husband in the Brothers Royer "Next Door" Co. Mrs. Royer leaves her husband and mother. The remains will be sent to Towanda, Pa., where internment will be made in Riverview Cemetery, Jan. 1?. New York Clipper, January 21, 1899, p. 797. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Ryan's - 1882

    Pat Ryan of Albany, New York, and old time showman, has purchased an elephant, dens, a menagerie of animals, tents, wardrobe, etc., of Barnum, Bailey & Hutchinson, amounting to nearly $40,000 cash, and takes the road the present year, after several seasons of retirement and rest. J. W. Holmes has all the privileges with the Pat Ryan Show. New York Clipper, February 18, 1882. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

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