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    Chas. R. Waldson(?), general agent, and Geo. W. Gallagher, contracting agent of Scribner & Smith's Circus . . . the show opens on Long Island. Jules Jordan, German comedian, will join Scribner's Circus for this season. New York Clipper, April 7, 1894, p. 68. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Sells-Gray Shows - 1900-1901

    1900: Opened at Elwood, Indiana, May 5. Show was at Aurora, Indiana, May 12, and the Cincinnati contingent was present in force. Among the visitors were Dan R. Robinson and wife, Jas. Hamilton and wife, Rud Hynika, Chas. Arnold, Mike Mueller, Mrs. Nobby Clark and others. The weather was all that could be desired, but the show was not seen to the best advantage. An accident to one of the cars had spilled a lot of stringers, only four of which had been recovered, and the accident, coupled with extremely bad weather for four days previous, had resulted in many of the workingmen deserting. As a consequence they were slow in getting up. Barnum has the canvas.
    There are six cages in the menagerie, but these are supplemented by three tableaux wagons and a water buffalo, and the arrangement of the candy stands does away with all suggestion of bareness, and conveys an impression that is satisfactor to the average visitor. The tops are by Murray, the menagerie being a 65 with two 30 foot middle pieces, and the big top 100 (which lays out 103), with two 50 foot middles.
    The ring performance, however, is great, and proved not only a great surprise, but a source of wonder to all present. It is a safe bet to assert that it is the best offered by any ten-car show on the road. "Stick" Davenport is riding in great form. Rose Marretta is at her best, and her protege, Miss Edna, is certainly a wonder. A great many marvelous things have been said about this young lady's riding lately, some of which have seemed at times to have been over-drawn or at least over enthusiastic. Since witnessing her act, however, we are able to state unequivocally that it is the most finished, graceful and daring lady principle act in America. The ease with which she throws somersaults and the lack of effort with which she regains her balance and easy poise are unequaled. . . . "Stick" Davenport is also entitled to unbounded praise. His riding this year is far and away above average. He has improved most wonderfully.
    The clown band is another pleasing feature of the performance, and Harry Tyler's high diving dog, "Charlie," is fairly entitled to recognition as such also. This dog climbs a perpendicular ladder of 40 rounds to a platform right under the hood of the canvas and jumps to a net. His work is all done joyously, barking and with tail wagging. He enjoys it and requires no orders or cues from Tyler from the time he starts up the ladder.
    The seating capacity as we said before, was rather limited, but this has been remedied ere this. The blues are ten tiers hight and the rerserves eight tiers high. There are two side shows, one the regulation museum, the other a hooche-coochee joint generally uptown. The concert is fairly good, as concerts go. Bunk Allen and John barton have all the privileges. John Talbert does the fixing. Genial Nobby Clark is selling belts. John Hummel is manager in the absence of Mr. Sells, who perforce obliged to jump on the advance frequently. Shorty green has the stock, and it is all good stock, too. It was nearly all supplied by Gray, who, by the way, has had several seasons' experience in a small way, and bids fair to develop into a able showman.
    There are ten cars, and, resplendent in new paint, they make a very brave appearance. Mr. Sells is deserving of great credit. Every one who knows the disadvantages under which he labored, and the difficulties that he had to encounter, will acknowledge that he has accomplished wonders. He has succeeded in organizing a show that will make money if it is kept in the towns in which it belongs and it gets its share of good weather. Billboard, May 21, 1900, p. 5.

    1900: Sells-Gray Shows added twelve very fine horses at Pekin, Ill. Mr. Sells is now looking for an elephant and two camels.
    The L. & N. held up the Sells-Gray train at Louisville, and after stopping it, put a hundred men at work on it. They equipped it with air, Janney couplers, and overhauled it generally. It was expensive, but the proprietors are glad it occurred. Billboard, June 23, 1900, p. 5.

    1901: Sells & Gray notes. After a successful season of thirty-four weeks the Wm. Sells and Jas. H. Gray's United Shows are now comfortably housed in commodious Winter quarters at Savanah, Ga. The show closed at Miami,Fla, Thursday, Dec. 27. One of the pleasant incidents of the last day was the presentation of a diamond ring to Warren A. Patrick, treasurer, the members of the entire show having a share in showing this mark of appreciation. The trip to Key West was fraught with never to be forgotten memories, and one can readily imagine the volume of business when it is known that the inhabitants of the island had never before seen an elephant on their shores. Active preparations for the coming season have commenced at the Winter quarters, and the show will be brand new all the way through when the band plays for the first time next Spring. The management will spare no pains or expense to make the organization one of the best of its calibre in the country. Several new features will be introduced and the ring show will be especially good. Among those now booked are: the Earl Sisters, Miss Edna, lady equestrienne; Delavoye and Fritz, . . . Patrick B. Kelly, Holmen Bros. and the Milvos(?). 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.

Sells-Floto - 1912

    H. H. Tammen writes from Denver, May 9: ". . . The big event was the birth of a baby elephant, which we have named 'Little Hutch.' It occurred April 26, at San Francisco, Cal. Our San Francisco engagement was the largest ever played, I bellieve, by any circus that ever visited here, all of which was due, of course, to the exploitation of the baby elephant. . . . side show and menagerie, which is a 110 round top with three forties . . . I don't think it has ever been recorded where a circus tent of 160, with three fifties, eighteen tiers high and reserves fourteen, with 700 extra chairs in from of the reserves, and then on the hippodrome track, was filled this way. The first ten days of the season we had bad weather, but ever since the weather has been good, and especially since the birth of the elephant we have done an enormous business. The only reason why we are not doing more is because our circus, as well as nearly every other circus, has advertised baby elephants, and now it is a hard matter to get people to believe this is real, all of which proves that when a man has been a liar for five years, if he does tell the truth people don't believe him, so if there is any moral to this it is to tell the truth at all events, and when you haven't any truth to tell, hide. . . . H. H. Tammen. . . . [show had] three rings and two stages. . ." New York Clipper, May 18, 1912, p. 16.

    Sells-Floto Circus train caught on fire Wednesday night, June 5, fifty miles East of the Dalles, en route to Pendleton, Oregon. For a time the destruction of the entire circus train threatened. To save it a stock car containing sixteen draft and eight ring horses was cut out. The car and horses were destroyed. The famous baby elephant born with Sells-Floto Shows, at Salinas, Cal., April 25, died at Pendleton, Oregon, June 6. The loss is a severe one to the management. The birth of this elephant startled the scientific world. Everything was done to keep it alive. With the birth of the elephant the Sells-Floto business took on enourmous proportions. 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.

Sig. Sautelle's - 1885

    Sig. Sautelle’s Pavilion Show opens at Fort Edward, N.Y., May 7. Fifteen gilt-painted and lettered wagons carry the show. Size of tent, 150 ft. round top, with 30 ft. middle piece; size of sideshow tent 60 x 80 ft. oblong; size of horse tent, 35 x 50 ft. The show is officered as follows: Sole proprietor and manager, Sig. Sautelle; treasurer, Geo. C. Satterlee; advance manager, Clin J. Van Scoter; contracting agent, C. J. Mosher; amusement director, Sig. Levardo; boss billposter, Geo. W. Moody with ten assistants; boss canvasman, Dan Traver; master of properties, A. B. Johnson; master of stock, Bill Williams; wardrobe man, Johnny Nichols, with the following artists: Billy Nichols and Addie Francis, James Joyce, Geo. M. Larosa, McNally and English, M. A. Acker, Jas. Quinlan, Wm. and Bertha Lee, Geo. W. Barlow, Deforest West, Talman Bros., Nutton and Carrier, Prof. Shultz and silver coronet band; Mlle. Selna, owner of sideshow privileges; J. E. Belcher, owner of inside and outside candy privileges. 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 the persons.

Shelby's - 1888

      Shelby's New Great Golden Shows . . . Messrs. Shelby & McArty [At Kellogg, July 27] Kellogg (IA) Enterprise, July 27, 1888.

      Shelby's circus was wrecked by a windstorm at Odell, Ill. a few days ago, during the afternoon performance. The tent was blown down and fifteen persons were injured. Wellsboro Agitator (Wellsboro, PA), July 3, 1888. Information should be checked with additional sources

      Shelby's New Great Golden Railroad Shows. Museum, menagerie, aquarium, aviary, elebated stage and two ring circus. Traveling on its own special train of silver palace cars. Connellsville, August 30. Male and female equestrians, comical clowns, queens of the air, bareback champions, glorious gymnasts. Performing horses, ponies, donkeys, mules, dogs, goats, monkeys, leaping grayhounds and funny clown dogs. The Great Decomas, aerial bicylists and gymnasts. Two ring. Elephant "Zip." Free street parade. Admission 25 and 50 cents. The Courier (Connellsville, PA), August 24, 1888. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or the persons.

Shott Bros. Olympia Shows - 1900

      Played West Virginia in May. Billboard, June 9, 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 the persons.

Shields Show

      The following is the roster of the Shields Show: J. H. Shields, proprietor and manager; J. Oliver, advance; Will Evans and six assistants, billposters; King Bros., acrobats; Artie Shields, tight wire; William Batcheller, principal leaper; the Ty Bells, balancing perch and ladders; Melvin and Trover, double bars; a line of eight leapers, two doing doubles, and the following in the concert: Morris and Raymond, Mamie Elliot and the Elliott Bros. A band of six is led by Prof. Smith. Coal Oil Johnnie is boss canvasman with eleven assistants. Ben Parker attends to the lights. The show opened Jan. 1 at Jacksonville, Fla. New York Clipper, January 11, 1890. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or the persons.

Bert Silver Family Shows - 1910, 1916

    The Bert Silver Family Shows closed their tenting season of seventeen weeks, September 3, at Alma, Mich., and are now at headquarters, Crystal, Mich. The tent will be enlarged for the next season by the addition of another middle piece. Thirty-five people, fifteen wagons and cars, and thirty head of horses will be carried. Billboard, October 22, 1910.

    Bert C. E. Silver, born December 9, 1860 at Fowler, New York. His father, Dick Silver, had a minstrel show in New York. When Bert was 35, he organized his first shows. He had a variety of shows, including the Silver Family Concert Company, Silver Family Swiss Bell Ringers and Concert Company, Silver Brosther's Circus, and Silver Family Circus. In 1916 he had two traveling circuses on the road in Michigan, one with 36 people, 40 horses and the other with 52 people, 5 trucks with trailers and 12 cars. The latter claimed to be the first circus to travel exclusively by motor trucks and cars. Boxoffice, March 7, 1936, p. 44.

    1935: Bert Silver's Reconstructed Theatre Formally Opened. Greenville, Mich. Bert Silver, one of the oldest exhibitors in the United States, and a showman for 65 years, held the formal opening of his New Silver Theatre here. Bert, of an old circus and show family, continued his shows here during the building of the new theatre, in a tent. Bert is listed as president and treasurer of the New Silver, with H. Bob Martin, his son-in-law, vice-president, and Mrs. Martin, his daughter, as secretary. Boxoffice, August 31, 1935, p. 14. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or the persons.

Sinclair's London Shows - 1894

    Prof. L. F. Tidler's band and orchestra has been engaged for Sinclair's London Shows. The band consists of the following musicians: E. F. Tidler, L. W. Windel, . . . and F. M. Prince. New York Clipper, April 21, 1894, p. 103. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or the persons.

Sipes Dog & Pony Show - 1900

    Opened at Frankfort, Indiana, August [sic?] 15 (fair date). Maxwell writes that a second consignment of monkeys arrived May 16. He says that the cages are all done and that Wallace's painter is now at work on them. Billboard, May 28, 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 the persons.

Smith & Fralando's - 1891

      Notes from Smith & Fralando’s Great British Circus. We showed at Morristown, Minn., May 30, and after the afternoon performance we visited the grave of Daniel Scott, the old time showman, and decorated it with flowers. Ajax Jr. laid a beautiful wreath of lilies at the head of the grave. Ingraham’s Golden Band played a dirge to the departed showman, and Jerry Keeting made a few appropriate remarks, after which the boys visited the old deserted ring barn and animal quarters. All wrote or cut their names on the walls. The show travels by wagon, using a 110 ft. round top and two 50 ft. middle pieces. . . . The complete roster: Smith & Fralando, proprietors and managers; Ben De Pere, equestrian director; Emery Smith, treasurer; O. C. Olson, advance agent; Sidonia, Ajax Jr., Pollworth Bros., Le Roys, Howard and Yount, Mons. Testo, Chas. Ledegar, Sig. Rodella, Keeting and Harrigan, Kitty De Pere, Estes, Ellsworth Sisters, Mlle. Berrata, Mme. Fondo, Prof. Egg, F. B. Wilson, Geo. Rose, V. W. Ingraham, J. O. Wilson, E. S. Law, C. J. Carroll, M. D. Farnell, C. F. Ingraham, Hank Nelson, Ed. Gilbert, Chas. Lane, Lew Drake, Ed. Fatum, Lem Haliaird, C. Jackson. New York Clipper, June 13, 1891. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or the persons.

E. G. Smith's - 1910

    E. G. Smith’s Colossal Shows and Trained Animal Exposition, after two seasons off the road, will again be on the road season 1911, opening the latter part of April. Mr. Smith has just returned to his home at Atwater, O., with two car loads of stock and circus equipment, which he purchased from a prominent Eastern circus. New tents will be purchased and a number of new parade wagons and cages will be built at winter quarters at Atwater. "Circus Gossip," Billboard, November 19, 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.

Snyder & Zimmerman's - 1892

    Snyder & Zimmerman's Fair Ground Show, No. 1, close this week at Harrisburg, Va., and their No. 2 show is at the Macon, Ga. Fair, and will tour the Southern fairs under the supervision of Prof. Hugo. Mr. Snyder left at once for New York to make arrangements for their Minstrel Carnival, and, judging from the many novelties they have in store, it will be a complete revolution of the minstrel business. The parade is something entirely new, and will be about six blocks long. Max Zimmerman will remain at Frederick, Md., and look after the interest of the show at that end of the line. The show opens Nov. 28(?), and will run until after the World's Fair, traveling in their own special cars, and playing only the larger towns.
    A serious wreck occurred on the Norfolk and Western Railroad Oct. 31, 1892, near Disputanta, Va., which was caused by the collision of two trains loaded with coal. Fourteen cars and a locomotive were wrecked, and Leonard Laporte, of Germantown, Pa., a trapeze performer of Snyder & Zimmerman's Circus was killed. John Fahan and Andrew Fahan, of Trenton, N.J., brothers, who were also trapeze performers with the same circus, were seriously, and perhaps fatally injured. 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.

C. O. Spangler Great Western Railroad Show - 1901, 1905-1906

    1901: Wanted, horses, wagons, band and ticket wagon, ponies, dogs, monkeys, seats and reserved seats, horse tent. Anything that can be used for circus. Spangler Bros. Great Western Show. ???, Perry Co., Pa. New York Clipper, November 30, 1901, p. 872.

    Notice, Dr. C. O. Spangler's Indian Medicine Co., Millerstown, Pa. Has opened a branch office in Marietta, Ohio. Parties wishing to handle my remedies and performers wishing work, write Dr. C. O. Spangler, Marietta, Ohio. New York Clipper, October 31, 1903, p. 862.

    1905: Oliphant, July 30. [Pennsylvania] The Spanglers' Great Western Show gave two performances here Friday. They had some of the finest stock that ever traveled with a circus, and they gave a good parade that was almost a half mile in length. The performers were fine, especialy the trick horses. They left here for West Virginia. Daily Courier (Connellsville, PA), July 31, 1905, p. 5. Wanted, all 'round performers and concert people, canvas man and cornet and tuba player. C. O. Spangler's Great Western Show, ??? Washington Co., Pa. New York Clipper, August 19, 1905, p. 651.

    1906: C. O. Spangler Great Western Railroad Show, now at Winter quarters, is getting ready for its new show. Everything will be new, with a larger tent, more seats, a better show and a larger band than last season. Everything is newly painted. The show will open in its own town April 25. New York Clipper, March 17, 1906, p. 114.
    Roster of Dr. C. O. Spangler's Big Medicine Co.: Dr. C. O. Spangler, manager; Mrs. C. O. Spangler, characters; Edna Mae Spangler, soubrette; Eugene Spangler, buck and wing dancer; Grace B. La Monte, pianist and ingenue; Jesse Aikens, contortionist and Spanish ring act; Prof. Juillette, character; Ed. Hale, black face comedian; Harry De Castor, pyramid and trapeze act. We are touring West Virginia in our own private car. Prof. Eugene, with his troupe of educated dogs, and Yan, the high diving dog is also with us. New York Clipper, December 22, 1906, p. 1165. 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 H. Sparks Show - 1912

    Suffern, N. Y., May 8. . . . Bert Mayo is equestrian director, . . . Ben F. Taylor, with a band of ten pieces, supplied some excellent music. . . . The Six Waltons, in a picturesque art statuary act . . . A Chinese grotesque comedy acrobatic speciality was then introduced by Sherry and Conners, who clearly demonstrated their ability in this line of work. . . . Display No. 4 contained two of the best wire acts in the business. On one end of the tent Berre and Hicks (man and woman) performed, executing the usual stunts seen in this line. . . . Victoria Biggs, costumed in a handsome blue gown . . . did some new tricks on the wire that got her plenty of applause. Display No. 5 showed Myrtle Mayo astride her beautiful black stallion, "Bird," introducing the cakewalk and gaits. . . . Display No. 6 had three of the best female aerial performers that the writer has ever witnessed. . . . Josie Bartlett was on one end, and Helen Nelson on the other, with Lizzie Cohn in the center. . . . Display No. 7 - Prof. Lewis Reed put his herd of performing elephants through a remarkable exhibition of numerous stunts . . . The clowns, headed by Joseph Sherry, one of America's foremost comedians, played the usual funny baseball game . . . His assistants are Joe McAllister, Stoddard, ??? Wallace, Connors and Claude Colbertson. . . . Display No. 9 had Berre and Hicks, in their wonderful backward headling dives from a high ladder. . . . Display No. 10 - Bert Mayo had a troupe of six stallions, which he put through many difficult tricks, but on account of the bad condition of the ring had to curtail his performance. Display No. 11 - The Flying Nelsons, in an aerial performance . . . Display No. 12 - Bert Mayo again tried to do an equestrian act, but the track interfered. The next display was entirely given over to the funny men . . . Display No. 14 - The Walter Troupe . . . acrobatic performance . . . all being attired in evening dress. Bert Mayo and Jos. Sherry creeated roars of laughter with the well known horse trade material. Display No. 16 - The Loretta Sisters, in an aerial performance while suspended by their teeth. . . . Display No. 17 - Pete Nelson and Lizzie Guice, in a revolving trapeze act. . . . Display No. 18 - Again Bert Mayo was seen, this time with the ponies, on a revolving table. A concert, which was given after the regular performance . . . The side show is under the direction of Harry H. Hall . . . 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.

Spaun's Railroad Show - 1900

    Opened at Port Jervis, New York, May 14 for one week to good business. Mr. Gordon Wrighter is manager. Billboard, May 21, 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 the persons.

Col. Spicers' Circus - 1886

      The roster of Col. Spicers'Circus is as follows: Col. Spicers, proprietor; J. M. Barry, manager; H. D. Armstrong, business-manager and general-agent, with six assistants and three wagons; Lon Cole, manager of annex; Louis Barry, treasurer; Frank Pecard, boss of canvas; W. A. Humbly, superintendent of privileges; Prof. Louis S. Deisback, leader of baud and orchestra. Performers — C. E. Murphy, De Castro Bros., Harry Laveer and wife, Edward Nelson and family, Rea and Roe, Louis and Edward Stone, James Harris, Frankie Barry, Maimie Deisback and Sadie Deisback. New York Clipper, May 8, 1886. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or the persons.

Z. W. Sprague's - 1880

    Z. W. Sprague’s circus organization is rapidly approaching completion. A building has been erected in Dundee, Ill., where horses and men are training. Mr. Mayo will be the superintendent, and E. C. Thurber business manager. New York Clipper, March 6, 1880. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or the persons.

Starrett's Shows - 1906, 1908, 1909, 1912

    1906: Starrett's Society Shows . . . Chas. Hopper, singing and talking clown, is with the Starrett Show, making his third season with this attraction. New York Clipper, June 30, 1906, p. 511.

    1908: Starrett Show notes. Aug. 12 was Mr. Starrett's birthday, and we celebrated the event in Peconic, L.I. The band members, advance men and clowns presented Mr. Starrett with a fine watch fob, . . . with a horse's head in the center. The canvasmen and others with the show presented him with a neat pair of cuff buttons. Mr Starrett at noon gave a very fine chicken dinner, with the best of vegetables, and winding up with pie and ice cream that made the boys smile. During the pleasant sunny day Mr. Starrett took a fine set of circus pictures, some of which will be sent to the Clipper. Everybody is singing, and the day is spent like a little rest for their season's faithfulness, until to-night, when the band will strike up and the show will go on as ever. Howard Starrett Jr., leading and singing clown, was hurt in one of the big comedy horse acts, but is now coming around all right. Ed. Williams, the boss canvasman and old reliable, while on parade, driving one of the high wagons, was bruised very badly about the nose by the branch of an old tree. The boys laugh every time they see him coming, but they can't help it. While playing Southold, Mr. and Mrs. Starrett and Howard B.(?) Jr. were invited to dinner by Mr. Post, where a very pleasant afternoon was spent. . . . Pat Rooney . . . " New York Clipper, August 28, 1908, p. 738.

    1909: Starrett's Circus has been on the road since May 3, and has been playing to packed tents, owing to the good weather and our refined performances. Our parade is up-to-date and is led by Mr. and Mrs. Starett, mounted upon very fine menage horses. They are followed by a very pretty band wagon, drawn by four calico horses, that are plumed so as to make the array the talk of the town. They are followed by many small carts, ponies and funny clowns. Between each selection ??? our eight-piece band plays, the clown band, led by Howard S. Starrett Jr., creates laughter . . . and sets the youngsters in an uproar. But when he shakes his big clown feet at them they just scream with delight and do not miss seeing him at the evening performance. On July 4 we all were invited for a ??? on the bay, on the launch of one of Port Washington's prominent citizens, who was, in return, treated to a real circus dinner. at 12 o'clock, the same night, after the big top had been loaded, we had a clambake. . . . The roster of our show follows: Howard S. Starett, sole owner and manager; Mrs. Starrett, high class riding act; Howard S. Starrett Jr., leading and singing clown; Howard Sweet, cornetist and leader of band; John Fetter, trombone; Jas. Welch, bass; Frank Martin, trap drummer; James Smith, cornetist; . . . William Roff(?), clarinet; . . . Herbert Brown, cornetist; John Lee House, clown; Harry ???, clown; Eugene Lobrer, clown; Harmond Bros., acrobats; . . . Harry Hill, cook; Ed. Williams, boss canvasman; Jim Le Roy, pony boy; . . . Al. thompson, advance agent; Tom Thompson, advance agent; Charlie Bishop, watchman. New York Clipper, July 24, 1909, p. 605.

    1910: Notes from the Starrett's Shows. This circus is the first in history to go overland in automobiles. It is an automobile circus this season. The autos are used for transportation. Four trucks, one to each machine. The advance also has a small auto. The show has only four draught horses, and they are only used in case of trouble. So far they have had an early season, and are getting far. The parade is made with ponies, and little cages add to its attractiveness. The show now has thirty-two ponies, three being foaled last week. Every one who started out with the show is still with it, even the canvasmen. This speaks well for the management and the cook tent. Edward and Bert Williams are in charge of the ring stock, this being their fourth season with the show. New York Clipper, July 23, 1910, p. 582.

    1912: Starrett's Shows. This show opened its season in Brookly, N. Y., May 13, where it will play four weeks, and take to the road. The show will not be enlarged, but remain the same as last season. Mr. Starrett has all new canvas from "marque" to horse tent. Eight small Shetlands have been added to the show, and a number of dogs. Mr. Starrett will work all horse, pony and dog acts himself, as usual. The show will take "Trinket," claimed to be the smallest horse in the world, as its mascot. "Trinket" was born with the show two years agos, and is twenty-three inches in height. the little fellow will sit on the seat of Mr. Starrett's carriage beside him during parade. Mrs. Starrett will drive a four-in-hand, all ponies, exactly thirty-two inches high. New York Clipper, May 18, 1912, p. 16.

    1912: The Starrett Shows are in the heart of Brooklyn, and business is good. On June 2 a baby pony was born. There was a rumor during the Flatbush engagement that the big top was on fire. But this did not happen in reality. The rumor was caused when a moving picture was been taken with Mr. Starrett's permission. After the horses, poinie, acrobats and clowns had finished their merry antics, the elephants brought the climax by being "heroes" while the supposed fire raged in the tent. The fire was, of course, arranged to make the pictures, and the evening performance went on as usual. After our Brooklyn stands the show will take to the cars for the road. 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.

D. W. Stone's - 1878

      Collapsed. In Chicago, Ill., says our correspondent, “owing to the continued stormy weather and other unfortunate circumstances, D. W. Stone’s Circus collapsed after the performances May 29. Mr. Bronson, a Kansas stockman, the principal money-backer, went West 28, and has not been heard from since. The sorrowful group of circus people (and excellent performers, too) are out five week’s salary, and are drying their skins about the hospitable fires of the Commercial House.” New York Clipper, June 8, 1878. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Sun Brothers’ - 1894, 1900

    1894: Notes from the Sun Bros.' Show. - Geo. Sun has returned to Toledo, O., after a long trip through the South and a stay of six weeks in Chicago. Gus Sun will arrive at headquarters this week and will bring several wagons with him from the ?. Reynolds Show. Superintendent Col. Fred Marshall is arranging a pole wagon and is busy improving the brakes on all the old wagons. Peter Sun . . . is in the West and will arrive in time to lead the advance to the first stand out of Toledo. Sun Bros. will make a seven day stand in Toledo, but play six different locations. Our stock . . . we only lost three head during the Winter, two of which were lost in the storm of Feb. 12. Paint is being applied to seats, poles and wagons, and we will soon be ready for the bugle call . . . Prof. Wilson and head of ?? musicisans promise the rarest of music. New York Clipper, April 7, 1894, p. 68.

    1900: Sun Brothers’ World’s Progressive Show - Season 1900 will open in Raleigh, N. C., early in April, with the finest lay out the firm has ever owned. It is really a new show, and everything the finest and best money could buy. M. J. Carey, of Toledo, O., is doing the decorating and superintending the painting of the parade wagons. he turned out duing the Winter. Chas. Elliott, in charge of the stock, has them in the pink of condition. Otto Gleiser is overhauling all the miscellaneous property, and getting it ready for the paint brush, and making necessary changes for his big new canvas. Harry McBride is on hand, who is in charge of the small animals. A. C. Baucher[?] will manage the side show. Albert Moore will be in charge of the big bill wagon in advance. Peter Sun will be general manager in advance, and has arranged to use all special paper, and will introduce some novel advertising. Three Brothers Snyder, acrobats and barrel jumpers, have signed; also the Three Ferrises, dancing barrel, breakaway ladder and baby clown act; Noorwood and Cole, triple horizontal bars; Laciede [Laclede?] Sisters, aerialists; Leo Collins, tower dives; Oscar Brewer, principal clown; Joe Kearney, A. J. Wayne, Dexter and may, Edward Kinsland, J. W. Robinson, H. C. Metsler, T. J. Martin, L. E. Pepper and many others. Otto Muller and Howard Leaber [Leaher?] are to report at an early date. The ring barn is busily engaged daily by Prof. Kain with his horses, ponies and rope walking mule. Prof. Gleiser is preparing a great dog act, and will be a feature for our show. New York Clipper, March 17, 1900. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or the persons.

Sutton's - 1888, 1891

    Band, H. Wolf, Ia., just closed with Dick Sutton's Model Railroad Shows. New York Clipper, September 29, 1888, p. 470.

    Sutton’s Circus opened its season at Ottumwa, Ia. April 27, 28 to a crowded canvas. George Edgerton manages the ring and the Edgerton Sisters (trapeze performers) are the features. The others are: Stowe Brothers, Retlaw and Alton, Kennedy (human bridge) and Epwell’s educated horses. Frank Hubin presides over the annex. He also makes the announcements in the circus. Roster of the annex: Prof. Tostell, illusionist; Capt. McIntosh (tattooed man) and his tattooed dog, Hi Ki (Zulu Warrior) and Mme. Zelha (mind reader). New York Clipper, May 9, 1891. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or the persons.

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    1889: Following is the roster of F. J. Taylor’s Great American Circus, Museum and Menagerie, 1889: F. J. Taylor, proprietor and manager; Dick Hunter, general business manager in advance; Wm. Hyatt and six assistants, billposters; Walt McCafferty, Chas. A. Taylor, Dan McKenzia, Chas. Howett equestrian director, with the following people in the dressing room: F. Rollins and son, J. W. Moore and wife, John Nelson and wife, Bishop Bros., Frank Elliot, Fred Wilson, Mrs. Kate Howett, Frank Nichols, Ed. Dupray, George Francis . . . Sideshow - W. H. Wren, Geo. Wren, Miss Wren, Spotted Ed. and wife, Ed. Lapell, . . . F. J. Royce, boss canvasman, with eleven assistants; J. Kiley, boss hostler, with twelve assistants; Mr. Horton, with four assistants, properties; Mrs. Setchell, wardrobe lady, and Chas. Miller and five assistants, in the cook tent. The show travels by wagon, has one hundred horses and everything new, an 80 ft. top with two 30 ft. middle pieces, menagerie top, and a 76 x 40 ft. sideshow canvas. It starts April 30 and travels through Missouri, Kansas and Kentucky. New York Clipper, April 27, 1889.

    1889: "Down in Front!" was the cry at ex-Mayor Taylor's circus last week. On Tuesday last Creston's own and only circus was cut loose. . . . On Wednesday the show went to Afton, . . . The Afton Reporter has this to say: F. J. Taylor's circus, menagerie and museum arrived from Creston at an early hour this morning and have their tents pitched on the old show grounds in the south part of town. The parade took place as advertised at 12:30 o'clock and was a fine display. The band is good and everything indicates that Mr. Taylor fully understands his position as manager. . . . One feature indicative of a first class institution is the fine horses accompanying this show. New Era (Humeston, IA), September 18, 1889. F. J. Taylor’s winter quarters in Creston, Ia. . . . New York Dramatic News, January 13, 1891.

    1891: F. J. Taylor’s Circus opened the season in Creston, Ia., May 4, with the following performers: Three Castello Brothers, acrobats and horizontal bar performers; Charles Myers, balloon, wire and balance trapeze; Minnie Castello, flying rings and trapeze; Bishop Brothers, tumblers, acrobats and double trapeze; Don Divo, contortionist; Jerome Abbey, equilibrist and juggler; Albert Davenport, principal rider;; Sam Bennett, hurdle and Indian rider; W. S. Wheeler, clown; William Davenport, ring master, and John Marshall’s band of nine pieces. The show travels by wagon, carries 100 people, 105 horses, one elephant, three camels, five cages, and has a 100 foot round top, with two 30 foot middle pieces. New York Dramatic News, May 23, 1891.

    1892: F. J. Taylor's Circus closed the season Oct. 26, at ???, Mo. John G. Scheidler, sideshow manager, and Mlle Sorella closed their season of twenty-six week with F. J. Taylor's Circus, on October 25, 1892. They opened at the Eden Musee, Creston, Ia., October 31. New York Clipper, November 5, 1892, pp. 554, 557.

    1893: Everything is lively at the Winter quarters of F. J. Taylor's Shows at Creston(?), Ia. The season will open April 27 with a much larger outfit than ever before. The painters are busy getting the cages and wagons ready for the road. Everything around the show will be brand new. Canvasses: Main show - 100ft.(?) round top, with two 50 ft. middle pieces. Menagerie - 70ft. round top with two 30 ft. middle pieces. Side show - 50 ft. round top, with a 20 ft. middle piece. In the menagerie department will be two elephants, six camels, one llama and seven cages of animals. The roster: F. J. Taylor, sole proprietor and manager; L. A. Taylor, treasurer; C. A. Taylor, press agent; Dick Hunter, general agent; Louis Elliott, contracting agent; . . . John Callahan, in charge of firs tbrigade with ten men; L. B. Reed, in charge of second brigade with six men; C. A. Miller, advertising program; Add Vradenburg, band master with twelve men; Lee Coleman, superintendent of canvas with sixteen men; Harry St. Clair, in charge of sideshow canvas, with four assistants; G. Gropes(?), superintendent properties with six assistants; Brjock Sport, in charge of stock with twenty-four men; Harry Murray, superintendent of animals, with four assistants. . . . Edd. Shipp, equestrian director; Julia Lowanda, Al. Lowanda, LOn Moore and family, Farnum and Welcome, Jenier Family, four in number, Eddie Shipp, Knard Bros., J. W. Keechel, Smith and Leon, Edgar and wife . . . New York Clipper, March 25, 1893, p. 34.

    1894: Advance car No. 1, of F. J. Taylor's Circus, has the following people: Geo. A. Bedee, general agent; W. H. Hall, in charge of first advance; Louis Martin, in charge of paper with Chas. Pailing. Tobe Beers, Grant Hubble as assistants. H. R. Pottenger, lithographer and Brick Dumont, programmer. New York Clipper, April 21, 1894, p. 102.

    1900: F. J. Taylor, of Creston, Iowa, will try it again this season under the style of the Great F. J. Taylor's Shows (incorporated). Billboard, May 1, 1900, p. 6.

    1900: F. J. Taylor's advance roster: contracting agent H. D. Parks; press agent and manager advance, Thomas Alton; lithographer, H. W. Turk; programmer, Otto Windell; boss bill poster, H. H. Graham; billposters: D. S. Perry, Jerry Moore, Bud Smith, A. L. Hoover, Henry Campbell, Sig. benson; hostlers with Nos. 1 and 2, Clarence Downey and Charlie Dunn. Billboard June 23, 1900, p. 5. All information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or the persons.

Tedrow & Gettle's - 1900

      Tedrow & Gettle's 25-cent show is now seven weeks out. With the show: Tedrow & Gettle; Sutton, Smith & Morris, clowns; Band: T. H. Rice, leader, E. Williams, J. E. Jones, P. H. Hawk, W. H. Jacobs, G. Tennyhill, J. R. collins, H. M. Patton; Orchestra: Prof. Williams, leader, W. H. Jacobs, J. R. Collins. Performers: The Suttons, man wife and daughter; E. Porterfield; Gladys, Mitchell, Robert Bolliger; Dock Moria; Chas. Barker; Fred Dew, high dive into a net. Side show: Mrs. Sutton's snakes; Miss Gladys Mitchell, sword walker; Jasper Johnson, strong man; E. Porterfield, magician and Punch; Miss Esther Smith, futures and fortunes; the Getties, Mexican knife throwing. Blondy Robinson has charge of canvas. Charles Barker, chandeliers; Doc John Dye, stock; R. W. Perkins, agent; W. J. Kelly, bill poster; E. E. Porter, programer; W. K. Smith, lithographer. 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.

Dr. J. L. Thayer's Circus

      Ed. Martinetti is the equestrian-director of Dr. J. L. Thayer's Circus. He and his three brothers, Nelson, Albert and Louis, have been secured for the season. The Austin Bros., James Joyce, William De Ivey, Millie Lockwood and Prof. Franklin's dog-circus are also with this show. Leon and donkeys and Dr. Thayer's wife and daughter joined at Raleigh, N. C., March 17. J. L. Thayer. Jr. makes his debut at Norfolk, Va. The concert is given by Dan Lester, Chas. Allen, Georgie Bell, John Dowling, Ed. Lockwood and Ed. Martinetti. Thayer pere and fils Nelson Martinetti, Leon and Lockwood are doing the clowns, The show is said to have done well since opening, March 8, at popular prices. New York Clipper March 20 or 27, 1886. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Sam K. Tribbey & Co.'s New Mastodon Dime Circus and Menagerie

      Sam K. Tribbey & Co.'s New Mastodon Dime Circus and Menagerie opened their season May 4, at Hamilton, O., playing there the balance of that week, and opening at Richmond, Ind., 20, for one week. The following is the roster: Sam K. Tribbey & Co., proprietors; Miles Orton, general-manager; W. O. Beogel, treasurer; Al. D. Higgins, equestrian-director and press-agent; Prof. W. Vance, musical-director, Chas. Ellis, contracting-agent; Jack Fitzgerald, master of canvas, with eight men; Gus Dicks, in charge of ring stock, with three men; A. Newman, chandeliers; Will Allen, master of properties. Performers — The Orton Family, six in number, headed by Miles Orton, bareback-rider, and his two infant wonders, Norman and Gordon; Claude Orton, Master Albert Orton, Little Allie and Bernard Orton, Hicks Bros,, Apple and West, F. Seymour, E. H. Dooley, Conners and Bradley, Andy Spear, Walter Freds, Mattie Spear, McDonald Sisters — Lou and Gussie — the performing elephant Lizzie, and the riding-dog Hector. The show has eight dens of animals, giant elk and one elephant. It travels by rail, making week-stands, using a 110 ft. canvas, with two 30 ft. middle pieces, and 60 ft. menagerie. New York Clipper, May 22, 1886. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Tucker Circus Co. - 1896 Tucker Circus Co. offer a complete wagon show for sale. New York Clipper, February 1, 1896, p. 765. Information should be checked with additional sources Do you have more information on this show? Email your documented information for the show or persons.

Oris Turner's United Shows - 1900

    Report that they are doing a nice business, and are traveling through a must beautiful country. The show comprises the following circus artists: Mr. Mononee(?), contortionist; the O'Kyle Bros., acrobats; Mr. Norman, high diver and trapeze performer; Mr. Watiers, slack rope walker; Frank La Rue, rings. 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.

Tuttle's Olympic Shows - 1900

      Take the road May 1. 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.

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