Circus Historical Society
P. T. Barnum's Greatest Show on Earth, 1886
(Barnum & London)
The Barnum Budget, or Tent Topics of the Season of 1886, by Morris H. Warner. Circus World Museum's Parkinson Library provided the photocopy of this route book. Some information is not included in this online transcription. All information should be checked with additional sources. There will be spelling and typographical errors.
Preface
The Barnum Budget was not written for the million. It has been carefully complied for a select few who enlisted in one common cause. It lays no claim to a lofty place in the literary world. It is only a Route Book – a diary – a mirror of the past – that’s all.
“The Barnum Budget” contains numerous new and original features not found in other books of its ilk. The events of each day have been studiously jotted down. The hotels and railroads have been recorded and the number of miles traveled, together with the population of each city, have been correctly enumerated. Besides giving the attendance and weather at each performance special attention has been paid to the artists in their several acts. Every department in the organization is represented and positions in each clearly defined.
With a hope that his efforts will meet with favor, the author respectfully submits “The Barnum Budget” to his fellow associates in the “Greatest Show on Earth.”
New York City
The opening performance of the Barnum and London United Shows for the season of 1886, in New York City, did not take place until Thursday, April 1. Every preparation was made for the grand inauguration at Madison Square Garden on the previous Saturday, but owing to a continuous and heavy rain storm, the usual torchlight procession was postponed for three consecutive evenings. The loss of several thousands of dollars was sustained by the management, who positively refused to open the doors until the street parade had been given.
On Wednesday evening the weather being propitious the glittering pageant filed out of the garden, and proceeded through the crowded thoroughfares. Before one-half of the route had been traversed a violent storm occurred which thoroughly drenched the performers, and destroyed most of the valuable wardrobe.
The program for the New York engagement which was carried out to the letter was as follows:
Program of Acts and Performances
Subject to alteration and variation.
Operatic Selections and Grand Overture, by the full Orchestra, under leadership of James S. Robinson.
Clowns, Pantaloons, Merry Makers, Touchstones, Fantastics, Punchenellos, Grotesques and Comiques in the Fools Pandemonium, personated by Chas. Bliss, Wm. Conrad, the Caron Brothers, E. Fritz, Nicolas, Whitfield, C. Romelli, Major Atom and others.
1. Magnificent Prelude to the Opening of the Regular Performances, Classic and Oriental Pageants around the Elipse and simultaneously in the Three Arenas. Grand display of superbly caparisoned Monster Elephants, Giant Camels and Dromedaries, Animals in Leash. Mythological and Allegorical Spectacles. Cavalcades of Richly costumed Knights, Cavaliers and Courtly Dames, Easter Pomp and Barbaric Splendor, Elegant and Costly Costumes, Banners, Wardrobes, Trappings, Rare Devices, Arabian and Thoroughbred Horses, &c., &c., the whole presenting a picture of Royal Elegance and Grandeur, never equalled.
2. Arena 1: Bay Trakene Stallions, performed by F. Morgan.
2. Arena 2: Black Trakene Stallions, performed by Wm. Conrad.
2. Stage: A marvelous display of Canine intelligence and reason by an Esquimaux dog, introduced by F. Watson.
2. Arena 3: Performing Ponies, 5 in number, Wm. Ducrow.
3. Grand Inaugural Procession of Living Human Wonders and Curiosities, Preceded by the Great International Congress of Giants and Giantesses, led by Chang the Chinese Colossus, and embracing the Tallest and Heaviest Human Beings from all parts of the World. Millie Christine, the Phenomenal Two-Headed Lady; the last of Montezumas People; the Aztecs, and other curious natural freaks.
4. Grand Display of Somersaulting and Leaping over Elephants, by all the Champions.
5. Arena 1: Curious balancing feats on the high ladder and chair. Reversing natural positions. F. Ashton.
5. Arena 2: Scottish Games and Sports. Phenomenal Jump over a Standing Horse. An unprecedented Performance. Galvin & Walsh.
5. Stage: Wilmot and Sewell, Wonderful Riding on the Bicycle and Unicycle. The Stirk Family in the finest bicycle performances ever seen.
5. Arena 3: Parallel and Horizontal Bar Display, Leopold & Wentworth.
6. Arena 2: Principal Equestrian Act, the Championess of the World, Madame Adelaide Cardona.
6. Arena 3: Principal Equestrian Act, Miss Viola Rivers.
7. Arena 1: Dancing Barrel and Terpsichorean Maltese Cross, Leopold. Housabora Sam in unequaled Japanese feats and exercises.
7. Arena 2: Classic Posturing and Reproduction of Anciety Gladiatorial Feats, Combats and Celebrated Statuary, Gilfort Bros.
7. Stage: The Policeman and the Dude, Uproarious fun on rollers, Ashley & Hess.
7. Arena 3: Swift High Wire Descent holding by the teeth only, Mlle Zahar. Introducing also her beautiful act with trained doves.
8. Arena 1: Principal Bareback American Jockey Act, F. Morgan.
8. Arena 2: Principal French Bareback Jockey Act, Orrin Hollis.
8. Arena 3: Principal Bareback English Jockey Act, Wm. Showles.
9. Arena 1: Great Acrobatic Acts in Full Dress, the 4 Sensational Shrodes.
9. Arena 2: Illustrious Rival Juggling, Val Smipson & Miss E. Stirk.
9. Stage: The unparalleled Julians, Greatest male and female elastic Contortionists and chair gymnastics in the world.
9. Arena 3: A Marvelous Double Acrobatic Act, Coyle & Dorr. An Astonishing Contortion Act, H. Wentworth.
10. Arena 1: Dog and Monkey.
10. Arena 2: Only Greyhound Equestrian Jockey, trained by F. Watson.
10. Stage: The Wonderous Ape-Musician, Master of Many Instruments, Signor Jose, Instructor.
10. Arena 3: The Great Trick Pig, “Bismark,” and his Monkey Rider, Wm. Conrad, trainer.
12. Arena 1: Principal Bareback Somersault Act, Wm. Dutton.
12. Arena 2: Principal Bareback Somersault Act, Wm. Showles.
12. Arena 3: All-World Champion Principal Bareback Act, Orrin Hollis.
13. Arena 2: Herd of Monster Educated Elephants in New Acts and Evolutions, performed by Wm. Newman.
13. Stage: “Tom Thumb,” the only Dwarf Elephant Clown, Wm. Conrad, trainer.
13. Arena 3: Only Drove of Young Performing Elephants, F. Callahan.
14. Arena 1: Principal 4-Horse Bareback Act, Miss Viola Rivers.
14. Arena 2: Pre-eminent Bareback Hurdle Act, Don Geronimo Bell.
14. Stage: Manage Act, Josie Demot.
14. Arena 3: Principal 4-Horse Bareback Act by the Renowned Adelaide Cadona.
15. Arena 1: Quadruple Brother and Lofty Ladder Originalities, Schrode Bros. High Hoop Perch Specialties, Coyle & Dorr. An Extraordinary and Novel Act of Equipoise, R. Gilfort.
15. Arena 2: Ground and Lofty Tumbling by the Company.
15. Stage: Weird & Wondrous Athletic Achievements by the Abdallah Ben Said troupe of Bedouin Arabs.
15. Arena 3: The Famous Russian Athletes, Dexterious, Daring and Difficult Russian High Ladder Feats, Fredericks, Gloss & Levan. Double High Perch, Lowande & Ashton. Suspended Japanese Pendelum Perch, Housabora Sam.
16. Arena 1: Aerial Juggling and Reverse Equipoise, D. Irwin. Contortion Act on Flying Trapeze, Tatalia.
16. Arena 2: Double high flying rings, Miss F. Ashton.
16. Stage Perilous Aerial Flights & Evolutions, Hawley & Moulton.
16. Arena 3: Daring & Perilous Lofty Balancing on Pendulating Trapeze, Mlle. Zarah. Head Balancing in Mid-Air on the Swinging Trapeze, S. Irwin.
Real Hippodrome Races
On the World’s Great Classic Circuit. Most Exciting Events, Honestly and Stubbornly Contested for Cash Premiums.
Wm. Ducrow, Starter. S. S. Smith, Judge.
1st Race, Gentlemen’s English and American Thoroughbred Jockey Race. A most determined struggle between famous Flyers and Riders, three times around the track.
| Horses | Jockeys | Colors |
| R. H. King | Jas. Horrigan | Red and Blue |
| Faugh A Ballah | Ed. Moriarity | Green and Pink |
| Patsy | W. F. Lynch | Purple |
| Lizzie | J. W. Flynn | Red and Green |
| Daisy | Chas. Schultz | Blue and Yellow |
| Buckshot | W. Aspinwall | Red and Black |
3rd Race, Magnificent Struggle of Man against Running Horse, once around, Al. Carron.
4th Race, Ladies’ Flat Race, three times around, by the most daring and dashing Lady Jockeys in the World.
| Horses | Lady Jockeys | Color of Streamers |
| Oscar Wild | Miss Jennie Sawyer | Blue and White |
| Bravo | Miss Nellie Venoa | Blue and Orange |
| Kansas | Miss Rosaline Stickney | Yellow and White |
| Queen Ann | Miss Mattie Jackson | Red and White |
6th Race, Fast Foot Race, once around, by the champions, Galvin & Walsh.
7th Race, Wild and Unique, Giant Arabian Camel Race, once around.
8th Race, Classic Reproduction Terrific Double Team Bareback Roman Standing Race of Ancient Days, three times around.
| Horses | Riders | Colors |
| Bill and Bird | T. Watson | Yellow |
| Silver and Dan | John Hunterson | Red |
| Gypsy and Colver | Frank Morgan | White |
10th Race, Ponderous Oriental Elephant Race, to saddle, once around.
11th Race, Pony Sulkies (3) driven by Funny Clowns, once around.
12th Race, Heroic and Electrifying Four Horse Roman Coliseum Chariot Race, exactly as applauded by the Imperial Caesars.
| Four Horses Abreast | Charioteers |
| Nigger, Star, Frits and Stocking | Madame Watson |
| Pete, Jerry, Spider and Eagle | Wm. Smith |
The stay in Gotham was extended to April 24th. The weather as a rule was fair, and the attendance very large. On several occasions the sale of tickets was stopped owing to the overcrowded auditorium. The events at the Madison Square Garden can be summed up briefly in this wise:
March 29, Birth of two lions cubs.
April 1, Instantaneous hit of the Sylvesters and the Julians. Their first season with a circus. Mr. P. T. Barnum received an ovation.
April 2, Death of Lottie Stirk, of the Stirk family of Bicyclists. Little Lottie was only eleven years of age at the time of her suddenly taking off. She was born in Birmingham, England, and began her professional career with her father and mother in 1877. She was a bright, pretty, fearless cild and her loss was a sad blow to the members of the Company, who had christened her “The Pet of the Show.”
April 3, William Winner, the Lion tamer, who was seriously injured by a performing panther in Brooklyn, March 27, pronounced out of danger. Overcrowded house notwithstanding a heavy rain fall.
April 4, Funeral of little Lottie Stirk; appropriate floral tributes which filled a separate carriage from the management and company, and impressive ceremonies at the grave in Calvary cemetery. The pall-bearers were Messrs. Orin Hollis, George Carron, Charles Reuch, Charles Silby. Pat Rooney and family, and several other prominent professionals, attended the funeral.
April 5, Henry Cooper, the giant, received the joyful tidings that his wife has presented him with a seventeen pound boy.
April 6, Orrin Hollis retires for a few days with a severe attack of pleurisy.
April 7, House crowded, notwithstanding the fact that all the street car lines are tied up by a drivers’ strike.
April 8, Fritz, the clown, accidently injured by George Bliss in their double act.
April 10, Miss Josie Demot and Messrs. Shaw and Tobias leave the show.
April 12, Opening of the hippodrome races.
April 13, Miss Mattie Jackson narrowly escapes a serious accident in the ladies’ flat race. Her horse’s girth gave away, and she would have been dashed to the ground had not Ed. Goldsborough sprang to her assistance. Closed doors in the evening.
April 14, Thousands turned away in the evening. Mr. P. T. Barnum gives up his private box to a party of pleasure seekers.
April 15, Largest day of the New York engagement. Doors closed an hour before the opening act is called.
April 16, Raining and people turned away at both performances.
April 17, Closed doors afternoon and evening. Alice, the widow of the late lamented Jumbo arrives.
April 18, “Tody” Hamilton entertains the newspaper men to an “Alice Reception.”
April 19, Messrs. Hollis and Fritz resume their respective positions. Throughout the remainder of the week business continued far above the expectations of the managers, and on Saturday evening, April 24, the New York engagement concluded with one of the largest audiences that ever assembled in Madison Square Garden.
April 24, A stampede of the small elephants enlivened the program. Before any serious damage had been accomplished by the infuriated beasts, Mr. F. Callahan came to the rescue and the almost panic stricken audience resumed their seats.
The last evening in New York City was celebrated by numerous pleasant reunions among members of the company, in which several prominent professionals participated. Farewells were extended to the Irwin Brothers, Major Atom, Fredrick Gloss, Laven, Millie Christine, Hawley and Moulton, Fred Watson and wife, Schrode Brothers, Sewell, and Willmot, who left the show. Morris H. Warner engaged as Press Agent.
Monday, April 26, (one week), Philadelphia, Pa., 95 miles. Hotels: Columbia, Drover’s, Bailey’s.
In this city the Barnum and London Combined Shows were consolidated with the Forepaugh Aggregation as per agreement. Throughout the week business was capital, and the weather as genial as could be desired.
The parade upon the opening day was headed by the Barnum folks, and the vast canvas used during the dual engagement was provided by the Greatest Show on Earth. Four rings and two elevated stages, together with a race track nearly one-eighth of a mile in extent, furnished the performers of each combination ample opportunity for the proper display of their equestrian and athletic talent. The hippodrome features of the entertainment were altered, Barnum’s company having the afternoon and Forepaugh’s the evening. By thus uniting their two monster firms the public were treated to one of the most gigantic arenic displays the world has ever known. As to which deserves the palm it is not our province here to state, but suffice it to say that the Philadelphia press and public unanimously awarded the victory to Messrs P. T. Barnum, J. L. Hutchinson, W. W. Cole and J. E. Cooper, the enterprising managers of “The Greatest.”
At the first performance of the Sylvesters, Lola, one of the trio of mid-air performers, dislocated her shoulder, and their thrilling trapeze act was taken from the bill. Tatila joined the company in this city and scored a great success in his ring contortions. Mr. Barnum refused an offer of $500 a performance, stating that the Barnum show was strong enough without his presence. Principal among the casualties in the ring during the week was a severe tumble received by Mrs. Adam Forepaugh in the hippodrome race and an accident to the Decomas, who fell in their mid-air bicycle act. On Saturday, May 1, the menagerie was augmented by birth of a baby dromedary.
Sunday was spent on the road. The first long jump of the season. The Forepaugh company proceed to Alexandria, and the Barnum people turn their faces towards their far western tour. Great credit is due to Mr. Frank L. Perley, the clever Press Agent, for his untiring energy.
Monday, May 3, Carlisle, Va., 124 miles. Hotels: American, Thudian. Weather clear. Business good. “Best street parade ever given,” was the comment on all sides. Indians from the reservation and the pupils of two female seminaries visit the show. The Gilfort Brothers capture the audience.
Tuesday, May 4, Chambersburg, Va., 33 miles. Hotels: Indian, Queen. Mr. John Evans, who represents the financial interest of W. W. Cole, seriously indisposed. Wentworth, the contortionist, receives great applause.
Wednesday, May 5, Hagerstown, Md., 22 miles. Hotels: Hager’s, City. Schools suspended and courts adjourn on account of the show.
Thursday, May 6, Fredrick, Md., 55 miles. Hotel: Groff. Splendid business. Detective Cooper arrests a professional their and monte man, and is complimented by the local press. Trouble in the tiger cage comes near causing Bockburn to lose his life. His bravery and presence of mind comes to his rescue.
Friday, May 7, Baltimore, Md., 66 miles. Hotels: Guy’s, Howard.
The Sylvesters try to resume work, but are compelled to retire from their trapezes owning to condition of Lola’s wounded shoulder. They take their departure in the evening for Cincinnati to consult proper medical advice. Miss Venoa has a tumble on the muddy track, but mounts her horse instantly and rides the race to a finish amid thunders of applause. A Shetland colt is born. Organization of the “6 ˝ club” with Mr. and Mrs. Hollis, Mr. and Mrs. George Carron, Misses Venoa and Levins and Frank Morgan as members.
Saturday, May 8, Baltimore, Md.
Notwithstanding the rain storm which increased in violence as the night show was in progress, the pavilion was so packed that the sale of seats had of necessity to be discontinued before the grand entree. The performers took refuge in rubber coats and blankets while entering the rings for their several acts. In the auditorium a complete canopy of umbrellas was displayed as protection against the leaking canvas. Not a feature was dispensed with, however, and on the following day the papers were loud and enthusiastic in their commendation of the performance. During the Jockey race James Horrigan was thrown and had his left leg broken in two places. He was tenderly cared for by the members of the company and subsequently conveyed to St. Vincent Hospital. At this point Ashley and Hess severed their connection with the show.
Monday, May 10 (two days), Washington, D. C., 42 miles. Hotels: Howard, Syracuse.
Weather clear. Fine business. Ticket speculators routed by Detective Cooper. Chinese Legation and Ministers of foreign lands visit the performance in their native costumes. Mr. P. T. Barnum is offered a place on the Exposition grounds to found the Barnum National Museum and Menagerie. Mrs. Fritz, nee Kittie Sharp, becomes a member of the concert company. Sunday spent by the company in visiting the public buildings, and in fishing in the Potomac river. Clinton Romelli, the clown, is entertained by former friends.
Tuesday, May 11, Washington, D. C. Rain during both performances did not prevent two crowded tent. A special concert programme was arranged for Gov. Fitz Hugh Lee by Messrs. Hager, Campbell and Henshaw, who were duly complimented by the great soldier. It was a splendid entertainment, and given to one of the most aristocratic and fashionable audiences that ever assembled in Washington.
Wednesday, May 12, Fredricksburg, Va., 55 miles. Hotels: Myers, Exchange. Wet weather parade. Business all that could be expected. Leopold receives an ovation.
Thursday, May 13, Richmond, Va., 62 miles. Hotel: American House. A clear day draws forth one of the largest crowds ever seen in the streets of Richmond. Large audiences attend both performances.
Friday, May 14, Charlotsville, Va., 97 miles. Hotels: Lloyd, Central. Rain during parade and both performances. Business good. Frank Morgan receives a fall in the double horse race. No bones broken.
Saturday, May 15, Staunton, Va., 39 miles. Hotels: Virginia, People’s. A wind storm in the afternoon tests the strength of the canvas and causes no little work for Messrs. McClaine, Hyatt, Putnam & Co. A shower of rain later in the day and during the night causes the performance to be somewhat shortened. Owing to excellent management nothing of a serious nature transpired.
Monday, May 17, Charlestown, W. Va., 233 miles. Hotels: St. Charles, American. One of the longest runs of the season. The first train arrives at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Over ten hours were consumed in unloading as the cars were delayed at the ferry, and only one wagon could be transferred at intervals. After the show one of the barges containing a tableau car sunk, but was raised without serious damage to the company’s property. The work of transportation which was tedious and difficult, detained the first section until 8:30 a.m., Tuesday.
Tuesday, May 18, Ashland, Ky., 66 miles. Hotel: Aldine. Owing to the late arrival of the cars, the first section not reaching the city until noon, there was no parade. Two complete shows were given to good houses.
Wednesday, May 19, Mt. Sterling, Ky., 90 miles. Hotel: Turners. Weather clear. Business fair. The Stirk family carry the audience by storm.
Thursday, May 20, Lexington, Ky., 34 miles. Hotel: Parker’s. Weather clear and warm. Business good. Lamanda introduces a fan in his pole balancing act. The novel feature is well received by the audience.
Friday, May 21, Maysville, Ky., 69 miles. Hotels: American House, Shatz. Weather clear. Business good. Madame Cordona receives a severe fall in the four horse act, but mounts again amid great applause. Elephant cars left behind on account of low tunnels.
Saturday, May 22, Frankfort, Ky., 98 miles. Hotel: Capitol. Weather clear. Business splendid. Show grounds back of the state penitentiary. A delegation of the prisoners visit the afternoon performance.
Monday, May 24, Covington, Ky., 120 miles. Hotel: Etherington. Weather favorable. Business good. The fishing club made a capital haul Sunday, and visit Cincinnati during the evening. John Higby shakes hands with scores of old friends. At the afternoon show the Sylvesters attempt their trapeze act but have to retire owing to Lola’s wounded arm.
Tuesday, May 25, Cincinnati, Ohio, 2 miles, ferry and bridge. Hotels: Crawford, Geneva, Grand.
Both performances given to overcrowded pavilions. Messrs. W. Gardner, “Tody” Hamilton, J. M. Strebeg and C. Lloyd pay a flying visit to the show. William Beecher called to his home in Philadelphia by a telegram announcing the dangerous illness of his mother. Frank Morgan has his leg broken accidentally while skylarking with some friends. Miss Mattie Jackson introduces her artistic manage act.
Wednesday, May 26, Cincinnati, O. A packed canvas in the afternoon, and hundreds turned away in the evening, marked the second day in Porkopolis. Miss Levins has a severe fall in the ladies flat race.
Thursday, May 27, Cincinnati, O. Two more splendid houses. Val Simpson and Minnie Russell leave the show. S. S. Smith the descriptive lecturer vacates his position to make way for James J. Bigger a Cincinnati lawyer. The Julians and Sylvesters leave a lasting impression.
Friday, May 28, Columbus, Ind., 112 miles. Hotel: Harrison. Weather mild. Business good. Master Nicholas, Amberg the young Arab and Little Ettie Stirk are withdrawn from the bills owing to the restrictions of the society for the prevention of cruelty to children. Thomas Watson takes Frank Morgan’s place in the Roman Race.
Saturday, May 29, Louisville, Ky., 69 miles. Hotels: Commercial, St. Cloud. Weather warm. Big business. Capt. Cook Smith, the Kentucky giant, presented with a gold-headed cane by the chief of police, John Whalan. The show train is the first to pass over the new change of gauge. Coyle and Dorr make a palpable hit. Lafe Forst is placed on the privilege list as ticket seller.
Monday, May 31, Elizabethtown, Ky., 53 miles. Hotels: Steth, Turner, Shower, Hill, Smith, Monahan.
A. C. Gouldon made reserved seat ticket seller. Frank Zepp made usher of the press box. Social calls made to the various hotels by the ladies and gentlemen of the company Sunday afternoon and a musical reunion at the Steth House in the evening serve to make the day a pleasant one. Two good houses and fine weather.
The Barnum Baseball Club organized with George Carron pitcher and manager, James Hughes catcher, John Monaghan first base, Orrin Hollis second base and captain, J. Kelly third base, Al. Carron short stop, W. Coleman center field, Ed Balcome right field and W. Stevens left field. In a contest with the Elizabethtown club Sunday a victory is scored by the Barnum nine to the tune of 10 to 4.
Tuesday, June 1, Bowling Green, Ky., 72 miles. Hotels: Ritter, Park, City. Clear weather attracts splendid houses day and night. Lolo and Sylvester resume work in a new double act which is commended for its originality and daring. Lola still under medical treatment. Beecher returns to his post.
Wednesday, June 2, Nashville, Tenn., 71 miles. Hotel: Commercial. The five pole pavilion erected and one of the largest audiences since the Philadelphia engagement assembles in the afternoon. Weather extremely warm. A slight rainfall in the evening culminates in a terrific thunder shower at the close of the show. An elephant stampede prevented by good management of their keepers. Late in loading owing to the violence of the storm.
Thursday, June 3, Hopinsville, Ky., 71 miles. Hotels: Phoenix, Lewis. Arrived late, gave full parade. Two good houses to fair weather. Al. Carron burlesques the Arab acrobats amid roars of laughter.
Friday, June 4, Madisonville, Ky., 36 miles. Clear weather. Moderately full houses. Madame Watson enthusiastically applauded in the chariot race.
Saturday, June 5, Evansville, Ky., 48 miles. Hotel: Sherwood. Robert Eddy, an attache in the cook department accidentally killed by falling between the cars. His mangled remains were sent to his former home in Chicago.
Monday, June 7, Vincennes, Ind., 52 miles. Hotels: Union Depot, LePlante. Baseball employs the attention of the male members of the company Sunday afternoon. A tie game with a local amateur club concludes in a dispute after the ninth inning. Both performances well attended. Weather mild and pleasant. The boys distinguished themselves by assisting to extinguish a burning grist mill located near the lot. They are tanked by the owner of the building.
Tuesday, June 8, Terre Haute, Ind., 57 miles. Hotel: National. Clear weather in the afternoon attracts a large house and rain in the evening does not prevent a complimentary attendance. Miss Rosaline Stickney has a tumble in the muddy track.
Wednesday, June 9, Greencastle, Ind., 34 miles. Hotel: Grand Central. A heavy rain in the forenoon brought out a “wet weather parade.” Clear skies in the afternoon drew thousands, and the management congratulated themselves upon two splendid houses. Whitfield makes the hit of the show.
Thursday, June 10, Indianapolis, Ind., 38 miles. Hotel: Brunswick. Crowded tents at both performances. Weather warm and sultry. Appreciative audiences give Galvin and Walsh a splendid reception.
Friday, June 11, Richmond, Ind., 68 miles. Hotel: Huntington. Big business scored at each performance. Partridge’s Contintal Band lustily applauded during the progress of the parade.
Saturday, June 12, Dayton, Ohio, 41 miles. Hotels: Phillips, Dickey. Mr. Hyatt orders in the “red seats” again and they are filled with well-pleased thousands. Weather propitious. James E. Fay leaves to attend his grandmother’s funeral. A 100 yard foot race between Joe Mayers and W. Spedden for $5 a side is won by the latter; Mayers being defeated by two yards. Time 10 ˝ seconds. Geo. Arlington time-keeper, Al. Carron starter and Thos. Galvin referee.
Monday, June 14, Columbus, O., 71 miles. Hotels: United States, American.
The 6 ˝ club give a reception Sunday evening at which most of the members of the company participate. Good fellowship prevails, and a pleasurable hour or so is heartily enjoyed. Crowded houses are in order at both performances. Charles Rench, one of the Stirk family, is surprised at the evening entertainment. He is called before the vast audience and presented with a magnificent gold headed can by his Columbus friends. Mr. Henshaw eloquently made the presentation speech. John Gordon joins the enterprise as agent for “Life of Barnum.”
Tuesday, June 15, Chillocothe, Ohio, 124 miles. Hotel: Commercial. A hot wave surges over the city and a veritable “circus day” is passed. Sweltering thousands fan themselves into a placid mood much to the pleasure and profit of Messrs. Hagar, Campbell and Henshaw. Madame Watson scores a victory.
Wednesday, June 16, Marietta, Ohio, 109 miles. Hotel: St. Cloud. Attendance goo notwithstanding rain during afternoon performance. Lynch the jockey and Beecher sever their connection with the show. George Sherer is injured while unloading. His knee bing thrown out of joint. The kind-hearted drivers came to his rescue.
Thursday, June 17, Lancaster, Ohio, 92 miles. Hotels: Methoff, Tallmadge. Rain during both performances. Business surprisingly good. Frank Ashton attracts complimentary attention in his balancing act.
Friday, June 18, Zanesville, Ohio, 43 miles. Hotels: Grand, Clifton. Good business is recorded notwithstanding the unsettled state of local financial affairs. Orrin Hollis is presented in the ring with an elegant basket of flowers during his performance.
Saturday, June 19, Steubenville, Ohio, 111 miles. Hotels: Imperial, Mossgrove. Good business to clear weather. Dick Sands the champion clog dancer receives a slight paralytic stroke and is carefully attended to by the ladies of the dressing room. James Barlow leaves and James Fay returns. Detective Cooper captures four notorious pickpockets.
Monday, June 21, Canton, Ohio, 77 miles. Hotel: Barnet. Weather warm. Good houses. The fishing club on Sunday took advantage of the various well stocked streams in the neighborhood and spent Sunday in piscatorial enjoyment. George Gilfort was acknowledged the champion fish-taker of the day.
Tuesday, June 22, Akron, Ohio, 24 miles. Hotel: Empire. Trains unloaded in a heavy rain. Another “wet weather parade.” Good afternoon.
Wednesday, June 23, Cleveland, Ohio, 35 miles. Two full houses and sunshine mark the return of Messrs. J. L. Hutchinson and W. T. Campbell who have been absent for a couple of days. Charles Lloyd drops in and smiles upon a well-crowded canvas. Miss Viola Rivers is heartily applauded in her principal act.
Thursday, June 24, Ashtabula, Ohio, 54 miles. Hotels: Russell, Smith house. A sudden shower frightens away the amusement seekers in the afternoon, but they rally as the clouds roll by at night. Average business up to the standard of towns of this size.
Friday, June 25, Youngstown, Ohio, 60 miles. Hotel: Todd. Rain in the afternoon and an “adventure” with roughs in the evening prove that our canvasmen are not afraid of “work.”
Saturday, June 26, Wooster, Ohio, 88 miles. Hotel: Archer. Clear weather and the show attracts the largest crowd ever assembled in this city. Business good day and night.
Monday, June 28, Mansfield, Ohio, 4 miles. Hotels: Tremont, Sherman.
Subscriptions amounting to $125 raised by canvasmen for a youth who was injured in the Youngstown “adventure.” Reported death of a man alleged to have been in the same. Subsequent investigation by corner and detectives exonerate our boys from all blame. Detective Cooper adds five more crooks to his long list of “circus followers.” Charles Forker joins the “Duster Brigade” as show ground ticket seller. Mr. and Mrs. Hagar leave for green fields and pasture new in quest of country cousins. Pat O’Brien and wife spend Sunday with relatives in the country. Franklin Gilbert is made a member of the “greatest.” Tom Kelly remains over Sunday and is made master of ceremonies of the society composed of the ladies and gentlemen of the company. Music, singing and “tent talk” make up the program. Business and weather fine at both shows.
Tuesday, June 29, Upper Sandusky, Ohio, 42 miles. Hotels: Pierson, Hudson. Weather clear and warm. Attendance good. Mr. W. W. Cole witnesses the evening performance in company with Mr. Hutchinson who has been absent a day or two. The Mikado baseball club organized with the following members: Merritt F. Young, Harry Marriam, James E. Fay, Benj. Berriman, Al. Golden, Geo. Monell, Geo. Haskett, John Williams, R. H. King.
Wednesday, June 30, Lima, Ohio, 43 miles. Hotels: International, Lima. Through the clever management of Mr. John Evans a dispute about the location of the show grounds is settled satisfactorily and a convenient lot is selected. Two full houses attest the success of his venture. A one hundred yard foot race between Galvin and Walsh takes place after the afternoon show. Galvin is given three yards start and is beaten one yard by Walsh. Tim, 11 3/4 second.
Thursday, July 1, Fort Wayne, Ind., 60 miles. Hotels: Hedskin, Commercial. Splendid weather. Splendid business. Miss Ashton in the flying rings receives great applause.
Friday, July 2, Defiance, Ohio, 43 miles. Hotel: Russell. Clever business. Weather clear. Whitfield stricken with paralysis after the evening concert, and carried to his berth in car 51.
Saturday, July 3, Toledo, Ohio, 51 miles. Hotels: Merchant’s, Oliver.
Whitfield’s condition pronounced dangerous, his entire left side being helpless. He is visited by all the company at the Oliver House, and attended by expert physicians. The Arabs celebrate a national feast after a fast of thirty days. Sheriff, the priest of the tribe, officiates, and Ali Mohamed, the interpreter, acts as host. Among the number of distinguished invited guests are Mayor Moore, Manager Cooper and the editors of the local papers. Orrin Hollis finds that his old friends have not forgotten him or his youthful pranks in his native city. He is waited upon by the Mayor and other celebrities, and at each performance receives hearty applause. In the evening Miss Venoa receives an injury to her knee in the ladies’ flat race, which brings to her assistance a doctor from the audience, and firm friends from each dressing room. No bones broken, but a vacation recommended.
Sunday, July 4, Detroit, Mich., 65 miles. Hotels: Kirkwood, Finley, Southern. Whitfield sent to his home in Brooklyn. The company tender him floral tributes. Amusement on land and water was the order of the day. In the evening the company assembled to witness a presentation to Mr. Edwin Fritz, the mail agent of the show. It consisted of a neat uniform of blue, together with a silver shield and badge, a present from his associates.
Monday, July 5, Detroit, Mich. The seventy-sixth anniversary of P. T. Barnum’s birthday appropriately celebrated by the company and congratulatory dispatches are sent to the great showman by all interested in his success. Thousands turned away in the afternoon notwithstanding the many attractions elsewhere. Lola, Sylvester and Lelo go through their mid-air performance for the first time since April 26th. A spell bound audience and elaborate press notices on the following day encourage them to continue notwithstanding Lola’s partially mended arm. Mrs. Al. Carron takes Miss Venoa’s place in the lady flat race and rides splendidly. Extra seats required for the night show, although the “five pole top” is up. During each performance the red, white and blue colors were worn by each actor and actress.
Tuesday, July 6, Lansing, Mich., 85 miles. Hotel: American. A bracing atmosphere stimulates thousands to visit both entertainments. Frank Marrian mounts the grey horses for the first time in the Roman race.
Wednesday, July 7, Ionia, Mich., 38 miles. Hotel: Commercial. Good afternoon business and moderate is the evening to fair weather. Conrad and his trained stallions receive marked attention.
Thursday, July 8, East Saginaw, Mich., 91 miles. Hotel: Everett. Attendance at both performances very good. Weather calm but threatening. Prof. Marsh takes the audience by storm in his artistic solo.
Friday, July 9, Flint, Mich., 34 miles. Hotel: Dayton. Early parade to thronged thoroughfares. Paying houses day and night. Miss Venoa, who has been an invalid since July 3d, visits the afternoon show, through the kindness of Manager Cooper, he having tendered her his carriage. She is received by her sister and brother performers with great demonstration. Equestrian Manager Ducrow introduces the dancing pony.
Saturday, July 10, Bay City, Mich., 47 miles. Hotel: Campbell. Average business. Warm and close. Preparations made for a long and tedious run, and lunch enough to last a week taxes the patience and amiable qualities of Frank, the “51 porter.” Mr. Merritt Young called away on a dispatch containing the dangerous illness of Mr. J. A. Bailey.
Sunday, July 11, Battle Creek, Mich., 162 miles. Hotels: Williams, Lewis. Through the superior management of Byron Rose the company are agreeably disappointed by reaching their destination early in the forenoon. Partaking a hasty dinner the Fishing Club call their forces together and proceed en masse to lake. After a successful catch of over one hundred splendid black bass, the club enjoy a royal fish supper at an adjacent hotel and late in the evening return to the city in a chartered bus. During the piscatorial enjoyment the Barnum nine sustained its first defeat. They were captured by a local club, and treated to a score of 7 to 5.
Tuesday, July 13, Jackson, Mich., 45 miles. Hotel: Commercial. Weather warm and business good. Mons. Cabalios had his gold watch and chain valued at $250 stolen while going to the tent. It is recovered by Detective Cooper, and three professional pickpockets are captured. The watch had been buried in the woods by the thieves.
Wednesday, July 14, Grand Rapids, Mich., 96 miles. Hotels: Bridge Street, Eagle. Fashionable and appreciative audiences attended each entertainment. Nelson Hadley, the drum major, made a decided impression, as did the subsequent musical diverstisment of Prof. Robinson’s band.
Thursday, July 15, Kalamazoo, Mich., 58 miles. Hotel: Kalamazoo House. Both houses well filled. Daniel Swift invents a new musical instrument called the “Tenoline,” which puzzles as well as pleases the critics.
Friday, July 16, Coldwater, Mich., 72 miles. Hotel: Bolster. Good business in afternoon and light at night. Willie Dorr originates a pleasurable feature in the clown-pony race.
Saturday, July 17, South Bend, Ind., 69 miles. Hotels: Sheridan, St. James. Paying business throughout the engagement. Mr. Merritt Young occupies his place in the box office, and reports the recovering health of Mr. Bailey. The following married gentlemen are made happy by the companionship of their genial better halves: Messrs. Hagar, Hyatt, Putnam, Newman, Coyle, Dorr and Detective Cooper.
Monday, July 18 (one week), Chicago, Ill., 87 miles. Hotels: Continental, Sherman.
The fourteen performances given in this city have not their equal in the history of circus business. From the opening day to the closing entertainment the attendance was phenominal. For ten consecutive performances thousands were turned away. Chairs were placed upon the hippodrome track most every evening, and on two occasions there were five rows nearly circling the track. The order and discipline maintained was complimentarily commented upon by press and public. Notwithstanding the rush for seats no complaints were made at the ticket wagon or in the canvas. Prominent among the events of the week can be enumerated the following:
Monday, July 19. W. W. Cole, Charles Stowe, W. Gardner, L. Fuller, “Tody” Hamilton and C. Lloyd witness the show. Horrigan, the jockey, ushers in the press box. Rain the evening. A hit for the julians. Frank Morgan on deck again.
Wednesday, July 21. Orrin Hollis leaves the springboard with a sprained ankle. The Arab troupe introduce a new pyramid act which was lustily applauded. Dick Sands captures the concert audience. Messrs. Hamilton, Fuller and Lloyd take the road again. T. F. Grant displays his champion belt to admiring thousands.
Thursday, July 22. Slight accident in the Ladies’ flat race, in which Miss Levins makes a graceful fall. Miss Viola Rivers heartily applauded in her principal act. Master Steve Sibert puzzles the an enthusiastic concert audience.
Friday, July 23. Orrin Hollis in the ring again. George Bliss’ leap over the elephants draws forth rounds of applause. Another hit for the Sylvesters and Julians.
Saturday, July 24. John D. Evans takes a trip to the seaside to recuperate his failing health. He leaves his position in the able keeping of L. M. Hedges. John Fisher, a driver, dangerously injured and sent to the hospital. The largest audience ever assembled together. Perfect ovation to Mrs. Hollis and Kittie Sharp in the concert. Equestrian Manager Ducrow personally congratulated upon the magnificent manner in which the performances of the week were conducted.
Sunday, July 25. John Fisher dies of his injuries and is buried by the company. Horrigan, the jockey, leaves the show. On the road during the forenoon. Engagement of Mr. Bryon V. Rose and Miss Nellie Venoa made known. Congratulations on all sides.
Monday, July 26, Kokomo, Ind., 139 miles. Hotels: Clinton, Farmers. One of the hottest days of the season is made somewhat endurable by a grateful shower during the afternoon performance. Business good. William McEntire becomes a member of Partridge’s Continental Band, and does a capital negro speciality in the concert. Frank Marian succeeds in making a double somersault to great applause. William White introduces a globe for his educated goat with immense success. The children take off again.
Tuesday, July 27, Logansport, Ind., 22 miles. Hotel: Murdock. Although sufficatingly warm the canvas is filled at both performances. Miss Mattie Jackson is favored with demonstrative applause during her manage act. Fritz and Bliss, the clowns, cause roars of laughter.
Wednesday, July 28, Lafayette, Ind., 37 miles. Hotel: St. Nicholas.
Here the management pooled their issues with the State Military Encampment, the latter being given 40 per cent of the proceeds. A double parade was given in the forenoon, the military being in the lead. The Barnum portion of the procession was pronounced by all to be the feature of the street show. The weather was extremely hot, and the delays caused by the soldiers and their lack of discipline, had a depressing effect upon the members of the company, as the grounds were two miles and one-half from the hotel. The five pole tent goes up again and is packed at both performances. E. F. Enos and the other ticket takers are assisted in their duties by officers of the Encampment, while Messrs. Young, McCartney and Merriam count up the receipts under guard of amateur soldiers. The sight was both novel and ridiculous.
Thursday, July 29, Danville, Ill., 46 miles. Hotel: Aetna. Warm weather continues and business keeps up to the standard. Mr. J. E. Cooper and family pay a visit to their home in Philadelphia. Bogus Barnum Program publisher arrested. The children resume work.
Friday, July 30, Champagne (sic), Ill., 34 miles. Hotels: Carter, Olive. Scorching weather does not interfere with good business. After the day show the company, in two band wagons and carriages, visit the grave of Frank Seymour, a former member of Forepaugh’s band. Through the energies of Mr. George Cann, a former friend of the deceased, the grave was found and appropriate ceremonies were held. Prof. James Robinson’s band played two solemn dirges. W. L. Marsh executed an artistic solo on the 1st Bb trombone, and Mr. James Bigger delivered an appropriate eulogy. Cooper, the giant, who was also a friend of the dead musician, arranges with the sexton to properly decorate the neglected grave. This touching tribute to a brother professional, was favorably commented upon by the press of the surrounding country. In the evening performance Clinton Romelli is thrown from his sulky in the clown and pony race. He regains his seat amid great applause.
Saturday, July 31, Bloomington, Ill., 48 miles. Hotel: New Ashley. Weather threatening. Lot so far from the hotel that most of the performers register at the Hotel de Barnum. After the day performance a number of the gentlemen amused themselves at target shooting with a toy rifle. During this innocent sport Abdellah Ben Said, the manager of the Arabs was accidently shot in the neck by Orrin Hollis, and subsequently taken to a hospital. The wound though not dangerous was thought sufficient to detain Abdellah in Bloomington for a few days. Mr. Hollis was thoroughly relieved of blame by the injured man and his brother Arabs. All of the doctors’ bills, the salary and the board bill of Abdellah and his wife were paid by Mr. Hollis. Firearms of all descriptions were prohibited in the dressing room by Mr. Ducrow. In the evening Mll’e Zarah flew through the air upon a new wire. George Carron is added to the Arab troupe and tumbles splendidly.
Sunday, August 1, Peoria, Ill., 46 miles. Hotels: New Peoria, City. An anti-swearing society for 30 days is organized, with J. L. Hutchinson as president, Frank Hyatt vice-president, Merritt Young, treasurer, Byron V. Rose, assistant treasurer, Wm. Henshaw judge, H. J. McCartney supervisor, W. D. Hagar secretary, and W. T. Campbell recording secretary. A fine of twenty-five cents for every naughty word was imposted, and “finders were keepers.” Considerable merriment was indulged in by the “cant’ cuss club” during the day, and not a few dollars changed hands. The male members of the company enjoy their weekly vacation in sulphur water bathing, boat-riding and fishing. Messrs. C. Bernard, John Higby and R. Gilfort improvise a sail with an umbrella and have a delightful cruise for three miles. Hassen Ali, one of the Arabs, is assaulted by roughs and in the melee has his hand broken. A Sunday concert in the parlor of the hotel attracts a large attendance.
Monday, August 2, Peoria, Ill. Business splendid at both performances. Weather mild and pleasant. Hassen Ali performs with the Arabs despite his wounded hand. Lola Slylvester falls four times in the net in attempting her flying leap, but nothing daunted succeeds in her fifth attempt to the amazement of the audience. She is rewarded with cheers and cries of “bravo!” Orrin Hollis tries a new horse in his principal act and they work capitally together.
Tuesday, August 3, Decatur, Ill., 80 miles. Hotel: St. Nicholas. Good business and fine weather. Matthew Scott entertains a score of inquisitive school girls and instructs them on the habits of elephants in general and Jumbo in particular. Another pronounced hit for the Stirk family.
Wednesday, August 4, Springfield, Ill., 38 miles. Hotel: Palace. An early parade to delighted spectators. Both entertainments given under cloudless skies. Attendance encouraging. Rench and Carron in their dude and policeman comicality enliven the entertainment and leave the stage amid thunderous applause.
Thursday, August 5, Jacksonville, Ill., 34 miles. Hotel: Park. Two clever houses to smiling weather. Williams of the Arab troupe introduces knives in his leaps and is repaid by loud applause.
Friday, August 6, Hannibal, Mo., 68 miles. Hotel: Kittersing. A couple of good houses to clear weather. Orrin Hollis receives word that Abdellah is rapidly recovering. He wears his first smile since the accident. Coyle and Dorr in their “head to head” act are singled out of the five acts, and roundly cheered.
Saturday, August 7, Quincy, Ill., 20 miles. Hotel: New Winsor. Average business clever. Warm weather. Don Bell rides his Mexican act with commendable success. Swift and Chase introduce new specialties in the concert.
Monday, August 9, Keokuk, Iowa, 40 miles. Hotel: Stanleigh. Weather very warm. Sunday spent indoors by the company. Business good at both performances. Mrs. Stirk receives a fall in the bicycle act and is carried to the dressing room. Medical aid is summoned from the audience, and a rest is recommended. Burt Johnson has a narrow escape in the Roman Race.
Tuesday, August 10, Burlington, Iowa, 42 miles. Hotel: Union. Splendid attendance notwithstanding the extremely hot weather. The Gilfort Brothers in their statuesque posing receive well merited applause. Miss Rivers practices a new horse.
Wednesday, August 11, Galesburg, Ill., 43 miles. Hotel: Union. Warm weather and a good house in the afternoon. During the night show a terrific thunder storm occurred and the audience were dismissed before the termination of the entertainment. Trains loaded in a pelting rain and depart on time.
Thursday, August 12, Rock Island, Ill., 78 miles. Hotel: Rock Island House. Weather insufferably hot. Business good. A wind storm in the afternoon blows down two horse tents. No damage to stock. Wentworth’s contortion act takes the audience.
Friday, August 13, Clinton, Iowa, 50 miles. Hotel: Revere. Clear and warm weather. Moderately good business. E. T. Davis called away on important business. Willie Dorr in the perch act scores a victory.
Saturday, August 14, Mendota, Ill., 62 miles. Hotel: Pohle. Weather mild and pleasant. Two large audiences. Abdellah Ben Said shakes hands with his old comrades again, and filled the heart of Orrin Hollis with untold joy. Mr. J. L. Hutchinson pays a visit to his wife and family.
Sunday, August 15, Aurora, Ill., 46 miles. Hotels: Evans, Tremont, Empire.
The fishing club capture a number of finny beauties. Otto Gilfort’s catch alone amounting to 25 pounds. A number of the company make a flying trip to Chicago. Detective Cooper, James Coyle and Willie Dorr receive visits from their wives. A midnight a violent wind, rain and thunder storm sweeps over the city which totally demolishes the menagerie and museum tents. The tempest continues for nearly two hours and tests the bravery and skill of the employees on the lot. Most all of the cages have to be chained to the ground, and the elephants guarded rigidly. During the progress of the tornado two whelp leopards were born. R. H. King is held responsible for the following conundrum: “Why was the storm like the city? Because it was a-roarer.” Chestnut bells were rung.
Monday, August 16, Aurora, Ill. The menagerie and museum tops being in such a tattered condition they were dispensed with, and only the side walls used. The whole day consumed by Messrs. McLean and Putnam in superintending the mending of the torn canvas. A stampede of the little elephants is promptly nipped in the bud by Mr. Frank Hyatt and C. F. Callahan. Both attendances surprisingly good.
Tuesday, August 17, Rockford, Ill., 73 miles. Hotel: Griggs. The dressing room folks suffer greatly form the intense heat but go through their acts as if they had just come off the ice, and delight two big houses. Mr. J. E. Cooper and family return greatly benefitted by their brief vacation.
Wednesday, August 18, Freeport, Ill., 56 miles. Hotel: Brewster’s. Business and weather fair. Charles Tripp, the armless wonder, completes the title page to his unique and original album, which will be a great curiosity in after ages.
Thursday, August 19, Janesville, Wis., 40 miles. Hotels: Myers, Park, Grand. Clear weather and business good. The cook tent visited by numerous celebrities who are astonished at the manner in which Mr. and Mrs. Robbins conduct their important portion of the great enterprise.
Friday, August 20, Madison, Wis., 40 miles. Hotels: Capitol, Fess. Merritt F. Young and R. H. King shuffle off the pasteboards to thousands regardless of the perspiring weather. A German lady forms the acquaintance of one of the leopards and meets with a warm reception. She is badly scratched, but not too seriously injured to attend the afternoon performance. The Bliss Brothers are visited by old friends, as this is their home.
Saturday, August 21, Watertown, Wis., 37 miles. Hotel: American. The parade was given under a blazing sun. Before the afternoon performance had concluded rain fell copiously, and in the evening a regular “nor’ wester” set in. Owing to the violent wind no performance was given in the evening, as the main canvas had suffered great damage and more serious results were anticipated. At this juncture a word of praise should be extended to the intrepid canvasmen who never deserted their posts, although danger to life and limb threatened at every moment.
Monday, August 23, Milwaukee, Wis., 44 miles. Hotels: Kirley, Plankinton. Booming business at both entertainments. Weather delightful. Mrs. Stirk forsakes car 51 after her severe illness, with a lasting impression of the kindness and attentions extended to her by Edward Goldsborough, the car superintendent. She rides her bicycle at the afternoon performance with her accustomed style and grace. Messrs. Evans, Gardner and Lloyd take in the show, and leave on the following day.
Tuesday, August 24, Sheboygan, Wis., 53 miles. Hotels: Pope’s, Wisconsin. Both houses up to the expectation of the management, and the weather as fine as could be desired. White’s goat and Conrad’s pig contest for first place in the approbation of the audience.
Wednesday, August 25, Green Bay, Wis., 73 miles. Hotels: Cook’s, American. Very good business to clear weather. In the chariot race Madame Watson is the recipient of enthusiastic applause. Galvin and Walsh also inspire the audience in their Caledonian games. A raffle for a gold watch chain owned by Mr. Hagar, and a diamond ring, the property of Mr. Hutchinson, furnishes a fund of amusement and not a little excitement among the employees and managers. After one hundred chances had been thrown for the trophies, they were carried off by James Cook, who now wears the chain, and John Gordon, who displays the ring with pride and pleasure.
Thursday, August 26, Oshkosh, Wis., 50 miles. Hotel: Revere. The events of this day are too well known to those who peruse “Barnum’s Budget,” to demand a detailed account. Each has his or her individual views upon the subject, and enough has been spoken and published about it. In brief: An incipient riot was quelled by the clever management of Mr. Hutchinson, several arrests were made and a number of attaches discharged. James Bigger’s position as lecturer is filled by John Gordon.
Friday, August 27, Fond du Lac, Wis., 15 miles. Hotel: Palmer. Clear and warm weather. Splendid houses. Birthplace of Byron V. Rose. Al. Carron stumbles twice and beats the horse in the hippodrome races amid lusty cheering. The bell chimes manipulated in artistic manner by George King.
Saturday, August 28, Stevens Point, Wis., 83 miles. Hotel: St. James. Owing to the late arrival of the last section no street parade was given. Both performances were well attended. Weather mild. Emburck, the young Arab, makes many friends among the lady portion of the audience by his graceful tumbling.
Sunday, August 29, Eau Claire, Wis., 119 miles. Hotel: Eau Claire House. The day spent on the trains owing to an accident to the Jumbo car. The first section arrives at 2:30 p.m., and the others at 7:30 p.m. Frank Ashton, who was fortunate enough to be located on the early train, employs the day in fishing and surprises his comrades with a big string.
Monday, August 30, Eau Claire, Wis. Business surprisingly good, and weather delightfully pleasant. Mrs. Hollis, owning to illness, is forced to leave the concert stage. She is tenderly cared for by the ladies of the company. Mrs. Cooper’s kindness is again noticed. Mrs. Stirk is substituted for Mrs. Hollis in the concert and surprises her associates by her versatility. A celebrated linguist visits the dressing room and tests the memory of Ali Mohamet, the Arabian interpreter, as to dead languages. Ali comes off first best.
Tuesday, August 31, New Richmond, Wis., 56 miles. Hotel: Commercial. An accident to sleeper No. 53 causes a late arrival. The parade is given in full however, and two good houses are recorded. Charles Bliss and Edwin Fritz the clowns make a hit in their double act.
Wednesday, September 1, St. Paul, Minn., 39 miles. Hotel: International. Notwithstanding the fact that the day was set apart for the opening of the State Fair, both houses were filled to their utmost. T. F. Grant, the champion one-legged clog dancer, leaves the concert and his place is filled by Charles Rench who corks up and uses his two nimble legs with astonishing success. Miss Viola Rivers tries a new horse in her principal act. The anti-swearing society disband.
Tuesday, September 2, Minneapolis, Minn., 10 miles. Hotels: Clarke, Light, Shoners. Two more magnificent houses prove conclusively that some more formidable attractions than the State Fairs must be placed in opposition to the “greatest.” Weather threatening but no rain until after the night performance. Master Nicholas, the midget clown, receives his share of praise.
Friday, September 3, Red Wing, Minn., 51 miles. Hotel: St. James. Good business in the day and paying at night. Weather warm and sultry. Prof. William Newman and his herd of monster elephants carry off the palm. George Knott enlists in Mr. Partridge’s band.
Saturday, September 4, Winona, Minn., 62 miles. Hotels: Huff, Jewell. Clear weather and very good attendance. Ed. Moriarity has a tumble in the jockey race.
Monday, September 6, La Crosse, Wis., 26 miles. Hotels: International, Spook, Revere, American. Through the capital management of Byron V. Rose the trains made a quick and safe run, thus giving the company an opportunity of enjoying a full vacation. Fishing formed the basis of Sunday’s sport, and Robert Gilfort was acknowledged the champion when he displayed a string of fifteen black bass, each weighing 1 ˝ pounds. Monday’s business far above the average. Mr. J. L. Hutchinson taken ill.
Tuesday, September 7, Austin, Minn., 105 miles. Hotels: Fleck, Railway. Late street parade. Two full shows to encouraging attendance. Miss Rivers’ horse Lucy disabled. Frank Morgan brings the largest fish of the season to the dressing room, a pickerel weighing five pounds. The Robinson band rehearse a medly of airs which will be used in the orchestra on the southern tour. Mr. Hollis’ birthday is remembered by kind friends.
Wednesday, September 8, Decorah, Iowa, 75 miles. Hotel: Winnesheck. State Fair in progress. Standing room only at the day performance. The fair grounds desolated in the forenoon, but assume a lively appearance after a public announcement by Mr. Hagar that the best race of the season would be run after the circus performance. Manager Cooper meets many old friends, who entertain him with the past achievements of his new purchase, “Billy Barefoot.” Mrs. Hollis’ smiling face and graceful form again appears upon the concert platform.
Thursday, September 9, Prairie Du Chien, Wis., 56 miles. Hotel: Commercial. A light rain throughout the day had a tendency to moderate the attendance somewhat. Madame Watson drives a desperate race with her four horse team and is cheered at the finish. Miss Viola Rivers and Orrin Hollis are introduced to new horses. Death of the black Ibex.
Friday, September 10, Dubuque, Iowa, 57 miles. Hotels: Delmonico, American.
Large and fashionable audiences at both performances. Weather warm but not oppressive. Late parade to crowded streets. In the afternoon Miss Ashton is complimented by enthusiastic applause during her free exhibition. The sideshow receipts swell to such an extent that Manager Henshaw assumes an important aspect and grows eloquent in his concert announcement, notwithstanding the chimes of the chestnut bells.
In the evening J. A. Hunterson proves himself a Roman brave and true. In the two-horse race he is thrown to the track at the finish, and is trampled upon by the teams ridden by Frank Morgan and Burt Johnson. Mangled and bleeding the wounded rider is carried to the dressing room, where two expert surgeons attend to his injuries. Hunterson bravely submits to a painful surgical operation, and in a few hours subsequently is driven to the cars by Manager Cooper, where he rests quietly. His escape from death is looked upon as most marvelous by all who witnessed the thrilling adventure.
Saturday, September 11, Independence, Iowa, 69 miles. Hotel: Shattuck. Business surprisingly good and weather clear. During parade Willie Dorr’s horse takes fright and runs away. What might have been a serious accident is prevented by good judgment and clever horsemanship. Leopold and Wentworth come in for their share of praise.
Monday, September 13, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 39 miles. Hotels: Clifton, Dennison. Sunday spent by the fishing club in capturing black bass. As no display is made of the catch the fish stories of Orrin Hollis and Robert Gilfort are taken at a liberal discount. A slight rain in the forenoon cools the atmosphere and overcoats are in order during the day show. R. H. King and Tom Kelly meet and exchange views as to hotels in general and Iowa laws in particular. Interesting topics pertinent to prohibition are liberally discussed by these sages. The verdict is rendered to this effect: “Prohibition splendid in the abstract. Bar-rooms closed, but drug stores opened. No social drinking, but drunkenness notice.” Mr. Cooper, the giant, receives the sad news of his infant child’s death. Mr. J. L. Hutchinson takes a trip to New York City.
Tuesday, September 14, Marshalltown, Iowa, 69 miles. Hotel: Tremont. The trains arrived in the city late in the forenoon but an entire parade was given. A threatening rain in the day did not interfere with a splendid attendance. The night house was surprisingly good. Beach does some capital tumbling and is rewarded with applause from the lady portion of the audience.
Wednesday, September 15, Des Moines, Iowa, 58 miles. Hotel: Aborn. Clear and warm weather attracts two magnificent houses. Each performer is greeted with stimulating commendation and as a consequence an entertaining program is rendered. Coyle and Dorr, the Gilfort Brothers, Leopold and Wentworth, and the Arabs, receive enough applause to warrant an encore.
Thursday, September 16, Atlantic, Iowa, 82 miles. Hotels: Anderson, Park. Rain in the morning and wet weather parade. Business good at both performances. Tidings received of the death of Charles Hollenbeck an animal man, at Indianapolis.
Friday, September 17, Council Bluffs, Iowa, 59 miles. Hotel: Pacific. Standing room only in the afternoon and a fashionable attendance at night greet two full and splendid performances. Jockey Horrigan has a stumble in the hippodrome race but mounts to a finish.
Saturday, September 18, Omaha, Neb., 4 miles. Hotel: Metropolitan. Both day and night houses good notwithstanding severe cold weather. The “rubber ball” bounds with astonishing elasticity in the dressing-rooms and caroms from the Sylvesters to the Arabs after having gracefully tapped Wentworth and Leopold and Galvin and Walsh. Each one of the above mentioned artists have arrangements prepared for the winter season. Their permanent addresses will be found elsewhere. They will conclude their engagement with the “greatest” leaving firm friends behind.
Monday, September 20, Maryville, Mo., 96 miles. Hotels: Alington, Linwood, American. A quiet Sunday spent in the rooms of various hotels. The company complimented on all sides for the order and gentility preserved. The day attendance is an astonishment to the management, while the night audience goes booming over the limit. At this juncture the author of The Barnum Budget wishes to address his readers:
Up to this date a daily summary of incidents in and out of the canvas have been carefully enumerated in these pages. So it should have continued until the finish of the season had not the demand for The Budget been such as to make a slight deviation from the original project. As it is imperative that The Budge should reach its readers before “Home Sweet Home” is sounded, the author subjoins the ensuing route with sincere thanks to Byron V. Rose and other heads of departments for interesting material.
Tuesday, September 21, Chillecothe, Mo., 93 miles.
Wednesday, September 22, St. Joe, Mo., 76 miles.
Thursday, September 23, Atchison, Kansas, 20 miles.
Friday, September 24, Leavenworth, Kansas, 21 miles.
Saturday, September 25, Kansas City, Mo., 26 miles.
Monday, September 27, Topeka, Kan., 66 miles.
Tuesday, September 28, Junction City, Kan., 71 miles.
Wednesday, September 29, Emporia, Kan., 72 miles.
Thursday, September 30, Parsons, Kan., 95 miles.
Friday, October 1, Fort Scott, Kan., 64 miles.
Saturday, October 2, Springfield, Mo., 103 miles. Last performance of the Sylvesters, the Arabs, Leopold and Wentworth, Galvin and Walsh, and the Giants. George W. Johnson, superintendent of the menagerie department, returned home owing to ill health.
Monday, October 4, Memphis, Tenn., 285 miles.
Tuesday, October 5, Humboldt, Tenn., 72 miles.
Wednesday, October 6, Nashville, Tenn., 178 miles.
Thursday, October 7, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 32 miles.
Friday, October 8, Chattanooga, Tenn., 119 miles.
Saturday, October 9, Knoxville, Tenn., 111 miles.
Monday, October 11, Rome, Ga., 191 miles.
Tuesday, October 12, Atlanta, Ga., 72 miles.
Wednesday, October 13, Macon, Ga., 90 miles.
Thursday, October 14, Augusta, Ga., 125 miles.
Friday, October 15, Savannah, Ga., 132 miles.
Saturday, October 16, Charleston, S.C., 111 miles.
Monday, October 18, Columbia, S.C., 180 miles.
Tuesday, October 19, Florence, S.C., 82 miles.
Wednesday, October 20, Wilmington, N.C., 110 miles.
Thursday, October 21, Raleigh, N.C., 133 miles.
Friday, October 22, Danville, Va., 129 miles.
Saturday, October 23, Lynchburg, Va., 64 miles.
Home Sweet Home! To Bridgeport, 451 miles.
Only a word from The Barnum Budget before we place palm to palm in a farewell grasp. The season just concluded has been a lucrative one. It has proven that Messrs. Barnum, Hutchinson, Cole and Cooper are thoroughly acquainted with the wants of the amusement public and have generously catered to them. From the opening performance to the concluding program an interest and earnestness was evinced by all which redounds greatly to the credit of those who make up the ranks of the “greatest.” In each city, and at every hotel a word of praise was gratuitously given to the ladies and gentlemen of the company for their politeness and genial demeanor, while on the lot and about the canvas only gentlemanly deportment was noticeable. With “Home, Sweet Home,” we separate. Each with his or her plans fixed for the future, will say “Good-bye” with faltering voice, for firm friends were made in the season of 1886. Good-bye to all, Morris H. Warner, Joe Mayer, publishers of “The Barnum Budget.”
Managerial Staff
P. T. Barnum, proprietor
J. L. Hutchinson, proprietor, general manager
W. W. Cole, proprietor
J. E. Cooper, proprietor, general director
Frank Hyatt, superintendent
L. M. Hedges, assistant superintendent
Merritt F. Young, treasurer
New York City
H. J. McCartney, secretary
John D. Evans, treasurer of privileges
Morris H. Warner, press agent
Heads of Departments
Byron V. Rose, master of transportation
Henry Barnum, superintendent of forage and supplies
R. H. King, Thomas Kelly, hotel and forage agents
J. E. Lippencott, outside ticket manager
Jefferson Callan, downtown ticket agent
Harry Merriam, ticket accountant
Enos F. Josephs, principal door tender
C. W. Bernard, chief usher
Prof. James S. Robinson, musical director
William Ducrow, equestrian director
James F. Bigger, lecturer
Charles McLean, superintendent of canvas. L. D. Putnam, Albert Cole, J. Riley, assistants
James A. Fuqua, superintendent stables. Thomas Lynch, assistant
Wm. Smith, superintendent of ring stock
Peter Halstead, master mechanic
Geo. W. Johnson, superintendent of menagerie
Wm. Newman, superintendent of elephants. Frank Callahan, assistant
Edwin Fritz, mail agent
Joe Mayer, program agent
F. E. Davis, Charles Baker, agents for C. I. Hood
John Cooper, special Pinkerton detective.
Advance Corps.
W. H. Gardner, general advertising agent
L. Fuller, general railroad contractor
Charles Stow, general press agent
R. F. Hamilton, advertising and press agent
I. V. Streibig, contracting excursion agent
R. F. Ball, O. I. Boyd, contracting agent
Ira Insminger, John Angevine, B. H. Grover, special agents
Harry Montague, J. B. Gaylord, foreign agents
Car No. 1
| H. C. Hedges, manger | Tom Dailey | D. Holbrok | D. Doyle |
| Geo. Frasier | Chas. Venable | C. Betts | George Collier |
| G. Donahue | W. H. Brown | John Runnels | J. Wickner |
| C. Foulk | Geo. Beckley | W. L. Burton |
| Crete Puler, manger | Jos. Currie | Geo. Cummings | Geo. Baldwin |
| Geo. Mitchell | Wm. H. West | Wm. Murphy | Wm. Vandenburgh |
| Chas. Waldron | Gus Van Tyle | John Ryan | John W. Ishan |
| R. E. McNiffe | Ed. Metz | H. J. Steele |
| Al. Riel, manager | Jamers McKeag | Chas. Reynolds | Brine Link |
| Thos. Dransfield | Ed. Tilford | Andy Strobel | John Nugent |
| Will Alvathen | Will P. Fay | Joe Vron | Charles Ross |
| Chas P. Casgrain |
| J. R. Kennedy, manger | E. M. Loure | Chas. Dutcher | W. Dumont |
| B. Conn | E. R. Coogan | R. G. Thompson | D. M. Buckley |
| Ed. Burke | W. H. Isham | S. J. McCloskey |
Lady Performers
Adelaide Cordona, Viola Rivers, principal bareback riders
M’lle Zarah, mid-air balancing feats
Miss Lola, Miss Lolo, trapeze
Rose Julian, Madame Julian, contortionist managers
Mrs. C. Stark, bicycle rider
Mattie Jackson, manage act
Josie Aston, manage act
Entree riders: Mrs. Orrin Hollis, Mrs. Al. Carron, Mrs. Abdella Ben Said, Mrs. Mohamed Ali, Mrs. Edwin Fritz.
Gentleman Performers
Orrin Hollis, Don Geriamo Bell, principal bareback riders
John Sylvester, trapeze
Robert C. Gilfort, William Gilfort, Roman gladiators
Thomas Stirk, Charles Rench, bicycles
John J. Galvin, James L. Walsh, Caledonian sports
Lucian P. Tatali, ring contortion
Mastin Julian, contortion
Natalio Lowande, perch and ring master
Edward Leopold, Harry Wentworth, horizontal bar, contortion and dancing barrels
Frank Ashton, hand balancing
Master Nicholas, wire act
Leadula Ceballos, perch
William Ducrow, performing ponies
William Conrad, performing stallions and pig
Charles White, performing goat
Bedouin Arab Troupe
Abdellah Ben Said, manager and juggler
Ali Mehemet, interpreter, tumbler, leaper
Ambark Ali, champion boy tumbler, top mounter
Hadj Hassan, tumbler, leaper
Chittish Mohamed, understander tumbler, leaper
Huchin Ben Said, principal tumbler, leaper
Hassan Ben Ali, tumbler, mounter
Hadj Mohamed, top mounter
Hadj L’Mahpoode Cherif, gun spinner
Hadj Tahar, principal gun spinner, tumbler, mounter
Clowns
William Conrad, performing elephant, pig and monkey
Grotesque and knock-abouts: George Carron, Al. Carron, Clint. Romelli, Edwin Fritz, Charles Bliss, Master Nicholas
Whitfield, the Countryman
Leapers and Tumblers
George Bliss, principal leaper
| Burt Johnson | John Hunterson | James Coyle | George Carron |
| William Coleman | Frank Marriam | Master Nicholas | Hadj Hassan |
| Lucian P. Tatali | Charles Rench | William Dorr | Al. Carron |
| William Conrad | Tom Watson | Young Ambark | Clint Romelli |
| Frank Morgan | Charles Bliss | Orrin Hollis | Clint. Williams |
| Harry Wentworth | Ali Mehemet |
Hippodrome
Charles White, Judge
Wm. Ducrow, starter
Wm. White, flagman
Lady Jockeys: Miss Nellie Venoa, Miss Mattie Jackson, Mrs. Al. Carron, Miss Jennie Levins, Miss Christine Stickney
Chariot Drivers: Madam Mary Watson, Wm. Smith
Roman Standing Race Riders: Burt Johnson, Frank Morgan, Frank Marrion, John Hunterson, Thomas Watson
Male Jockeys: Wim. Aspinwall, Jame Horrigan, Ed. Moriarity, Charles Shetler, W. H. Lynch, Charles Leavers
Runners: James L. Walsh, Al. Carron, John J. Galvin
Pony Sulky Race: Wm. Dorr, Wm. Coleman, Clint romelli
Barnum’s Military Band
Prof. James S. Robinson, Conductor, twenty-five pieces.
| Wade Buckley, solo Bb cornet | James Hennecy, solo Bb cornet | Chas. Prole, 1st Bb cornet | Tom Walters, 2nd Bb cornet |
| John Wintenberger, Eb cornet | Prof. George Cann, solo Eb piccolo | Michael Hickey, Eb clarionet | William Tutson, solo Bb clarionet |
| B. Bissalli, 1st Bb clarionet | I. J. Reynolds, 2nd Bb clarionet | Ira Edson, 3d Bb clarionet | Prof. Ed. Weber, solo Eb alto |
| W. J. Beebe, 1st Eb alto | Ed Clark, 2nd Eb alto | W. L. March, solo Bb trombone | John F. Moran, 1st Bb trombone |
| William Little, 2nd Bb trombone | W. H. Fry, solo Bb euphonian | John VanAusten, Bb baritone | Geo. I. Partridge, Bb basso |
| M. L. Russell, double Bb tuba | L. J. Arnold, 1st Eb tuba | G. P. Thompson, snare drum | H. F. Maynard, bass drum, cymbals, etc. |
Partridge’s Continental Band
G. I. Partridge, leader. Headquarters Franklin, Mass.
| George Cann, piccolo | Ira Reynolds, 1st clarionet | E. A. Clark, 2nd clarionet | F. O’Niell, fife |
| Geo. Knott, snare drum | Wm. McIntire, snare drum | A. C. Goulden, snare drum | George Beach, snare drum |
| Howard I. Messer, bass drum |
Bell Chimes and Steam Organ
C. W. Bernard, bell chimes; James Higbee, licensed engineer and organist; David Swint, snare drum; Frank Chase, bass drum
Mirimba Band (from Central America)
Balantine, Barillaz, Patrico, Orantez, Manuel, Coronado
Ticket Sellers and Door-Keepers
Enos. F. Josephs, principal door-tender
Door-tenders: Lewis Hedges, Byron V. Rose, W. D. Hagar
Assistants: T. Hubble, Harry Merriam, Wm. Smith
Reserved Seat Door-tenders: Henry Barnu, James Higbee, F. Zepp.
Thos. Penticort, dressing-room door-tender
Reserved Seat Ticket Agents: George W. King, A. C. Gouldon, J. J. Galvin, J. L. Walsh, Lafe Frost
Outside Ticket Agents
J. E. Lippencott, manager. Charles Baker, Charles Forker, Geo. Monnel
Jefferson Callan, down-town ticket agent
Assistants: Lafe Forst, Charles Walters
Ushers
Charles Bernard, chief usher
Frank Zepp, press box usher
Reserved Seats: Frank O’Neil, Howard I. Messer, George Knott, George Beach, William McIntire, H. Hiteman, William Murphy
Ushers: John Nolan, David Weltshire, Frank Weltshire, J. Hughes, J. Godard, J. Turner, E. Hanscome, I. Barrett
Front Door Guards: Ed Meyers, Joe Marvin, C. A. Chormann
Wardrobe Department
W. A. White, superintendent. J. Stack, assistant
Aides: Messrs. O’Neil, Messro, Knott, Beach and McIntire
Ladies Wardrobe Room: Mrs. Annie White, costumer
Property Men
Mike Austin, superintendent. B. C. Hammond, assistant
Ring No. 1: W. S. Parry, W. H. Clark, C. A. Firman, J. F. Harrison, W. H. Martin, J. C. Hanley
Stage: G. H. Schaeffer, J. J. McGovern, C. H. Clarkson
Ring No. 2: M. J. Donohaue, J. A. Wetts, W. C. Jones, G. S. Gyser, H. T. Carey, B. J. Knipe
Museum Department
Congress of Giants (ten in number)
Col. H. A. Cooper, the English giant, of Yorkshire, England
Capt. Harry Urick, Austrian giant
Capt. Smith Cook, Kentucky giant
Shields Brothers, John, George, Frank and Shade, Texas giants
Robinson Brothers, John S., William O., and Charles M., Iowa giants
Mirimba Band, three in number
Elephants
Jumbo, natural as life. Jumbo’s skeleton, a mountain of bones
Alice, Jumbo’s widow
Tom Thumb, the clown elephant
Herd of large performing elephants, six in number
Herd of small performing elephants, six in number
Four white Bactrian camels, twelve Dromedaries, one Nubian buffalo, two Burmese bulls, three Llamas, one Nubian cow.
Elephant Men
William Newman, trainer of large elephants
Frank Callahan, trainer of small elephants
Matthew Scott, Alice and Jumbo’s attendant
William Batton, keeper of clown elephant
Keepers: M. Speden, G. Bates, Otto Morris, D. Bowen
Menagerie Department
George W. Johnson, superintendent. William H. Winner, assistant
Animal Cages
| No. 50, Three Royal Bengal tigers | No. 64, One Wolf two Russian bears |
| No. 51, Four African lions | No. 65, Lioness and cubs |
| No. 54, Four African leopards | No. 66, One striped and 3 spotted hyenas |
| No. 55, Four American panthers | No. 67, Three kangaroos, 1 Bliss Box |
| No. 56, Cage of monkeys | No. 68, Australian Emu, Wart hog, pelican, and adjutant |
| No. 57, African rhinoceros | No. 69, Leopard and two cubs. Taper |
| No. 60, One polar bear | No. 70, Axis deer, sacred bull, black Box, and Mandrill monkey |
| No. 61, Two sea lions | No. 71, Dog-face baboon, porcupine, baby monkey, cub leopard, Conrad’s Happy Family |
| No. 62, One hippopotamus | No. 73, Double-horned rhinoceros |
| No. 63, Nylghan and Yak | No. 73, Double-horned rhinoceros |
Den Men
W. H. Winner, tiger den
W. H. Blackburn, lion den
Stanley Carl, leopard den
William H. Conners, panther den
Animal Men: Timothy Buckley, Yocum Dehn, Julian Curtis, Willaim H. Carlisle
Camels: James Woods, D. C. Ragan, Ed. Jarvis, Chas. Hollenback (dec’d)
Zebras, John Betz.
Railroad Department
Byron V. Rose, superintendent transportation. George Sholders, assistant and car repairer
Porters: John McGlocklin, Wesley Blair
Ben Givens, watchman 1st baggage train
Thomas Funk, watchman, 2nd baggage train
Herbert Church, watchman, 3rd cage train
Train Men:
| John Young | Jacob Chowing | Wm. Kingery | Joseph Racine |
| Alick Racine | Harry Travis | Geo. Steavens | Geo. Furgeson |
| Geo. Beya | Geo. Carhart | Frank Lynch | John Adams |
Sleeping Car Department
Edward W. Goldsborough, superintendent and baggage-master
Frank Huffman, porter car 51 and 52
Chas. Johnston, Geo. Hudson, porters car 53
Chas. Carroll, Paul Beader, porters cars 54, 55, 56
Thomas Lacompte, porter and valet for Mr. Hutchinson, car no. 50
Miss Hannah Nichols, Mrs. J. E. Cooper’s attendant
Privilege Car No. 53
Billy Austin, superintendent. Thomas Phasoms, assistant
Stable Department
William Smith, ring stock superintendent
Pony drivers: Robert Homan, Mike McLoughlin, George Tompkins
Private grooms: George Vaughn and Wm. Hill, for Mr. J. L. Hutchinson. Wm. S. Smith for J. E. Cooper. Hugh Smith for Don Geronimo Bell
Stallion grooms: John Shafer, Alfred Elwell
Hippodrome stock: Wash. Smith, Dan’l Fry, Samuel Bell, Wm. Laughlin, Wm. Stering, Ed. Capstine
Ring stock grooms: Frank Ball, Wm. Gray, Charles Wistcott
Trappings: John Chapman in charge
Jockeys: E. F. Moriarity, Charles Shetler, W. H. Aspinwall, Charles Levers
Grooms and Drivers: James A. Fuqua, superintendent. Thomas Lynch, assistant. Al. Field, veterinary surgeon
Eight Horse Drivers:
Band No. 1, James Thomas. Jos. Dougherty, helper
Band No. 2, David Denio. Ed. Smith, helper
Globe chariot, Charles Wilson. Allen Hall, helper
Elephant chariot, Robt. Battersby. J. Mansfield, helper
Six Horse Drivers:
Neptune, Lloyd Humphery
Melechoir, James Woods
Jumbo, Edward Gordeneer
Lion Den, Hamilton Spencer
Big Rhino, William Churchill
Big Monkey Tab, Andrew Dennin
Four Horse Drivers:
Tigers, Michael Doyle
Leopards, William Stillman
Panthers, John Miller
Sea Lions, S. S. Hostrand
Polar Bears, F. Congor.
Four Horse Drivers, New York Tableaus:
Green Tableau, John Lilly. Red Tableau, James Sandlewood. White Tableau, Sylvenus DuBois. Blue Tableau, Charles Stickney
Four Horse Drivers, Tableau Cages:
| J. Messick | J. Conway | J. Robinson | J. Gernant |
| G. Sharer | G. McCann | F. Congor | S. S. Hostrand |
| C. Hinckle | W. Wade | W. Eitler | J. W. Miller |
| R. Holcomb | F. Robinson | H. Royce |
John Reynolds, pull-up team
J. Fields, veterinary surgeon
J. Minnick, John Ayers, J. Woodey, Chas. Barnes, R. Royal, M. Cain
Repairing Department
Peter S. Halstead, superintendent
Cromwell Vermilyea, wagon repairer
James E. Lafferty, fireman blacksmith
Horseshoers: Henry Martin, James H. Black
John E. Benny, harness maker
Leonar Loucks, wagon oiler
Chandelier Department:
Ed. P. Harrison, superintendent
Assistants: Charles Stocks, Fred Shecker, G. W. Tyron
Canvasmen
Charles McLean, superintendent
Assistants: L. D. Putnam, Albert Cole, J. Riley, R. Schultz
Big Top: L. D. Putnam, Albert Cole, superintendents
Seat Men (front): Harry McCracken, Julius Henning, William Wilson, Frank Zepp, Dave Welsher, John Nolan, W. Mullen, G. Brown
Seat Men (back): Ed Collins, James Mallery, James Hughes, F. Fulcher, Jarvis Barrett, W. Murphy, J. Monnahan
Ring Men: T. Pedicord, Henry Meyers, P. Crosby, W. Moore
Big Top Men:
| H. McCracken | C. Mallery | J. Hughes | F. Welsher |
| D. Welsher | J. Henning | H. Hartman | W. Murphy |
| F. Zepp | G. Hathernoy | J. Barrett | W. Wilson |
| J. Nelson | J. Turner | E. Hanscum | H. Myers |
| P. Crosby | J. Fenton | J. Gordon | W. Tobin |
| W. Williams | H. Godard | J. McMahon | T. Powers |
| F. Stigler | F. Schecker | W. Harris | A. Ryan |
| J. O’Clain | J. Monahan | C. Hogan | F. Rincan |
| J. Miller | T. Pedicord | F. Flynn | N. Shergrow |
| G. Fries | D. S. Carpenter | N. Nelson | W. Smith |
| J. McLaughlin | J. Pomeroy | P. Bradey | C. Murphy |
| J. Miller | M. Buckley | J. Rowell | A. Thomas |
| W. Moore | J. Kelley | E. Smith | J. Hawkins |
| F. Weber | M. Balcom | A. Aishmond | George Brown |
Red Seat Men:
| G. Hatherway | Godard | Murphy | Miller |
| Ashton | T. Stigles | E. Smith | J. Gordon |
| Weber | D. S. Carpenter | Hanscum | Hassen |
| Pomroy | Kelley |
| J. Riley, superintendent | C. Green | C. Warner | T. Halpin |
| W. Smith | C. Chormann | Jos. Marvin | I. Timerson |
| E. Myers | C. Montague | W. Sheehan | F. Stevens |
| C. Slaght | F. McLaughlin |
Robert Schultz, superintendent
Tom Mayson, Charles Durney, George Lewis, Daniel Smoot, John Smith, Frank Smith
Concert Company
W. D. Hagar, manager
Whitfield, man of many faces
Daniel Swift, Frank Chase, Ethiopian comedians
Dick Sands, clog and Irish business
William McIntire, negro specialties
Charles Reush, character comedian
Master Steve Sibert, second sight, Irish character
T. F. Grant, one-legged song and dance
Miss Eva Hollis, serio-comic
Miss Kittie Sharp, Irish reels and jigs
Miss E. Stirk, vocalist
Seven Southerland Sisters, vocalists
Concert Band: James S. Robinson, leader, first violin.
Ed. Weber, second violin; Will Beebe, viola; George Cann, flute; Charles Poole, cornet; John F. Moran, trombone; Frank J. Arnold, bass; Prof. Thompson, drums and bells
Confectionery Department
W. T. Campbell, manger
George Arlington, superintendent candy stands
Main stand: Walter Flinn, Alex. Williams, M. Marian
Outside stand: John Handrean, Ben Barriman, James Fay
Marks, sideshow
H. Abbott, museum
Dick Wright, menagerie
Book agents: John Gordon, James Cook
Balloon Privilege: C. Real and wife
Advertising Program: Charles Lloyd, proprietor and publisher. Caleb Underhill, solicitor. Joe Mayer, collector and distributor
Tonsorial Artists: C. Mallery, James Morris
Tailor: Frank Welsher
Laundry: Joseph Racine
Dyer and Cleaner: Fred. Shecker
Watch Repairer: W. B. Wood
Shoemaker: James Osborn
Side Show
William Henshaw, manager
W. B. Wood, lecturer
Ticket Sellers: F. M. Bristol, Kid Leon
Door Tenders: George Hacket, Charles Sutherland
Curiosities
Seven Sutherland Sisters, Sarah, Isabella, Victoria, Naomi, Grace, Dora, Mary
James Maurice, elastic skin man
Pat O’Brien and wife, Irish giant and German giantess
Charles B. Tripp, armless phenomenon
Maximo and Bertola, Aztecs
Mrs. W. L. Marsh, matron of Aztecs
Nao Lopez, Guatemala dwarf
Sig. G. Galetti, Monarch bird man
W. B. Wood, prestidigator and Punch and Judy show
Side Show Band
| A. Cameroni, leader | G. Del Rossi, solo Bb cornet | J. Del Rossi, 1st Bb cornet |
| D. Ferretti, 2nd Bb corner | M. Ferretti, solo alto | F. Coppola, 1st alto |
| C. Renzi, 1st trombone | J. Renzi, E tuba | T. Amodlei, snare drum |
| M. Scioli, bass drum |
John Barret, superintendent
Assistants: Joe Lerd, Dan Deaver, James Osborne, Steve Hall, William Oldknow, Chas Whitze
Hotel de Barnum
Jasien E. Robbins, proprietor
Fred Sutherland, steward and forage agent
Mrs. J. E. Robbins, ticket receiver
Thomas Gleason, superintendent
Thompkins Hubble, accountant for the company
Saunders, accountant for cook tent
Cooks
Joe Rabello, head cook and pastry
Cooks: Charles Cole, Daniel O’Brien, Thomas Prescott, Maurice Bernard
Camp fire: Thomas Lawerence, Thomas Mitchell, William Berry
Charles Pugger, night watchman
Joseph Anderson, laundry
Waiters:
| Louis Schenck | Frank Kuhul | Wilbur Staats | Oscar Butler |
| Henry Duffy | Frank Gray | William Wolf | Charles Smith |
| James Eveans | William Baxter | William Dickson | William Loper |
| Matthew Allison | Frank Dean | Daniel Smith | William Dempsy |
| Peter Doody | George Baker | Fredrick Clarkson | John Carl |
| William Fitzgerald | John Donegan | James Foster | Richard Senenx |
| Joseph Horton | Andrew Saunger |
Interesting Statistics
From New York to Bridgeport, Conn., 10,447 miles
Number of hotels, 255
Length of season (exclusive of Sundays), 177 days
Number of employees, 520
Number of performances given, 344
Number of performances lost, 10
4 week stand, New York, 1
1 week stands, Philadelphia and Chicago, 2
3 days stand, Cincinnati, 1
2 days stand, Baltimore and Washington, 2
1 day stands, 136
Number of cities visited, 144
Number of states visited, 21
Longest run, Springfield, Mo. to Memphis, Tenn., 285 miles
Shortest run, Covington, Ky. to Cincinnati, Ohio, 2 miles
Railroads
Number of different railroads used, 70
Number of different ferry boats used, 2
Number of flat cars, 25
Number of stock cars, 11
Number of elephant cars, 4
Number of sleeping cars, 7
Number of baggage cars, 1
Number of advertising cars, 4
Wagons
Baggage wagons, 36
Tableaux wagons, 6
Band wagons, 3
Chariots, 8
Animal cages, 20
Melechoir, 1
Bell chimes, 1
Jumbo wagon, 1
Jumbo skeleton wagon, 1
Ticket wagon, 1
Carriages, 2
Stables
Number of baggage horses, 170
Number of ring horses, 20
Number of hippodrome horses, 30
Number of ponies, 22
Number of trick stallions, 6
Number of trick ponies, 6
Number of elephants, 14
Number of camels, 16
Number of dromedaries, 8
Canvas
Circus department size, 488 by 252 feet
Menagerie department size, 296 by 136 feet
Museum department size, 216 by 136 feet
Dressing room department size, 131 by 76 feet
Side show department size, 156 by 116 feet
Stable department, 7 tents, size, 80 by 40 feet
Culinary department, 2 tents, size 60 by 40 and 50 by 30 feet
Blacksmith department, 1 tent, size, 22 by 20
Confectionery department, 3 tents, size, 10 by 5 feet
Crisp Clipper Chat
May 15, 1886, Mrs. Stirk, of the Stirk Family of bicyclists, was recently presented with a handsome hand-painted dressing set and pin-cushion by Mr. and Mrs. George Carron, of the Barnum Show. The Stirk Family are putting in a season with Barnum
P. T. Barnum recently presented to the Fairfield County (Ct.) Historical Society a section of one of Jumbo’s tusks, similar to the specimen recently sent by him to the British Museum.
May 22. A correspondent in Chambersburg, Pa., writes that, before leaving Philadelphia, the ladies attached to the Barnum Show posted up a notice in the dressing-room stating that “all ‘dices not laid away before noon on Friday, May 7, would be promptly cut up” by them. When the circus was here 4 all the gentlemen but three had discarded the “dice,” and they no doubt intended doing so before Friday, rather than be attacked by “the hat committee,” by whom the order was given
The Barnum-Forepaugh Combination. Undoubtedly the largest, richest, and by all odds the grandest confederation of tented exhibitions ever seen at any time in the world’s history, and possibly that will ever be brought together, was the friendly union of the Barnum and Forepaugh Shows for the Philadelphia engagement, which was for one week only. As a matter of record, we present a summary of the number of people participating therein. The statistics have been furnished by one in authority, and in the main may be regarded as correct, inasmuch as they are mutual and favor neither party: Performers in arena, 110; hippodrome riders and drivers, 42; concert and museum people, 85; musicians, 61; groom and drivers, 160; canvasmen, 181; trainmen (or “razor backs”), 45; cook-tent and camp, 48; animal men and trainers, 27; cowboys and Indians, 18; property-men, 85; total number, 813. There were also 895 head of horses and ponies, 51 cages and animal-dens and 28 elephants, not including Jumbo stuffed and skeletoned. The great exhibition occupied seven enormous tents - two sideshow, four menagerie and the monster eliptical tent, which surrounded the great hippodrome track, the elevated stage and four circus rings. [Another special report to us by authority states that there were two stages and four rings - Ed.]
Forepaugh’s cowboy brass band, mounted on horseback, and his “Wild Show,” headed by Capt. Bogardus, was a main feature in the great Philadelphia parade.
June 19. Lolo has not yet recovered from her Philadelphia accident, and in their act with the Barnum show Lola and Sylvester have dispensed with the third trapeze, adding single and double ceiling-walking. William Morgan, the rider who was hurt in Cincinnati, is getting ‘round. Maggie Mattie Jackson’s manege act takes the place of his with the Barnum Show. Robert Eddy, of Chicago, an attache of the Barnum Circus, was killed June 6, at Evansville, Ind., by falling between the cars of the show train. He leaves a widow. The remains were sent to Chicago.
June 26. The past week has been a very lucky one with us. We had a crowded tent every day and night, no accidents and everybody in excellent trim. . . . At Janesville, O., June 18, George Hollis was presented with a beautiful pyramid of flowers. . . . Dick Sands was attacked by a slight paralytic stroke during the afternoon performance at Steubenville, but was sufficiently recovered to do his turn in the concert, and is O.K. once more. . . . Morris H. Warner, the genial press agent, is one of the cleverest gentlemen in the business. He makes friends in every city we visit. He presented a beautiful cane to W. R. Johnson, city editor of the Steubenville Gazette, 19. The presentation speech was made by George Huff, city editor of the Herald. . . . The crack baseball nine among the members of the circus have been “doing up” all clubs they have tackled. In Terre Haute, Ind., the game was a very exciting (?) one, as you may see by the score - 39 to 6, in favor of the Barnums. They would like to cross bats with any club in any city where they stop over on Sunday. Local clubs can make games by applying to George Hollis or to George Carron, pitcher. . . . The Clipper is read every week by the boys, and is received with open hands and a warm heart, welcome visitor that it is. . . . The Social Six Club collect together every evening after the performance and pass an hour of pleasure and comfort, singing, telling funny stories, etc.
Morris Warner, who in Philadelphia, on April 26, joined the Barnum forces as one of their three press agents, is the son of William A. Warner, who was not only a Southern journalist of repute, but was also connected for a time with the business management of Macauley’s Theater, Louisville. Morris, who is a bright youngster, was until recently on the staff of the Journal of this city. His father died a few months ago.
July 10. P. T. Barnum is a recent contributor to the Irish Parliamentary Fund. Barnum, Cole & Hutchinson met in this city June 29 and did a little business that will interest circus people, and the New York public as well. They signed a contract for the American Institute building, and will open their show there next season. They say they will enlarge and improve the place so that it will be scarcely recognizable. Barnum’s Show became thoroughly familiar with the place years ago.
July 17. P. T. Barnum exercised his charity and observed his birthday, July 5, by sending $25 to The Tribune Fresh-air Fund.
Barnum was at East Saginaw, Michigan, 8, and delighted immense crowds. During the chariot race closing the afternoon’s performance, a chariot drawn by four horses and driven by William Smith, was upset, throwing the driver against a quarter pole. Madame Watson, with whom he was contesting, and who was in advance of the thoroughly frightened steeds, evinced great presence of mind, and displayed more than ordinary courage by managing her own horses and preventing the riderless chariot from running her down. Her bravery called forth storms of applause. The people left their seats, and a panic was only avoided by the prompt action of Messrs. Hyatt and Rose. Fortunately, Mr. Smith was not seriously hurt. Whitfield, the “Man with a Hundred Faces,” was conveyed to his home in Brooklyn from here and will remain until he has recovered from his stroke of paralysis. Nellie Venoa, who was seriously injured in the ladies flat race in Toledo, O., was sufficiently recovered to visit the tent and enjoy the performance here. She will soon be able to mount her horse again. Chas. Fritz, the mail agent, was surprised in Detroit by a present of a handsome blue uniform, together with a silver shield and badge. The present was well merited. Lizzie Carron ably supplies the place of Miss Venoa in the flat race since that ladies’ unfortunate accident. The Sylvesters are three once more, Lolo having completely recovered. Wm. Henshaw, lecturer and “announcer,” was presented with a gold headed cane in Ionia by Dick Sands, the jig-dancer. Since the accident to Frank Morgan, in Cincinnati, his splendid horses Bill and Bird, have found a master in Frank Marriam, who proves as clever a horseman as he is an arenic attraction. Freddie Sibert the boy second sight reader, is the latest addition to the concert. Your correspondent and the entire press of the Saginaws are under obligations to Press-agent Morris Warner of this show for his most courteous attention. He left nothing undone to make it pleasant for us during the show’s stay in this city.
July 31. The Robinson Brothers, Barnum’s Iowa giants, are neighbors and friends of Mrs. Partridge,’s uncle, Julius Chapman, who recently visited the city. The Robinsons brought letters of introduction, and were guests of the Partridges. Their ages are 19, 21 and 23 years. The showbills claim their height to be each 8 ft. 2 in. They have never been with a show until this summer and say they have undertaken this venture partly to cure themselves of the embarrassment and vexation of being stared at by everybody they meet. South Bend Tribune.
August 7. An associated Press dispatch from Bloomington, Ill., dated Aug. 1, says, “Abdallah Ben Said, who has charge of the tribe of Arabs with Barnum’s Circus, which was in this city yesterday, was accidently shot, and it is thought he is fatally wounded. The person who did the shooting was Orrin Hollis, the bareback rider. Hollis was at the fair grounds practicing shooting at a board that Ben Said cast in the air. The gun was discharged prematurely, and the bullet took effect in the Arab’s neck. He is here in the hospital.
Chicago, Barnum-day, 28, proved more of an attraction than the Encampment. It brought fully 60,000 people to our city. The show pitched their largest tent (the same one used in Chicago) and fully 35,000 people were in attendance in the afternoon. The tent was so crowded that people were turned away, and many could get no nearer than the menagerie tent. The Encampment receipts on that day were over $6,000. The Encampment itself is looked upon by all as a grand fizzle. The only thing that saved them from financial failure was Barnum. The people came to see Barnum, and when Barnum went away the people left also. Lafayette Sentinel.
Logansport Correspondence. - Barnum, July 27, had crowded tents, afternoon and evening. The herd of small elephants were worked for the first time since their stampede in New York. Prof. Callahan had them in charge. A new musical instrument, lately invented by Daniel Swift, of Swift & Chase’s Minstrels, is called the tinoline. It has a very pleasing tone, and is worth being patented. Frank Watson is doing his Roman act as neatly as ever. Little Ettie Stirk, of the Stirk family, celebrated her fourth birthday in Chicago. She was the recipient of several presents. Merrit Young still handles the big Barnum boodle and shuffles the tickets. Little Steve Sibert, the boy who possesses the gift of second sight, was well received. Tom Kelly was all smiles in the box office. Somebody said he has had $75,000 left him by an uncle in France. Tom refuses to deny or confirm. Anyhow, if he has had a sum of money left to him, I congratulate him. The pavilion opening is carefully guarded by Ennis, Hodges and Hubble, who will not “suffer little children to come unto them” unless they have the quid pro quo. Harry Marrian has developed into a celebrated ticket-seller and has hosts of friends. P. T. Barnum denies over his own signature that “Capt.” O’Brien, of the Salvation Army, ever [sic?] exhibited a talking seal with the Barnum Show, as claimed by him.
Mendota. Barnum was here Aug. 14 - his third visit to La Salle county - and delighted an audience of 10,000 day and 8,000 night. It was one of the biggest events that the country ever witnessed, and the greatest day in the history of this city as to numbers present. Excursions trains came loaded. J. L. Hutchinson left 14 on a brief visit to his folks at Oconomowoc, Wis. Mrs. Stirk, who was slightly injured, is improving, and expected to be able to resume her duties at Aurora. Abdallah Ben Said, wounded by a pistol ball at Bloomington, Ill., goes to work again 18 at Aurora. Press-agent Warner very courteously received the Clipper representative and did all in his power to make him thoroughly “at home.” The day the circus visited Mendota occurred the forty-fifth birthday of the wardrobe lady, Mrs. Charles White, which event was very pleasantly remembered by various members of the company and others, who presented her some handsome souvenirs, among which I noted a unique design napkin-ring, from Mrs. Al Caron, gold pencil and gold pen from Madame Watson; Japanese tea set from Lola Sylvester; hand-painted feather fan, from Josie Ashton; handkerchiefs and hosiery, from Miss Stickney; silk stockings , from Mattie Jackson; silver castor, from the Jeal Sisters of Frank Robbins’ Show; embroidered tidy and velvet letter paper box, from Mrs. Orrin Hollis; letter paper box, gold pen, pearl handle, from Mrs. P. O’Brien; hand-painted glass and silver salt cup, Rose Julian; set of silver fruit knives, Nellie Venoa; beautiful hand painted plaque, Viola Rivers; silver and gold frosted banner, Jennie Levins; hand knit rug, Madame Mohammed; handkerchief, Mrs. Fritz.
A pleasing episode in the circus performance last night at Toledo, was a surprise, not only to Orrin Hollis, the champion bare-back rider, but ot his many admirers around the sawdust circle. During his graceful equestrian act a tastefully arranged basket of cut flowers, formed in unique style, was presented to him, bearing a modest card, which read: “To Orrin Hollis, from this Friends.” The dashing horseman accepted the tribute with blushing grace, and attested his appreciation by adding to his already wonderful entertainment new and original features.
Note: not included in this online transcription are the performers’ advertisements, pages 91 to 103.
Copyright © 2005-2010
Circus Historical Society, Inc.
About CHS
Last modified October 2010.