Cooper, Bailey & Co.'s Great London Circus, 1879

Route Book of Cooper, Bailey & Co.'s Great London Circus, Sanger's British Menagerie, International Allied Shows for the Season of 1879. Compiled by W. G. Crowley, St. Louis, MO: Globe Democrat, 1879. Circus World Museum's Parkinson Library provided the photocopy of this route book. All information should be checked with additional sources. There will be spelling and typographical errors.

Introductory

    During the season of 1876, Cooper, Bailey & Co. organized one of the best tent shows ever placed before the American public. It started from St. Louis, and, after a most successful season, closed in San Francisco. Reorganization then took place, and the show was taken to foreign climes. The Sandwich Islands, Australia, India, New Zealand and the various countries of South America were visited. The season was one of the longest ever made, the distance traversed by rail, wagon, steamer and sailing ship was great, the show was a good one, and its success, financially, a matter of surprise even to the proprietors. Returning to Philadelphia early in 1879, the management at once saw that a total reorganization must be effected in order to place an exhibition worthy of their name upon the road. A show was to be organized which should be superior in every respect to anything which had preceded it. Without waiting to count the cost or time involved, the managerial ability of the firm was at once put to work, that the desired end might be secured. Recognizing the fact that money must be put out in order that it shall come in again, and that the appreciative and intelligent American public would reward their efforts, the organized the work with a diligence and earnestness never before manifested by any management. A skilled agent was dispatched to the various zoological collections of Europe with orders to secure every rare and valuable animal that could be obtained to the end that the menagerie should be superior to any heretofore exhibited. Negotiations were commenced with the most distinguished artists of the American arena, in order that a corps of performers could be secured able to give the best possible ring show. A special train, for the conveyance of the exhibition from place to place, was constructed upon the most approved plans, and after careful consideration of all that had been used previously, men of known ability were secured for each department in advance and with the exhibition. Great care was taken to ensure the fulfillment of all plans, and when the opening day came, a new era began in the history of the tent-show world. The London Circus, the then management of which were involved in financial difficulties, was purchased entire and consolidated with Cooper, Bailey & Co.’s allied shows. A magnificent menagerie was obtained, the finest circus ever seen was organized, mammoth canvases were made, a splendid wardrobe was secured, active, able and intelligent men were secured to superintend each department, and the largest and best American exhibition ever organized began the tenting season under the most auspicious circumstances. Less experienced managers prophesied a failure, said the show was too large, its daily expenses too great to be supported. They little knew the ability of the men who had organized the affair, or the activity and indefatigable energy of the agents employed to guide and control its movements. The season commenced. It has ended. Success has attended it in every respect. It has made money, left a good reputation, and put to flight the prophesies of the men who predicted its failure.

The Advance Department

    The country has never before been so thoroughly awakened by advertisers as in this case. The managers knew they had a good show, one that would please the people. They spared no expense to let the people know they were coming. The management of this department was left to the supervision of James A. Bailey. The result shows the work to have been in worthy hands. Tireless energy, unconquerable activity and great ability have been demonstrated in every movement. His assistants have been the ablest and most experienced men the profession could produce. Such gentlemen as C. W. Fuller, J. W. Hamilton, Col. T. R. Toole, S. H. Joseph, Crete Pulver, D. K. Townsend, Henry Hedges, Charles Whitney, Charles Bernard, and the others employed in advance, have never before been drawn together with one object and aim in view. Their work has been well done, and to their ability the London owes much of its success. Every means that experience could suggest or money procure have been employed to draw the people. Posters, programmes, dodgers, hangers, letters, lithographs and last, but not least, newspapers have been used without limit to advertise the country. Two magnificent advertising cars have been run during the entire season, and a small army of bill-posters, programmers, lithographers and sub-agents have been kept busy. Wherever advertisements could be placed they were found. Distance, time and expense were ignored so long as there was a reasonable expectation that the work would benefit the exhibition. No other show ever had its work as well done in advance as the London. The ability of the men was displayed with opposition came. Several concerns have crossed the path of the London, but crossed it only to be crippled. Some with high sounding names thought they could go where they pleased. They tried to enter territories where the London was traveling; and, as their managers gazed with mournful eyes at audiences that would hardly pay the expenses of a five-cent fair-ground show, the discovered their mistakes. They came in contact with the London “once and once only” and then hurried away to recover themselves like flies that went against a locomotive. It taught them such a lesson that hereafter they will know enough to keep out of its way.

The Show

    As we have said, the show was well organized, provided with superior attractions and in every way superior to any that had preceded it. The entire country was carefully considered, and to those portions of it where money was plenty and people prosperous it was taken. Success has attended it in all places; it has pleased the people, and every individual member of the company deserves credit, for the desire of all to make the season a grand success has been marked and distinct. The various department have been in the hands of able men. Mr. Cooper has had the general supervision of the exhibition, while well-known managers have aided him. Henry Barnum has been the manager; Lewis Hedges assistant manager. Nat Austin has exercised his ability as equestrian director, while the veteran, Robert Ellingham, has acted throughout as maitre de cirque. George W. Johnston has had the superintendency of the menagerie. William Simpson has had charge of the canvas, and Byron V. Rose has acted as master of transportation. In fact, at the head of each department, a reliable man has been placed, whose work has been well and thoroughly done. The corps of artists who have graced the ring have never been equaled in number, ability or general excellence of the performance given. There have been no fill-ups with this show. Every man that has appeared in the ring has had work to do, and work which materially affected the reputation of the exhibition. The splendid notices received from the press, and the good opinion which the show has created in the public mind shows how well each has performed the task assigned him. At Clinton, Ill., Robert Hood sold out his interest in the exhibition, of which Dooper & Bailey are now sole owners. Wm. F. Young became treasurer on the departure of Mr. Hood; Mr. P. Harris taking the position of assistant treasurer, a place for which his previous experience especially qualified him.

Accidents and Incidents

    Without a short commemoration of the principal events of the season the route-book would be incomplete. The events that tend to render the heart sad or draw a smile to the face as memory reverts to the days gone by, should not be forgotten. The saddest of all is the recollection of James Cassim’s death at Johnstown, Pa., early in the season. It was after the show — he was going to the car. Crossing the tracks he stepped out of the way of one train only to be caught and crushed to death by another. Addie Austin fell from her horse and broke her leg at York, Pa., and, when recovered, fell again at Muscatine, Ia., and re-broke it. M’dme Cardona fell at Mt. Sterling, Ill., and Sherman, Tex., suffering slight injuries; Geo. Bliss sprained his ankle at Joplin, and retired from the ring for the season; James Murray sprained his ankle at Sioux City, and retired for a time; William Batchelder came very near breaking his neck at Minneapolis in throwing a double somersault; George Sholters broke both legs at Dayton, O., while loading a tableau car; John Lowlow’s knee was injured at Chicago, and other accidents of a less serious nature have happened here and there. The season has been comparatively free from strome; the canvas has not been blown down during the year. The worst rains have been at Philadelphia, St. Louis, Stillwater, Kansas City, Fort Scott and McKinney; those at Stillwater and Fort Scott being of such a character as to render them memorable. At Fort Scott a canvas wagon with four horses and driver fell down a bank fifteen feet, but no serious damage was done. At Fort Worth four horses ran away with the candy wagon, but did not damage beyond breaking the harness. Cars have been off the track in or near Leavenworth, Cedar Rapids, Elgin, Fort Scott, Waxahachie and other places, but were replace without damage, though the Fort Scott affair came very near being a serious catastrophe. The rhinoceros died at Ottawa, Kan., while three lions were born at Holden, and a baby camel first saw the light at Falls City. The two middle pieces were put up at Minneapolis, Omaha, Jacksonville, Cedar Rapids, Quincy, St. Louis, Fort Worth, Dallas and a few other places. When in Iowa, yellow fever appeared in Memphis and furnished an abundant theme of conversation. The papers were carefully noted day by day as to its progress and probable effect upon the movements of the show. Passing through St. Louis on the way to Texas and just before reaching Denison, and in leaving Shreveport, the train and its passengers were subjected to the inspection of the quarantine officers. The weather has been favorable though we have had some very warm and very cool days. Grand and gorgeous night parades have been given in Philadelphia, Chicago and St. Louis; they were on a magnificent scale, totally putting all other street pageantries in the shade. In Nebraska and Kansas, fakirs, thieves and circus followers, appeared in the greatest numbers, but the ability of A. Atkinson and Col. Garvey (the man from Tarboro, sir), soon caused them to disappear; as high as twenty were thrown into jail in a single day. The scoundrels knew this, and recognizing the danger of appearing in town while the London was there, they disappeared. The detective force of the London was found amply sufficient to keep thieves and fakirs away from it. Very little severe illness has appeared, though G. Johnston, D. Hertzog, M. Toole and a few others have had to cease work on account of slight ailings. The general health of the company has been good. The foot-races at York, Moberly and Decatur must not be forgotten. At Moberly Crossly beat Melville; but Grasshopper Jack appeared at Decatur. Crossly was beaten, and the boys saw a somewhat unpleasant sight as Jack jumped away like a grasshopper with several hundred dollars more than he had brought into the town. The great six-days walk in New York was a subject of dispute for a time, enlivening the boys who took delight in pedestrian exercises. The potato race that was never run, the pleasant picnic in St. Louis, the social club that met “once and once only,” the doings and misdoings of the Jobbers’ Association, the yells and cries of the get-your-change-ready gentlemen, the amount of dodging caused by the paper-ball Club, the mental and physical suffering endured as the harmonious notes of that fiddle passed through the dressing-room like a west wind sighing over a bunch of Canada thistles, the searches for beer, beer; the well, good-night business of Peter, the leather shows of our uncle, with the thousand and one incidents of the season will remain upon the pages of memory to enliven the hours bye and bye. At Sandusky, Wm. Batchelder threw a double somersault over ten elephants, one of which was elevated upon four-foot blocks, making the biggest leap ever made by man. At Terre Haute the Leotards dissolved partnership and with Frank Melville departed from the company. Johnny Lowlow went home from Mattoon. Melville’s departure was a matter of regret, as his many genial qualities had endeared hem to his associates; but his merry with, his bicycle and his many mirth-provoking schemes were remembered long after his departure. Presentations have been few during the year, but all that have taken place were well merited. In Chicago J. W. Hamilton was presented with a massive gold watch by Mr. Bailey as a recognition of this valuable services to the company. At Oskaloosa E. C. Cole was the recipient of a suitably engraved medal, presented by his friends and fellow-workers in the museum department. At Terre Haute George Schrode received a testimonial from the leaping party as a token of their regard for his unequaled abilities as a catcher. The time has passed pleasantly away, and owning to the many good qualities of the members of the company the season has been like one long holiday.

The Electric Light

    Cooper, Bailey & Co. have been the first to employ this magnificent illuminator for circus purposes. It has been used the entire season and proved to be a grand success. It is the Brush electric light, manufactured by the Telegraph Supply Company of Cleveland, and will doubtless now come into general use. Prof. John Sherman, electrician, has traveled with the exhibition, rendering valuable assistance in operating it. To James A. Bailey, who saw the great benefits to derived from this light, and who insisted on using it, the profession are indebted for the introduction of it. It was thought at first it would prove a failure, but its success as a special feature of the show has been too great to require further comment.

The Privileges

    Were the history of side-show, concert and candy stand to be written, nothing that could equal that of the Great London privileges would be found, either in the manner of their organization, the way in which they have been conducted or the financial success which has attended them. James L. Hutchinson, the proprietor and manager, has been truly termed The Napoleon of the privilege business. His energy and activity, his skill in swaying an audience, his ability in conduction the business have alike been the subject of favorable comment. Organizing a good museum, a good concert, and selecting able assistants, he commenced the season, determined to conduct it upon a legitimate basis and not to permit any of the questionable practices too often resorted to by privilege managers. His efforts have been appreciated and his work well rewarded by a discriminating public. Success has attended every movement and the profits of the side-show and concerts have been larger than ever before known. E. C. Cole has managed the side-show during the season, Hertzog has had charge of the candy stand, and, together with the aid of his able assistants, his work has been well done. The attractions of the outside museum have been above average, while the new features for an after-show — the performance of Humpty Dumpty by Robert Butler’s troupe of pantomimists and the novel act of firing a young lady from a cannon — have been a decided success. No butchers were allowed to work in the circus department, and no crooked work was done anywhere. Discharge awaited any man discovered or even suspected of cheating the people. The gentlemen selected to take charge of the various stands, outside ticket agents, the concert ticket sellers, in fact every one in any way connected with the department conducted themselves in a manner highly creditable; they are gentlemen and acted as such. The museum and concert have given complete satisfaction to the many thousands that have visited it.

The Programme

    This little journal, which was issued daily during the season, has been under the management of Mr. P. Harris, its editor and proprietor; Mr. C. Loyd being his able assistant. It contained the programme of the show, advertisements of all prominent merchants in the towns visited and a choice collection of humorous stories. We are pleased to state that it has been a complete success.

In Advance

James A. Bailey, General Director and Chief in Command of all Departments ahead of the Show.

Charles W. Fuller, General Agent.

John W. Hamilton, Advance Press Agent.

Contracting Agents: D. K. Townsend, Henry Hedges.

Excursion Agents: Charles Whitney, Leon A. Jones.

Col. T. H. Toole, Manager Advertising Car Number One.

J. M. Bailey, Lithographer.

Arthur Smith, Programmer.

Mathew Hurst, Chief Bill Poster.

W. L. Keating, Calliope Player.

Bill Posters: Gordon Pulver, William Irvin, Edward Loun, William Brooks.

S. H. Joseph, Manager Advertising Car Number Two.

Henry Hodge, Lithographer.

James Smith, Programmer.

Lee Howe, Chief Bill Poster.

H. Andrews, Porter.

Bill Posters: James Hawkins, Duck Niles, James Decker, J. N. Williams.

Samuel Gladstone, Railroad Bill Poster. William Coffee, Assistant.

Charles Bernard, Stereopticon Agent. James Baker, Assistant.

Crete Pulver, Manager Middle Brigade.

Crawford Hodge, Chief Bill Poster.

Walter Hamm, Lithographer.

Bill Posters: Frank Dutton, J. J. Start, William Wilson, Fred. Winze.

The Exhibition

James E. Cooper, General Director in all Departments.

Henry Barnum, Manager.

Lewis Hedges, Assistant Manager.

Robert Hood, Treasurer.

M. F. Young, Assistant Treasurer.

W. G. Crowley, Press Agent.

A. Atkinson, Dectective.

W. Clemmens, B. S. Advance Agent.

A. Brownlee, C. T. Advance Agent.

Doorkeepers: J. E. Cooper, E. J. Cooper.

R. S. Ticket Sellers: J. T. Crowley, W. Elder.

Byron V. Rose, R. S. Doorkeeper.

George Sholders, D. R. Doorkeeper.

P. Harris, Proprietor Programs.

C. Loyd, Agent.

The Equestrian Department

Nathan Austin, Equestrian Director.

Robert Ellingham, Maitre de Cirque.

Charles W. Fish	John Patterson	William Dutton	John Lowlow
Frank Melville	Peter Conklin	James Murray	William Batchelder
George Bliss	Jerry Bell	George Schrode	James Campbell
George Skinney	Charles McCarthy	Awati Katnochin	Joseph Kennebel
John Donavan	Leo Levere	Adolphe Livingstone	Nicholas Lawrence
Geo. Arstingstall	Orlando Fillup	George Austin	George W. Kline
M’me D’Atalie	Miss Addie Austin	M’me. Cordona	Miss Louise Boshell
Miss Jennie Livingston	Miss Hattie Lawrence

Miss Kate Lengel, In charge of Wardrobe.

George Brown, Padder.

Frank Pryne, Master of Properties.

Assistants: William Kern, Louis B. Mercer, George Short, Jacob Lynch.

The Usual Programme

Subject to variations according to circumstances.

Grand Overture, Band.

The Great London Spectacular Entree, Company.

Caledonian Sports, Crossley and Elder.

Military Drill, Pyramids, etc., The Elephants.

Tumbling, The Company. Led by the Champion, James Murray.

Principal Act of Equestrianism, William Dutton. Clown, John Lowlow.

Feats of Strength, M’me. D’Atalie.

Principal Act, Frank Melville. Clown, John Patterson.

Double Trapeze, Lawrence Sisters.

Principal Act, M’me. Cordona. Clown, Joseph Kennebel.

Brother Act, The Leotards.

Principal Act, Charles W. Fish. Clown, Peter Conklin.

Japanese Juggling, Awati Katnochin.

Four-Horse Act, M’me Cordona.

Battoute Leaping, The Company. Led by the Champion, William Batchelder.

The Band

Joseph Kinslow, Leader.

Hugo Weger	J. M. Richardson	Richard Reimer	G. Ludwig
Joseph Nolte	Mathew Boyson	Emil Schmidt	Louis Haase
Frederick Schmidt	Philip Stommeyer	George W. Kline

Mechanical Department

Reuben Cooper, Master Mechanic.

Blacksmiths: James Hamilton, Joseph Brady.

Saddlers: William Spreen, George Brown.

John Anderson, Carpenter.

Philip Strother, Ironworker.

The Electric Light

Prof. John Sherman, Electrician. Jule Meredith, Assistant.

John Lewis, Engineer.

Peter Rashel, Fireman.

Thomas King, Calliope Player.

Chandeliers

Joseph Lanfear, Superintendent. Assistants: Jerry Douglass, John Hall.

The Menagerie

G. W. Johnston, Superintendent.

Theo. Ferris, Lion and Tiger Performer.

C. F. Lannahan	S. B. Mead	H. A. Danes	A. Mervine
F. F. Smith	H. Fielding	M. Flannigan	John Wheeler
Thomas Lynch	F. S. Smith	Arthur Brown	Jno. Anthony

Elephant Department

Geo. Arstingstall, Performer and Manager.

Keepers: H. H. Copeland, Henry Morgan.

The Canvas

William Simpson, Superintendent.

Homer Silver, 1st Assistant.

Albert Cole, 2d Assistant.

John Kelly	William Dale	George Sholders	Henry Barton
Charles M. Glenn	Wm. J. Miller	James Harris	Wm. Kelly
John C. Allen	C. A. Choreman	Michael Wilson	Joseph Hamilton
Vincent Parker	Henry Johnsonbough	Charles E. Ward	William Smith
William Kenny	William Conners	J. A. Prentice	Peter Anderson
Charles Miller	John Petersen	Hamilton Eddy	Henry Armstrong
Jerome Stillson	Hiram Mathews	Arthur Elstron	Charles Williams
John Shoemaker	Anthony Guy	Anson Godwin	Richard Gill

The Stables

James Fuqua, Superintendent.

James Roberts	James Brevis	Frank Hawley	Henry Johnson
James Hulsinger	Edward Cook	Aug. Rumsey	Charles Meek
J. W. Kerr	Henry Wise	Thomas Williams	George McFall
Andrew Brehn	J. A. Beogle	David Stevens	William Randolph
George Roberts	George Hudson	Josiah Porter	George Haines
R. B. Rose	Albert Brooks	James Beal	Henry Hanson
Mark Kinney	Hugh Bowie	George Pierce	Henry McQueen
John Williamson	Peter Ansondy

Railroad Department

Byron V. Rose, Master of Transportation. Curley Hinsinger, Assistant.

John Williamson, Train Watchman.

S. C. Porters: Percy Manders, Austin Stocking, William Dixon, Charles Brooks.

Ed. Goldsborough	Thomas Brown	William Fay	Richard Fisher
Harry Roop	Thomas Jones	Richard Andrews	David Smith

Great London Hotel

Jason Robbins, Proprietor.

A. G. Page, Chief Cook.

Richard May	Thomas Conners	James Reynolds	Daniel Loder
Joseph McLean	Walter Jones	John Blair	Paul Johnson
David Kennedy	John Cuddy	William Frond	James Andrews

The Privileges

James L. Hutchinson, Proprietor and Manager.

Confectionary Department

Daniel Hertzog, Director.

Charles Blockman	William Roberts	L. L. Jarboe	Edward Albee
Edward Frazee	B. Sylbus

Outside Museum

Edward C. Cole, Director.

Ticket Sellers: Charles Fisher, Stephen Curley.

The Band

E. J. Fry	T. Deacon	T. B. Keeler	W. F. Norris
G. W. Howarth	John Saxon

Attractions

Miss Myrtle Corbyn, Four-legged Girl.

J. S. Sprague, Living Skelton.

Eli Bowen, Man without Legs.

C. B. Trip, Man without Arms.

Diabola, Fire King.

Mille Adaline, Circassian.

Zip, The What-Is-It.

Ashbury Benjamin, The Spotted Boy.

Frank Morton, Ventriloquist.

Harry Roltair, Man of Mystery.

Antonio White, Phonograph.

F. Padrienalla, Performing Monkeys.

Solomon Stone, Arithmetical Phenomenon.

The Concert

Robert Butler, Director.

Hall and Williams, Clog Dancers.

La Belle Pauline, Serio-Comic Songs.

Miss Helen Smith, Song and Dance.

Harry Roltair, The Wizard.

M. McCullom, Banjo Solo.

The Glue Brothers, Acrobatic Song and Dance.

Os. Arbuckle, Cannoneer.

Humpty Dumpty, Pantomime.

The whole to conclude with the novel act of a lady fired from a cannon.

Ticket Speculators

Frank Drew, Monte Toole.

For the 1879 route, click here. Opens in new window or tab.

Top