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450. Flying Genders, 18 February, 2005 - I am looking for any info on the Flying Genders, a trapeze act from the mid 1930's to the 1950's. I know they performed for Ringling Brothers and Harold Genders for the general manager for Ringling Bros. I found a trunk full of their personal belongings related to the circus. Ron Malmgren, Venice FL, Rvkeywest@aol.com. Respond to this message Reply: 02 March, 2005 - Harold, "Tuffy" Genders was born and raised in Bloomington, Illinois. He acquired some early training in the 1920s at the YMCA, where many of the great trapeze artists of the time practiced and presented a benefit performance every spring. Tuffy broke in with the Flying Wards troupe a year or so after Eddie Ward died (1930 or '31). The Wards were a great flying return act that used a training barn on East Emerson Street. He met a young woman named Gracie Moore, and married her a couple of years later when they were both working with Bob Fisher's Fearless Flyers, another great Bloomington troupe. Eddie Ward's wife, Mayme Ward, could not keep up the act with the training facility on Emerson Street, and it was sold in 1936 to Art Concello, another of the Wards' former students, and a lifetime friend of Tuffy. Tuffy worked with a number of flying acts that were owned and managed by Concello over the years, and he was Art's right hand man when Art became General Manager of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. When Art retired (or was fired) in the 1960s Tuffy took his place as General Manager of the Big Show. Tuffy retired when the Felds bought out the Ringling show. He died a few years ago in Sarasota. I never heard of an actual troupe called the Flying Genders, but it wouldn't surprise me to find out that Tuffy had trained and managed a troupe by that name. I would be interested in any information you might have, and especially in the trunkful of artifacts. Thank you, Steve Gossard, Curator of Circus Collections, Milner Library Special Collections, Illinois State University Normal, Illinois 61790-8900 Reply: 29 January, 2006 - Not sure I can be much help here, However my Father was a trapeze artist with Ringling brothers around the same time frame. He ended up with a broken back from a fall in the middle of the street in Pittsburg (I believe it was). On the first day the circus always had a parade, and my father was doing his trapeze act without a net. At any rate, if you run across any news article or anything on Alton (Sandy) Sanford. I would love to have copies of it. I know many of the acts back then all saved articles from each town they had shows in. He lost all his in a fire many years ago, even before I was even born. And I'm trying to find them again, to pass them on to my son and grand children before it's too late. Hope I haven't bored you to much. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Susan, sueb2@ableweb.net Reply: 13 November, 2006 - Dear Sir, As far as I know Harold "Tuffy" Genders never put out a Flying act called the Flying Genders, I could be wrong but I was a catcher with the Concello's as was Tuffy before the show went inside. I worked around The Concellos for 20 years living in Bloomington, Il. Harold was catcher with the Concellos and before that The Vasconcellos which Art Concello and Antonette were the principal flyers. I started working with them as well as other Bloomington acts in 1959 so if Tuffy did put out an act under his own name it would before that but I never heard him or Art or anyone else mention it. You might like to contact STEVE GOSSARD at Bloomington, Il. He LITTERALY wrote the book on flying trapeze history and would know. You may tell him you were sent by me. I was a catcher with a lot of acts some were The La Mars, The Concellos, The Viannad and The Wards which I later bought and still own. So I hope I have been of some help to you. At 75 I don't do that stuff any more, Laugh. Good Luck Rod MacKenzie,III. But Known to everyone in the business under WARD C. ALEXANDER (Bought the Wards and Alexander titles thus the name.)

Join CHS today! Membership Form 440. Fay Alexander, brother Eddie, 18 February, 2005 - Am searching for the brother of Fay Alexander, the trapeze artist who performed in the movie, Trapeze, as well as multitudes of performances in the Circus and many years of working with the television show, "Circus of the Stars." The brother of Fay Alexander is Eddie Alexander. Thank you for your help, Tjanya (Janis Baisden) Aguirre, JTAMoran@aol.com. Respond to this message Reply: 02 March, 2005 - I did not know that Fay had a brother, but I knew that he had a sister named Dorothy. Can you tell me anything more about this brother? Steve Gossard Reply: 25 February, 2006 - Well, is the saying true, "Better late than never"? Fay Alexander's younger brother was/is Eddie Alexander. He attended Notre Dame high school in Los Angeles, graduating in 1959. After high school he enlisted in the Marine Corps. We lost touch after that. I still have his high school year book that he asked me to keep safe for him. I'd like to return it to him if I could find him. He might get a kick out of having it after so many years. Unfortunately though, there are thousands of Eddie Alexanders, making it just about impossible to find this particular one. I don't remember Eddie speaking of having a sister. Tjanya Aguirre

439. Trapeze artists, LeBrun, 16 February, 2005 - I am interested in finding out about trapeze artistes touring in Buenos Aires in 1895-96. I do not know the name of the circus but their act was LeBrun. They were Edgardo Brown age 34 and his wife Fanny Lawson age 21. Can you help at all Moira Aitken Leros, Scotland, moiragail.aitken@btinternet.com. Respond to this message Reply: 22 November, 2005 - Attempting to contact a Moira Skirving Aitken re Skirving Genealogy. Apologies if this is not relevant to you. Regards, Lindsay, L. Robertson, Aberdeen Scotland

438. Tetu Robinson, 16 February, 2005 - Am searching for any knowledge about Tetu Robinson, wire artiste with (Daniel R.) Robinson's Famous Shows in 1910 and 1911. She appeared with Mugivan's & Bower's (American Circus Corporation) shows from 1913 forward through 1929. These included: Howes' Great London, John Robinson's, Sells-Floto and Al G. Barnes. Tetu was born circa 1898 at Tokyo, Japan. She died after 1970: Where and when? Does anyone know about Tetu? Appreciation from Frances, francestaber@comcast.net. Respond to this message

437. Circus, James Sullivan owner, 15 February, 2005 - I'm doing research on circuses with roots to Youngstown Ohio. I'm trying to find the name of a circus that was owned by James Sullivan around 1920. I believe that this particular group was based Struthers Ohio, Sarasota and possibly Canada. Any quidance that you might offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Gary James, Bigsul@tampabay.rr.com. Respond to this message Reply: 02 March, 2005 - James Sullivan was a Canadian carnival owner. He may have booked free acts or had a back end circus show at one time. Al Stencell in Toronto can likely provide considerable information. Fred Dahlinger Reply: 10 March, 2005 - Robert L. Parkinson's Directory of American Circuses (1793-2000) lists the Saint Leon Bros. Circus 1931. "Jimmy" Sullivan was partner in the ill fated St. Leon Bros. Circus around 1937-38 when many shows folded. The show played in the U.S. while his Wallace Bros. Carnival kept operating in Canada. Al Stencell was instrumental in obtaining this information. - Giovanni Iuliani

436. Trapeze, Bensons, 14 February, 2005 - I am trying to find information and photos on trapeze artist who performed with the Barnum Bailey, Hunt Bros., Cole Bros., Shrine Circus and Polack Bros. circus between 1949 and 1953. Her name is Fay Benson she also went by the name Francine Faye. She did a performance Nov. 10-26, 1953 with the Polack Bros Circus (Eastern) in Philadelphia, Pa. Would you have more information or photos on this performance also? Also, could you tell me if you know of an act "The Flying Jacksons" within the same time frame with any information regarding performer George Benson. Thank you very much. Patricia, patriciabstrums12n6@tds.net. Respond to this message

435. Bandwagons & Tableaus, 14 February, 2005 - I have a few Q's re: Bandwagons/Tableaus. 1. In 1902 B&B ordered 4 tabs {America, Asia, Africa, & Europe}. Are all 4 currently in the collection @ Baraboo? Looking @ a photo of the Asia tab I note there are 6 {Borneo, Persia, Afgan, Ceylon, China & ?} woodcarvings to represent the continent on the right side. Would there have been an additional 6 on the left side? Which 6 or 12 {if applicable} woodcarvings might have been on the America, Africa, & Europe tabs? 2. During 1917-1918 The Bode Wagon Co. of Cincinnati constructed a series of 16 tabs bodies, each representing a different country. The bodies were mounted on truck chassis & equipped w/running gear to be pulled by horses for the {then new} Frank Spellman United States Motorized Circus. Bodies were put into storage until 1924. Several {unknown specific number} ended up w/the Cole Bros. Circus. A disastrous winterquarters fire {which circus?} in 1940 destroyed all but the France wagon. Would anyone know the names of Countries for the 15 destroyed by fire, have photos of each and be able to ID which circus each belonged to? 3. Would the Ringling Bell wagon be considered a Bell Carillon? And lastly thank you so much Mr. Giovanni Iuliani for your kind/informative notes re: the 2 Hemispheres Bandwagon. Danny McLean, D952@mohaveaz.com. Respond to this message Reply: 02 March, 2005 - 1. No, only the modified Asia is in Baraboo. A few top carvings from the others are at Dearborn, MI and in the Smithsonian. Each tableau had a total of 14 busts, six to a side and two on the rear doors. It will take some study to determine the names on all of the tableaus, and in some cases there is no existing photography. I suggest starting with Fred Fried's book, Artists in Wood, which offers some illustrations. 2. The Bode work for Spellman is covered in the article that I wrote about the Cole Bros. France Tableau. Check the Bandwagon index on this website and then order the back issue accordingly. 3. There are formal definitions for carillon, chime, etc. Go to the website of the Guild of Carillonneurs of North America for reference, www.gcna.org. Fred Dahlinger Reply: 04 March, 2005 - Correction to my March 2 reply is in order, as "an altered "America" is also in Baraboo. Sorry. The "busts" are actually bas relief, not full figure. Fred Dahlinger Reply: 23 November, 2006 - Belated this reply might be, but may this Milwaukeean with fond memories of The Great Circus Parade there in years past note something? If I am correct, C.P. ("Chappie") Fox wrote a book in 1952 or 1953 on circus parades that contained many vintage black-and-white photographs of many great old parade wagons, including the set of four continent tableau wagons built by Sebastian Wagon Works for Barnum & Bailey's triumphant 1903 return to the United States. The book's title, if I remember correctly, was Circus Parades: A Pictorial History of America's Greatest Pageant, with an introduction by Henry Ringling North. This book is available for borrowing from the Milwaukee Public Library.       Indeed, as photographs and color paintings in this book show, all four wagons - representing Africa, America, Asia, and Europe - originally had stunning scupltural groupings atop the tiers with the famed bas-reliefs representing life in each continent, complete with people representing national types surrounding a large animal (an elephant for Asia, a buffalo for America, a camel for Asia, and a cow for Europe) deemed typical in each case. Based on similar groupings at London's Albert Memorial, these figural groupings apparently were either painted gold or gilded.       If one goes by the color paintings in the book as a guide, each of the wagons was originally painted in relatively restained two- or three-color schemes much like the subdued red-and-blue scheme with which the America wagon, now a steam calliope, was painted for many years before it received its current scheme, a relative riot of delightful color.       The America and Asia wagons, later converted, respectively, into a steam calliope and a boxy wagon suitable for carrying baggage in travel, are now at the Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wisconsin, bearing such colorful paint schemes, both apparently re-creating their approximate appearances when they were owned by the Cole Bros. Circus in the 1930s. I clearly remember one photo of the Asia wagon from the 1930s or 1940s showing it in quite sad shape, with its paint horrifically high-contrast and its bas-reliefs gone. It is good that it was saved; Marshall Field's in Chicago later got it and used it in its annual Christmas parade there before it went to Baraboo.       If I remember correctly, the upper sculptural portion of the America wagon is now at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.       Does anyone know what truly became of the lost Africa and Europe wagons? Has anything at all from either or both of them survived? Scott Enk, senk8105@sbcglobal.net Reply: 25 November, 2006 - Your memory is good, Chappie Fox's book "Circus Parades" was published in 1953. The color plates in it were done by the late Charlie Amidon. The color selections might be said to be "best judgment," with the research supporting the choices made open to question. The only color documentation for many wagons are the lithographs that were issued during the initial existence of the wagons. They cannot be relied upon in all cases, since the poster work was sometimes done in advance of the wagon work and decorative treatments. The only wagons that Fox or Amidon would personally have seen in the colors noted, and in the configurations shown, would have been the Carl Hagenbeck tableau featuring the lion carving, the image facing page 129, and Chivalry, facing page 144. The Lion Tableau, facing page 89 was white when seen by Fox in the late 1940s; the images that he used were "colorized" to green, perhaps derived from an 1880s lithography of the wagon that has been on the cover of "Bandwagon." The Sparks bandwagon, facing page 32, might have been at Sarasota when Chappie was there about 1938, but it was in tough shape at the time. I would advise "caution" to anyone using the plates in the book as a guide to wagon color schemes.       Most American circus parade wagons were done in the single or perhaps two-color painted body with gilded or leafed carvings style that originated in the 1840s. It was derived from the Greek and/or Roman Revival styles that were then commonplace in America. There are some limited examples of polychromatic paint schemes circa 1908 [i. e., Chivalry], but the style did not broadly catch on until the 1920s. It's possible that further archeological work might have influenced the designs, as well as trends in architecture and the availability of a broader spectrum of paints. Multi-color scenic paintings had been applied to wagons and advance cars back to the mid-19th century, but multi-color carving applications were not common until later. America and Asia received such treatments on Christy Bros. in the 1920s and again on Cole in the 1930s.       The four B&B continental tableaus of 1903 were all rebuilt into box-body tableaus on Barnum & Bailey about 1916-1917. The top carvings were removed and placed on small four-wheel chassis that can be seen in some photos. Only America was altered again, in early 1940, to house a steam calliope. Europe and Africa might have been sold to George Christy, but never moved out of a storage lot in Connecticut. The identifications and wording in the documentation covering the transaction is ambiguous, but there's an analysis of it in the series on Christy Bros. in "Bandwagon." He did retrieve America, Asia and others for service on Christy Bros. The top of the original Africa is generally at the Henry Ford Museum. There are some figures from the Europe at the Smithsonian. There are bits and pieces from other abandoned wagons in various collections around the US.       Marshall Field's sponsored the acquisition of the Golden Age of Chivalry. Block & Kuhl of Peoria [later Carson, Pirie, Scott] enabled the acquisition of the Asia tableau and two others. America came from Cleaver-Brooks in Milwaukee. Fred Dahlinger

434. Hage Circus, 14 February, 2005 - I was wondering if any one knows of a circus by the name of Hage Circus that was around in 1890's to around 1910, it will be of great help. Agustus Hanners was a clown in the circus and he thought of them as his real family. His mother wasn't married and his father died when he was 10. Not much is known about them. I know Agustus was from Missouri and ran away to join when he was 13. And he thought of the Hage family as his. Thanks Larry Lindsay, Kansas City, Kansas, fenceman1970@hotmail.com. Respond to this message Reply: 15 February, 2005 - Hi Larry, You may be referring to the Mighty Haag Shows that lasted from 1895 through 1909. It then became the Mighty Haag Railroad Shows from 1909 until 1915 and later the Mighty Haag Circus until 1938. The show was owned by Ernest Haag from the beginning until his death in 1935. See message 362. Darren Bryan in Georgia, darrenrx@bellsouth.net

433. Circus Hanni, Circus Gleich, 14 February, 2005 - I am writing a book about European Circuses in the late 1800's/early 1900's. In particular, I am looking for information about Circus Hanni and Circus Gleich. All information I've searched on the net is in German or French, and I am fluent in neither language. Any information you may have or tips on resources would be greatly appreciated! Sincerely, T. Benson, t.benson@sasktel.net. Respond to this message Reply: 15 February, 2005 - Circus Gleich? Circus Hanni? I don't think there's many circuses I haven't heard of, but neither is familiar in the slightest. Nor can I find anything on the net that resembles it. You say you found things in German, but maybe there's a confusion because gleich is a word for 'at the same time'. There was a dwarfshow belonging to Rudolf Glech once, sometimes mistakenly called Gleich, but it wasn't a circus, it was a copy of Schneiders and it was later that the 1900's more the 1920-30 and it wasn't German or French, it was Flemish. What other European circuses are in your book? Natasha Gerson Reply: 02 June, 2005 - There was a circus by the name Gleich. My mother and father were in it. I remember them talking about it. That's all I can help you with. fatima Reply: 12 July, 2005 - Probably you have come across this yourself, but just because I wrote a while back that I didn't know of any Gleich all of a sudden I came across this in relation to Circus Amar, history Amar, it says in 1929 Amar had in Paris a German rival, the circus of Julius Gleich. Cheers, Natasha Gerson. burguscircus1.free.fr/amar_histo.htm - En 1929, doté de deux pistes, il prit le titre de "Cirque Géant", pour contrecarrer les efforts de son rival allemand Julius GLEICH qui, aux portes de Paris, accueillait 10.000 spectateurs dans un spectacle donné sur trois pistes à la fois. In addition I found a mention saying that Circus Gleich was Austrian, with an old poster www.geocities.com/kroniekvansintandries/images/F_circus3.gif. Here it is mentioned that Gleich lived from 1886 to 1951 and had a seating of 10.000, then the biggest in the world. Its hippodrome was 62 meters. The circus app. went bankrupt in 1935 - Natasha Gerson. het reuzencircus "Gleich" er voorstellingen op het terrein van Cercle dat nu ingenomen is door de 18-Oktoberstraat. Het Oostenrijks circus had een capaciteit van 10.000 zitplaatsen. Het werd gesticht door de Oostenrijker Gleich (1886-1951) en was het grootste ter wereld. De renbaan was 62 m lang. In 1935 ging het circus echter over kop Reply: 26 July, 2005 - As to the existence of a Circus Gleich! There was indeed a Circus Gleich. My father and Uncles performed in it before WWll. My family were the Karoly's, Royal Hungarian Jockey Riders. Fatima, Your family must know mine. Circus Sarazani in South America, Doorlay Revue etc. My Email is ErnyK@aol.com. Do you have pictures? Reply: 10 September, 2006 - 46 hits when you search for the term GLEICH on www.circusmuseum.nl/eng. Posters, foto's of tents, wagons trains, artists (indians), the lot. Herman Voogd, hvoogd@teylersmuseum.nl Reply: 04 Jan 2009 - En annexe une copie de photo extraite de la revue française "Ilustration" lors de la venue du cirque à Paris avant guerre. Autre photo ou photocopie de document sont les bien venus. Bien à vous. Pirard Guy Belgique [Translation: Attached a copy of photo taken from the French magazine "Illustration" at the coming of the circus in Paris before the war. Another photo or photocopy of the document are welcome. Sincerely yours. Pirard Guy Belgium] Photo not included here, photos, graphic images are not permitted on this discussion board - J. Griffin, webmaster Reply: 28 Jan 2009 - In searching family history, I discovered that my ancestor, Julius Hanni owned a circus that operated until 1918/19. Someone of that family married Julius Gleich and after that, the Circus became named Circus Gliech. The circus Gleich worked until about 1925/1928. Terry

432. Sideshow, miniature people, 13 February, 2005 - As a preteen, probably around 1950, I attended the Mineola Fair, Long Island, NY. I remember seeing a sideshow which was held inside a trailer. The show consisted of perfectly proportioned miniature people that stood about a foot in height. Inasmuch as this was a sideshow, I thought that it might also be possible that these miniature people would have been involved in circus performing. Does anyone know of or have any information about miniature people? Mike, mikedecris@optonline.net. Respond to this message Reply: 14 February, 2005 - Midgets, dwarfs, liliputians, elfs, little people, vertically challenged and now miniature people is a long list of names given for designating "short people". Apart from political correctness about a sideshow inside a trailer, it would be appropriate to call such an attraction as being a "single'0". In the unpublished trilogy ARCHIVES OF HUMAN PRODIGIES there is a picture of the trailer advertising the Hazel's (mother and daughter). Jackie measured 18 inches and her daughter 15 inches. The attraction was named SMALLEST PEOPLE ALIVE. In 1952 they were on the Cetlin-Wilson Carnival. Giovanni Iuliani

431. Madison, New York, 12-Feb-05 - Im looking for information on a circus that visited the small town of Madison, New York in the very early 1960's. They set up in a field behind my house and I would wake up to the smells and sounds of the elephants and all. I was wondering what circus company it was, maybe names of some of the performers and maybe to see a picture of a poster from that time. Thanks, ybsocrazy@yahoo.com. Respond to this message Reply: 02 March, 2005 - The best way to identify the circus in question is to check the local newspapers for their advertisements. Another approach is to check circus routes in Amusement Business or the White Tops for the year in question. Posters for most 1960s shows should be available via ebay, collectors, etc. Fred Dahlinger

430. Cristiani Elephant, 12-Feb-05 - Does anyone know the date the Cristiani Elephant, Christy, was buried at sea? It was Oscar Cristiani's lead elephant and had been to South America with Ringling in 1960-61. Darren Bryan in Georgia, darrenrx@bellsouth.net. Respond to this message Reply: 01 March, 2005 - The Ringling Bros Barnum and Bailey Circus International was in South America from 2/15/1961 through 5/28/1961. So the elephant must have died early June on the return trip home. Darren Bryan in Georgia, darrenrx@bellsouth.net Reply: 13 April, 2005 - El circo Ringlig se presentó en Buenos Aires en el año 1961 en el estadio Luna Park de la capital argentina. Presentaba varios elefantes y uno de ellos murió durante su estadía en esta ciudad, supongo se trataba del elefante Christy por el que usted pregunta.César Ortega, La Plata, Argentina. fliaortega@netverk.com.ar [Message using free online translation service] The circus Ringlig was presented in Buenos Aires in the year 1961 in the stadium Moon Park of the capital one Argentina. It presented various elephants and one of them died during its stopover in this city, I suppose was a matter of the elephant Christy by the one that you ask.

Join CHS today! Membership Form 429. Ricardo Family, 11-Feb-05 - I am seeking any info on the Ricardo family circus, aka "The Brothers Ricardo" and "The Great Little Ricardos". They performed from 1862 untill about 1880 in England and Scotland. I have a number of old reviews from various old newspapers and places they performed. Performances were made at the following, Royal Lyceum Theatre, Sunderland England, Dec 1865, Oxford Music Hall, Gates head Feb 1866, Britannia Music Hall Glasgow in summer of 1866. Members included J.Henry Ricardo, actor-pantominist and George A. Ricardo gymnast. Any info appreciated, Pete Duncan, pdunc@sympatico.ca. Respond to this message Reply: 21 March, 2005 - As members of the current Circus Ricardo, A small tenting show in the UK, we are very interested in anything to do with the original Ricardo family. We don't know much about the family and would like to learn. As far as we are aware the current Circus Ricardo has no connection with the family at all. The circus was purchased with the name six years ago. We are now into our seventh year. It is interesting that the current Circus Ricardo combines elements of pantomime and circus, apparently maintaining the Ricardo Brothers' tradition. John Appleyard, John.Appleyard1@btinternet.com Reply: 21 September, 2006 - I have been searching for any information on the 'Flying Ricardo's'. My grandmother spoke of them often as she told me she and her family were part of this act from the 1880's to ???. I would be happy for any information available.VickiBalfour - vickiabalfour@optusnet.com.au Reply: 23 June 2007 - Does Circus Ricardo have a website, or somewhere on the internet I can find out more info about their circus? Twirlgenius@aol.com

428. Ernest C. Biggerstaff, 11-Feb-05 - My Uncle Ernest C. Biggerstaff performed in the circus his entire life. He is listed in Circus Greats and I would like to see if he is listed anywhere else. Do you have anything on him? He retired in the late 50 or 60s. Thank you for your help. Kathy Chasteen, kcsteel@bellsouth.net. Respond to this message Reply: 02 March, 2005 - Bill Biggerstaff, proprietor of Graphics 200 in Las Vegas ought to have an answer on this question. The publicly listed number is 702-798-6181. Fred Dahlinger Reply: 04 June, 2006 - Try typing in his name in google.com, dronan84@earthlink.net

427. Louise Hilton, 11-Feb-05 - Has anyone information on Louise Hilton "Greatest Bareback Rider of all Times". See 353. Thank you. Linda Tate Campbell, ltatecamp@msn.com. Respond to this message Reply: 06 Oct 2008 - I saw your posting on Louise Hilton and I have a wonderful poster featuring her riding. Are you still looking for information? Please respond to this email address. Regards, Shirley Morris, savvygrammy@bendbroadband.com.

426. Frankie Saluto, clown, 10-Feb-05 - I would like to inquire at this time about a photo that I have it was taken at the Ringling Bros, Barnum & Bailey Circus performance at New York City's, Madison Square Garden in 1965. I am featured in the photo, holding a mirror for a very friendly clown named Frankie Saluto. I clearly remember it because I was excited and a little afraid. I had never gotten so close to a clown before and I didn't realize until that moment that they really were just regular people under all that make-up. I think what really caught me by surprise was the fact that this clown was a midget and we were the same height; I was only 5 years old at the time!! I can still remember being introduced to him by my dad and the clown said his name was Frankie Saluto! My Dad, Mr. Louis Liotta, was a legendary N.Y. Post Photographer for 57 years and going to the circus each year was always a special treat and great memories of me and my dad. In those days we got to see the sideshow before the main circus events, ie, the skinny lady, the fat man, the man who swallowed fire, the snake man and up close and personal with all the animals! Wow, that was alot of excitement and fun when you are only 5 years old!! The photos are large black and whites and they are great photos of a great clown and friend, Frankie Saluto! Does anyone know him or perhaps his children or descendents would like a copy of photos? Please advise. Respond to this message Reply: 14 February, 2005 - Frankie Saluto's exact height was 3 ft 10". He was one of the longest performers with Ringlings B&B, with Ella Bradna and Antoinette Concello. The latter, in a 1973 interview, remembers that he was there when she joined the show in 1932 and he was still with the show at the time. Frank T. Saluto was born Nov. 8 1906 in Massachusettes and died July 30, 1982 in Sarasota, Fla. Natasha Gerson Reply: 20 August, 2005 - Who are you? - Nicola Liotta Reply: 13 September, 2005 - Excuse me? I'm the person that answered your question. Natasha Gerson Reply: 13 September, 2005 - Frankie Saluto (1906-1982) was inducted into the International Clown Hall of Fame in 1991 (ICHOF, Wisconsin State Fair Park, Tommy Thompson Youth Center, 640 S. 84th Street, Ste 526, West Allis, WI 53214. 414-290-0105, 414-290-0106 (fax), Kathryn O'Dell, Executive Director, mirthcon@juno.com). If you contact them, you may be able to find any children or descendents. J. Griffin Reply: 04 June, 2006 - My name is Kate Ronan and I am doing a genealogy project, on the Saluto Family right now and Frankie was my friends uncle. I would love to see this photo you have. By the way the friend is William Cash. His father William Vincent (Vence) Cash married Lillian Saluto who was Frankies older sister. What is your interest in Frankie outside of the fact you have a photo which I am happy you will share. Are you related? Kate, dronan84@earthlink.net Reply: 10 June, 2006 - Hello Natasha, I am still waiting for the photo of you and Frankie Saluto. I wrote to you but maybe you forgot. I am doing some work for a friend of mine on the Saluto family and Frankie happens to be his uncle. If you respond please put Saluto in the subject box as you will be blocked by my spam blocker and this way I can identify you and allow you in. Thank you, Kate Reply: 04 July, 2006 - Sorry Kate, I think you have things confused. I don't have a photo of Frankie Saluto, nor did you mail me. Nicola Liotta wrote in on that and I just furnished general information on Frankie Saluto. Natasha Gerson Reply: 31 October, 2006 - This message is for Nicola Liotta: I just recently came across an old newspaper clipping of my great-uncle Frankie Saluto and decided to "google" his name. I found your posting about your 1965 trip to the Circus! Would love to get a real photo of him from that era. Thank you. Mary Graham Reply: 01 Dec 2009 - I just came across this article and Louis Liotta was my grandfather. I would love to see these pics. I would also like to know who you are as we are relatives. My email liotta222@aim.com. Please contact me. Reply: 01 Jan 2009 - I am Frank Saluto's nephew. There are nieces & nephews of his 9 brothers & sisters. Franks last surviving brother passed away October 2009 @ 99yrs. Would love to see the photos that you have. James Reply: 02 Jan 2009 - There is a little person clown on the current Cole Brothers Circus who claims to be Frankie's son. My assumption is he is not his biological son but someone Frankie took under his wing. Any info on this anyone? Frank

425. Amazing Monahans, 10-Feb-05 - I am looking for any possible help in trying to locate an old circus performer. Murray Benton - also known as Mickey Monahan and/or Mickey Butler, born in Australia to Ernie and Pat Benton He travelled from Australia with Robert Butler - also known as Robert Monahan - to perform in the Amazing Monahans in the 1950's and 1960's. Last communication from Mickey was a letter he sent to his sister Anne in 1964 - stating he sent this from Copenhagen, Denmark and was traveling with Robert Butler at the time. He said he was heading back to New York where they would buy a car and travel to see friends in California. Murray had actually returned to Australia in the early 60's and then went back to the US a few years later. The Amazing Monahans had traveled in Tivolis throughout the world and had performed "Risley acts" ( feet juggling act ) with the likes of Ricky Nelson and Des OConnor. Any Hints or leads as to Mickey or the Amazing Monhans. Chris Llewellyn - Australia, wellyns@bigpond.net.au. Respond to this message

424. Yankee Robinson, Tom Tom, 10-Feb-05 - I am looking for information on the Yankee Robinson Circus and specifically Tom Tom the Elephant. I have recently aquired an authentic poster with Tom Tom featured as Largest Elephant on Earth. Advertised as Yankee Robinsons $100,000 Dollar Feature and the Largest Brute That Walks. Would like more information on him and his employer. I found an article listed on a website located in The White Tops magazine 1962 35 # 5 p 15 about Tom Tom but can't locate a copy. Thank you for your consideration. Riverpool62@aol.com. Respond to this message Reply: 10-Feb-05 - A quick look at newspaperarchive.com indicated that this elephant was featured 1907 and 1911. I didn't view the articles. If these dates are correct, Yankee Robinson was no longer alive, another show was using the Yankee Robinson title. According to Parkinson's Directory of American Circuses, a Fred Buchanan was proprietor of the Yankee Robinson's Circus, 1906-1907, 1909-1920. You should be able to get a copy of the White Tops article from the Circus World Museum library for a fee. Reply: 12-Feb-05 - TOM TOM (male) 1904, Fred Buchanan,s first elephant, possibly acquired from defunct Geo. Jabour Show. 1904-11, Yankee Robinson Cicus, (Fred Buchanan owner) (Killed keeper Chas. Bartlow in 1909) (Drowned 6/24/11 at Cumberland, Wis. while being watered in a lake) Buckles Reply: 02 March, 2005 - Adrian Sharpe wrote an article about the 1905 or 1906 Yankee Robinson Circus in Bandwagon back in the 1960s or 1970s that has some images and perhaps coverage of Tom Tom. You should be able to locate it in the index on this website. The poster has been reprinted, I believe. If original, it would likely be about 21 x 28 or 28 x 42. Any dimensions that are 2/3's or 3/4's of those are likely reprints. Also be aware that sheets from a courier and also heralds have been passed off as "posters." Fred Dahlinger Reply: 11 July, 2005 - My grandparents worked the Yankee Robinson circus in early 1900s. Have found several articles clipped from newspapers regading Tom-Tom the elephant. His regular handler left the circus and he apparently did not take to his new one. Reportedly tossed him in the lake at which time the handler came after him w/a pitchfork. The elephant proceeded to take the pitchfork and slam the man into the barn. The handler crawled away but Tom retrieved him and killed him. In the process the elephant was shot four times in the side and once in the eye. That is how he became blind, I suppose. Sandy Werner, HWCSANDY@aol.com Reply: 04 October, 2006 - According to my grandfather, one of his uncles drove an animal cage wagon for the Yankee Robinson Circus out of Ohio for about two years as a young man. Not sure which one, but I believe it was William Harvey Blagg. If anyone has any information or photos re this, I would be greatly appreciative. Katie

423. Clyde Beatty circus, 08-Feb-05 - I am wondering if there is a website anywhere dedicated to Clyde Beatty bro circus, era 1949-1959? My grandmother and Father both worked there and I was interested in looking it up. Thanks Kristina (K), itsfridaaay@hotmail.com. Respond to this message

422. James Cook, 08-Feb-05 - Was curious about "Aerialist James Cook" from the mid 1800's. With whom did he perform or was he solo? Was he with any known circus troop? AnnetteGoff@aol.com. Respond to this message

421. Tightrope walker, 07-Feb-05 - Could you please tell me the professional name for a tightrope walker? Regards. Keith, sue.-keith@tiscali.co.uk. Respond to this message Reply: 10-Feb-05 - aerialist, acrobat, wirewalker Reply: 11-Feb-05 - As the word implies, tightrope walker means walking on a tightrope. If the rope is not tight then it is a slack wire. In both cases the performer is a wire walker. However, there is also another word that designate a high wire performer and that is Wallenda. Giovanni Iuliani Reply: 21 March, 2005 - The long word is "funambulist" which comes from latin.

420. Circus, England 1947-1956, 07-Feb-05 - I'm tracey from Derby, England. I'm interested in the name of the circus that was around Keighley, Bradford area of England about 1947-1956, if anyone could give this information I would be most grateful. Many thanks. tracey.foulds@ntlworld.com. Respond to this message Reply: 11-Feb-05 - Your quest for a circus located in England should be made through the CFA Friends Association of Great Britain. Simply Google circus.uk. and it will take you to many British web sites. King Pole Magazine is the United Kingdom (UK) equivalent of the American CFA's The White Top. Giovanni Iuliani Reply: 14 February, 2005 - Or see : Best current online search and querie forum for British and European circus, fairground and other traveller history is at www.thegalloper.com. Natasha Gerson

Join CHS today! Membership Form 419. Oakmont, PA Winter Quarters, 07-Feb-05 - Near Plum Creek, in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, there was a huge barn, a group of rowhouses and a few duplexes. My Grandfather told my mother that it was where a circus used to spend the winter months. They lived there in the 30's and 40's, so it would have been previous to that. Oakmont, Pennsylvania is a suburb of Pittsburgh. Does anyone know which circus this would have been? Thank you, Elizabeth Brown, Niceville, Fl, elizabethbb1@aol.com. Respond to this message Reply: 02 March, 2005 - A gentleman named Jefferson J. Blanck (1863?-1944) conducted a trade in second hand circus equipment in East Liberty (6354 Station Street, open land in the 1970s) as early as 1893 and also had a facility in Verona, in the railroad yards, as late as 1921. He is also credited with building wagons for the Johnny J. Jones Exposition, a railroad carnival. Verona is pretty close to Oakmont, and on the same side of the Allegheny River. Blanck was also in the transfer (haulage) business at one time and his place served as the winter quarters for the Mugivan & Bowers owned Howes Great London Shows one year. He was survived by a son, Charles S., in East Liberty, likely where he resided. Fred Dahlinger

418. Strotes Shows, 07-Feb-05 - I am looking for information regarding a traveling carnival/circus that was in Savannah, Ga. in 1940 at the fairgrounds. I believe it was Strotes Shows. Regards, Jo, jworsham@yahoo.com. Respond to this message Reply: 08-Feb-05 - I believe you are looking for the Strates Carnival. They have their own website at www.strates.com. They are the only carnival left in the United States still traveling by rails. Bob Cline, fivetiger@marlboroelectric.net.

417. Barnum & Bailey European Tour 1897-1902, 07-Feb-05 - I am looking for sources of information regarding the Barnum & Bailey European tour, especially in Germany, Austria, eastern Europe circa 1900. Thank you, Jean Wirtz, Jmw15@aol.com. Respond to this message Reply: 08-Feb-05 - Barnum & Bailey toured the United States in 1897 until October 9. Then it embarked for Europe were it established winter quarters in Stroke-on-Trent, England. During the same year the circus played a long run stand at the Olympia in London from December 27 through April 2, 1898. After playing a couple of years in the Land of Albion, Barnum & Bailey ventured on the Continent and began the 1900 season by playing Hamburg from April 15 to May 13. The 1900 Barnum & Bailey tour was in Germany with the exception of Vienna where it played the Rotunde from Nov. 25 to Feb. 24, 1901. After establishing quarters in Vienna for a few months the circus went to Hungary and played Budapest from April 7-21. The 1901 season brought the circus from Austria to Hungary, Germany, Holland and Belgium. The tour ended on Nov. 17 in Mons and then selected Paris for it's winter quarters. 1902 was the final year Barnum & Bailey played Europe and apart from a brief tour of Switzerland was mainly in France. Giovanni Iuliani Reply: 13 February, 2005 - Giovanni Iuliani, Thank you for the historical background on the European Tour of the B&B Circus. I am looking for some primary or secondary sources of information on this tour. I have an album of postcards "Album fur Postkarten" with Dec. 3, 1900 written on the first page. This album belonged to my great-grandfather, James Cox, from Harrison, NJ. He died before I was born, but at one time my father told me that he traveled in Europe working for the Barnum& Baily circus. He was not a performer, but a laborer, and he would have been only 17 yeas old in 1900. These cards are from various cities in Germany, and many depict scenes of circus performers and performances in these cities and are labeled Officielle Postkarte Barnum and Bailey Limited." Of course, I am not interested in selling these cards, they are a prized possession. I would like to find others who may have had family on this tour, or as I mentioned before, sources of a more detailed history of the tour, so I can do more searching. Thank you, Jean Wirtz, Dayton, OH Reply: 14 February, 2005 - Jean Wirtz, as a supplement to your Feb, 13 reply, the following material might find some use in your research. The 1900 Barnum & Bailey German tour ended in Passeau, Germany, on Nov. 10. From Nov. 11 to 24 the circus was en route to Vienna, Austria, where it established winter quarters. On Nov. 25, 1900 to Feb. 24 1901, it played the Rotunde in Vienna. The "Album fur Postkarten" with Dec. 3, 1900 is a release date covering the German tour. Of interest would be the City of Brunswick (July 30 to Aug. 1) that was cancelled by order of the City. Why? In 1901, the B&B Circus returned in Germany where from Aug. 7 through Aug. 13 all performances were cancelled by government decree because of the death of Empress Frederica, mother of the Kaiser. It would be interesting to know what your great-grandfather, James Cox, did during that week. As a American laborer he was surrounded by European workers, mostly Slavic (commonly known as "Czechos" in circus parlance). The foreign razorbacks must have been superior because at the start of the 1903 season, on American soil, Barnum & Bailey was having enormous difficulty in putting up the circus until they made readjustments in their set-up system. Publicity material, newspaper articles, souvenir programs and route books will help in your research. Giovanni Iuliani Reply: 21 June, 2005 - My grandfather A. W. Todd may have been in that circus at that time, I believe he was born in 1882 and he was a flyer, his sister was an equestrian. scott

416. Zeidman & Pollie Shows, Ziddermann Circus, 07-Feb-05 - Three questions: I'm looking for information about my grandfather's circus and Wild West Show called the Zeidman and Pollie Shows. It operated about 1918-1928. I found some info in Joe McKenna's Pictorial History of the American Carnival and have a copy of a flyer for the 19th Annual Interstate Fair in Lynchburg VA in Sept 1923. Does anyone know anyplace else I can look for more information? I also am researching grandpa's previous circus, somewhere in Europe about the turn of the century. It was called something like Ziddermann Circus. Third, I was told that my uncle Abe Zeidman, died when falling off a tightrope in Florida in 1938 or 1939. Would love to find out if this was true. Thank you very much. Win Segal, winsegal@optonline.net. Respond to this message Reply: 14 February, 2005 - I know your grandfather performed in 1924 and 1928 at the Iona Free Fair with Zeidman and Pollie. About his European circus, it would be helpful if you could give an indication of where the circus and he was from. Austria-Hungaria, Poland or Russia-Rumania? I have quite a good collection of european jewish circus families of the time but the only way to look for him would be regional. Are you sure he had his own circus or circusshow? Could the name possibly have been Seidemann, with S, e in the middle and double n because I do have a Jacob Seidemann listed here. Natasha Gerson Reply: 02 March, 2005 - Check the Variety Obits: an index to obituaries in Variety 1905-1978. It's found in some larger libraries and historical societies. You might also check other on-line newspaper indexes. Once you have a date of death, Billboard usually carried additional coverage on the incident. The best place to look for Zeidmann & Pollie coverage is the weekly issues of Billboard. There are no surviving personal papers or business records, to the best of my knowledge. If you determine Zeidmann's date of death, also check that in Billboard. Fred Dahlinger Reply: 04 March, 2005 - A two-part article was published about the Zeidman & Pollie show in "Carnival Midway," the journal of the Carnival Historical & Model Builders Society of America. Part 2 was in their September 1999 issue. You can likely obtain copies of both parts from Fred Heatley, 1922 Neely Ferry Road, Laurens, SC 29630-9537, e-mail to fheatley@backroads.net. Fred Dahlinger

415. 2 Hemispheres Bandwagon, 06-Feb-05 - I have looked thru 6 pages {247 photos} of Google trying to view some photos of the 2 Hemispheres Bandwagon w/very little results. All are small models built by CMB's over the years. I would really like to see several photos, up close and walk around if available. I would also like to determine which of the 12 countries represent the 2 Hemispheres as well as read some history of its building and touring. Thanking you in advance, Danny McLean, D952@mohaveaz.com. Respond to this message Reply: 07-Feb-05 - The Two Hemispheres Bandwagon still exist and was on display for a long time in Sarasota, Florida at the Circus World Museum and then at the John and Mable Ringling Museum. It was built in 1902 for the Barnum & Bailey Circus Parade. Designed by Harry Ogden of the Strobridge Lithographic Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio and built by the Sebastian Wagon Co. of New York. Wood carvings supplied by the Spanjer Bros. in Newark, New Jersey. The eastern side of the Two hemisphere featured England, France, Spain, Russia, Belgium and Italy. The western side was Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Canada and the United States. Singing Wheels and Circus Wagons by Gene Plowden (The Caxton Printers, Ltd) 1977 gives full details on the Two Hemisphers Bandwagon. C.M.B. have plans available. In Canada, at the Museum of Civilization in Hull, Quebec, there is on exhibit a 1" scale model of this famous wagon. It was made by the legendary French-Canadian wood carver Gaston Bergeron. Giovanni Iuliani Reply: 02 March, 2005 - Be aware that some of the national seals or coats of arms were changed at the time of World War I. For example, Germany was deleted in favor of another nation. Some on the wagon today differ from the originals. Images can be found in Fred Fried's book Artists in Wood. It was built during the winter of 1902-1903 for use in 1903. Dr. Palmer's booklet has it being made earlier, for use in Europe, but that is incorrect. Further history of the Sebastian/Robb collaboration is in my Bandwagon article about the B&B Golden Age of Chivalry. You should be able to locate it in the article index on this website and then order a back copy. Robb's shop was the principal carving supplier, the Spanjer catalog illustrated a few of the national coats of arms. Fred Dahlinger Reply: 11 Sep 2007 - Please contact me at a latter date. I believe I have an old copy of a circus magazine that describes the entire history of the two hemispheres wagon and the driver (I beleve his name was Posey) who handled the 20 plus horses in the team. I am not sure I can reconnect to this site so I will wait to hear from you if you have any interest. Dale, DCowel@msn.com Reply: 12 Sep 2007 - Where are you located? We have various photos of the Hemisphere wagon & history about it in our circus collection at Illinois State University, Milner Library. Would you like the contact information for our circus specialist? Kauth, Nancy Marie. nmkauth@ilstu.edu Reply: 12 Sep 2007 - Did you know Allan C.Hill? Donna Kamel, dkamel@imcmarketing.com

414. LaVelles, 06-Feb-05 - Was there a circus that traveled from the US or Europe to South America to perform in the late 1800s? Also searching for any info on an aerialist/trapeze act that involved several people performing as "The LaVelles" or "The Flying LaVelles." They were from Sweden, I believe, and one of the members was killed while performing her craft? Lisa Long, Long.800@verizon.net. Respond to this message

413. Cole Bros billboard, 06-Feb-05 - Seeking info or old photos of Cole Bros Circus billboard Photos. I have a request from a client to produce a painting of an early Circus billboard being pasted or put up on a barn. If you could assist in my search it would be most appreciated. Thank You, Gene F Mills, Brwstrfred@aol.com. Respond to this message Reply: 02 March, 2005 - You need to have your client specify a time frame. The Cole Bros. title has been active since 1906, under several different ownerships. The pre-1900 title is W. W. Cole, or other variations. Cole Bros. is post-1900 and is actively being used today by John Pugh. The bigger enterprises were owned by Canadian owner Martin Downs, 1906-1909; Floyd and Howard King, 1929-1930; Jess Adkins and Zack Terrell and others thereafter, 1935-1953. You're most likely to find views of billstands for the 1935-1950 years. Fred Dahlinger

412. Circus Amah, Holzhueller, Strasburger, 05-Feb-05 - Circus Amah (or Ammah). I am seeking information about several European circuses that were popular during the 1920s and 30s: Circus Amah (or Ammah), a large French circus that toured 70-80 cities a year, Circus Holzhueller and Circus Strasburger. Please respond to venecia99@aol.com. Thank you! Respond to this message Reply: 06-Feb-05 - Neither Amah (or Ammah) but animal training brothers who owned a small menagerie before WWI, started AMAR, a major size circus in the 1920's. At the same time the BOUGLIONE brothers followed a similar path. In 1934 they took over the Cirque d'Hiver, a landmark Parisian attraction. The movie TRAPEZE which featured Gina Lolobrigida, Tony Curtiss and Burt Lancaster was filmed at the Cirque d'Hiver. It featured a cameo role by one of the Bouglione's and also John Ringling North. Playing the part of one of the Bouglione Bros. is actor Thomas Gomez. The role of John Ringling North is played by Minor Watson. The Spessardy brothers were another family of animal trainers who acquired the name of George PINDER, who was the last in line of an old English family whose circus was very popular in France since the Second Empire. Reply: 07-Feb-05 - Carl and Hans's Strasburger circus played in Germany in the 1920's. Because of the family's Jewish origins they no longer operated during the Hitler regime. Circus historian Henri Thetard considered their liberty act as one of the best in Europe. Giovanni Iuliani Reply: 14 February, 2005 - The French circus name you are looking for is Circus Amar. The correct spelling for the other names are respectively Holzmüller and Strassburger. It is incorrect that the Strassburgers only performed in Germany and only into the 1920's. Strassburger were known for their liberty acts with up to hundred and twenty (!) horses divided over 3 rings and also for their 'Olympiads', chariot 'races'. Karl (not Carl) Strassburger moved to Holland where he performed until into the German occupation of Holland in 1940, and even during the occupation as 'Circus Mikkenie', where Frans Mikkenie, a non-Jewish Dutch circus man, officially ran the circus. The Strassburgers continued with Circus building Carré as their main playing ground after the war, becoming the Royal Dutch Circus when both Queen Wilhelmina and her daughter Juliana started frequenting the circus. Juliana's husband Prince Bernhard (recently deceased) and his mother Princess Armgard were already avid circusfans that would not miss any performances of this great circus. Karl Strassburger died in 1953 on tour in Sweden. The final performance of Circus Strassburger was in 1963 in Holland. Their winterquarters were in Hilversum, Holland. Last of the wonderful Strassburgers performing was Wilhelmine Sophia Eleonora 'Elly' Strassburger (1910-1988) who had ran the circus in its last years with her sister Regina. She was the daughter of Leopold Strassburger, a cousin of founder Hans, and Juliette Kosmayer Holzmuller. She married tiger trainer Harry Belli, in 1957, who performed until 1975 and who was famous for his 'tiger on a horse' act. Gisele, Karl and Regina's daughter, runs a leasure park in Stuckenbrock, near Bielefeld in Germany, where Elly spent her last days.Elly is buried in Hilversum, Holland. Natasha Gerson Reply: 16 February, 2005 - Thank you Natasha Gerson for setting the record straight in regard to the Strasburgers. My source was Henry Thetard's "La Merveilleuse Histoire du Cirque" (Jullard, 1978). Giovanni Iuliani Reply: 11 March, 2005 - Frans Mikkenie was my grand-uncle. During the occupation Circus Strassburger was called Circus Mikkenie-Strassburger. It was a jewish circus that fled from Germany to Holland just before the Second World War. When Germany invaded Holland and Belgium almost all animals of the circus were killed by germans in Brussels because of the Strassburgers being jewish. Frans Mikkenie was able to provide the Strassburger family with non-jewish passports. How I don't know but they all survived the war. Pretty remarkable when you consider that Circus Strassburger was a pretty famous circus in those days. I'm making a website about Circus Mikkenie. More information soon! www.mikkenie.nl. Greetings, Remko Mikkenie, mikkenie@planet.nl

411. Ringling Bros, South America, 05-Feb-05 - Does anyone know when Ringling Bros was in South America? In the 1960's Ruby Haag remembers going by boat to Buenos Aires with Ringling Bros. She and Naomi Haag had ponies and dogs. They toured Argentina and Brazil. Thanks for any information. darrenrx@bellsouth.net. Respond to this message Reply: 13 February, 2005 - Strange how question 430. Cristiani elephant, answers question 411 about which year Ringling Bros. was in South America (1960-61). Giovanni Iuliani Reply: 01 March, 2005 - The Ringling Bros Barnum and Bailey Circus International was in South America from 2/15/1961 through 5/28/1961. Darren Bryan in Georgia, darrenrx@bellsouth.net

410. Royal Dunbar Circus, 05-Feb-05 - Does anyone know about the Royal Dunbar Circus in South America? My wife's grandmother, Ruby Haag, remembers flying to Caracas Venezuela to do shows with Dunbar Circus in the 1950's. She was with Harry Haag Sr., Charles Haag, and Naomi Haag and did acts with Judy the elephant, ponies, and dogs. Thanks for any information. Darren Bryan in Georgia, darrenrx@bellsouth.net. Respond to this message

Join CHS today! Membership Form 409. Midget Marriage 1800s, 05-Feb-05 - I recently purchased an old photograph album with photos dating back into the 1800's. Among those photos are two of the marriage of midgets. The name in pencil on the back of the photographs is "major or Meyer (the following is hard to decipher) Laubfinger". It states that they are ages 26 & 27. The pictures were taken by a New York photographer. Would you have any information on these people? Thank you. Lori, Wisconsin, grdnr@charter.net. Respond to this message

408. Clyde Beatty, 03-Feb-05 - My 10 year old son is doing a presentation on the life of Clyde Beatty and we can not find much info on him. Can anyone out there help? Thanks, Jane, ce@pilgrimsherborn.org. Respond to this message Reply: 05-Feb-05 - I don't believe that your 10 years old son require a time consuming research to obtain material for his presentation on Clyde Beatty. Finding the CHS web means that you can use a computer. Simply write CLYDE BEATTY and you will discover many, many pages full of Clyde Beatty data. This material includes books, circus programs and movies. Also, if you go to you will discover that they have 2 books for sale. "Clyde Beatty Circus 1950 Program" and also a signed copy of "Jungle Performers". However, Encyclopedia Britannica Online as a 214 words biography on him. as "Facing The Big Cats: my world of lions and tigers" by Clyde Beatty. Giovanni Iuliani

407. Sells-Floto and Hagenback-Wallace 1925, 03-Feb-05 - I have an interesting and puzzling photo that I think may be of interest to Circus buffs. It is a very good quality photo that shows Sells-Floto performers and crew, clustered around an old radio and leaning toward it. Behind them is a Sells-Floto Circus Wagon. The photo contains a very clear view of several of the performers in their costumes so that they could be easily identified. In the foreground is one of the owners of the circus (according to my mother who has now passed away). The photo is valuable to me because it shows some of the performers and managers up close and very clearly. Secondly, they are gathered together around the radio to record some special event - and that is an interesting puzzle. My father, Emil Gregorich (Emil Gregg was his circus name) was with this combined circus in 1925 and is in the photo - so it has special interest to me. I will offer to send a high-quality copy of this photo to someone who believes they may be able to help me identify some of the performers and/or managers in the photo or might be able to determine what special event was taking place with the radio. Steve Gregorich, California. jansteveg@earthlink.net. Respond to this message Reply: 03-Feb-05 - Sells-Floto and Hagenbeck-Wallace were never combined into one troupe. They were independent entities. The owners of the shows would have been Jerry Mugivan and Bert Bowers, and at certain times Ed Ballard. The manager might have been Zack Terrell, a long time ACC and SF manager, 1921-1932 per the Sturtevant list. I'd look at the activities of the year 1925 to learn what featured events were broadcast on radio. Athletic events, speeches, all that sort of thing caused people to gather around their radios. Identifying people is a very difficult task unless they're already well-documented individuals. Fred Dahlinger.

406. Mills Bros Circus, 02-Feb-05 - Mills Bros Circus. I worked with them in 1952 and 53. I have caught up with the Scmidt family and a few others. Now live in Tampa and would like to see old friends, Rick (The Professor), Houshunter2@aol.com. Respond to this message Reply: 03-Feb-05 - At last one, one of the Mills brothers was still alive in Sarasota. The place to start for contacts would be the Showfolks Club in Sarasota, they'll be in any directory. Fred Dahlinger. Reply: 29 November, 2005 - I am trying to find anyone that remembers Charlie Vensel (possible circus name-Charles Brady.) He was with Mills Bros. Circus in 1953 when his wife Ethel died. In May 1953, the circus performers held a memorial service for her in Franklin, Pennsylvania with Burma the elephant, placing a large wreath on her grave. Ethel had been an aerialist in her earlier years and had performed with several circuses. According to a newspaper article from 1953, Charlie and Ethel had been with the Mills Bros. circus since 1941. They were both elderly by 1953. Ethel died at age 82. From the news article, they were also with Hagenbeck Wallace, Ringling Brothers and Sells-Floto circuses. Shari Hindman, Reply: 31 January, 2006 - Rick, I am the daughter of Ryerson Gaudet, aka Ray Goody, and his wife Jessica, aka Jay Goody. My father was a tightrope walker on the Mills. Bros. Circus. He also did the "slide for life" where he would walk up a rope from the ground to the top of the tent and slide down backswards on his feet. Did you know him and my mom, and if so, do you have any info and/or pictures you could share with me? Patti Koester (Gaudet)

405. Viola Hauser Rooks, 02-Feb-05 - Anyone remember Viola Hauser Rooks, a trapeze artist with the Hagenbeck, Wallace circus or Sells Floto circus? Jhauser66@aol.com. Respond to this message Reply: 29 May, 2005 - I have an old photo album from Sells Flotos circus showing pictures from 1921-1923 and a few from 1926. There are pictures of a woman identified as Viola Roland and also pictures of a woman identified as Violet. Do you think either one of these women are the one you are looking for? Libby

404. Buffalo Bill Circus, 02-Feb-05 - I am looking for information concerning a Sciota River (Ohio) crossing of the Buffalo Bill circus in which one or more of the helpers drowned. Rockwell Scherzer, Saginaw, MI, email: scherzer@concentric.net. Respond to this message Reply: 03-Feb-05 - You need to ascertain the dates when Buffalo Bill's Wild West played communities along the Scioto. They're on file at the Circus World Museum Library, obtainable by paying a fee. It was adequately large that you're seeking communities of more than 10,000, likely even larger. The time frame would be sometime 1896-1913, except for the years when they toured Europe or had static engagements. Just looking at the Ohio map suggests Columbus, OH and you might start there. By the way, BBWW was never a circus, always a wild west exhibition. At all times it was a railroad show, so any river issues would have taken place as wagons were being shuttled between the trainyards and the exhibition grounds. Buffalo Bill's name was also aligned with that of the 101 Ranch Wild West and boxer Jess Willard's Wild West, in 1916 and 1917, respectively. If the show that you're seeking was an actual circus, then the title wasn't Buffalo Bill. His name did serve as a subtitle on Sells-Floto Circus for 1914-1915 and was also invoked again about 1926, after Cody's death. Fred Dahlinger. Reply: 05-Feb-05 - Thank you Fred for your reply. Perhaps I'm tilting at windmills. This accident/drowning(s), if it did occur, occured around 1870. Apparently the accident occured when the troup were taking elephants across the Sciota (or possibly the Ohio River) on rafts. How likely would that have been? Family history (oral tradition - and you know how shaky that can be at times) has it that it was the Buffalo Bill circus, but that could very easily be wrong. Was there a Beatty circus operating around that time? One of those drowned had a cousin who was married to a Beatty, but whether this was from the circus people, I can't say. Maybe just a coincidence. Rockwell Scherzer, Saginaw, MI, scherzer@concentric.net Reply: 02 March, 2005 - It wouldn't have been a Buffalo Bill or Beatty title enterprise in 1870. You might want to scan local newspapers or the circus columns of the New York Clipper, as well as the local news column in the latter. Fred Dahlinger

403. Harry Goran Lamkin, 02-Feb-05 - Harry Goran Lamkin was a equestrian acrobat (backwards and forward summersaults). He worked for John Robinson and then for Barnum and Bailey/Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus. His name was (deceased) Harry Goran Lamkin Sr. I know he toured Moscow,and Vienna. Would you happen to know what his stage name was or have any information about the dates he was on tour or where I could find out more information about him. Thanks. My e-mail is sheerheven@hawaii.rr.com. Respond to this message Reply: 03-Feb-05 - Lamkin was one of the Illinois leapers, out of Galesburg. He was an acrobat working with Fred R. castle on M. O'Connor's Great Western Circus in 1868, per Castle's obit. Steve Gossard in Bloomington-Normal, IL would be the person to contact. I believe that he did an article about Galesburg personnel in Bandwagon. Slout's "Olympians of the Sawdust Circle" has lengthy biographies for both men of the name, page 165. Fred Dahlinger. Reply: 04 March, 2005 - Harry Lamkin was a native of Petersburg, Illinois. He was born in 1854. Harry joined the Michael O'Connor show out of Galesburg, Ill in 1868, but the first year he appeared on the O'Connor roster was 1870. He probably served a couple of years' apprenticeship. He is a very important part of Illinois circus history for four reasons: first, he returned to Petersburg and built a practice barn there in which he trained circus people and presented winter circus performances for the citizens of that city; second, because he married Clarinda Lowande of the great family of equestrian performers; third, because he joined in partnership with Frank Gardner and James Donovan to take a circus to Central and South America in the 1880s; and fourth, because he trained his half-brother, Edward Shipp and left the legacy of the circus barn to him when he died in Colon, Panama in 1886. I only know of one picture of Harry Lamkin, which was published in an advertisement in the New York Clipper for a few years in the 1870s. I have a fair chronology of Lamkin's career that I could send you if you will give me your address. I would be interested to know what your interest in Lamkin might be, and what information you might have about him. Steve Gossard, Curator of Circus Collections, Milner Library Special Collections, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-8900 Reply: 04 March, 2005 - By the way, Harry was known early on as a leaper and tumbler, and no doubt must have done some horseback ridingas well. But the big professional act that he was known for when he made a name for himself was what he called "pediatal equalibrism," or foot juggling. Steve Gossard

402. Brothers Aldean, 01-Feb-05 - Harmston's Circus late 1800s-early 1900s. I am looking for any information on The Brothers Aldean, and also Sarah Ann Andrews who was an apprentice of Wm. Harmston. Pattie Cook, pjc3219@cs.com. Respond to this message

401. Eugene Arky Scott, 31-Jan-05 - Does anyone know when Eugene Arky Scott worked on Cole Bros Circus? Charles "Doc" Haag was working with Arky then with the elephants. Darren Bryan in Georgia, darrenrx@bellsouth.net. Respond to this message Reply: 01-Feb-05 - Arky was in charge of the Cole Show bulls 1942 thru 1949. Buckles, bucklesw@tampabay.rr.com

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