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From: Route Book, Ringling Bros.' World's Greatest Shows, Season 1900. Program, detailed day-by-day route and staff. Permission to place the information from this route book on the Circus Historical Society website has been provided by Feld Entertainment, Inc., Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. Circus World Museum's Parkinson Library provided the photocopy of this route book. All information should be checked with additional sources. There will be spelling and typographical errors.
Al. Ringling, Director of Exhibitions
Otto Ringling, Director of Finances
Alf. T. Ringling, Director of Press
Chas. Ringling, Director of Advertising
John Ringling, Director of Advance
Clay Lambert, General Contracting Agent
W. K. Peck, Contracting Agent
W. D. Coxey, Press Agent
James Jay Brady, Press Agent
Guy F. Steely, Press Agent
Ralph W. Peckham, Excursion Agent
A. G. Ringling, Superintendent Advertising Car No. 1
Thomas Daly, Superintendent Advertising Car No. 2
Georger Goodhart, Superintendent Advertising Car No. 3
W. H. Horton, Special Advertising Agent
Sam McCracken, Lithograph Ticket Agent
Daniel F. Cline, Route Rider
George Heiser, Forage Agent
Kerry Meagher, Assistant Treasurer
Al. Jones, Auditor
Henry Ringling, Superintendent Front Door
Charles Andress, Legal Adjuster
Charles Ryan, Superintendent Pinkerton Detective Force
Lew Nichols, Superintendent Side Show
Al. S. Conlon, Superintendent War Show
George Ganweiler, Musical Director
H. A. Weaver, Time Keeper
Alfred Witsenhausen, Downtown Ticket Seller
Jules Turnour, Mail Agent
Edward Shipp, Assistant Equestrian Director
Daniel Leon, Assistant Equestrian Director
John Snellan, Superintendent of Tents
Spencer Alexander, Superintendent of Baggage Stock
Ed Jenkins, Assistant Superintendent of Baggage Stock
Robert Meek, Superintendent of Ring Stock
Charles O. Miller, Superintendent of Properties
W. H. Spencer, Superintendent of Animals
Pearl Souders Superintendent of Elephants
William Fay, Superintendent of Transportation
Charles Roy, Superintendent of Lights
Fred Shafer, Superintendent of Wardrobe
Mrs. L. Lovenberg, Superintendent of Ladies' Wardrobe
A. E. Parsons, Superintendent of Refreshment Stands
A. L. Webb, Superintendent of Hotel Department
Paul Cunningham, Superintendent of Sleeping Car Porters
Henry S. Rutien, Superintendent Dining Cars
Frank Lenon, Superintendent of Lunch Car
Side Show Department
Lew Graham, Superintendent
Ticket Sellers:
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Lew Graham
Charles Griffin Barry Gray |
John Rapier
L. A. Borella Mack LaPell |
Arthur Edwards
George Harrison Jack Gee, Door Tender |
Louis Wiser, Albino
Lulu Baum, Tattooed Lady
Zelda, Snake Charmer
Gertie Platt, Fat Lady
Francisco Lentine, Three Legged Boy
Beyrouth Trope of Arabs, Marie, Frank, Joseph and Joe
Millie Taylor, Long Haired Lady
Bertha Carnihan, Midget
Charles Griffin, Magician
The Grays' Royal Marionettes.
War Show Department
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Al. S. Conlon, Superintendent
Al. S. Conlon, Ticket Seller Arthur Heritage, Ticket Seller G. D. Strong, Operator |
Zeno Mann, Assistant
Leonard Prentice, Engineer Mat Schemer, Door Tender Chester White, Electrician |
Front Door
Henry Ringling, Superintendent
Ticket Takers: F. Fisher, Joe Skeen, Daniel Cline, P. Souder
Door Men: William Godsholk, Philip Diepert
Concert and Reserved Seats
Ticket Sellers and Gate Men:
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J. Syk Clark, Superintendent
Charles Carroll George Harrison |
John Rapier
Mack LaPell Arthur Edwards |
A. H. Weaver
Alfred Witsenhausen W. Meakin |
|
John Shoemaker, Chief
Fred Chaddy, Programer C. R. Miller Ben Duncan G. Rohaebeack |
E. R. Sharp
John Chaffrey William Hinker John Hunter Joe Warren |
John Smith
William Dudley A. P. Heath Fred McKenzie |
Menagerie Department
Elephant Men:
|
Pearl Souder, Superintendent
Dick Jones George Newman E. Eagell |
Eugene Knowlton
Dan Keller Ed. Cliene |
Ernest Stevens
F. L. Kent L. E. Forester |
|
W. H. Spencer, Superintendent
John Rhettenback John Colliton Martin Smith Joe Ross |
J. F. Hughes
Charles Peck George Sawyer William Wilkins George Becker |
W. L. Johnson
Emery Stebbs John King Fred King W. B. Moffatt |
Musicians
Main Show Band:
|
George Ganweiler, Leader
F. W. Rasp Theodore Breedy William Beckman Charles Brone B. Hoffman H. Benman E. Williams J. J. Ansell |
Guy Repass
S. P. Davis Charles Mitchell C. W. Cleveland Ed Brady Charles Shields B. W. Platt H. H. Cochran |
F. E. Walker
E. D. Cleveland W. J. Patton R. Breed C. Christianson George Breedy Charles Schweinfest E. B. Henderson |
|
Clate Alexander, Leader
Ed Wall James Alexander |
Charles Mohme
George Seibert Jess Davis |
Roll Reid
Ben Griffith |
Concert Performers
Meakin and Rapier, Black Face Comedians
The Carrolls, Musical Specialties
LaPell and Edwards, Dutch Comedians
Jenks Duo, Farsical Character Actors
The Dockrells, Artistic Bag Punchers
Mons. Natalie and Trained Pigs
Edward Mack, Descriptive Dancer
Canvas Men
Big Top and Menagerie:
John Snellan, Superintendent
Assistants:
|
Lee Coleman
Albert Allen Charles Holland Robert Wise John Bowne James McDonald George Clark Fred McKenzie Fred Chady Ed Curby Jack Gee William Brown J. A. Porter G. Rohabeck John Smith Charles Brady J. H. Shoemaker Chester White William Johnson John Leonard William Hunter William Godshalk James Scott A. P. Heath |
Philip Diepert
John Caffery George Bickerstaff Oscar Barber Ben Duncan W. A. Davis William Dudley Charles Gray George Hance Charles R. Miller B. S. Kenandore C. H. Ryan D. C. Linthecum Clyde Pigg A. Johnson M. Willis Sam Bingner R. Green Ed Sharp Charles Chapman Frank Rice W. Bonnelle Fred Rose Ralph Peck |
H. Cronin
William Conners H. W. Webb J. Curtey Frank Moore J. H. Howell George Smith William Brown J. J. King Ed Flanagan W. Daley John Rafter Jess Apple R. Templeton Jim Hassen John Conley Charles Weisenborn W. W. Smith H. Humbrock William Snyder Clint King Bud Apal George Perry |
|
Matt Schomer, Superintendent
Clarence Wright |
Arthur Heritage
Albert Goetke |
A. B. Slocum
Leonard Prentice |
|
John Jennings, Superintendent
H. H. Wilson Isaac Tibbetts |
M. C. Beebe
George Wren J. J. Murphy |
A. C. Curley
Harry Wilson |
Baggage Stock
Spencer Alexander, Superintendent
Ed Jinkins, Assistant
|
George Stumpf
James Hickey Charles Rooney W. J. Hether Nick Strons Bert Barton W. C. Lewis David Chadwick Charles Woods George Kensler J. Laner Ed Frye Ben Moore Ed Brewster William Moler John Jacobson John Green Ed Evans O. Speck Harry Wensel |
Ed Leeson
William Ballard G. J. Conrey Ed Shaffer J. Swartz R. Emarie Cal Nordick Len Brackenbury Joe Williams S. Woodman P. S. McPherson Charles Jester Clarence Lewis Frank Gregory C. Bronzetto H. Carpenter D. Shane James Hoey Joe Fisher William Day |
George Holden
Frank Leonard Ed Jones Joe Dempsey John B. Jones John Dudley Ed Snyder J. Perry J. M. Fair Ray Espey Albert Smith George Cook F. Hammond H. Mitchell Louis Lundin J. B. Lafferty J. Edmonds Ed Wallace Joe Brown E. J. Gilbride |
|
George Stumpf
James Hickey Charles Rooney |
Dave Chadwick
Bert Barton William Hether |
Nick Straus
P. S. McPherson |
|
O. Speck
Ed Evans Ed Jones |
H. Wensel
W. C. Lewis George Kensler |
Charles Wood
J. Laner Joe Williams |
Robert Meek, Superintendent
|
Harry Smith
Gus Larson Walter Gilliland Al Thayer Charles Musser Floyd Armstrong John Graney James White Jerry Ott Frank Burns |
W. Collister
Albert Mann Ed Nason P. Reynolds Ed Kennedy George Eldridge A. Owen John Diller Henry Sussman |
Jim Murphy
Charles Longwood Jack McLaney Roy Eldredge Louis Golden John Kimmit John Schuler William Wausteben Charles Krouse |
Properties
Charles O. Miller, Superintendent
John Clayton, Assistant
James Walsh, superintendent of dressing-room
Ring No. 1: John W. Murry, Frank Sexton, Bert Wells, George Morton, Pete McCay
Ring No. 2: Sam Johnson, Oscar Bretz, Dan Killian, John McAnnally, Frank Peters
Stage: Mat Hughes, Eugene Wall, Fred Schultz, Frank Babcock, John Smith
Ring No. 3: John Murry, Harry Brokan, Fred Whiff, Frank Washburn, Arthur Fisher
Dressing Room Men:
|
James Walsh
William Norcross S. C.[?] Lafferty |
Juiius Frank
Joe Stanton John Davis |
Jacob Wahl
George Chappell Ed Mack |
Mechanical Department
William Van Wald, Fred Teeple, Thomas Charboneau, Frank Kelm, George McFarland, Hilliard Torango
Harness Maker, John Brurock
Greasers: Thomas Shreve, William Crosby
Lights: Charles Roy, Superintendent; Earl Bunnelle, Howard Damno, John Fitzpatrick, George Nichols, Thomas Ward
Wardrobe Department
Fred Shaffer, Superintendent
Mrs. L. Lovenberg, Superintendent of ladies' department
Lewis Jilek, Thomas Foley, W. M. Jones, Charles Wilson
Refreshment Stands
|
A. E. Parsons, Superintendent
Frank Parsons Arthur Parsons George Parsons Ed Stott |
Guy Stott
C. D. Allen Fred Railton Charles Mann Joe Chiswell |
Hugh Clary
Claud Coe Will Craig Harry Furgeson Abner Crockett |
Hotel Department
A. L. Webb, Superintendent
Performers' Dining Tent:
|
Dick Stewart, Head Waiter
Joe Leman |
John C. Ramey
Bert Rone |
Eddie Owens
Frank May |
|
Arnold Fosdike
W. C. Ballinger John Delaney Joe Berman Thomas Burkholder John Nolan Pat Houlihan |
Ras Clark
Charles Brown Ed Cosgrove Louis Baker R. H. Coon Art. Gadan |
Lloyd Kimber
F. M. Hecht D. J. McIntyre Dan Sullivan Fred Miller P. L. Barber |
|
Fred Breese, Chef
George Ramsey Fred Ray Charles Campbell W. D. Wagner Dave Hope |
J. Keating
H. B. Hill James Turney, Butcher Bert Johnson, Assistant Butcher Ferdinand Welk, Camp Fire Man Herbert Carley, Assistant Camp Fire Man |
Henry S. Rutien, Steward
George Kilgore, Head Waiter
J. P. Rowan, Chef
L. J. Pilger, Pantry Man
James Sweet, Pastry Cook
William Clampitt, Second Cook
Waiters: Arthur Monroe, John E. Hawley, William Marshall, John Beasley, J. A. Kellar
Thomas Delaney, Yardman
William Herron, Dish Washer
William Green, Carman
Lunch Car: Frank Lenon Superintendent; Dick Deuno, Charles Jones, Thomas Brady, Ed Sutton
Train Men
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William Fay, Superintendent
Charles Brown Ed Lyons George Watson Earl Gardner Ed. Farley John Richards Frank Ferris |
Fred Dietz
George Hahm H. J. Sheppard S. C. Wells Henry Schade Jacob Koehler Harry O'Connor Robert King |
Fred Stiers
Gus O'Kane Thomas Welch Ed Brown Charles Allen Charles Brown J. G. Davenport |
Paul Cunningham, Superintendent.
"Caledonia," George Swift
"New York," Paul Cunningham
"Boston," Arthur Boyd
"Arcadia," Fred Develan
"Denver," Arthur Redmond
"Chicago," H. Henderson
Porters Yellow Coaches: R. H. Mack, Thomas Smith, Dan Buckley, Frank Wait, Dave Boody, Wm. O'Neil
Advertising Cars
Car No. 1:
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A. G. Ringling, Superintendent
W. S. Hoskins Joe Howard O. M. Ballard T. R. Titus George Tinkham William Pierrault |
J. W. Costello
Frank Le Clair Ernest Eisfeldt R. C. Damon Frank Estes C. H. Adkins Orin Stevens |
W. E. Burkhart
E. F. Bluski W. J. Laughton Robert Frye M. F. Nagle Wilbur Bender Charles Mosier |
|
Thomas Daly, Superintendent
Louis Knob George J. Choffin Charles Kiess J. W. Veda R. T. Hanson |
O. E. Snyder
D. Dildine E. Garrison J. P. Belmont John Nevin Charles Hudson |
T. M. Sprague
Gordon Culver Ed Moran J. F. Staley Ed Mallon P. Keeneham |
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George Goodhart, Superintendent
Joe H. Brown Charles A. Bostwick Jake P. Metzger Foster H. McLeod James A. Tucker |
Joe Horton
William Hempbill Frank Mikesell Charles Sellers Ben Deschane Ernest Porter |
Frank Colbert
Emeory Chase D. Leslie Charles Betts Henry Garn William Reed |
Ringling Brothers' Military Band
Geo. Ganweiler, Conductor
Numbers wiil be rendered from the following repertoire and announced by placard displayed from band stand, corresponding with numbers of selection as below:
1. March
2. Overture, Barber of Seville, - Rossini
3. Melodies from The Telephone Girl - Kirker
4. Paraphrase, Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep - Lovenberg
5. Overture, The Fall of Jericho - Maillochard
6. Gems from the Lady Slavery - Kirker
7. Scenes from Faust - Gounod
8. Popular Songs
9. Overture, The King's Lieutenant - Titel
10. A Colored Wedding - Laurendeau
11. La Benediction des Poignard - Meyerbeer
12. Overture, Crown Diamonds - Auber
13. In the Deep Cellar - Lovenberg; An Alabama Dance - Gilder
14. Airs from The Highwayman - R. De Koven
15. Overture, The Italian in Algiers - Rossini
16. Little Trooper - Furst
17. Melodies from The Bohemian Girl - Balfe
18. Overture, Zampa, Herold
19. Sounds from the South - Isenman
20. Hungarian Fantasia - Tobani
21. Overture, Morning, Noon and Night - Suppe
22. Fragments from The Serenade - Victor Herbert
23. Selected
24. Clorindy (origin of the cake walk) - Marion
25. The Fortune Teller - Victor Herbert
Display No. 1 - Brilliant Introductory Pageant, representing the Inaugural Ceremonies of the Grand Fetes of Ancient Olympus. A Kaleidoscopic Panorama of Regal Magnificence, completely filling all the Rings, Stages and Immense Hippodrome Course and concluding with the Grand Patriotic Spectacle of the Last Days of the Century.
Display No. 2 - A Potpurri of Phenomenal Performances, by Artists of Skill and Diversified Talent.
Ring No. 1: Aronson and Ashton, Unique Evolutions and Character Travesties on the Lofty Perch. Hagahara and Okeo, Marvelous Equilibristic Performances upon a Frail and Lofty Framework of Bamboo with break-away finish.
Ring No. 2: Carlosa, Wonderful exploits upon the unsupported ladder. The only act of its kind before the public.
Stage: The Tybells, Superb Dancing Displays, combined with an Astonishing Exhibition of Strength and Dexterity, Presenting a Novelty Ladder Performance.
Ring No. 3: Yammamoto Bros., Nationally characteristic and interesting exploits on the Vibrating Bamboo Perch, presenting unusual feats of equilibrium. Orvill & Son, Difficult and astonishing feats on Balancing Ladder.
Display No. 3 - A Series of Mid-air Performances of Exceptional Skill, Daring and Endurance.
Ring No. 1: King Brothers, Laughable Antics and Grinning, Freakish Mad Cap Frolics on the Revolving Suspended Ladder.
Ring No. 2: Alvo, Boise & Pickard, Astonishing Evolutions, Somersaulting, Swings, Drops and Exhibitions of Strength and Daring upon the Aerial Bars.
Stage: Miss Minnie Fisher, Incomprehensible High Air Divertisements upan a Slender wire held by the Teeth, Showing the possibilities Resulting from Physical Culture.
Ring No. 3: Plamondon & Amondo, A Convulsing Performance on Revolving Ladders, Suspended in Mid-Air.
Display No. 4 - A Highly Skillful Medley of Contortion Specialties and Wire Walking.
Ring No. 1: Miss Nettie Carroll, Deft and Dexterous Exercises on a Frail and Swinging Wire Thread. Sig. Brodaldi, Phenomenal Wire Act.
Ring No. 2: Yammamato Bros., Unusual Exploits in Tight Wire Feats by the Great Tokio Artist.
Stage: Setro, Marvelous Display of Strength and Ambidextrous Balancing Feats. All Right, The European Hand Leaper and Equilibrist.
Ring No. 3: Miss Jessie Leon, Skillful Act of Wire Walking. Miss Belle Carmen, Remarkable Balancing Act on the High Wire.
Display No. 5 - John O'Brien's Great Creation. The Wonderfully Successful, Original Arenic Feature. 61 Beautiful Specimens of the Perfect Horse, gayly caparisoned with costly Trappings, obedient to the Trainer's Call, moving in Harmony in the most Complicated, Intricate and Difficult Maneuvers.
Display No. 6 - A varied Exhibit of Novel and Unique Performances.
Ring No. 1: A Duo of very Interesting Asinine Comedians under the direction of Lew Sunlin. Hagahara and Daughter, Double Ladder specialty by two exports from the Mikado empire.
Ring No. 2: Spader Johnson, George Motz - Ridiculous Burlesque of Roman Gladiator.
Stage: Joseph Le Fleur, Marvelous Somersaults, Leaps, Dives and Plunges from the top of a Lofty Ladder to the Ground.
Ring No. 3: John Slater, A New, Novel Bovine Actor, and the only Performing Bull in the World. Alf. & Steve Miaco, Reno & Roberts, Burlesque Donkey, introduced by Trainers.
Display No. 7 - Coterie of the World's Famous Equestriennes.
Ring No. 1: Miss Lizzie Rooney, The Petite and Finished Terpsichorean Artiste in Principal Equestrian Feats.
Ring No. 2: Miss Julia Lowlanda, Miss Elena Ryland - Two_Principal Equestriennes, appearing in One Ring at One Time.
Stage: A Potpourri of Comic Fellows in an Ever Changing Medley of Funny Situations. Laughable Antics and Ludicrous Maneuvers.
Ring No. 3: Miss Emeline Fredericks, The Peerless Queen of Principal Equestrianism.
Display No. 8 - Fred Jenks' Troupe of Grotesque Skatorial Artists.
Display No. 9 - A Series of Athletic and Acrobatic Sensations.
Ring No. 1: Aronson and Ashton, Novel and Unique Display of Muscular Dexterity and Skill.
Ring No. 2: The Leondor Bros., The Latest Conceits and Most Elite Novelties, Statuesque Acrobatiques.
Stage: The DaComa Family, The Great European Sensation, a Troupe of Male and Female Acrobats attired in Full Evening Dress executing the Most Difficult Feats.
Ring No. 3: The Fred LaMont Troupe, The Great Zella and Walsh - Novelty Brother Acts and Acrobtic Divertisements.
Display No. 10 - Hodge-Podge of Up-to-date and difficult Vaudeville Specialties.
Ring No. 1: Miss Ida Miaco, Feats of Hand Balancing and Contortion. Hagahara, Wonderful Japanese Top Spinning and Juggling. Yammamoto Bros., Difficult Barrel Dancing and Posturing. Del Fuego, Grotesque Fire Act. Keeley & Plamondon, Ball Jugglers.
Ring No. 2: John Roony, Terpsichorean Revels on the Bounding Rope. Steve Miaco, Reno & Roberts - The Burlesque Giraffe. Hartzell & Slater, Comic Cake Walk. Siegrest & Broadaldi, Educated Elephant. Vino, Rube Bicyclist.
Stage: The Great Rachetta Brothers, Lofty and Difficult Somersaults over, into and through Barrels. Natalie & Gillette, Trained Pig. Spader Johnson, Stump Speech. Jinks, Agie & Mercer, Educated Giraffe.
Ring No. 3: Jules Turnour, Difficult and Laughter Provoking Juggling Specialty. Orvill, Dancing Barrel and Table. George Cole, Dancing Rope. King & Nelson, Comic Stilt Act.
Display No. 11 - A Number of Unique, Thrilling and Varied Euestrian Specialties.
Ring No. 1: The Hobsons, An Exhibition of Double Riding — Two Horses, Two Riders — in Extraordinary Feats.
Ring No. 2: The Funniest, Most Wonderful Exhilerating and Laughable Equestrian Specialty Extant, the Great Mule Thunderbolt, ridden by Albert Crandall.
Ring No. 3: Mr. and Mrs. Schadle, An Exhibition of Double Riding, an ingenious performance of the Romans.
Display No. 12 - Marvelous Example of Equine Perfection, Exhibition by Peerless Horsewomen.
Ring No. 1: Miss Allie Jackson, Extraordinary high-school menage act, introducing the marvelous "Mizpah," the only retrieving horse in the world.
Ring No. 2: The wonderful bucking, jumping, high kicking and perpendicularly walking horse Jupiter, ridden by Madame Noble.
Stage: "Gold Dust," an example of the perfectly educated and properly handled haute ecole under the masterful guidance of John O'Brien.
Ring No. 3: Miss Minnie Johnson, The Princely Spotted Arabian Stallion "Sultan," guided through a superb manage act.
Display No. 13 - The Three Greatest Herds of Performing Elephants in the World.
Herr Eduard Souder, The proboscidian musicians. A 20-ton brass band. Elephants actually taught to play upon brass band Instruments. Presenting beyond a doubt the biggest band in weight, lung-power and laugh-making extant.
Prof. Lockhart, A quintette of elephant comedians in a medley of unquestioned funny, ludicrous, button-bursting terpsichorean, athletic, musical and Bacchanalian revels.
Mons. Jean Marchand, A company of highly educated unwieldy brute actors in a unique exhibition of elephantive sagacity introducing the famous pugilistic pachyderms.
Display No. 14 - The Unquestioned Champion Bareback rider of the World, and a Coterie of Mirthful Laugh-Makers.
Ring No. 1: John Roony, The indisputed Champion American Rider. Clowns: Spader Johnson, Al. Miaco, Steve Miaco, Wm. Marks, Lew Sunlin, Jules Turnour.
Ring No. 2: Mr. and Mrs. Hobson, Novel and Artistic Jockey Riding. Mons. Natalie, Fred Wilson, Sig. Brodaldi, Phil King, Chas. Nelson, Plamondon, Amondo, John Agie.
Stage: Wm. Siegrest, Fred Lamont, Del Fuego, John Carroll, Fred Jinks, Paul Roberts, Dick Reno, Wm. Vino.
Ring No. 3: Cecil Lowanda, The most noted equestrian of Paris, and European favorite. Principal bareback somersault equestrianism. Wm. Gilette, George Keeley, George Motz, "Rube" Burns, Geo. Hartzell, Carlosa, John Slater.
Display No. 15 - High Air Specialties by Leading Artists.
Ring No. 1: Miss Nettie Carroll, Novelty diversions, graceful poising; and finished exercises on the flying rings.
Ring No. 2: Charles Orvill, Skillful feats on balancing ladder.
Stage: Miss Millie Turnour, Finished, artistic perfect exhibition of premier trapeze exploits by the world's greatest lady aerialist.
Ring No. 3: Miss Julia Tybell, Flying rings specialty and, fearless mid-air evolutions. Miss Emeline Fredricks, Exhibition of perfect equilibrium.
Display No. 16 - The Famous Clown Band and Operatic Soloists of Musical Mimics.
Display No. 17 - The World's Undisputed Premier Aerialists.
The Flying Fishers, Aerialists supreme, astounding, sensational double-return somersault act in mid- air.
The Famous DaComas, Dazzling, brilliant quadruple return act. Double mid-air somersaults across the entire arena.
Grand Hippodrome Sensations - Hotly Contested Trials of Speed and Skill.
First Event - Gentlemen's Jockey Race. Three times around the track. Horses: Hazard, Tornado, Thunderbolt, Firefly. Riders: John Agie, blue; Geo. Cole, green; John Carroll, red; John Mercer, black.
Second Event - Man against Horse (Handicap). Man 3/4 way around the track, Horse once around the track. Horse, Fletcher. Rider, John Slater, red. Runner, W. W. Cheyenne, purple.
Third Event - Shetland Ponies ridden by Monkey Jockeys. Twice around the track.
Fourth Event - Ladies' Jockey Race. Three times around the track. Horses: Salamander, Billy Buck, Allard, Vixon. Riders: Ida Miaco, red and blue; Jessie Leon, purple and gold; Minnie Johnson, red and white; Minnie Fisher, black and white.
Fifth Event - Miniature Roman Chariot Race, twice around the track. Juvenile Contestants driving Shetland Ponies, 4 to each chariot. Drivers: Geo. Cole, green; Jno. Agie, red.
Sixth Event - Dog Race. English Whippet Hounds, twice around the track. Lew Sunlin.
Seventh Event - Roman Standing Race, three times around the track. Horses: Danger, Sultan; Rider: Jno. Carroll, purple. Horses: Chicago, Avalanche; Rider: Frank Wilson, red.
Eighth Event - Clown Race, once around the track. Shetland Ponies to Sulky. Mars, Plamondon and Motz, Contestants.
Ninth Event - Shetland Pony againt Thoroughbred Horse, once around the track. Horse Napoleon, rider Mercer, red. Pony, Spider, rider John Agie, green.
Tenth Event - Terrific 4-horse Roman Chariot Race, three times around the track. Horses: Battle Ax, Trooper, Samson, Sheridan, Harrison, Cyclone, Mermaid, Zenobia. Drivers: Rhoda Royal, red; John Slater, white.
The tour of the circus this year was one long run of prosperity. Never before in the history of tented amusements has such an enormous business been done by any show. We have traveled from the Atlantic to the Pacific; have touched one point in Canada and gone to the South as far as the Mexican line, exhibiting in twenty-eight States, two territories and British Columbia.
The show made its first trip to California this season, and during its five weeks' stay there averaged nearly three turn-aways a week. In 'Frisco and Los Angeles people were turned away by the thousands. The show is now about to return to quarters without having had a single accident of any consequence, and little or no sickness.
We left Baraboo Tuesday, April 10, between 6 and 7 o'clock in the morning, in three sections over the Northwestern. We transferred at Chicago to the Pennsylvania, and left in two sections at about noon. Tuesday night it snowed, and we had from that on a very cold trip. The first section arrived in Wheeling, W. Va., Friday, April 13, at 6 a. m. The second came at noon and found the canvas all up. Saturday a full rehearsal was held, and everything went well. The next day was Easter Sunday, and it is estimated that 20,000 people from in and around Wheeling visited the grounds. The day was warm and pleasant, but on Monday there was a heavy rain, which, however, did not interrupt rehearsals. Wednesday it rained till 10 in the forenoon. The last rehearsal was held in the afternoon and everything went off like clock work. All Wheeling fell in love with the show almost from the day of its arrival because of the splendid conduct of the people and their courtesy to visitors.
Wheeling, W. VA., Thursday, April 19. It is beautiful today, and the people who have so anxiously awaited the opening of the World's Greatest have poured in upon us. This morning the parade went through the city and over the big suspension bridge without the slightest hitch. Everything looked spick and span, and the streets were packed. The lot is on the island. The big top was filled to overflowing this afternoon, and to-night the extras are needed. Miss Jessie Leon was taken sick here and could not work. The side show did the biggest business in the history of openings. The Ringling exhibitions have made a great hit here, and citizens are paying the circus the highest compliments. Many telegrams have been received wishing us a prosperous season. Mr. John Ringling and Mr. W. H. Donaldson arrived early.
Washington, PA., Friday, April 20. We arrived in town early the parade was on time, and a big crowd was waiting for us. A glass factory here, employing about 300 boys, would not close down during the parade. As each wagon went by a heartrending wail went up from the boys. It was so distressing to hear that the managers of the factory told their employes they would give them tickets for the afternoon show if they would work in the forenoon. The boys agreed and the managers kept their promise.
Connellsville, PA., Saturday, April 21. We did not get here till about noon, and it was raining very hard. The parade was abandoned, and the band wagon and an announcer went through the town. If the weather had been good we would have turned people away. As it was we had about all we could do. The side show and the concert did the limit. This is the heart of the coke region. A chain of ovens extends in a circle around the lot for the length of a mile.
Harrisburg, PA., Monday, April 23. We had a splendid run yesterday. Everybody was out at Horse Shoe Bend to see the sight. We arrived here at 4:30 p. m. Everything was up on the arrival of the last section. A litte before 5 o'clock this morning a severe thunder storm passed over the city, but did us no damage. After breakfast it cleared and the day was bright. This is our first opposition stand. Buffalo Bill is to follow us. A good crowd came out to-day and business was good. M. H. Welsh, of Welsh Brothers' show, was a visitor here.
Lancaster, PA., Tuesday, April 24. The weather was fine again to-day and business was very good. James Hubbard, fromer treasurer of Scribner & Smith's show, and his wife, visited us here. George Hartzell and Lew Plamondin visited Welsh Bros.' show to-day.
Trenton, N. J., Wednesday, April 25. Mrs. Lew Graham and Mrs. J. Sky Clark have been visiting their husbands to-day. The weather has been beautiful and business has been good. The dining car is in mourning for the water boy's dog, which wandered too far away from the black coaches and was run over by a passenger train. Adam Forepaugh, Charles Burrows, an old-time bar performer, and Jim Jordan, of the Buffalo Bill show, visited us here.
New Brunswick, N. J., Thursday, April 26. The weather continues beautiful and a big crowd turned out as usual to see the parade. Business at both performances was immense, Frank Seaman, of Seaman & Burk, was one of the visitors here.
Newark, N. J., Friday, April 27. The parade and the show have made a big hit here and business to-night is almost a turn-away. George Hartzell was visited to-day by several old friends. Miss Nellie Ryland was also visited by relatives.
Paterson, N. J., Saturday, April 28. Spader Johnson and wife were visited to-day by their daughter, Mr. Johnson's mother and Mrs. Johnson's brother. The daughters of Millie Turnour came here from New York to visit their mother.
Winsted, Conn., Monday, April 30. Yesterday the black coaches stopped for a few minutes on Poughkeepsie bridge and everybody got off to get a good look at the Hudson. The weather was bright and balmy, and continues so to-day. We got here in the evening early, and our coaches lie just back of the mnain street at the side of a clear stream. The lot lies about a half mile from town. The big top is about ten or twelve feet above the menagerie, and a pair of home-made stairs extend through the connection. To-day business of every kind has shut down on account of the show. This afternoon the tent was full, but a hard rain at 6 o'clock has spoiled tonight's attendance.
Waterbury, Conn., Tuesday, May 1. This is moving day and everybody is moving to the circus. Two bigs crowds greeted us here.
Bridgeport, Conn., Wednesday, May 2. This for many years was the home of another show, but the entire press and the public have but one opinion, and that is that this is the best and the biggest that ever happened. They expressed this opinion by filling the big top twice. Several of our people paid a visit to-day to the mother and father of Nickolas Cebalas. Byron Rose was a visitor among others.
Nw Haven, Conn., Thursday, May 3. Two big crowds turned out here. To-night every seat is taken, yet it is raining in torrents. This is the home of Miss Ingersoll, who paid the menagerie a long visit in the interest of our monkeys. Miss Ingersoll has made the monkey a life study. She is now conducting a monkey hospital and she has one of our specimens tucked away in a basket lined with cotton. The little fellow has not stood the travel very well this spring, and Miss Ingersoll intends to bring the bloom of youth back to his faded cheeks by the time we return. Success to Miss Ingersoll. May she and the monkey prosper. This forenoon while the parade was passing Yale College a gang of fresh students tried to stampede the elephants. Pearl Souder inserted his hook into the cuticle of a long-haired smart aleck and the students have been as tame as pussy cats all day. Mr. and Mrs. Barry Gray joined here.
Hartford, Conn., Friday, May 4. It was necessary last night to take the wheels from some of the tall wagons to get under a viaduct and this work delayed us so that we did not get here till very late. The parade did not take place till 1 o'clock. It has been raining and the streets and the lot are muddy. In spite of the delay and the weather business has been big. The big show did not start till 3:30. Cecil Lowanda was taken to a hospital here seriously sick with pneumonia.
Springfield, Mass., Saturday, May 5. It is damp and chilly to-day, yet we have done big business. Mr. and Mrs. Alf. T. Ringling and Richard arrived this morning from Boston. The lot is on the driving park and is a good one. Horace Golden, magician, and Vernon, the ventrioloquist, were visitors this afternoon.
Boston, Mass., May 7 to 13. The first three days of this week were cold and chilly. Thursday morning there was ice on the ground. The performers, especially the ladies, suffered considerably with the cold and rain. Thursday afternoon it cleared and the rest of the week lias been bright and cheerful. During the entire week business has been immense. The lot is out on Huntington Avenue, about a mile and a half from the business center, on what is known as the "Back Bay." It is all reclaimed land. The Grays received their scenery by express Monday morning and have become one of the strong attractions of the side show. Dick Reno was visited here by his wife and his mother and a number of professional friends. Mrs. Lovenberg's father and her brother, Chas. Lovingberg of Providence, spent the week here with the Lovenbergs. Jessie Leon has recovered. She went back to work last Monday. One of the Axes deer died here early in the week.
Lynn, Mass., Monday, May 14. We arrived here in good time yesterday and found the city decorated for the celebration, which begins to-day, of the fiftieth anniversary of Lynn as a city corporation. People have been coming from all over the State. The weather is clear and hot. The Corralla family came over from Boston this morning to see the parade.
Gloucester, Mass., Tuesday, May 15. The weather has been very hot to-day. We arrived early and found the lot in very bad condition. It required clever engineering to get the show up. We had a severe thunder storm this afternoon and evening.
Salem, Mass., Wednesday, May 16. Our people have been visiting the "Witch House" and "Gallows Hill" to-day. To-night Lockhart is holding a barbecue on the common near the coaches. In the moonlight he can be seen from the car windows, spinning around the camp fire and stiring the contents of an iron pot with all the mysterious maneuvers of one of the witches daring the early days of this town. To make the picture more wierd several more are sitting on the ground, their features barely visible in the glare of the camp fire. We arrived here very early and found the lot muddy after the heavy rains. Zelda received a consignment of snakes here.
Haverhill, Mass., Thursday, May 17. The weather is cool to-day and it is raining this evening. The lot is about a mile out. The side show has done a tremendous business all day.
Manchester, N. H., Friday, May 18. We have had more rain here to-day, but it did not spoil business. P. J. Morris, formerly of the Bill show, was a visitor here. He owns a hotel in this city.
Lowell, Mass., Saturday, May 19. The lot is on the Fair grounds, a mile and a half out. It has rained hard all day. Our business has been big.
Worcester, Mass., Monday, May 21. We arrived hero early yesterday and Mr. Al. Ringling; John O'Brien and several others went to Boston to see Sells Brothers' parade, returning in time for the show to-day. We have had a nasty rain since morning, yet business has been immense. Mr. and Mrs. Jules Offner were visitors to-day. Joe La Fleur's mother, brother and sister of Providence visited him here.
Pittsfield, Mass., Tuesday, May 22. It has been cold and windy all day and business has not been very good. The lot is at the foot of a chain of blue hills quite a ways from town. Messrs. Al. and Alf. T. Ringling went fishing here, but they left their luck behind. Buffalo Bill's paper is up for June 29.
Troy, N. Y., Wednesday, May 23. It is very hot to-day, but people are flocking to the World's Greatest just the same. We are on a good lot and business is big, of course. A big tiger joined here and has been given quarters in the menagerie. He is a fine specimen. Several of the Spooner company visited us here. The big snake, attempted to escape here, but Clate Alexander dropped his cornet and rushed after the reptile and the band played on. George Hartzell bought a dog to-day for 60 cents and will break him in for a partner. Spader Johnson's mother and sister were visitors to-day. To-night while loading the camels Fred King was struck on the head by a bottle thrown by some town hoodlums and badly hurt. He was taken to a hospital.
Gloversville, N. Y., Thursday, May 24. We arrived here early and the parade went out promptly. The weather is warm and soppy. Sig. Sautelle, whose show is about three miles from here, is a visitor. May Irwin also visited us this afternoon. Mrs. Al. Ringling, who has been visiting relatives, returned to-day. We had a heavy shower this evening. One of the horses that pull the "rube" wagon ran away during the parade and was killed.
Little Falls, N. Y., Friday, May 25. This is an ideal day. The lot is about a mile out among the hills. A farmer lost his children this afternoon and Charles Ryan, after searching for them till night, learned that they had gone home after seeing the show, leaving the old man to worry.
Geneva, N. Y., Saturday, May 26. We did not arrive till 9:30, and it was past 11 before the parade started. The lot is on the Fair grounds, about a mile out. The weather is fine. Friends and relatives of "Doc" Colvin are visitors here.
Buffalo, N. Y., Monday, May 28. We arrived here early yesterday forenoon. The day was beautiful. Many of the company went to Niagara Falls and others stayed to "do" Buffalo. The lot is on the old driving park. It has grown cloudy since yesterday and is very hot. An enormous crowd saw the parade and the show. Hartzell's dog made its first appearance this afternoon and worked well. Oscar Gould of the Nickel Plate and his son were visitors to-day. The eclipse of the sun was visible here from 9 to 10. The hyena bit off his mate's tail to-day. Fred Fisher hurt his arm severely here during the Fisher act.
Erie, PA., Tuesday, May 29. It is warm and clowuy. We have a good lot here. It is in the center of the city. Walter L. Main visited the show to-day. He will soon sail for Paris.
Cleveland, Ohio, Wednesday, May 30. This is the first time the World's Greatest has been in Cleveland, and the people have welcomed it with open arms. Both audiences were immense and the, performance made a great hit. This is Decoration Day and our parade had opposition. It was all the greater by contrast, however, and many thousands saw it. To-night while the show was being loaded a trolley car ran into one of the pole wagons. The motorman was not watching as closely as he should have and one of the poles went through the car. The motorman and one or two passengers were slightly bruised. Mrs. Guy F. Steely saw the show here.
Akron, Ohio, Thursday, May 31. It has rained nearly all day, but from the size of the two audiences the people do not mind water. Business was big. Caro Miller of the J. W. Carner Stock Co. was a visitor to-day.
East Liverpool, Ohio, Friday, June 1. We have done a big business here in a hard rain. The lot is across the river from town on West Virginia side. To-night the coaches have been pulled way down a dark side track a little this side of nowhere and we are having a hard time to find them. The fat lady was stranded between the cars and town and a relief corps with lanterns had to go after her. She was found seated on a pile of railroad ties in a dark pocket trying to keep away from the flying switch engines and a gang of tramps who were waiting for a freight train. Miss Platt was taken to the privilege car and revived with a glass of water.
Stubenville, Ohio, Saturday, June 2. It is hot and muggy to-day. The lot is near town and is very boggy. We have had no rain here, but the sky has looked threatening all day.
Columbus, Ohio, Monday, June 4. We arrived here shortly before noon yesterday and the afternoon was spent by many of the company at Minerva and Clentangy park. The weather has been hot all day to-day, but the show has played to immense business. Mrs. Barry Gray's brother, the Rev. P. F. De Vaux, was a visitor here. Other visitors were "Doc" Freeman, his mother and brother, Mrs. Fred Fisher, Sadie Judge's mother and brother and Mrs. Carroll's mother. Fred Fisher worked this afternoon for the first time since he was hurt. Peter Sells, Mrs. Louis Sells and Mrs. Allen Sells saw the show to-day.
Bowling Green, Ohio, Tuesday, June 5. The weather is beautiful to-day. Charles Andress appeared this afternoon with a bunch of cash registers to be used in all departments.
Toledo, Ohio, Wednesday, June 6. It is hot and cloudy. A heavy shower struck us this afternoon. The sky looked so angry that the audience was dismissed after the elephant act. Mrs. Guy F. Steely visited her husband here and saw the show.
Ann Arbor, Mich., Thursday, June 7. This is another college town, but the students are on their good behavior as they are having their "exams." It rained this afternoon. The lot is on the Fair grounds, about half way to Detroit. Little Freddie Jenks visited his mother here.
Owasso, Mich., Friday, June 8. The weather is fine and the lot is a good one. Wilson Andress visited his brother to-day. A cold wave struck us this evening.
Greenville, Mich., Saturday, June 9. The weather is pleasant again. Kerry Meagher left after the night show to spend Sunday at his home In Chicago. The little son and daughter of Millie Turnour visited their mother here. There was a dance down town to-night and a party of the company attended.
Detroit, Mich., Monday, June 11. We got here in ample time yesterday to rest up and take in the parks in the afternoon. Admiral Dewey was here, but his power of attraction waned somewhat when the World's Greatest steamed in. The admiral was at Belle Isle yesterday afternoon and some of our people went over to sympathize with him over his fall-off in popularity. Spader Johnson says he is an ordinary looking man with two legs, two hands, two eyes and hair on his head, which is more than some of us can boast of. Prof. Bowman closed here to-day, and Chas. Griffin joined. Belle Carmen joined here. Another turnaway.
Pontiac, Mich., Tuesday, June 12. We are still having pleasant weather. The lot here is on the Fair grounds, about a mile out.
Lapeer, Mich., Wednesday, June 13. The weather is hot, but during the afternoon show it rained heavily, and it is some cooler to-night. A farmer who heard the clown band during the parade remarked: "Dern me if that beant the wust band I ever heered. We got one in our town that kin beat it all holler."
Lansing, Mich., Thursday, June 14. Harris' Nickel Plate show played here also to-day. They made no parade. Our business was big.
Hillsdale, Mich., Friday, June 15. This is a beautiful town and its people are hospitable. The weather has been fine all day and business has been good.
Battle Creek, Mich., Saturday, June 16. The weather is elegant and we have a fine lot here. Business big and fishing was said to be good by those who tried their luck at the pretty lakes surrounding this town.
Dayton, Ohio, Monday, Jun 18. We have had a long run and we did not get here till late last evening. This morning an immense crowd turned out to see the parade. This is our first time here, and we began our acquaintance by turning thousands away at both shows. Fred Fisher worked again to-day. Mrs. Fisher came up from Cincinnati to visit him. "Deacon" of the side show band left for his home in Indiana on receipt of a telegram to the effect that his sister had been killed. Mercer and Del Fuego left to-night to see Cincinnati. Charles Nelson was visited here by his parents. This is George Heiser's home.
Richmond, Ind., Tuesday, June 19. Fine weather is still with us. Del Fuego and Mercer saw Cincinnati all right, but when they got back the parade was moving. Clate Alexander's mother and aunt visited him here.
Indianapolis, Ind., Wednesday, June 20. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Boise bought a home to-day in Grand Rapids — the former domicile of the DaComas. Nettie Carroll's father visited her here. Mrs. Charles Andress was also a visitor. It was hot and sultry today, but business was good.
Louisville, Ky., Thursday, June 21. We arrived late, but the parade was out at 11. Al. Miaco and Daisy were left last night. There is a place here where you can get three pints of beer for a nickel. Capt. and Mrs. Liable visited us to-day. To-night the colored folks are ouy in droves.
Owensboro, Ky., Friday, June 22. We arrived here in heavy rain and found the lot very soppy. No news from Miaco.
Evansville, Ind., Saturday, June 23. We had to ferry over the Ohio this morning, and the last section did not get in till 11. The parade was at noon and the show started at 2:30. Buckskin Bill was here about two weeks ago. No news from Miaco.
Pittsfield, Ill., Monday, June 25. Mrs. V. Lowanda and Baby Shipp came over from Petersburg to visit Mr. and Mrs. Shipp. It is clear and very hot to-day. Yesterday while en route we passed the Harris Nickel Plate show at Decatur. Miaco is here at last.
Quincy, Ill., Tuesday, June 26. We are suffering with heat to-day and a storm is predicted. Business is good.
Brookfield, Mo., Wednesday, June 27. A frightful wind and rain storm occurred here during the parade this forenoon. Many of the ladies and a few of the men were thrown from their horses and a general stampede followed. The ladies were sheltered in resident houses and the men ran for awnings. Lamont and Burns say they picked up thirty-two helmets and carried them back on the "rube" wagon. Lizzie Roony fainted during the excitement and was rescued by Clate Alexander, while Drummer Edwards of the mounted band did the hero act by helping Addie Lovenberg from her horse. Many of the horses went back alone to the show grounds.
St. Joseph, Mo., Thursday, June 28. This is one of the hottest days of the summer. The town is fairly sweltering, and yet the people are coming to the show in droves. High water is the only thing that will keep 'em away. Anna Scott, a sister of Jesse Leon, was a visitor to-day. She is from Kansas City.
Albany, Mo., Friday, June 29. It is still very hot. There were threatening clouds overhead to-day, but no rain came. Bert Stowe, of Uncle Tom fame, visited us here.
Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, June 30. We arrived early this morning and found the lot near town. Louis Wiser was visited here by two local Albinos.
Des Moines, Iowa, Monday, July 2. We arrived early yesterday, and though the weather was hot, a great many of the company went to the parks and out into the country. To-day it is very hot, but we have done an immense business. Heavy rains began just as the big show started this afternoon, but did not hurt business. Detective Rvan leaves us here on account of ill health, and during his absence Detective Charlesworth will take his place. Joe Skeen left the side show door to-day to take tickets at the big-show. He was succeeded by Jack Gee.
Fort Dodge, Iowa, Tuesday, July 3. We arrived late to-day and the parade did not start till 12:30. The show started at 3:15. It is very hot and cyclones are reported all around us. The new quartette, Johnson, Miaco, Meakin and Ashton, made its first appearance in the concert here.
LeMars, Iowa, Wednsday, July 4. It is cold and clear today. We arrived early and "Happy Jack" has shown his patriotism by festooning the tents with thousands of little flags. "Ollie" Webb served a fine dinner to-day on the lot and handsome souvenir menues were furnished. To-night Lockhart and DaComa are the chief spirits of a private pyrotechnical display at the coaches. The air is alive with skyrockets and Roman candles and the children especially are having a splendid time. To-day "Major," Fred Lamont's top piece, flew the coop and left no address behind. The town has been searched in vain.
Worthington, Minn., Thursday, July 5. It is cold and very windy here. At 4 this afternoon we had a heavy storm, but it is clear to-night. There is a dance down town this evning and some of our people are there.
Emmettsburg, Iowa, Friday, July 6. It is hot and cloudy today. The lot is a mile out on the Fair ground, and it is alive with snakes.
Iowa Falls, Iowa, Saturday, July 7. We had hard rains here early this morning and it made the lot very heavy. We arrived at 7 a. m.
Waterloo, Iowa, Monday, July 9. We arrived early yesterday and the weather was delightful. Many parties have been organized and probably three-fourths of the company are holding little picnics along the river. Henry Ringling, Kerry Meagher Al. Jones, Charlie Andress, Fred Fisher, Lew Graham, "Witz," McCrackin and Steely took a ride up the river in a steam launch and anchored near a beautiful bend. The day was spent in fishing and rowing. A complete kitchen was taken along and at noon a feast for the gods was prepared by Meagher and Fisher. Detective Charlesworth left to-day and was succeeded by Mike Conway. The "Boston" went to the repair shops yesterday and will not be out till to-night. Business here was big.
West Union, Iowa, Tuesday, July 10. It is very hilly and muddy here, but the weather is pleasant.
Charles City, Iowa, Wednesday, July 11. The black mandrill died here to-day from the effects of cold caught during the Boston engagement. He was a very valuable animal and a big attraction in the menagerie. We had overcoat weather this morning.
Cresco, Iowa, Thursday, July 12. The weather is fine to-day. Four camels were assigned to the Turkish tableau wagon in this morning's parade. The "Bayrooty" family will now go out in style.
Prairie Du Chien, Wis., Friday, July 13. Early this morning we had heavy showers, but it cleared later. Buffalo Bill's paper is up here. Mr. Al. Ringling returned to-day from a fishing trip.
Richland Center, Wis., Saturday, July 14. It is very hot to-day. Mrs. Al. Jones came from Baraboo to-day and will visit a few days with her husband. Little Miss Jones came with her, but returned home to—night. Mrs. Strong, wife of Prof. Strong, of the War show, is visiting her husband. Raschetta, La Pell and Edwards went to Chicago to-night to spend Sunday with their wives. The Aronsons also went to Chicago to see their parents. A large number of Indians saw the show this afternoon and expressed their approval in vigorous grunts.
Milwaukee, Wis., Monday, July 16. We arrived here at 11:30 a. m. yesterday, and the afternoon was spent by most of the company in the parks and theaters. The lot is at Cold Springs Park. To-day, just at the opening of the side show, it rained riard and continued during the day. The lot was flooded. Mrs. Kerry Meagher of Chicago came on here to visit a few days with her husband. Mrs. Charles Andress is also visiting her husband. Among other visitors are Mrs. Walter Meakin, Mrs. Harry Ashton, Mrs. Tybell's mother, sister and brother; Mrs. Sims, Zelda, mother; Mrs. Phil. King, Mrs. Natalie and child, and Mrs. Bevans, sister of John Agie. Eight Monks joined the show here.
Breen Bay, Wis. [Green Bay], Tuesday, July 17. It rained this forenoon, but it has cleared. During the parade the bell wagon stuck in the mud. The Bill show is papered here for the 8th. Gus and Josie Milton and J. H. LaPearl are visitors to-day.
Iron Mountain, Mich., Wednesday, July 18. Messrs. Al. and Henry Ringling, Mrs. Al. Ringling and Fred Fisher started on a three days' fishing trip to-day on Lake Nockerbay. We are having beautiful weather.
Ishpeming, Mich., Thursday, July 19. We are getting up in the mining country now. It has been cool to-day and rainy.
Hancock, Mich., Friday, July 20. This is Nettie Carroll's birthday, and she has received many handsome presents. It is cool and cloudy. The lot is about two miles out. Some of the ladies rode down on a flat car this evening. Bertha Carihan lost her kodak here.
Calumet, Mich., Saturday, July 21. The Sons of St. George are just closing a celebration here. Business in all departments was immense to-day and the boys on the big show door have been talking everything but English.
Appleton, Wis., Monday, July 23. We reached here last night at 9. We had a long run and the weather was warm, but as we laid in a supply of good things to eat the day was not as bad as it might have been. To-day it is very warm. Detective Ryan has come back and he is looking well again. We are glad to see him. C. J. Sassaria joined here. Fred Fisher is back on the trapeze again.
Waupaca, Wis., Tuesday, July 24. It has been very hot to-day, though we had showers this forenoon.
Fond du Lac, Wis., Wednesday, July 25. The weather is still hot. The irrepressible fiend with the five-legged calf was around again to-day and was sent, as usual, to Delevan.
Madison, Wis., Thursday, July 26. We arrived early and found a very soft lot about a mile out. Baraboo is here by the carload. Among the visitors are Mrs. Ringling, mother of the brothers, Miss Ida Ringling, Mrs. A. G. Ringling and family, and "Doc" Freeman. Mrs. Alf. T. Ringling and Mrs. Charles Ringling have come down from Baraboo with the children to stay. Mrs. Guy F. Steely is a visitor also. Mrs. Al. Jones will go home from here tonight. Her mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. Case, are with us today. Other visitors from Baraboo are: Mrs. Charles Rees, Mrs. Charles Miller and Mike Roony. "Popcorn George" Hall is another guest. Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Page and daughter, Nellye, were guests of John Carroll. Mr. Otto Ringling will leave from here for a short vacation and rest.
Platteville, Wis., Friday, July 27. We gave but one show here, because of the long run to-night. As it was, we had such a hard place to load that it was past midnight before we left town. The Corn-Crib Dancing Club was organized here this afternoon, and the first hop of the season was held on the depot platform. Music was furnished by Charles Andress, fiddle; Jim Alexander, guitar; Harry Ashton, mandolin, and Spader Johnson, cornet. This is the birthplace of the Parsons boys.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Saturday, July 28. It was a continuous performance to-day. The last section did not arrive till 11; the parade was at 1, and the show started at 3:45. It has been very hot all day. Frank Griffin, a brother of Charles E., is a visitor here. Mr. and Mrs. Kerry Meagher will stay over here. Mr. Meagher will return Monday morning, and Mrs. Meagher will go home. Beach and Bowers' Minstrels visited us here.
Boone, Iowa, Monday, July 30. We arrived here early yesterday. This morning's papers announce that Buffalo Bill's train was wrecked near Detroit and that King Humbert of Italy has been assassinated. The weather is very hot to-day. Charles Glye, porter of the Arcadia, departed suddenly some time this afternoon. A kangaroo was born in the menagerie yesterday.
Ida Grove, Iowa, Tuesday, July 31. It is still very hot. To-day Lentine, Sr., had an altercation with a convention of bees and got the worst of it.
Sioux City, Iowa, Wednesday, Aug. 1. It is still exceedingly hot, but we have done an immense business.
Norfolk, Neb., Thursday, Aug. 2. We arrived early and are still suffering from the intense heat. To-night, however, it is cooler. Ed Shipp ran over to Kearney from here to see 4-Paw and Sells Bros.' show.
Central City, Neb., Friday, Aug. 3. The weather continues hot. This is our first visit here, and we have opposition in the shape of a Midway show down town.
Lexington, Neb., Saturday, Aug. 4. Still hot and very dusty. We gave only an afternoon show here, as the run to-night is long. The Corn-Crib Dancing Club is holding a dance in an empty crib at the side of the coaches. Nearly evrybody is present. Charles Carroll has the mandolin, Jim Alexander is picking the guitar, Spader Johnson is tooting the cornet, Charles Andress and Harry Ashton are alternating with the fiddle, and Steve Miaco is doing some of his finest tromboning. Charles Ryan has been the guest to-day of-the chief of police, and they had their pictures taken together.
Denver, Col., Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 6 and 7. We had a long run Sunday over the hot sand. We got here Sunday evening and found the weather cool and pleasant. The cars had no sooner stopped than a crowd got off and started in all directions to "do" Denver. Business was immense here. Monday night at least 7,000 people were turned away. Tuesday night during the skating act John Slater knocked his head against the platform instead of his "prop" pad, and is now languishing in the "Boston." One of the elephant cars jumped the track here while we were running into town. The elephants got a severe shaking, but no harm was done. William Gillette joined here to do the "Rube" kid.
Colorado Springs, Col., Wednesday, Aug. 8. We are getting up into the Rockies and the weather is cool and delightful. To-day Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ringling, with the children and a camera, have gone up on Pike's Peak. Others are contenting themselves by looking at the mountain from the cars.
Pueblo, Col., Thursday, Aug. 9. We are further into the mountain to-day and the air is pure and invigorating. Nelson and Edwards got left last night and were not in parade to-day. It is understood that they went up on the peak to get a better look at the moon. LaPell tried to handle the cymbals in the mounted band and scared a cab horse.
Canon City, Col., Friday, Aug. 10. The hill-climbing craze has seized us and a bunch out of the men's dressing room are wearing out shoe leather looking for mineral specimens. We gave but one show here and will leave early this evning for Leadville. Those who have not seen Royal Gorge are sorry this is not Sunday, so they could go through in daylight.
Leadville, Col., Saturday, Aug. 11. We saw the gorge last night by moonlight. It was a grand sight. We arrived here early and found snow all around us, but a little too high for sleighing. It has been bright and pleasant all day. We are using iron stakes here and our tents are practically riveted to the everlasting rocks. Johnnie Carroll was presented to-night with a loving cup by his friends in the dressing room. The loving cup is one of the kind that grows on trees and is often seen around the pump on a farm. Tybell and Harry Zella made presentation speeches in such touching words that two of the camels died.
Mt. Pleasant, Utah, Monday, Aug. 13. We got here early Sunday. There is plenty of dust here. During the run from Leadville a spark from the engine fell into the zebra's cage, setting fire to the straw. Before the fire could be put out the poor animal was so badly injured that it died to-day.
Provo, Utah, Tuesday, Aug. 14. We are now among the Mormons. We got here early and found everything dusty and dry. We took a wash in the creek this morning and we feel better now. Romeo knocked down Charlie White to-day and laid him up. Green went to the rescue just in time.
Salt Lake, Utah, Wednesday, Aug. 15. This morning just as the parade was leaving the lot a wind storm came up and hurled down the menagerie tent. A quarter pole struck Pearl Souder and severely injured his hand. There was considerable excitement for a while. The candy stands also went up in the air and one of them fell on Lew Graham. Some of our people visited the temple and the tabernacle to-day.
Ogden, Utah, Thursday, Aug. 16. The lot is right in town in the shadow of the county jail. Some of the more courageous visited the Bastile. Fred Lamonte's new top-piece was shipped home from here.
Logan, Utah, Friday, Aug. 17. We are still in Mormon land and the long-whiskered brethren are turning out generously with their wives.
Idaho Falls, Idaho, Saturday, Aug. 18. The performance was interrupted this afternoon by a severe wind storm, which for a time created intense excitement. No harm was done. There was but one show here and the evening was spent in visiting the lava beds.
Great Falls, Mont., Monday, Aug. 20. We traveled all day yesterday and last night. Fred Lamont and Miss Belle Carmen were married here to-night. Mr. and Mrs. Leon were present. It rained hard after the day show.
Helena, Mont., Tuesday, Aug. 21. We got here late in the forenoon. Charles E. Nixon, former dramatic critic of the Chicago Inter-Ocean, has just started a newspaper here. The news of the wedding is spreading to-day, and Fred Lamont is busy shaking hands.
Bozeman, Mont., Wednesday, Aug. 22. The Indians are getting more numerous. They were well represented here.
Butte Mont., Thursday, Aug. 23. Marks was left last night in Bozeman. He climbed on the first train that came to town and instead of coming here he went back to Helena. "Jig Steps" was also left. To-night the boys had some fun with a fresh laundryman. He pulled a revolver in the dressing room and they took it away from him.
Anaconda, Mont., Friday, Aug. 24. Marcus Daly owns this town. It is very chilly to-day and we are wearing our overcoats.
Missoula, Mont., Saturday, Aug. 25. The Indians have come from miles around to see the show. Their tents were pitched on the lot when we arrived. We gave only an afternoon show here.
Spokane, Wash., Monday, Aug. 27. We stopped at Hope yesterday to feed and water the stock. The weather was delightful and a beautiful lake lay at the side of the track. Mr. Al. Ringling met an old friend and together with Mr. Henry and Kerry Meagher stayed over to fish. We pulled in here about noon and at the depot met a train load of performers en route to the Elks' Carnival at Portland. This evening Will Horton gave a hipnotic show in the menagerie. He put "Red Shirt" and several animal men to sleep. To-day the weather is good. Another turnaway here. The fishing party has returned. They caught thirty fine bass and Mr. Al. is happy.
Ritzville, Wash., Tuesday, Aug. 28. We gave only one show here.
Ellensburg, Wash., Wednesday, Aug. 29. The weather was cool and delightful here, and business, as usual, was good.
Everett, Wash., Thursday, Aug. 30. The weather continues beautiful and so does business.
New Whatcom, Wash., Friday, Aug. 31. George Heiser's brother-in-law, William Koenecker, of this city, was a visitor to-day.
Vancouver, B. C., Saturday, Sept. 1. This is the first time the Ringling show has ever exhibited in a foreign country, and the people here are astonished at the magnitude of the World's Greatest. Japs, Chinese and Indians are among our patrons. The Empress of China has just come back with a rich cargo of tea and silk and many of our people have gone aboard to inspect her. This is a good place to buy silks cheap, and we are not overlooking the fact.
Seattle, Wash., Monday, Sept. 3. We traveled nearly all day yesterday and the boys spent the day in tearing up all the straw hats they found. We got here after dark. To-day is Labor Day. and the streets are packed. We had the biggest crush of the season at the grounds and turned thousands away at both, shows. The side show and war show did an immense business. Ashton, Mercer and Plamondon joined the Eagles here.
Tacoma, Wash., Tuesday, Sept. 4. The lot is quite a walk from town. The parade attracted the usual crowd and business was good. Sky Clark's father-in-law was a visitor here.
Centralia, Wash., Wednesday, Sept. 5. We gave but one show here, as the run to Portland to-night is long. The axis and the fallow deer-locked horns to-day and had a pretty bloody fight. Mr. Axis was the victor. Mrs. Willison, a sister of Mrs. Shadle, was a visitor to-day.
Portland, Ore., Thursday and Friday, Sept. 6 and 7. The Elks are holding a carnival here and the town is full. The decorations about the city are beautiful and quite an interesting midway has been built through one of the streets. Our business here was immense, though it rained Friday. Thursday night we turned 'em away. Zella, Natalie and his pigs and Venus, one of the elephants, have been helping the Elks out on the Midway. Natalie and Zella will stay the rest of the week. McCrackin and Steely did an elephant act here. They led old lady Venus through the mud and rain from the streets of Cairo to the train. Sammy handles the hook like an old-timer. Some of the ladies have been buying fur coats here.
Salem, Ore., Saturday, Sept. 8. "Prof." Horton gave another hipnotic exhibition after supper this evening in the "kid" show. "Blacky" and "Red Shirt" were the subjects. "Red Shirt" put five of the boys through the elephant act, and "Blacky" played detective and fired a bunch of "side wallers." Among those present were Mr. Otto Ringling, Mr. John Ringling, Mr. Henry Ringling and Mr. and Mrs. Al. Ringling.
Medford, Ore., Monday, Sept. 10. We gave only one show to-day, as the run to-night is long and we have to climb the mountains.
Redding, Cal., Tuesday, Sept. 11. This is our first visit to California. Last night it took twelve engines to pull us over the mountains. It was a beautiful trip and many stayed up to see the scenery by moonlight.
Chico, Cal., Wednesday, Sept. 12. There are palms all around us to-day and the roses are in bloom. We are eating oranges and figs right from the trees. A young mountain lion joined the show here. He was named "Chico" in honor of the town. Crandall, Roony, Lowanda, "Jig Steps" and Nelson missed the train last night and just got here in time for the performance. "Jig Steps" danced for his breakfast at Redding. Fred Lamont was born here.
Marysville, Cal., Thursday, Sept. 13. This is a veritable flower garden. There are geranium trees here ten feet high.
Woodland, Cal., Friday, Sept. 14. Everybody is buying almonds here. This is the greatest market for them in the world. A retired doctor, formerly of Michigan, owns a plantation near the lot and he has been entertaining us all day. We have been given the freedom of his ranch and have been picking figs and pomegranets all afternoon.
Santa Rosa, Cal., Saturday, Sept. 15. This town is filled with beautiful homes and is simply one bower of palms and roses.
Vallejo, Cal., Monday, Sept. 17. We arrived here early yesterday and the weather was beautiful. During the afternoon many of the company visited the navy yards on Mare Island and were shown over the hospital ship, Solas, the Philadelphia and the training ship Independence. The menagerie tent was not up yesterday, as the men were painting up in preparation for 'Frisco. Our cars here were side-tracked in an avenue of palms and eucalyptus trees. On one side of us lay the Bay of Vallejo with the navy yards in the distance, while on the other were the blue hills with the runins of an old mission high up in the rocks. To-night the performance was attended by crowds of "blue jackets" and many officers. Many of them have just just come back from the Philippines. Miss Estelle Lovenberg was __ years old to-day, and her friends are loading her down with presents. William Vino joined here to do Si Perkins on the track.
Oakland, Cal., Tuesday, Sept. 18. We ferried at Benecia last night to save a long trip by rail. The largest boat in the world took us over the Sacramento river in two trips. Mercer, Plamondon, John Carroll and "Jig Steps" were left last night and "Jig Steps" has not got back. We turned 'em away at both performances here, and this being so close to 'Frisco it indicates a tremendous business there.
San Francisco, Cal., Sept. 19 to 26. The ferry boat that was to have brought us over here sank yesterday. As a consequence we had to go by rail by way of San Jose, a distance of 98 miles. We arrived late and the parade did not start till 11:30. It was witnessed by an immense throng, and the show made a big hit from the start. The engagement began with a night show and we played to phenomenal business, turning thousands away night after night. Six nights out of the eight the wagon was closed at 7:15. We played to capacity every afternoon. The featured acts of the show, especially the elephants, are the talk of the town. There being only one parade the performers have had a splendid opportunity to see 'Frisco, and they have been on the go constantly. We have eaten chop sooy and have done Chinatown to a finish. The bazaars have been besieged night and day and the Ringlings and many others of the show have well-nigh bought them out. A string of "chinks" has been on the constant trot between our cars and Chinatown delivering chinaware, silks, and all kinds of fancy goods. Seal Rocks, the Cliff house, tea gardens, Sutro Baths and Golden Gate Park have also been visited. Four water buffalo and two linx joined here. W. H. Horton left from here to take charge of No. 1 car during A. G. Ringling's visit home. James Jay Brady closed here. James Tucker of No. 3 car has been sick here with typhoid. His friends have been visiting him and he is having every attention possible. He will be sent home as soon as he is well enough to take the trip.
San Jose, Cal., Thursday, Sept. 27. This is the place to buy shells and we are loading up again. The weather is beautiful and business has been good. The lot is on the beach.
Santa Cruz, Cal., Friday, Sept. 28. Nearly everybody was in sea bathing to-day. The weather is delightful. This is a quaint town and very beautiful.
Salinas, Cal., Saturday, Sept. 29. Fine town and fine weather. This is a great sugar beet section. The largest sugar beet factory in the world is here.
Sacramento, Cal., Monday, Oct. 1. We got here late last evning. The lot is in the driving park. To-day an immense crowd saw the parade. This afternoon the big top was bulging with people and to-night we turned hundreds away.
Stockton, Cal., Tuesday, Oct. 2. Many of the company are laying in a stock of bamboo furniture here. Lockhart alone bought enough to furnish a summer hotel. To-night we turned them away again. Two little Japanese bears joined here.
Merced, Cal., Wednesday, Oct. 3. We had a heavy rain here all day, but nevertheless business was big.
Fresno, Cal., Thursday, Oct. 4. This is the greatest raisin market in the world, and we are buying the finest in boxes of 5 and 10 pounds to take home. We have struck a fine wine cellar here too and are laying in a supply of tokay, muscat, port and sherry. A wagon has been busy all day hauling kegs to the cars. We are loaded down with silks, fruits and wine and will soon need another engine to pull us. DaComa is sleeping with eight demijohns and Lockhart's stateroom smells like a wine cellar. This is a very beautiful town with many fine homes. We turned them away again to-night. Miss Tybell was ill to-day and did not work. Mrs. Emma Gunn, and her husband, wno owns a ranch here, visited Mr. and Mrs. Shipp to-day. Mr. Gunn is a retired race rider.
Visalia, Cal., Friday, Oct. 5. Miss Turnour began a class in fancy dancing to-day. Her pupils are Addie Lovenberg, Nettie Carroll and Mrs. Tybell.
Bakersfield, Cal., Saturday, Oct. 6. There is little else here but sand, and it is blowing from all directions. It has not rained here since June.
Santa Barbara, Cal., Monday, Oct. 8. This is one of the prettiest towns in the State. There is an old monastery here and many historic landmarks. Some of the homes are surrounded by magnificent gardens of palms, oleanders, roses and cypress trees. It is right on the beach. It is one of the oldest towns in the State and some of the landmarks of the old Spaniards still stand. There are quite a number of adobie houses. There are hundreds of oil wells and some of them are out in the water. It looks as though they pump oil from the sea. Jim the leopard had his tail cut off yesterday.
Los Angeles, Cal., Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 9 and 10. We met with such favor here that out of the four performances three were turn-aways. The down-town office virtually sold the house before the wagon opened. The weather has been delightful. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Lamont presented Jessie Leon with two Belgian hares.
Santa Ana, Cal., Thursday, Oct. 11. The lot here is in a grove of English walnut trees.
Poma, Cal., Friday, Oct. 12. The lot here is very sandy, but the dressing room is at the edge of an orange grove. The wind has been blowing the yellow fruit over the fence all day.
San Barnardino, Cal., Saturday, Oct. 13. To-night we turn our backs on the flower garden State and plunge into the desert. Each section will carry two water cars to keep us till Tuesday, as we will have no place to get water on the road. It rained all day and has been damp and chilly. Clate Alexander is raffling off a diamond ring. We are all learning Spanish. It is necessary in the ticket wagon and on the front door to know a little of the language.
Phoenix, Ariz., Monday, Oct. 15. We are moving rapidly toward home. We had a long, tedious trip yesterday over the desert. Last evening we stopped at Yuma to feed and the "greasers," Indians and Mexicans came down in droves to see us. Our Kodak club tried to take a few snap-shots, but were not very successful, as an Indian has no love for the picture gun, especially when it is pointed toward him. Charlie Andress approached an old squaw with a leather hand bag. She thought it was a kodak and is still running. We did not reach here till this evening. It is our first visit here. It is warm and bright and a big crowd is in town. There are about 12,000 people here, some very handsome stores and a number of nice homes.
Tucson, Ariz., Tuesday, Oct. 16. We arrived a little late. The town looks like a small chunk of old Mexico. There are any number of mud houses, and the woods are full of Indians and greasers. They have come from as far as 200 miles on horseback and in wagons to see the show. Witsenhausen was in the wagon a while to-night and he had his troubles. A Spaniard came up and tore off two or three feet of Greaser lingo. "Witz" staggered for a moment and came back with a mixture of German and English. The Mexican handed him another package of greaser and "Witz" swooned. Kerry Meagher gave the man what he wanted — two whole and two half tickets. Charles A. Davis, formerly press agent of the Forepaugh show, was a visitor to-day, he is here for his health.
Deming, New Mexico, Wednesday, Oct. 17. The last section did not get here till nearly 4 o'clock. The big top was put up, the cages were corralled and we gave an evening show, to an audience of Mexicans, Indians, "greasers," Chinamen, Japs and a few Americans.
El Paso, Tex., Thursday, Oct. 18. The biggest lot here was too small for the show until George Heiser bought a row of adobie houses in one corner of the ground and had them torn down. Many of us have been over in Mexico to-day and have brought back a lot of souvenirs. We did an immense business here. As we were running into town last night we were quarantined about a mile out. Officers with lanterns went through the cars in search of any one of us who might have a pocket full oŁ bubonic plague microbs. We all swore we had not been in 'Frisco for fifteen days, so they let us pass.
Pecos, Tex., Friday, Oct. 19. We gave no show here, as we did not get in till dark. A wreck and washouts were responsible.
Saturday, Oct. 20 - Roswell, New Mexico
Monday, Oct. 22 - Wichita Falls, Texas
Tuesday, Oct. 23 - Bowie, Texas
Wednesday, Oct. 24 - Fort Worth, Texas
Thursday, Oct. 25 - Denton, Texas
Friday, Oct. 26 - Bonham, Texas
Saturday, Oct. 27 - Clarksville, Texas
Monday, Oct. 29 - Paris, Texas
Tuesday, Oct. 30 - Sherman, Texas
Wednesday, Oct. 31 - McKinney, Texas
Thursday, Nov. 1 - Corsicana, Texas
Friday, Nov. 2 - Hillsboro, Texas
Saturday, Nov. 3 - Waxahachie, Texas
Monday, Nov. 5 - Dallas, Texas
Tuesday, Nov. 6 - Terrell, Texas
Wednesday, Nov. 7 - Marshall, Texas
Thursday, Nov. 8vTexarkana, Texas
Friday, Nov. 9 - Shreveport, La.
Saturday, Nov. 10 - Natchetoches, La.
Monday, Nov. 12 - Alexandria, La.
Tuesday, Nov. 13 - Monroe, La.
Wednesday, Nov. 14 - Monticello, Ark.
CHS webmaster J. Griffin, last modified May 2008.