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Message Archive: Messages 751 - 800



800. Circus, Bowie, Texas, 29 August, 2005 - I am trying to find which circus visited Bowie, Texas sometime between 1949 and 1952. It was a large 3 ring circus that had at least 20 or more elephants and a gorilla. We were allowed to see all the animals except the gorilla and wagon was to be opened at show time. bmorton@rockwallisd.org. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 31 August, 2005 - From the size of the circus and the fact it toured with a feature attreaction, a Gorilla in a wagon. That sounds a lot like Gargantua the Great who appeared with the Ringling Bros. Circus back around that time. As far as I know Gargantua was the only Gorilla touring with a circus at that time. apemonsterman@yahoo.com
    Reply: 01 September, 2005 - Gargantua reportedly died at the last RBBB date of 1949, so any subsequent viewing would have been of another gorilla, perhaps M'Toto. 20 elephants and a gorilla almost assures that it was RBBB. Someone surely has RBBB routes that will reveal a swing through Texas. Fred Dahlinger
    Reply: 01 September, 2005 - There was more than one circus that exhibited gorillas during that time frame. Gargantua died at the end of the 1950 season and I really doubt that RBBB would have played Bowie, Texas (population less than 5,000). The Al G. Kelly & Miller Bros. Three Ring Circus which claimed that it was the 2nd Largest Circus in the country did play Bowie on April 26, 1952. Listed in the menagerie are 23 elephants, 2 giraffes, 2 hippos, 1 gnu, 18 camels and among the other creatures 2 baby gorillas. Out on the midway there was a gorilla exhibit under the direction of J. L. "Joe" Louis and for a mere 15 cents one could walk up the steps of the truck body, past the steel bars, and look down into the enclosure the held the gorillas. John Polacsek
    Reply: 03 September, 2005 - The quick 1949 death year for Gargantua came from Henry North's book. The event was also covered in the Nov-Dec 1949 issue of White Tops. Bradbury's account of the 1949 season in Sept-Oct 1987 White Tops sets the exact date as Friday, November 25, 1949. There have been a number of faux gorillas with shows for a century or more and it would be interesting to learn what an expert source would offer on the topic of the little known Kelly-Miller beasts. Fred Dahlinger
    Reply: 03 September, 2005 - I have the 1967 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus route book which lists every season's route from 1919 to 1967 in back. I checked from 1947 to 1956 and found No dates in Bowie, Texas. Hope this helps a little. Bob Cline
    Reply: 10 September, 2005 - I also strongly suspect that it was 1949 that you saw this circus. Due to the fact that Gargatua was found dead in his cage the morning of what was suppose to be the final performace of the season for the circus November 25.1949 in Miami Florida (but apparently not the last booking for Gargantua, they had him booked for a special showing in Havana Cuba the next month (no rest for the weary). By the way,it was a definatley not a quick end for Gargantua. He was observed visibly ailing since June 1949, listless, all he did was sleep all day long, holding his head,due to rotten teeth (from drinking soda pop)also gum boils too. His weight was down from about 500 lbs to about 312 pounds. Gargantua's "wife" M'Toto who traveled with him (in a seperate cage, they apparently did not get along too well). After Gargantua's demise, they stopped her touring too, she mostly stayed at the winter quarters. BTW Did you get a chance to see the gorilla? apemonsterman@yahoo.com

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799. Nellie Ryan, 29 August, 2005 - Nellie Ryan or Nelly Ryan performed in the circus. I think she rode bareback. I think she left the circus and married someone in PA and then came back to Chicago and divorced and remarried someone by the name of Kilfoyle. I was wondering if you could give me any information on her. Jean Ferraro. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.

    Reply: 20 June 2007 - Nell Ryan was from Madison Wisconsin. She married William Kline from Stuttgart Germany. They met in Chicago. He was a violinist He changed the spelling from Kline to Cline to please her Irish Father. They had a son, William Cline, Jr. Ida Atkins married Kilfoyle after she had a daughter, Jeanette, by another man. She had 2 more children a boy, Wesley and girl Eleanor. Jeanette Killfoyle married William Cline and had 3 children. A boy William, a girl Jane, and a girl Eleanor. Celeste Morawski

    Reply: 20 Feb 2008 - Would her name have been Nellie Ryan because she married Tom Ryan? The wild man from the circus she worked with? If so she is my Great Grandmother and I have been looking for her for years! Her real name is Nellie May Thornton. If this is the woman you are referring to could you contact me PLEASE! Thanks Kandice Rapee krapee@verizon.net


798. Target/exhibition shooting, 29 August, 2005 - In messages 160 and 152, sent in June of 2004, I asked about information regarding little-known sharpshooters, Since that time, I have retired and changed my e-mail address. Anyone with information is urged to write me at rfinch@twmi.rr.com or Ralph Finch, 34007 Hillside Ct., Farmington Hills, Mich. 48335. Thank you. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.


797. Joseph Boisvert, trapeze, 28 August, 2005 - I have a photo of Joseph Boisvert who worked in a circus as a trapeze artist. In the photo is a logo of some company in Boston. We can only make out WHiD or P. The photo had to have been taken during 1900 - 1910s. We would like to know if anyone has any info on which circus he worked for? Thank you, Richard. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.


796. Circus, west coast 1930s, 27 August, 2005 - Thank you for providing this web service! I am trying to locate any information - especially the actual name - about a a small circus that performed on the west coast of Oregon and Washington in the 1930s. My parents traveled with this circus as "front people". They did advance publicity and sold tickets during 1935-1937. I have a performance schedule but no other facts. Thank you, Peggy S. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 29 August, 2005 - It will be helpful if you'd transcribe and provide the information contained in the "performance schedule." Whether a route or an actual performance program, it may contain the clues necessary to identify the circus in question. Otherwise, your option is to search daily newspapers in the area, or issues of the "Billboard" or "White Tops" for relevant information. Disclosing the names of the people in question, real, stage, alias, or other, is also basic to providing assistance. Fred Dahlinger
    Reply: 29 August, 2005 - Thanks to Fred Dahlinger for his reply to my message, #796. Since then my 89 year old mother has remembered the name as "La Turno Indoor Circus". She says they had dog acts, a donkey act, trapeze performers, clowns and a "great small band". The hand written schedule I have goes like this: Astoria, Ore., Roseburg, Ore., Bandon and Coquille, Ore., Tillamook, Ore, Centralia, Ore., Olympia, Wash., Mt. Vernon, Wash. She also remembers going to Canada for some performances of the same circus. Does anyone have any info about this circus? Peggy Scoggin, Castroville, CA
    Reply: 31 August, 2005 - A check of the usual circus title listings provided nothing that looked or sounded like La Turno. One of them, the Sturtevant list, is also arranged by date, and nothing was revealed 1934-1938. Unfortunately, the lists are often biased towards tent shows, to the exclusion of some indoor outfits. It may have been a modest, localized effort in the midst of the Depression. You might try checking the newspapers in the communities mentioned; perhaps they can be obtained on interlibrary loan? They would contain advertisements for the circus appearance. Otherwise, the next best thing is to scan the weekly issues of Billboard, the trade publication, or White Tops, the bi-monthly circus fans magazine. Fred Dahlinger


795. GiGi Mills, 27 August, 2005 - I was thinking about an old friend, GiGi Mills, who lived in Mentor, Ohio in or around 1969. Any info? Thanks! SSHEARIN1@nc.rr.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 28 August, 2005 - Hi, GiGi's Parents, June and Harry Mills live in Sarasota, Florida and are probably in the phone book. Hope this helps. Good Luck. bunni, BunniB1@aol.com

    Reply: 09 June, 2006 - Gigi is a very good friend of mine. I will let her know about this posting. Campbell Martin, campbell@santafeexclusives.com.

    Reply: 11 June, 2006 - I have been trying to get in contact with Harry Mills. I am currently writing an article for the Bandwagon about the Mills Bros. elephants. I would like to correspond with him about their recollections if that would be possible. Bob Cline fivetiger@marlboroelectric.net

    Reply: 08 December, 2006 - If you need to get in touch with Gigi let me know via email laceydunay@yahoo.com. I will be calling her tomorrow. The Mills were good friends of mine growing up, Gigi left Ohio after she lived with me for a bit and she is in Santa Fe, NM. My web site: www.laceyscreations.com. Sue Laing Dunay


794. Hellman's Big Top, 26 August, 2005 - I am looking for any information regarding Hellman's Big Top. It was around in the 1960's in the US. garroyos@sbcglobal.net. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.


793. Sells-Floto 1929-31, 25 August, 2005 - I am looking for information from anyone who has knowledge of the Sells-Floto circus during the 1929-31 time frame. I am involved with building Playland-Not-at-the-Beach, a nonprofit museum in the San Francisco Bay Area. One section of the museum commemorates the contribution of Don Marcks to the world of circus history. We will have a tribute to Circus Report, the weekly newsletter that Don home published for over thirty years. We will also have a massive display of Don Marcks's miniature circus which he handcarved over five decades, working side by side with his father Isaac. The display is awesome (See the pictures on our website www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org, and it is historically accurate, depicting a summer day in 1930 when the Sells-Floto Circus was performing. I want to learn more about the Sells-Floto Circus, especially their route in 1929-1931. If anyone can help, please give me a call. Best regards, Richard Tuck, (800) 548-5318 x25. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 26 August, 2005 - Richard, Joe Bradbury wrote extensive articles covering the history of the Sells-Floto Circus operations of 1929-1932. These were printed in White Tops, the Circus Fans Association magazine. They were based on Joe's research in Billboard, photography, ephemera and other data that he gathered. They can be found as follows: 1929: Nov-Dec 1975 and Jan-Feb 1976; 1930 Nov-Dec 1973, Jan-Feb and Mar-Apr 1974; photos in Mar-Apr and May-June 1976; 1931-1932 Nov-Dec 1976 and Jan-Feb 1977; 1932 Nov-Dec 1973, Jan-Feb and Mar-Apr 1974. If you cannot find these in your files, they may be available as back copies from the CFA or elsewhere. There's a lot of other documentation on these shows, depending upon how far you'd like to take the search. Another ready source is the local newspaper coverage, written when the show was in San Francisco. You'll probably have to travel across the Bay to read it downtown. Fred Dahlinger


792. Circus or Carnival death, 25 August, 2005 - I am curious to know if anyone has heard of a murder at a circus or carnival which took place in Los Angeles during the depression. The event made the newspapers under a headline that went something like "Carnival of Death" and the incident involved a man named George Singer who killed his brother and father in a drunken rage. If you know anything about this please send an email to Jules4020@astound.net. Sincerely, Julie Powell. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.


791. Poster, RBBB, 25 August, 2005 - I was wondering if you could help me with any info on the following poster entitled "Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Combined Shows - The Children's Favorite Clown" by the Strobridge Litho Company circa 1920's. Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks Michael MacDougall. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 29 August, 2005 - I believe that this poster is an outgrowth of a Ringling Bros.' World's Greatest Shows lithograph design of the 1910s. It may also have appeared in window card format under the RB or RBBB titles, or both. I believe that it's also been reproduced since the 1970s and you will find it more frequently in that form than as an original printing. These repros, measuring fractions of the original 21 x 28 inches (half sheet), or 28 x 42 inches (one sheet), have a value to knowledgeable people of a few dollars. Fred Dahlinger


790. Con T. Kennedy shows, 24 August, 2005 - Hello! My grandfather (who died before I was born) was a calliope player with the Con T. Kennedy circus, or railroad carnival. I have many of his original photos from 1910 - 1920 era. I would like to know more about life as a "carnie" at that time. I cannot find anything anywhere on the Con T. Kennedy shows. Do you know where I could start my search, or a source that could help me research? Thank you so very much. Gretchen Ryan. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 25 August, 2005 - The key will be learning your father's name. The Kennedy show was a railroad carnival. It started with an affiliation with C. W. Parker of Kansas. Contact me at afdj@g2a.net. Fred Dahlinger
    Reply: 01 September, 2005 - I am currently researching a group of photos & real photo postcards taken by F. E. Quick, of Danville, IL. He was reputedly with the Con T. K. show, a carnival, ca 1913. I have been told that he traveled with a man with a calliope. Did your GF have any connection to the Danville or Indianapolis area? Your photos & mine might contain some of the same venues, people, etc. Contact me at tomnshar@soltec.net. Sharon Schmitz
    Reply: 23 October, 2005 - My grandfather joined the circus ca 1890-1908. Could be in your info. He was a elephant trainer, name, John Brown. Prehaps you have a photo of this? Please reply. Lou

    Reply: 11 January, 2006 - I have found in a graveyard in Columbus, GA a monument memorializing the members of this circus killed in a train wreck. Do you have any info on that? Dudley Leigh, Leigh.Dudley@HCAhealthcare.com

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789. Death of performer who hangs by her hair, 24 August, 2005 - I'm wondering if anyone can confirm and/or give me any more information about the death of an aerialist who performed hanging by her hair. This incident would have taken place during a performance in Atlanta in the early 80's. I believe the circus was, at the time, the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus, but I could be wrong. Please contact me at sschallern [at] cox [dot] net. Thank you for your assistance! Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 04 September, 2005 - That accident sounds like it was Margaret Michelle Ayala. However, this was not a fatal accident. She was seriously injured, but did recover and perfomed again. Her daughters still perform that act, and were on Ringling about 5 years ago. Jim Cole

    Reply: 12 June, 2006 - Dear S. Shallern, There was an act in the late 60's that appeared at various still dates in summer called "Les Tai Fun" The man on the team did fantastic juggling tricks and the woman was hoisted over the sand by her hair as the grand finale to the act. I hope this was not the person that died doing this trick. There did not seem to be any gaff to this attraction, it was some sort of special way of tying the woman's beautiful long hair to the hoist wire. My part of the act was to use a bunch of ride operators to hoist her on a pully manually. This was a spectacular act with a lot of flash. Some years later I was at a county fair in Northern California and there they were. They asked me to help since it was their first night and train someone to do the lead job. I suppose I did it well. I really didn't want her to fall. When I asked why they didn't use a winch "Les" said that there was no substitute to humans, since if something did go wrong like wind or lightning they could react much quicker than a winch to get her down. This act was at least 50 feet and in some places 100 feet off the ground. Hope they are still with us! Both of them! R.T. R.T. Carr III rtcarr@stanford.edu


788. Prof. George Lockhart's trained elephants (Ringling), 24 August, 2005 - Is it known what became of Prof.George Lockhart's highly trained male elephants after the act was disbanded around 1901? He brought the elephants over from England and they appeared with the Ringling Bros. Show in 1896 and the act appears to have been disbanded after the 1900 season. Photographs of the act show 5 juvenile elephants, two females, Nellie and Jennie, and three males, Charlie, Harry and Tom. The careers of Nellie and Jennie are well documented, but what became of the Lockhart males afterward? The Lockhart elephants were said to have been the finest trained elephants in the world at the time. I think someone may have asked a similiar qustion a few months ago,but I dont think it was replied too. kentonc2001@yahoo.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 25 August, 2005 - Is there life before and after the Ringling Brothers Circus? Apparently for Sam Lockhart there was, but I can not say much about George Lockhart. In an 1897 interview concerning the elephants on the Ringling Show, Sam noted that "The youngest of my elephants is now about 19 years of age. For almost, if not quite, 12 years I worked with the herd, every day in the year, perfecting them in their work before I exhibited them in public." In 1900 Sam was still on the Ringling Show but it was noted that Herr Sauder (the elephant superintendent Mr. Pearl Sauder) was training a replacement troupe that could play brass instruments. Actually Sam went on to the Vaudeville Circuit and on Oct. 28, 1901 Sam Lockhart's Performing Elephants were at the Avenue Theatre in Detroit, Michigan. Among the herd - Tom Tom was the largest elephant and was noted for his trick of standing on his head. A review noted that Trilby was noted for playing ten pins. In September 1902 the Lockhart Trained Elephants returned to Detroit and played the Temple Theatre for a week. In March 1903 The Educated Herd of Elephants under the personal direction of Mr. Sam Lockhart was presented at the Temple Theatre in Detroit. The press notice stated Mr. Sam Lockhart's famous troupe of educated elephants, the greatest animal act that has ever been exhibited in either this country or Europe will make the Temple show a double feature. Although these wonderful performers have been seen in this city before, they have never appeared to their greatest advantage for heretofore they have been worked by Mr. Lockhart's brother. On this occasion Mr. Sam Lockhart will personally direct their stage performance himself. This will be their last performance upon the stage of any theatre, for Mr. Lockhart has sold them to James A. Bailey, proprietor of the P. T. Barnum Circus. John Polacsek Detroit, Michigan.
    Reply: 27 August, 2005 - There is some confusion as to the name George or Samuel. I have been confused also but started doing some more research after reading this question. It turns out that Question #39 on this board states that George and Samuel were in fact brothers who started out as clowns and Equestriennes. They both started training elephants and Samuel was requested to perform the Royal elephants, Jock & Jenny, before the Prince of Wales and by 1889 the Queen Victoria herself. Further confusion reigns from a gentlemen named George Samuel Claude Lockhart. He was noted as the "King of the Ring" having been the ringmaster at Blackpool Tower Circus for 30 years and then at Belle Vue Circus for 32 years. He lived from 1884 to 1979 dying in Blackpool at the age of 94. I also found an article stating there was a Samuel Lockhart training elephants in England during the 1907 to 1910 period. This could be the same Samuel Lockhart as the time frame would be correct from his sale of elephants to James Bailey. The one male, CHARLIE LOCKHART remained on the Ringling Bros. Circus through 1906 that I can verify and died June 8, 1910 in Evansville, Indiana. I have no further information on HARRY or TOMMY LOCKHART. After his stay with his famous five on the Ringling Bros. Circus, Samuel again trained elephants in the vaudeville circuit as Mr. Polacsek has mentioned with his group now being named TomTom, Trilby, Hattie, Romeo, & Wilhemina. Is TomTom the former TOMMY, I don't know. The vaudeville circuit elephants have been verified through news articles on newpaperARCHIVES.com while all other info is through past WhiteTops, Bandwagons, and Circus World Museum library info and the internet. Bob Cline
    Reply: 27 August, 2005 - Well,apparently there wasnt too much life left for Prof. George Lockhart after appearing with the Ringling Bros. In January 1904, he was crushed to death while unloading elephants at the railroad station on Hoe st. at Walthamstow, London. A big runaway elephant crushed him against the side of a boxcar or wall. apemonsterman@yahoo.com
    Reply: 27 August, 2005 - A George Lockard was ringmaster during World War II in Bellevue Circus, Manchester England and the Tower Circus in Blackpool. fatima
    Reply: 27 August, 2005 - Prof.George and Prof.Samuel Lockhart came over to America in 1895. Both had seperate touring trained elephant acts. Apparently George Lockhart's comedy and cycling elephants were the A-team and Sam Lockhart's were the B-team in training. From photographs, George Lockhart's elephants look to be in their teens and Sam's were described as a troup of baby elephants. Also George Lockhart's elephants played at the Proctor's Pleasure Palace in NYC over 500 times, prior to joining up with Ringling show for the 1896 season. I came across this info over at the on-line newspaper Brooklyn Eagle. K.C.
    Reply: 31 August, 2005 - According to a 1931 White Tops article, apparently there was a third Lockhart brother, "Harry Lockhart, a brother of George, and trainer for the Orrin Brothers elephants died in Mexico City January 13 1905". The Orrin Brothers Circus was based in Mexico City. The article also mentions George Lockhart, and says he worked his elephant act with only a whip. apemonsterman@yahoo.com
    Reply: 31 August, 2005 - Big Charley, reportly was purchased by Col. George W."Popcorn" Hall in April 1903, when the Ringling Bros. left him in Chicago for fear of putting him on the train (reportly Charlie injured or had killed several of his previous keepers). Charlie had been the lead elephant with the Ringling Show. Col. George Hall brought the elephant back to their winter quarters at Evansville Wisconsin. The elephant was handled by George Hall's daughter Miss Mable Hall, from 1903 to 1910. They appeared together with Hargreaves Big Railroad Show. Charlie's name was changed to"Columbus". "The largest elephant known to be in existance today". "12 and three fourths feet high, weight 6 tons and 110 years old' (they tried to pass him off as a African elephant apparently). Finally however Old Charley went insane while with the Tiger Bill Wild West Show in June 1910, and the elephant was killed via potassium cyanide in a sweet potato in Evansville Wisc. The elephant died next to its barn at the end of Main Street. Years afterward Col. George "Popcorn" Hall claimed Old Charley became deranged "due to the effects of Hailey's Comet". (*note Old Charley, not to be confused with the much more publicized, "Big Charlie"(9,500 lbs) of the Ben Wallace Show who was killed after crushing his handler of 8 years Henry Hoffman at the Ben Wallace winter quarters at Peru Indiana in April 1901.) K.C.

    Reply: 20 September, 2006 - George Lockhart was my great grandfather and I lived with him in Blackpool until just before he died. I remember vividly his circus tales and also his war stories which were much more fun! Robert Lockhart Brown


787. Evelyn Currie, 24 August, 2005 - I am looking for information on Evelyn Currie who had the distinction of being one of the first female lion and tiger tamers for Ringling Brothers Circuses. Thanks, Monte Madsen. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 25 August, 2005 - In the early 1980's I was over visiting Bill Lynch Shows, a carnival out of Nova Scotia. As I was a show guy and we were cutting up jack pots one of the flatties introduced to me was a man who was said to be married to Currie at the time. I believed they lived in New England. I would find out the sec.'s address for the New England Showmen's League Club and inquire there. If you are in the east, I think most people on the carnival midways would know Currie's husband. Al Stencell
    Reply: 25 August, 2005 - I did a quick search of NewspaperArchive.com, and it turned up 30 "hits" for Evelyn Currie and circus, mostly 1955 and early 1960s. There seemed to have been two Evelyn Curries, one a carney barker, the other a lion etc. tamer. Most of the latter were when she was with the Shrine circus, nothing found for Ringling. Here's part of one article that may be of interest: Nevada State Journal, January 13, 1964, p. 9. "Chattanooga, Tenn. (UPI). Evelyn Currie keeps eight big jungle cats in a backyard barn near the heart of downtown Chattanooga. . . . Evelyn Currie, a native of Decatur, Tenn., is a product of four generations of circus people. She was also an actress in the pioneer days of television and once had an act in which she toe-danced on an elephant's back. Last summer, after the death of one of her animals, she decided to take a break. . . . So she came back to the frame house her mother bought years ago across the street from the ballpark, parked her trailers and settled down. With her came the big cats - lions, tigers and a tig-lon - the only one in captivity in the world, she says. The tig-lon's father was a tiger, she said. Its mother was a lion. . . . The cats are kept in cages in the farm. . . . Evelyn also sleeps in the barn. . . . Next month Evelyn plans to blacktop a section of the big yard, put up a tent and a cage and get the act back into shape. She's scheduled to open in Cleveland, Ohio in February. . . ." - J. Griffin
    Reply: 04 September, 2005 - This cage act appeared on Ringling during the 1962 season as a supplementary fill in act for the Madison Sq. Garden date. She had previously done a few seasons with Hamid Morton Circus. In 1966 her "tiglon" Tillie, was on display at Dietch's Zoo in Fairlawn, NJ. I know she lived in Middletown, NY, as did the Albert Rix performing bear act. Jeanette Rix could give you alot more information, as she still lives there, and has Evelyn's old steel arena and props. jrix @pioneeris.net. Jim Cole

    Reply: 07 Oct 2009 - I saw this question (from a long time ago) about Evelyn Curry. She was my aunt and we were very close, and I have all her old newspaper clippings and films. Please let me know what information you need. Luke


786. Rena, trapeze artist, 22 August, 2005 - Rena (can't remember her last name) was a quite famous trapeze artist with the RBB&B circus back, I am thinking, in the 40's maybe? Would anyone know who she may have been this is? Thank you Kathy Holter Bradner, Ohio, krispybird@woh.rr.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.


785. Cole Bros. Circus "Old Timer" Painting, 22 August, 2005 - I discovered the Circus Historical Society website while researching a painting I've acquired. I am trying to determine the artist, who I believe signed it as an alias "Old Timer." The painting is an original oil on board and depicts a clown with many circus details in the background including the name "Cole Bros." It resembles some of the typical circus posters but is definitely an original oil painting. The painting is signed and dated "Old Timer '73". Any ideas? Thank you for any insight or information you can provide. Best regards, Tom Tumulty. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.


784. Circus & Gypsies, 22 August, 2005 - I have often read about connections between circus and gypsies. Are there any historical traces of this idea? Do you know any circuses (contemporary or of the past) run by gypsy families (like Cirque Romanes in France)? Thanks. Manuela Gazzano, circus fan and researcher in gypsy culture, Rome, Italy. gfgazzano@libero.it. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 23 August, 2005 - Many Circus owners in Europe have gypsy blood in their families. The Bouglione and Amar families in France are too good examples. In Germany many of the smaller family shows - still probably close to 50 to 75 in number are referred to as 'comedians' ( komodianten) and some of those families have gypsy blood lines. Today you still find gypsy families running fairground attractions in Europe. Certainly more gypsies working in the fairground than in the circus.
          In the 1970's I bought quite a bit of material from a book dealer in NYC from a catalogue of gypsy items which I understand was the collection of Hermann Arnold. The latter was a sociology professor and had written extensively on gypsies and circus and fairground relations. I have somewhere one of his files breaking down where various gypsy families toured with shows. I think his work was well known among gypsy researchers. I do not know if the Gypsy Lore Society is still going. That would be another place to start your research. From time to time the Journal of the Gypsy Lore Society had articles on gypsies and their work in the amusement trades. Arnold was a respected member of this group.
          One of Arnold's books that I could find presently is: FAHRENDES VOLK, Hermann Arnold 1983, copy writing by: 1980 Plalzische Verlagsanstalt GmbH, Landau/ Pfalz. Germany. This covers gypsies on fairs and circuses extensively; gypsy bear acts, gypsies selling early song sheets, etc. etc. It is illustrated with photos and maps, etc. The bibliography lists 22 published works by Arnold - most of them on gypsies and relationships to show business. The book has one of the largest bibliographies I have seen on European outdoor show business. It is a small paper book and should still be around. Hope this helps. Al Stencell
    Reply: 24 August, 2005 - Dear Ms. Gazzano: There are several instances of Gypsy families going into the Circus world. My Family came from Romania, they were Gypsies. Circus "Bugilione" (spelling)? in France was a Gypsy, Sarazani, and many others have Gypsy Heritage. Sincerely, Erny Karoly, ErnyK@aol.com
    Reply: 04 September, 2005 - It depends really which people you include as to being 'gypsy'. In Europe today there are three groups of (travelling) people recognised as gypsies, and those are Rom/Roma/Romany, Sinti/Manush, and Jener. The most important and longterm connection between Roma and the circus are music (orchestra) and horses (and horse trading). A famous Romanian horse circus was circus Sidoli, and the Sidoli were Roma. Today Lucien Ionenscu, a greatgrandson, still incorportates their Roma heritage proudly into his show. In many of the larger circus orchestra's (Reto Polari) there are many Roma and Sinti musicians. The Amar family were not gypsies, they were Amazigh Maroccans.
          The Bouglione family are Sinti Piemontese. Again, their start, generations ago, in circus was through horses. A reason why especially Sinti Piemontese were succesfull in the circus world is because of the extensive 'medical' - healing knowledges of their 'drabarni' women as herbalist, understandig scepsis and the nessecity for sterile (fireburnt) implements, for setting bones, for quite complicated surgery even. Thus less animals and people were lost due to accidents with Sinti on your show. A new generation of Bougliones runs a circus called Romanesh. Another example of Sinti in the big circus are the Moreno family.
          All over Europe, but mostly in France and Germany, small clans of gypsies, mostly Sinti and 'Jener', travelled with small mud shows that hardly ever boasted a tent or chapiteau, but were in a sense small circuses, the usual setup was a small combo of musicians (copper, accordeon, drum), a duo of ponies, a trained goat or two, dogs, pigeons, acrobatics, acrobatics and a fire show. Many of these family shows were later incorporated in larger circuses. Their charivari acrobatics were contrived from traditional dance: To the banging of a tambourine, jumps would become faster and higher, young men 'playing off' each other, upstaging. Typical 'kleinzirkus' stock with Jener background are Frank, Sperlich and Triska (also a family or aerialists in America at one time). The language Jenisch is for about 70% the same as Circus German, of which the anglosized version is Parlari (same words, different grammar. Jenisch and (Sinti) Romanesh have many, many words in common. Basically you could say that entimologically (?) European Circus language is a mix of German/Yiddish, Romanesh and French.

    Examples of Coinciding words in Parlari/Circus and Sinti/Jenisch/Romanesj:
    Muj- Face, mouth
    Dikh- Look, see
    Racklo- Boy, worker
    Jal- Come
    Jag-Fire
    Panny- Water
    Rodel- Find
    Gosaro- Smart, Intelligent,
    Nablo- Idiot, stupid
    Joegel (Djoeklo) pet dog
    Buffri - show dog Chat- something

          Some words, like Gaffer, for instance, have spilled into theatre and film language! Gaff means town, so a Gaffer was originally a townie who was eager to come and help on the circus grounds! Natasha Gerson



783. Tivoli, 22 August, 2005 - In Scandinavia the word 'tivoli' is commonly used to designate a mobile (travelling) amusement fair (distinctly different from Circus, which is used exclusively about a closed performance). Can anyone tell when and why? Specifically, was it after the establishment of the Copenhagen Tivoli, or before? Is the place Tivoli in Italy associated with this type of amusement? ijf. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 25 August, 2005 - I think the book that will explain this is: Markedscogl Og Cirkuslojer By: Kurt Moller Madsen. Published in 1970 by Lademann Forlagsaktieselskab, Kobenhavn. It covers circuses, amusement gardens, and fairgrounds from the beginning in Denmark. It is a well known book and first class in every way with many photos. It should still be around in the collections of some of the European circus book dealers. Arnold-Garnier in Paris may know where to find a copy. Al Stencell


782. Circus, Germany, 21 August, 2005 - I am interested in books or picture material about the circus in Germany in the Twenties and Thirties? Any suggestions? Paul S. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 23 August, 2005 - There are few German books with good photos of early German circuses of that era. Paul Eipper wrote a very popular book on 1930's German Circuses and it has a few fine photos. I would suggest you join Circus - Journal, the very fine quarterly published by Guido Ross in Germany. Past issues have had excellent articles on older german shows with photos. Go on line: info@circus-journal.de or: Zur Kranzplatte 3, 45699 Herten, Germany. tel: 0049(0) 23 66/50 43 34. This is one of the best circus magazines going. Totally in color. Good luck, Al Stencell
    Reply: 24 August, 2005 - German Circuses: Try researching Cirkus Krone, Cirkus Gleich, Cirkus Sarazani, Cirkus Carl Hagenbeck,(Dutch)- Circus Strassburger,(German.)- Brumbach,(Swiss)- Knee, Benneweis,. (British)- Benneweiss. That should give you a start. Sincerely, Erny Karoly, ErnyK@aol.com


781. Famous Beatty Circus, 21 August, 2005 - Is anyone out there familiar with this title, Famous Beatty Circus? About thirty years ago Ronald Gore put out a list which included a window card of "Famous Beatty" but it was gone by the time I could send my $3.00. I later wrote Fred Dahlinger and he could find no record of the title. Any help would be appreciated. Dave Price. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 21 August, 2005 - Hi Dave! This may not be the circus you are looking for, but I searched NewspaperArchive.com and found the term Famous Beatty used: "Famous Beatty - Cole performing elephants (1973), Famous Beatty - Cole clowns (1966), Famous Beatty mixed group of Royal Bengal tigers. Clyde Beatty - Cole Bros. circus. J. Griffin
    Reply: 23 August, 2005 - Famous Beatty Circus was out for a short season near the end of the 1960's I believe. I have some slides of it. The show was owned by the Garden family out of Toronto, Ontario, Canada and played ice arenas in Ontario. This was after their adventure under canvas titled Gene Cody and Kipling Bros. Circus folded after a two year run in Canada ( 1963-1964). I don't know if Ian Garden Sr. was on it but I think Bill and Dick were. Rumors were that the Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus got word of the use of the title and were not happy. I do not know if they stopped the use of the title or not. In the same era there had been a Famous Cole Circus, a very fine show run and owned by Bob Coules. Nobody took exception of the use of the 'Cole' title. Al Stencell


780. Richard Risley Carlisle, 20 August, 2005 - Recently, I found a reference to an article "Richard Risley Carlisle: A Man IN Motion" published by the Circus Historical Society. Is it possible that your organization published the article? If so, How might we obtain a copy? A. B. Frederick, Ph.D., Gymnastics Historian, Wilmington, DE. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 20 August, 2005 - "Man in Motion, Richard Risley" Thayer, Stuart, Bandwagon, Vol. 41, No. 1 (Jan-Feb), 1997, p.12. You should be able to get this issue from: Bandwagon Back Issues, 2515 Dorset Rd., Columbus, OH 43221. Cost is $4.00 plus $2.00 postage. If you enter "Risley" in the search engine on the CHS website, you may turn up additional articles on the Risley acrobatic act. J. Griffin

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779. Elephant trainer, 19 August, 2005 - I am trying to find information on an elephant trainer who was with the Barnum and Bailey circus. His name that we know him by is Martin (Jeremiah) Reddick. Family history implied that Martin Reddick was such employed and that there is a picture in the family that shows Martin with the elephants. If anyone can help it would be greatly appreciated. I have no idea what years are involved. Thank you. Sue Reddick, weddick@hotmail.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.


778. Elephant, Racine WI, 18 August, 2005 - Many years ago I read a story regarding a circus parade held in Racine, Wisconsin in which an elephant went berserk and had to be killed. It seems to me it mentioned severing its trunk before putting it down. The parade was in the late 1800's or early 1900's. Does anyone else remember reading something like this? Thanks, Betty, bid2bid@execpc.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 20 August, 2005 - "Prince" was a male Asian elephant in the Great Wallace herd of 1898. While walking in parade in Racine, Wis. on July 1st he attacked a young man riding a bicycle who had passed too close. Joe Anderson who was in charge of the elephants, sped to the boy's rescue but lost his own life when "Prince" turned his fury on Anderson. "Prince" was loaded aboard the circus train and kept there until he was executed in Minnesota some time later. As is done by Big Game hunters, the tusks would have been removed after his death but it's unlikely his trunk would have been severed. Buckles
    Reply: 20 August, 2005 - The local newspaper accounts state that after Prince killed Joe Anderson,the elephant was later that evening disciplined in Racine WI, with pitchforks. I believe this method they use to tie the elephants down and then prick them numerous times behind the forelegs which is a really sensitive spot to elephants,to make it bleed a little, and when the elephant makes a whistling sound, that means he gives up. Prince was seen the next morning I read, and described a being half dead when he was loaded into his boxcar for the next stop,and his trunk was observed to be halfway severed. Life could be really mean for people back then in those days too,so one must take this into context. I think this was the last time I ever read of a elephant being disciplined that way, although apparently it wasn't that rare in the mid-nineteenth century. apemonsterman@yahoo.com


777. Raschetta Brothers, 18 August, 2005 - Raschetta Brothers were Ringling Brothers' somersaulting vaulters. I'm seeking information on the Raschetta Brothers, featured in a fairly widely reproduced 1900 poster. Here's the link at the Library of Congress: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?pp/PPALL:@field(NUMBER+@band(cph+3g0 9675)). Can anyone point me in the right direction? Sarah Courteau, Assistant Editor, The Wilson Quarterly, courteaus@si.edu. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 19 August, 2005 - Try looking outside the circus business, in vaudeville. Search through the New York Times (ProQuest, at many libraries) and also try George C. D. Odell's "Annals of the New York Stage." Also check the indexes compiled by Raymond Toole-Stott, "Circus and Allied Arts." If they were European, try some of the better European circus and theater histories, Thetard and the two-volume Swiss compilation. Speaight does not list them. If 1900 is an accurate year for the litho, you might find reviews of the opener in New York Clipper and perhaps Billboard. Unlike other seasons, it appears that they skipped the Chicago indoor engagement and shipped east to open under canvas in Wheeling, WV. Shows cycled vaudevillians and foreigners through their shows for a year or two, for novelty. Circus pay and working conditions often weren't as good as the better vaudeville circuits, which offered better wages, longer engagements (two years) and one week stays (as opposed to daily moves). The CWM Library (check their website) should have employment entries from programs, route book rosters and such. Be aware "Raschetta" may also have been a selected stage name, concealing the troupe's real identity. Fred Dahlinger
    Reply: 05 September, 2005 - I believe the Raschetta Brothers real name to have been the family of Albert RASCHKE, who was Austrian by birth. As RASCHI RASCH he was a barrel jumper in Germany in the late 1800s. He later had a son named Edward. I don't think he/they ever returned to Europe. After his acrobatics career, in the late twenties, Raschke became a baker in Bridgeport, Connecticut, then still the winterquarters of RBB. A daughter Susannah, later worked with the Konyots. Natasha Gerson


776. Buckles Woodcock, 18 August, 2005 - Trying to find Buckles Woodcock new web address, mine was accidently erased. Thanks, biggleo@webtv.net, Richard Cline. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 19 August, 2005 - Dear Friends, My Blog Site can be reached at bucklesw.blogspot.com/.


775. Skippy and Bum poster, 18 August, 2005 - Do you have a date that this poster would have been printed? Skippy and Bum clown and elephant poster. 39 x 26 Ringling and Barnum combined circus. Printed by the Erie litho and Ptg Co., Erie, PA, 14042-B. Thank You, ktwayne@insightbb.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.

    Reply: 26 Nov 2007 - This litho was used by Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey as early as 1934, and was produced as both a one-sheet sheet and a half sheet, and perhaps in an even larger format. The image also appears on the cover of a great courier produced by Erie for Ringling-Barnum in 1934. The pages inside this lavish courier contain many full color examples of the specialty paper that was created that year for Ringling-Barnum. The “Skippy and Bum” poster design was used at least as late as Oct 5-6 1936 (Houston date) – though I am uncertain as to whether it was used in 1935. Interestingly there is no mention of an actual specialty act known as "Skippy and Bum" in either the 1934 or 1936 programs. If in fact there was a clown named "Skippy", and a baby elephant (or more likely a dog dressed as an elephant) named "Bum" they probably appeared in a clown walkaround – or as part of the attraction that was billed as "150 Amazingly Clever Clowns Presented at the Same Time" – a poster that was also created by Erie for the 1934 season. Chris Berry. chris.berrydc@gmail.com


774. Harry Percival Lyons, 18 August, 2005 - Harry or Harrie Percival Lyons was a Australian Theatrical and Equestrian Agent between 1860-1912. He claimed he was Blondin's Manager and was the one that was on his back across Niagara Falls! In articles they say it was a Harry Colcord! Did Blondin have many Managers? H.P Lyons brought Blondin to Australia. I would appreciate any information that would shed some light on this subject. He also Managed hundreds of acts in Australia and all over the world! These are some of them - W.W.Cole's New Orleans Circus and Menagerie. Wirth's Grand Circus. Sells Bros Combined Shows Roman Hippodrome Menagerie. Frank Thornton's London Comedy Company. Stewart's Rainbow Revels. Lyons. Weiland's Great Australian Circus (British Indian Tour). He was retained by Sells and J A Bailey of Barnum & to represent their interests in the purchasing of animals and monstrosities. He visited every island in the archapelagos for buying animals and reptiles. I would appreciate any information that someone may have on Harry Percival Lyons! Regards, Roslyn Jacobs. roslynjacobs@austarnet.com.au, Muswellbrook NSW Australia.Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 18 August, 2005 - This isn't much, but in Slout's Olympians of the Sawdust Circle, p. 185. "Lyons, H. P. Agen, Cooper, Bailey & Co., Australian tour, 1877. J. Griffin

    Reply: 14 Apr 2009 - I have a little info on Mr. Lyons, please contact me 'dangoat at bigpond dot net dot au" Allister Hardiman

    Reply: 01 June 2009 - G'day, Harry Lyon(s?) was my wife's Grandmother's "favourite uncle". She, Florence Ellis, was born Florence Stonehouse, in Tasmania in 1876, and I believe Harry was related on the Stonehouse side of her family. When Florence was young, Harry used to send her postcards from all over the world, and I have some of them at home. Harry was particularly fond of Japanese culture. He "toured" a Japanese village - complete with its villagers - to all mainland Australian capitals ... where they would set up their village ... with all those beautifully dovetailed wooden frames and ricepaper covered sliding screens ... in a hired space - usually a town hall. He split the village to send just one half to Hobart ... and the other half to New Zealand. Florence was still around for my wife ... and, later, myself, to hear some of her stories of Uncle Harry as she lived to be the oldest living Australian up to her death - just 8 days short of 108 years old - in October 1984.
        I seem to remember Florence Ellis saying that Harry was a London-born Christianised Jew ... and the name Lyon (without an 's' ... ?) was what he had adopted at conversion. I have, somewhere in my papers, a Tasmanian newspaper obituary for Harry Lyons, which is illustrated with an engraving: "from a photograph" allegedly showing him being carried over Niagara Falls on Blondin's back. Bob Bolton

    Reply: 03 Jul 2009 - G'day again, I have located my photograph of the Harry P Lyons obituary article ... from some newspaper of the time. (I was told, by my wife's grandmother, that it was from a Tasmanian paper; but it was clipped out, without any evidence of the publication name or date, probably trimmed to be sent in an envelope). The reference to: "... at our Lyceum, afterwards the Queen’s Theatre, Sydney, ..." The text reads:
        Dead at the age of seventy-two, Harry P. Lyons, probably one of the best-known advance agents in Australian show business. Mr. Lyons had over half a century’s work as a showman, and has piloted entertainments through almost every portion of the civilised globe. He made his first appearance at our Lyceum, afterwards the Queen’s Theatre, Sydney, and in 1859 was agent for Fred Younge and Dominie Murray’s Comedy Company. Said that he was the first to introduce professional entertainment in Western Australia in 1869, and it was, of course, well known that he was “advancing” for the brilliant Blondin when that tight-rope stroller first appeared in Australia. Blondin was alleged to have been Mr. Lyons’s most successful proposition, for the latter made £13,000 out of the balancer’s visit.
        The illustration accompanying the obituary is a photographic reproduction of a drawing entitled "THE LATE MR. HARRY P. LYONS AND BLONDIN" under which is printed "Crossing the Niagara Falls on a Tight Rope. From a photo." The illustration (presumably originally an engraving, dating from before newspapers developed techniques for printing directly from photographs) has been reproduced with a 'dot -screen', since newspapers, by this time (circa 1910 ?) routinely worked with photos.
        If you are interested, I can scan in the illustration and forward an image file of it to a suitable email address. By the way: I was playing (in 'colonial dress') in the music ensemble for the Bush Music Club (Sydney) 19th century "Heritage Ball", held at Parramatta Town Hall 30 May 2009. As is my custom at such formal events, my cravat was pinned with a very nice silver pin, decorated with a pattern in three different colours of gold ... passed on to me by My wife's Grandmother - and originally owned by her uncle Harry Lyons! Regards, Bob Bolton

    Reply: 08 Jul 2009 - Hi Bob Bolton, Please contact me on my E-Mail roslynjacobs@austarnet.com so we can exchange further information. I am amazed by your your details! Regards, Roslyn Jacobs.

    Reply: 13 Jul 2009 - Thank you J Griffin, I appreciate your information. Hi Bob Bolton, Please contact me on my E-Mail roslynjacobs@austarnet.com so we can exchange further information. Harry P Lyons was my G Grandfather. Regards,Roslyn Jacobs, roslynjacobs@austarnet.com.au.


773. Triple flip, 17 August, 2005 - Hey I'm seeing if there is any evidence of any hungarian trapizoid families from the past. A family call panzian or something like that for the triple flip in air and no safety net. Can you help. leonardgale@cox.net. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.


772. Otis Carter, circus owner, 16 August, 2005 - A while back, I sent a message asking about a Rosa Sealey that was part of a traveling circus, that came through Concord N.C. and Charlotte, N.C. I have since learned that in 1930, she was married to an Otis Carter and her address was in Charlotte. I've heard that she was married to the circus owner when she was traveling with the circus. I wonder if any one has any information on a circus that was owned by Otis Carter and/or his family. She wintered in Florida and California during her time with the circus. I don't know much about her other that his name and that she had lots of tatoos and she did the various games when it was slow. I know this isn't much to go on, but hopefully someone will be aware of that circus and help me locate her or her family. Thank you so much for any help you can give me. Cynthia Thacker. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 18 August, 2005 - Bob Parkinson's published list of circus titles includes a simple, undocumented entry for a "Carter Bros. Circus" in 1937. The title is not in the lists compiled by Sturtevant or Chindahl, suggesting some obscurity. Presumably there's a document (newspaper ad, photograph or other citation) in the Circus World Museum library that caused the entry to be made. Whether it was owned by the Carter that you seek is unknown. Perusing the circus columns of the 1937 issues of Billboard magazine and also the Circus Fans Association magazine "White Tops" would be the other places to check. A tattooed lady and "games" generally suggests a carnival, but it could be a circus with a side show and grift (gambling, in lieu of "games of chance"). Joe McKennon's list of carnivals does not, at first glance, list any shows with the name of Carter included. If Rosa Sealey was a tattooed lady of any prominence, she might be listed in C. W. Eldridge's Tattoo Archive, active in the Berkeley-SF, CA area. You might also check Charlotte newspapers for circus and carnival ads in the early spring, when the show would have gone out, and also the city directories of the time. Consulting professional genealogists, or a genealogy help group might also provide a means to further your search. Fred Dahlinger


771. Colonel Parker Pioneer circus, 16 August, 2005 - Trying to get some info on "Colonel Parker Pioneer Circus" that operated for sure in late 50's early 60's. Don't know if it was Tom Parker of Elvis fame, or Parker and Watts from Mich, or somebody else, but I worked for them when I was a kid, for a day. Cleaning up after the elephants paraded through my hometown. Would love to track down some posters or collectibles from the Pioneer Circus. If you have info or could point me in the right direction- thanx, Mike Hatten. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 18 August, 2005 - A biography has been written about Col. Parker, Presley's manager, that addresses his outdoor show business connections. I don't believe that he owned a circus at any time, but perhaps he was a silent investor. His management of Presley surely provided all of the income that was necessary in the 1950s and 1960s. Have your local librarian check for the Parker biography, or scan book sources on-line. Parker was a friend of the late "Hoxie" Tucker, an actual circus owner who has been profiled in past "Bandwagon" articles. [You can search for all of the articles on this website, and most are available through back issue sales.] Parker & Watts was active as a circus title 1938-1939 and was covered in "Bandwagon" articles by Stuart Thayer. It would be a bit laborious, but one way to establish the candidates for the circus in question is to go back to the daily newspapers of your hometown and scan them for circus notices. They typically stand out. You could also scan back issues of the Bandwagon for show reviews, as well as the Circus Fans Association magazine "White Tops." The "Billboard" magazine had circus news and routes until 1960, when "Amusement Business" was launched to take over that task. Ephemera and other items might be found through on-line auction sites or dealer sales, once you know the pertinent title and date. Fred Dahlinger
    Reply: 18 August, 2005 - Seems to me I saw a photograph once of Tom Parker and Hoxie Tucker strolling up Central Ave. in Hot Springs, Ark. and the story line was that they produced circus dates, celebrations and booked a Western band. They had a parting of the ways and Hoxie said "I'll take the circus equipment and you can have the Hillbilly". This fits the time frame, they owned no elephants but they could easily have booked an act. Buckles, bucklesw.blogspot.com
    Reply: 19 August, 2005 - The photo that Buckles recalls of Tucker and Parker walking together was in an issue of "White Tops." Fred Dahlinger
    Reply: 23 August, 2005 - Johnny Frazier had a show out with a similar title in this time frame. He called it Cody's Pioneer Circus. I don't know if Johnny was close to Col. Parker but he had Buster Doss with him, a Nashville music type and the show's angel. I believe one of the AB's in the 1960's has an article on the show with a picture of Johnny, Hazel and Buster Doss inside the top. A few years later Johnny and myself spent a day looking for where he had parked the three or four trucks behind some service station when it went broke. We never found the equipment. We could have used the seats. Al Stencell


770. Japanese Imperial Vaudeville circus Kawamura, 15 August, 2005 - I am looking for any information on the Japanese Imperial Vaudeville circus Kawamura which toured North, Central and South America between about 1905 to 1921 or on the Kudara Kabuki Troupe. Oto Kawamura, was the owner of the Kawamura circus and died apparently murdered falling off his tight-rope in October 1921 in Sao Paulo Brazil. The young Kawamura brothers left Japan in the 1890 for the US and were street performers and child acrobats in the Chiarini circus at some point. isabelle@embrionicarts.co.uk. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.

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769. Greatest Show on Earth, 13 August, 2005 - Something has haunted me since "The Big One" discontinued using the big top. What ever happened to all the 28 seat wagons, light plants? I saw The Greatest Show on Earth in Erie, Pa. in 1952 and I have been a fan of "Big Bertha" under canvas ever since. Thank You. Best, Craig Johnson, Lock Haven, Pa. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 14 August, 2005 - A gentlemen by the name of Jim Caldwell was a great friend, Circus Model Builder, and Ringling Historian. He eventually fulfilled a lifelong dream and went to work in the RBBB offices in Venice for a few years before his untimely passing. He wrote a couple articles about the RBBB equipment and it's locations. Most of the seat wagons were considered to be in fair to poor condition by time the canvas show folded. A lot of the stuff was sold as scrap metal. Royal American Shows in Tampa Florida bought a good many of the Flatcars and a couple stocks and coaches in 1961. If you can't find his articles in the Little Circus Wagons, I know I have his typed copies he sent me tucked away somewhere. It'll take a few days to locate them but I'll be glad to make copies for you if you want them. Bob Cline fivetiger@marlboroelectric.net
    Reply: 14 August, 2005 - I was with Ringling when we closed the season early in Pittsburgh, PA in 1956. We had a "Blow-down" a few weeks before. We then continued with the backup tent sent up from Sarasota. The show also had lots of Teamster Union troubles. Attendance was off since TV was coming in strong. Finally the show folded and we headed back to winter quarters in Sarasota. That was in either June or July of 1956, the last time Ringling was under the "Big Top"; and Big Top it really was. Some time, I believe, in the late 50's most of the Ringling property was auctioned off and sold. I remember my mother scraping all the money she could gather to buy the trassage horse, "Don Joan" the Lippizan stud from the show. Doc Henderson told her that if the horse didn't sell it probably would be destroyed. My mother went crazy for that horse. She bought it and made a "pet" out of the killer horse no one wanted. She and my sister, Evy, showed him for several years. Erny Karoly
    Reply: 14 August, 2005 - A comprehensive article about the RBBB seat wagons appeared in Bandwagon, November-December 1994. This issue is available from the society. The last known seat wagon chassis was seen rusting away in a Florida field. The late Jim Caldwell may have written some coverage of post-1956 RBBB vehicle disposals in back issues of the CMB publication "Little Circus Wagon." You might check with that organization for back issues. The RBBB train light plant is at Baraboo. One of the generator wagons went to Cypress Gardens, the Florida tourist attraction, but may have been reclaimed for preservation. I believe that another may be at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota. Fred Dahlinger


768. Wire Walker - Westerfeld, 13 August, 2005 - I am looking for information on a high wire walker named Frederick Westerfeld. He was with Ringling Bros I think before Barnum & Bailey. He was born in 1878 Germany and died in 1947 MD. He married Mary Robinson and had many children. Please send any info to lordilordi@netzero.com, Thank you Lisa Turner. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.


767. Odyson Circus, 12 August, 2005 - I'm an 19- year old student from the Netherlands. I study journalism and I'm looking for any information about the Odyson Circus. I thank you in anticipation. Janita Naaijer (janitanaaijer@hotmail.com). Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 18 August, 2005 - The Odyson Circus was a small Canadian Circus that started out in Alberta in late 1950's and toured for one or two seasons. The only American show people that I know who were on it was the Dick Johnson family. Dick now lives in Bradon, Florida (just east of Tampa). If you contact me I can send you Dick's address. I have several posters from the show and a few odds and ends. The Odyson family had been around carnivals such as Crescent Shows, Baddley Bros., etc. Baddley Bros. also became a small circus travelling gilly style by railroad. These shows seemed to stem from being small back end shows on western Canadian carnivals. Check Billboard in the 1950's as it did carry their routes and the odd article. Both shows used paper (posters) printed by King Show Print, Estevan, Sask. I ended up with the salesman's portfolio of posters printed by the firm and it was the bulk of an exhibition that toured art galleries in Canada for two years. It was put together by the Art gallery in Regina. They may still have copies of the nice color catalogue they put together for the exhibit. Al Stencell, stencell@sympatico.ca


766. Five Graces bandwagon, 11 August, 2005 - Where can I find the history or general information about the Five Graces bandwagon that was in the Ringling Bros. circus parades? JOHNL405@aol.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 12 August, 2005 - Check Richard E. Conover's booklet "The Fielding Bandchariots" (1969), pages 42 to 52; the cover image of "Bandwagon," January-February 1970; and "Bandwagon," September-October 1984, pages 21-24. There is also coverage in Fred Fried's book, "Artists In Wood." The wagon appeared in Ringling parades from 1912 to 1918, and in RBBB parades of 1919-1920 and was in use again in the 1940s. Fred Dahlinger


765. Great Roman Hippodrome, 11 August, 2005 - I am an architecture student at the Cooper Union in New York. I am doing a project called "The Circus in the City" for a planning class (with a focus on New York City). I am looking for different venues that the circus has been to; I am having a lot of trouble finding information about the Great Roman Hippodrome, other than that it was succeeded by Madison Square Garden. I saw that you have published an article about it in Bandwagon, and am curious what the content of the article is, in particular, I am looking to see if there are any pictures of the ampitheatre, and or if there are any drawings of the layout, or a plan of it in relation to the surrouding area. I am also curious if its location on the abandoned railyard was important to the comings and goings of the circus train. Is Bandwagon a journal that I might be able to find in a local library (I am in Albany, New York)? In addition, I am looking for any kinds of layouts of the circus in other towns as well, as I am really trying to show the morphology of the circus layout and its footprint on the city. I have only found one general plan; can you give me any leads as to where I might be able to find any more drawings/plans? I am not sure if there are any documents of this sort, or if maybe I'm looking in the wrong places! Thank you in advance for your help! - Erica (you can respond to erc1116@yahoo.com). Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 12 August, 2005 - Check Sanborn Fire Insurance Company maps for building layouts and footprints. If they are unavailable, check other plat maps that may be unique to New York City. Stuart Thayer and William L. Slout have written a book about Barnum's circus 1871-1873 and his Great Roman Hippodrome 1874-1875. Search for "Grand Entree, The Birth of the Greatest Show on Earth." (Borgo, 1999) It was essentially privately printed and might be a challenge to locate; likely it's out of print. You'll find illustrations of it in period journals (try Harper's Weekly), also in places like the New York Public Library Theater Collection, Harvard University Library, etc. A stereo view of the interior sold on ebay last year and a copy should be in a public collection somewhere. George C. D. Odell's "Annals of the New York Stage" will provide information and leads, as will P. T. Barnum autobiographies and his biography by Arthur Saxon. It's possible that descriptions and reviews might be found in the New York Times (check via ProQuest search at your library) and other period newspapers and journals. Fred Dahlinger
    Reply: 18 August, 2005 - The french book "Architectures du Cirqueâ" written by Christian Dupavillon (Paris, Le Monitor, 2001) contains interesting illustrations and notes about the buildings of New York circus in those years, including the Grand Roman Hippodrome. The originals litographys are in the Theatre and Music Collection of the Museum of the City of New York; The New York Historical Society; the Theatre Collection of the Princenton University Library and the Haward Theatre Collection. Cesar Ortega. fliaortega@netverk.com.ar
    Reply: 8 October, 2005 - There are a few copies of "Grand Entree" still available. - Stuart Thayer. [message sent by authors, mailing address for obtaining a copy sent to Erica]


764. Dan Rice, 11 August, 2005 - I have written a piece about Dan Rice, "America's Most Famous Clown" from 1850-1900. He is buried in a small, unadorned grave in West Long Branch, New Jersey where he died penniless. It is thought he was the model for Thomas Nast's caricature of Uncle Sam. Does anyone have any suggestions as to where I might have this 1,500 word piece published along with photos. Sincerely, Sharon Hazard. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 12 August, 2005 - The book "Dan Rice, the most famous man you've never heard of" was written by David Carlyon, published in 2001. David toured with Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus for 3 years. He lives in Larchmont, New York. info from Bob Judge, Neptune, NJ
    Reply: 12 August, 2005 - You should read David Carlyon's excellent biography of Rice before offering your article for publication. Fred Dahlinger


763. Great Cosmopolitan, Great Metropolitan, 11 August, 2005 - I am looking for information on The Great Cosmopolitan Shows, Great Cosmopolitan Amusement Company and/or Cosmopolitan Carnival Company. James Anderson, was associated with this show and we recently discovered some very nice photographs that are dated in the early 1900s. These photographs are marked with the names of various places such as Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Macon, Georgia; Somarset, Kentucky; and Topeka, Kansas. In addition, I would like any information you could provide me on the following performers that were associated with this show: Thomas Quincy who was a High Diver; and Charles T. Honneus, a Bicyclist known as "Cyclone" who was killed in an accident in Dawson, Georgia on Friday, February 24, 1909 while performing his act with the Cosmopolitan Carnival Company. I can be reached by e-mail at andersoc@phelps.com
      I am looking for information on the Great Metropolitan Show. I have been unable to find anything on the web, but have some very good photographs dated around the turn of the century of this circus. Andersoc@phelps.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 12 August, 2005 - The Great Cosmopolitan and the Great Metropolitan Shows were railroad carnivals, not circuses. The Great Cosmopolitan had the distinction, I believe, to have used a huge tent under which the entire midway was erected. "Tubby" Snyder was also involved in ownership and management. Joe McKennon's book "Pictorial History of the American Carnival" has some information and general listings. He states the operational years as 1903-1909 under "Cosmopolitan Amusement Company (H. Snyder). Great Metropolitan is given as 1908. Unfortunately, for more details, you will need to access the weekly issues of the trade papers "Billboard" and "New York Clipper." That's where you will find roster and other information, including the route. They suffered a devastating fire in 1906, covered in "Billboard," November 3, 1906, page 36. A member of the carnival history group may have further information and might contact you directly about the rare photographs. Fred Dahlinger
    Reply: 17 August, 2005 - Thank you so much for replying to my earlier information request. I am sorry for the confusion regarding the "Great Metropolitan Shows". The pictures that I have are not of the Great Metropolitan Shows. They are of "The Great Cosmopolitan Shows"; "Great Cosmopolitan Amusement Company", and/or "Cosmopolitan Carnival Company". I have also been advised by the Library Director at the Circus World Museum that Great Cosmopolitan was indeed a railroad carnival and not a circus. She also pointed me to the Joe McKennon book "A Pictorial History of the American Carnival" that you mentioned. I am curious as to why you believe The Great Cosmopolitan used a huge tent over the entire midway as none of my pictures show this. One would think that they would showcase this if it was their distinctive mark. All of that being said, thank you once again for giving me some starting places for my research. You mentioned that the carnival history group may have further information and might contact me directly about the photos. Could you kindly give me more information about who the carnival history group is??? Are they connected with the Circus Historical Society or is it an entirely separate group??? Cynthia Anderson
    Reply: 22 August, 2005 - Carnival midways were typically erected outdoors, subject to the vagaries of the weather. Only the back-end shows and joints, covered in tops and canvas, were generally immune to inclement weather. The rides were not. In an attempt to eliminate the weather as a factor in attendance, the Cosmopolitan erected their midway under a big top type tent. I believe that it happened only in a single season, but it was quite innovative. It was not a successful venture, and did not become their trademark, but it does identify a unique chapter in American carnival history. I believe that a photo of it was once printed in Billboard or New York Clipper. It may simply be that your photographs were taken in a different year. I'd recommend forwarding photocopies of your images to the Carnival Historical & Model Builders Society of America, 1922 Neely Ferry Road, Laurens, SC 29360-9537. Fred Dahlinger


762. Marcellini, lion tamer, 10 August, 2005 - Greetings - I am looking for any information on Marcellini who worked with lions/lion tamer. I have photos of her with some lions in a circus setting but they do not mention the name of the circus. She was born in 1895 (Illinois) and married in 1920 possibly to a musician in the circus band. Her stage name was Marcellini and her real name was Margaret Morrison. Her parents were from Spain and may also have been in the circus. Any information on this would be greatly appreciated! Thanks - Nancy. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.

    Reply: 12 March, 2007 - Update - I have found on one of the photos the name Circo O'Halloran (sp?) 1916 - is anyone familiar with this circus? Thank you.


761. Texas Giant, J.G. Tarver, 10 August, 2005 - I am a graduate student in the Winterthur Program in Early American Culture at the University of Delaware and I am researching the cultural history of sideshow souvenirs for a presentation I'm giving later this year. The focus of my study is a giant ring handed out by J.G. Tarver, the Texas Giant. I would like to uncover as much information as I can about Mr. Tarver as well as the history of souvenir giant rings. Does anyone have any suggestions as far as books, films, library or manuscript collections that would help shed light on this issue. I'm especially interested in uncovering information related to the rings: who designed them? when were they made? who made them? who came up with the idea for giant rings? who was the first giant to use them? who purchased them? and how were they marketed? I would also like to hear firsthand accounts of people who interacted with Mr. Tarver or who bought a ring at a sideshow. Any advice or leads would be greatly appreciated. I can be reached at dbray@udel.edu. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 11 August, 2005 - As a graduate student in the Winterthur Program in Early American Culture at the University of Delaware, I find it amazing that you do not put to good use your researching capabilities in your quest for sideshow souvenirs. CHS has already covered J.D. Tarver (and other giants) See the following questions: 259, 499 and 525. Asking if anyone has any suggestions as far as books, films, library or manuscript collections is questionable. Why ask or expect others to do your assignment? Then there is the matter of the rings. Who designed them? When were they made? etc., Why don't you purchase a few giant rings on eBay and examine them closely. Some were fake gold platted lead rings and others of plastic. They could have been made in huge quantities by jewel manufacturers that specialize in cheap trinkets and premiums (i.e. Cracker Jacks gifts). However, it is more than likely that they were made in small quantities by jewelers in various cities. The plastic version was much cheaper to produce and for a few thousands invested would bring a considerable return. The idea was to see the giant remove his ring and pass a silver dollar through it. Along with old picture postcards that includes the name of the photographic studio, miniature bibles (as advertised in the Billboard) and whatever else one can imagine, pitch items added much needed revenue to sideshow performers who had to survive long winter months without work. - Giovanni Iuliani
    Reply: 12 August, 2005 - There's employment history, documentation and references, as well as photography of Tarver at the Circus World Museum library. Check their website. They have a name-finding aid there that provides dates and employment info. They also have RBBB employment cards for 1938-1960 or thereabouts. Tarver was the subject of other biographical or genealogical inquiries, so there may already be compiled information available. I'd look closely at their photos of giants to see how early generic rings appear on their fingers.
          There is also a collection of giant rings there. Side show personalities sold souvenirs well back into the 19th century, including printed booklets and cartes de visite, later images made by the likes of Eisenmann and other photographers catering to the trade. After each personality made their appearance on the stage, did their talk, etc., they were then free to sell their souvenirs. It was a means to supplement their usual payroll income.
          Rings, I believe, came later. The examples that I recall are cheaply made, a pewter or pot metal, but there may be others. I'd guess that one or two manufacturers sourced most of them, once the basic molds were available. I don't recall makers marks on any of them, but they may be there, known to the experienced eye.
          James Taylor, publisher of Shocked and Amazed (try atomic books website), would be a good contact. He has a broad interest in side shows, dime museums, and freak-related topics with circuses, carnivals, amusement parks and zones, etc. He'll have a collection of rings.
          I don't recall anyone having written about the topic of giant rings specifically, but Taylor might have done something in his magazine. There may be some coverage in an old issue of "Hobbies" magazine, in a piece by A. Morton Smith, but finding it will be a challenge. There is a "collectibles" folder in the CWM vertical file, but I don't recall if it has anything about giants rings.
          I'd surmise that once they were made for one person that they proliferated. A manufacturer would have contacted other giants in the business to promote the product and attendant income. The rings were certainly not sold by all giants in the business; many are not represented in surviving examples.
          Richard W. Flint has an extensive collection of side show booklets and likely other related materials.
          I doubt that you will find any films of Tarver. At best there are a couple RBBB films of the 1929-1935 era.
          Finding a meaningful interview with Tarver might be possible in a newspaper, or selected scrapbooks at CWM, like the Howland collection. Finding any mention in any diary or letters would be truly exceptional.
          There are any number of books about side shows and freaks. I'd recommend starting with Robert Bogdan's "Freak Show" as the best intellectual overview. There are other books about giants and so on. There's also a good book about Victorian photography of freaks; check the Bogdan bibliography for suitable titles.
          There's a lot of junk on the Internet, some reliable and some not. Primary documentation is difficult to locate. A side show contract is rare, because shows often contracted with a manager, who then contracted the talent.
          I don't know if Tarver left any descendants, or who if anyone might possess his personal papers. Locate an obituary, find the names, search for survivors in contemporary directories.
          Good luck with your search. Fred Dahlinger

    Reply: 31 July, 2006 - I really don't know anything about J.G. Tarver. I have a Texas Giant ring that I, somehow, obtained in the 1950's (I think). I've been trying to find out what it is. For some reason, I was thinking of baseball! Guess that I was wrong. Thank you for helping me. Sorry that I am no help to you. Sincerely, ctcpebbles@msn.com

    Reply: 17 April, 2007 - As to Giant's Rings, take a look at this webpage created by yours truly: showhistory.com/GiantsRings.html. Far from definitive, as a work in progress, it may be of some use. Feel free to correct or add anything you like, as I am soliciting more information from anyone who knows more about this little-written-about subject. David

    Reply: 12 Apr 2008 - J.G. Tarver was my great-great uncle. My mother was a Tarver and yes he has many descendants. And the ring was handed out as souvenirs, I believe it is made of lead, and the rings appear to be scattered all over the United States. If you want any information email me at: marsha@pinkpinstripes.com


760. Ward Brothers Circus, 08 August, 2005 - I am hoping someone can help me out and provide some information about the Ward Brothers Circus. I would appreciate any feedback. I've not been too successful researching the internet. Thank you. Dwight Dissinger. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 09 August, 2005 - I have just a small amount of information. The show was owned by George Pughe and Archie Guyer. I have a record of one year with elephants in 1950. They leased three female Asian elephants from Ben Davenport. They were Nellie, Tex, & Virginia. The fact they only had elephants this one year might indicate the show only lasted one year but I won't swear to it. Naturally there are other more qualified sources of information. The magazines Amusement Business or Billboard, NewspaperARCHIVES.com carries 27 million pages of microfilmed newspapers from around the US dating back to the mid 1800's, The Circus World Museum Research Library in Baraboo, WI. is definitely worth your time if you can go there. The Ringling Museums in Sarasota, Fl have been some help on occassions. Then there are the Circus Historians themselves out there that might fill in more information for you. Hope this helps a little bit. Bob Cline
    Reply: 09 August, 2005 - Parkinson's book lists Ward Bros. Circus as being in existence 1948-1950, during which time Archie Gayer was the manager. Further information would be in the weekly issues of "Billboard" magazine and the bi-monthly CFA publication "White Tops" during those years. Fred Dahlinger
    Reply: 10 August, 2005 - There was a Ward Bros. Circus in 1923 and it played Elkhorn, Wis. July 11. In 1949 the Ward Bros. Circus played three weeks in Dallas, Tex. May 8 to 29. For the 1950 season the show played April 25-28 - Beaumont, Tex.; April 29- May 2 - Galveston, Tex; May 5-7 - San Antonio, Tex; May 15-16 - Midland, Tex; May 17 & 18 - Hobbs, N.M. - May 22-25 - Phoenix, Ariz; May 27-28 - El Centro, Calif; May 29-June 4 - San Diego, Calif; June 7-8 - Santa Ana, Calif; June 9-12 - San Bernardine, Calif. The show then headed east and reorganized. It became Barker Bros. Circus opening in Borger, Tex for Aug. 2-3; Childress, Tex. Aug 4-5, then up to Oklahoma until mid September and back down to Texas until late October. These 1950 dates came from the Billboard so you might check for additional data. Ted Bowman Route Collection
    Reply: 03 November, 2005 - A very belated thanks to Bob, Fred and Ted for their most helpful information. I truly appreciate your time and effort to answer my request for assistance. You are all an amazing wealth of knowledge and generosity. Thanks again. Dwight

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759. Flying Palacios, 08 August, 2005 - Looking for archive photos of The Flying Palacios. Can you help? Thanks, Steve Cook. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 27 August, 2005 - Palacios: I can't tell you much. I believe they worked at the Circus -Circus Casino in Las Vegas for several years. When I was 15 yrs old, (I am now 62) I became Godfather to Maria Palacio. Last I heard is that she is married and living in Rome Italy. Circus City Trailer Park, which still exists in Sarasota, Florida, is supposed to still be owned by the Palacios? I would contact the Casino and perhaps the "Manager" of the Trailer Park. Erny Karoly

    Reply: 30 August, 2006 - I was just on a cruise ship (Royal Caribbean) & there was a performer there named Rafael who is from the family of 'the flying Palacios'. He performs as one half of a magic act called, La Raf (don't know if it's 1 or 2 words). Carolyn Solis

      Reply: 28 April 2007 - I realize your inquiry was posted almost 2 years ago and hopefully you've had a good response since then. If you are still looking for the Flying Palacios, look no further than the Sarasota phone book. Roberto, Jose and Raul are listed. I am personally acquainted with Roberto and have seen wonderful photographs of the group. Benita.Saldutti@sarasotagov.com


758. Ballon concession, 08 August, 2005 - John Freeman, had a balloon concession with Ringling Bros. Circus from about 1898 to 1904. I have a copy of the circus routes for those years, and wondered if he would have traveled with the circus all season, or caught up with it when it was nearby. I understand Ringling contracted the concessions out, and that balloons were sold before and after the show. Were the balloons blown up by mouth or was there a machine at that time that could do it? Any info about the circus at that time, and also balloons, would be greatly appreciated. Phyllis Zachow, zpz87@tampabay.rr.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 09 August, 2005 - Try searching the website www.balloonhq.com for relevant information. Searching Google will also reveal other relevant information readily available. Filling balloons by compressed gas was a matter of securing cylinders containing the desired gas. There was less need for that application than for cutting ferrous materials, etc. Compressors and other associated mechanisms utilized to manufacture compressed gases were and are heavy pieces of mechanical and electrical apparatus that are suited to permanent fixation to the ground. Each gas (air, helium, hydrogen) had advantages and disadvantages. The Parson family of Darlington, WI had the Ringling concessions (refreshments, snacks, souvenirs) and it would have been a matter of the contract that they had with their sub-contractors that determined the duration of any activity. They had the concessions on Ringling from the 1880s through 1908 (and for a time, Gollmar Bros.), when Otto Ringling learned how much they were making after examining the books of the recently purchased Barnum & Bailey show. Then he politely discontinued the relationship. A few Parson documents survive in the CWM library, but whether they address the specific sub-contractor question is unknown. The Ringling route books (check 1894-c.1904, no photo in 1897 book) do have some photographs of balloon sellers (I recall an ethnic name in a number of years) and there may be others in a set of 1902 photographs. Unless they were direct hires, the concessionaires names may not appear in the route book rosters. Selling before and after the show was likely done on the midway, outside the tents, and not inside. One sees photographs of balloon stands outside, but not inside, until later. Fred Dahlinger
    Reply: 18 August, 2005 - Circuses keep the balloon butchers out of the big top for most of the show as the balloons blocked other people's view of the show. I doubt if balloons were gas filled in the early days mentioned because of the cost. They would have been mouth blown. Unless you worked as a candy butcher you have no idea of the extra work involved in concessions besides the chinese you did for the show ( hang side wall, set reserve seats, lay out center poles, put up the marquee, etc.)
          On the concession end there were continuous chores such as chopping ice, making flukum, coloring sugar, bagging peanuts, putting together the novelty items, repairing broken novelty items. Blowing up balloons was all part of it. A good butcher recruited town kids or working guys to help him get the rubber blown up. People certainly tried to develop aids such as attachments to hand pumps like ones used to blow up bicycles. By the 1950's there were crude pumps but they didn't stand the everyday use. On some shows people used vaccum cleaners with an attachment; turning it on reverse. They tended to get very hot with a lot of use. In the late fifties the Bel-Arbor balloon pump came along. You could still buy it a few years ago from the gentleman who invented it and made it. Nothing beat it. Fast and quiet compared to a vaccum cleaner and it stayed cool. I still have mine, wouldn't part with it.
          By the fifties balloon salesmen were also using helium but it didn't become a big thing on circuses until Mylar came along in the 1980's. You saw helium workers at fairs and indoor circuses and not so much on tent circuses. Remember show folks were still rolling floss cones by hand into the 1960's. Often you see photos of a balloon butcher on a lot with a big tall sausage like balloon. These were great sellers and the balloon he was selling was only the "worker". You never got it. He gave you one that you had to blow up yourself. The precursor to balloons on shows was stuffed or padded simulated lambs on a stick. They were made out of a material that was white and looked like fleece. I believe there is a reference to this in the book "One Horse Show."
          In the 1960's one of the best balloons was a 2 for 1 o r" Mickey Mouse In A Glass House" as we said when selling them. The mickey mouse head balloon was rolled around a piece of balloon stick and inserted in the outer clear balloon. You held the end of the mickey mouse balloon outside the rim of the clear balloon while you blew it up. Then you inflated the mickey mouse head and tied both ends of to the stick. Tie is not actually the correct word as you twisted the ends around the stick and looped the ends over the end of the stick. Tying would have taken too much time. When you had to get up a 1000 pieces before show time. Time was everything. Certainly you see photos of balloon salesmen with balloons tied off to strings and these must be gas or they wouldn't float. Most balloons sold by circus workers were attached to balloon sticks or reeds. The same ones used on the novelty joint to attached the novelty items to. Balloons were usually clustered in groups of 25, that was the most you could get in a bundle using 30" sticks. Those phony short sticks that balloon outlets sold the public you were useless. You needed a good strong dowel stick.
          On shows from the 1960's on you sent the balloons into the top just before the elephants or the last act. By the 1980's balloons were also used for give-away prizes in the peanut pitch. Now days some operators don't care about the public and send the rubber in at all times during the show. When I started as a butcher in the 1960's there was an order to everything sold on the lot. The dry went into the tent first and worked a third of the show and then the wet was sent in. Apples and balloons only in the last acts. Candy apples took a good twenty minutes to eat and were messy - so you didn't want them going in until the last.
          Billboard had a history of rubber balloons in one of the issues, 1950's? Al Stencell
    Reply: 12 September, 2005 - I am totally tripping about stumbling upon this site. I'm 46 years. Remember clear as day the family trip to Darlington, circa 1969. Uncle Eddie Parson let me run wild through the home place and wild through Darlington, stopping any of my parents objections. They were such ungrateful heirs. Took back two brass beds and the horse drawn cutter. I remember being fascinated by all the collectables of elephants in the windows of the home place. quailrunk9s@earthlink.net


757. Melvin Brothers, 08 August, 2005 - Has anyone ever heard of the 3 Melvin Brothers who were acrobats in the early 1900's? Any information appreciated. Nancy Callan Mauger. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.


756. Elephant trainer, 07 August, 2005 - I replied to a message from June, 2004, with zero response. Has anyone out there heard about elephant trainer Frank Murray or his family? I hope that they are fine and that life has been kind to them. It has been many years since I last saw them. Last time I spoke to any of them was with Gayle in Glendale, CA. That was when they were leaving LA for Arkansas. Also, does anyone out there have any knowledge about an elephant trainer that worked with the bulls of the Ringling Brothers Circus by the name of "Ted?" I never knew his last name, but Gayle used to call him "Theodore," which was his real name. I think that Frank worked with him for a brief period of time. Please feel free not only to respond to this message, but also to e-mail me. icuka58@msn.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 09 August, 2005 - Could the "Ted" of interest to you be Ted Svertesky (1954-1994), the elephant man with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus? He was killed when the Blue Unit circus train derailed in Lakeland, Florida on January 13, 1994. Fred Dahlinger


755. Whitlark, Mardello diary, 07 August, 2005 - Does anyone know where the W.H. Whitlark diary is located or the Spider Mardello diary? They both traveled on the Mighty Haag Shows. Spider Mardello was on the show at least from 1906 through 1925. W.H. Whitlark was on the show at least in 1918. Ted Bowman cites the Mardello diary and the Whitlark diary as references. The Whitlark diary was typed by John Grace in Kokomo, Ind back in the 1930s. Thanks, Darren Bryan in Georgia, darrenrx@bellsouth.net. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.

    Reply: 07 Apr 2009 - I have photocopies of the first couple of pages of the W.H. Whitlark diary. William Henry Whitlark was my great-grandfather. The diary came into the possession of my grandfather, Claude Henry Franklin Whitlark. After my grandfather died, my grandmother destroyed most of the diary. Apparently the diary contain details of my great-grandfather's dalliances with some of the female circus performers. My grandmother did not want anyone to see what she perceived as the skeletons in the Whitlark family closet. My father did manage to save two and a half pages of the diary, which he photocopied. I'm not sure what happened to the originals from which the photocopies were made. Pat Friedrich in Texas

    Reply: 10 Mar 2010 - This is an update to an earlier reply. W.H. Whitlark was my great-grandfather. Since my reply of 7 April 2009, I have done some further investigation. I was able to locate a 145-page typed manuscript that currently belongs to a circus collector. The manuscript was transcribed by John P. Grace of Kokomo Indiana in 1940 from a hand written diary in the possession of Dr. Edwin J. Butterfield of Dallas Center Iowa. My great-grandfather started the 1935 season with the Russell Brothers Circus. Sometime around the beginning of June 1935, he was forced to retire due to ill health. Whitlark had previously met Dr. Butterfield, a CFA, several years before on a Russell Brothers back lot. Believing that Dr. Butterfield could cure him, he spent several weeks with the Butterfields in Iowa. Before leaving for Ada Oklahoma, where he died, Whitlark left the diary, his photographs, & his typewriter. I obtained a copy of a letter from the Harvard Library Theater Collection from Gladys Kirby to Burns Kattenberg that details Whitlark’s stay with the Butterfields. Ms. Kirby is the daughter of Dr. Butterfield. It is possible that the Whitlark diary left in Iowa is still in the Butterfield (or Kirby) family.
        However, I believe that there was also another diary in existence at the time of his death. His obituary in the 18 Nov 1935 edition of the Ada Evening News quotes diary passages that detail his time in the US Cavalry. These passages do not match passages in either the diary left at the Butterfields nor the diary left with my grandfather. When Whitlark arrived in Ada, he was staying with friends. The two most likely candidates were Bud Ellison, owner of the Garden Café, and William Newton Jr. (Honest Bill). Thus the diary referred to in the obituary probably ended up with one of these gentlemen.
        I already have a copy of the typed manuscript, thanks to the kindness of John Polacsek. If anyone has information on the whereabouts of either the “Butterfield diary” or the “Ada diary,” please contact Pat Friedrich in Texas, thegruvmeister@gmail.com. As I have done with the typed manuscript, I will forward all information related that I obtain related to the Mighty Haag Shows to Darren Bryan in Georgia.


754. Buried Elephant X (Iowa), 07 August, 2005 - I came across a old newspaper account from early October 1918. It concerns a elephant with the Honest Bill Circus that was buried on a farm near Decatur Iowa. The elephant died as a result of getting loose a few days earlier near Grand River breaking into a bin of oats and eating about 15 to 20 bushels. A grave measuring 10 feet wide, 14 feet long and seven feet deep was dug for the carcass. Before the elephant was buried its carcass was cut into quarters and Honest Bill cut off its head for mounting before it was buried. The elephant's name was not mentioned in the newspaper article, however reportly it weighed 9,400 lbs, which would indicate it was either a young adult male or a very large mature female (presumably Elephas maximus). kentonc2001@yahoo.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.


753. RBBB, Pearl Reynolds, 07 August, 2005 - Hi, not a member of your group, but have a question that needs an answer. My cousin in New York City, has a friend, who was in Ringling Bros. And Barnum & Bailey Circus, for 15 years I believe is what I've been told. She left the circus in 1955. Her stage name is Pearl Reynolds, her real name is Barbara Pearle Reynolds. She lives in Kew Gardens, NY. This woman, Mrs. Reynolds, who is in her 80's now, is in dire need to locate photograph's of her when she was with RB&B&B circus. Can you possibly tell wher one can search for such an item? I do know she had either her husband, out of jealousy destroy any pictures of her, from what I've been told, but I'm sure he missed a few zillions that he could not find. The other information I have about her is this: She was born in 1921 and worked from the ages of 13 yrs old to 17 yrs old. She was in a car accident which put out of commission for 2 yrs. She was an Acrobat act. She was married for 56 years. Her married last name was Kurs. After working at Ringling, she danced on Broadway in NYC at Supperclubs with her sister Donna Reynolds. She always went by the name she used in the act Pearl(e) Reynolds. I know I'm asking alot, but with her getting up in age, and I know this would make her very happy, to have some of her photograph's, I assume for her Children and Grand Children. I'm not a business person seeking this, just doing my cousin a favor. And if I can make someone happy, that's reward enough for me. Thank you very much for any time and help you can provide, Sincerly yours, Larry Wendell, Kansas City, MO. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 09 August, 2005 - While it is entirely possible that a young 19 years old girl with acrobatic dancing experience find employment as a show girl with Ringling Bros, and Barnum & Bailey in 1940, it is harder to believe that she would still be part of the chorus when she reached her mid-30's in 1955. Consequently, while we can discover (Barbara) Pearl Reynolds listed among the ballet girls a search through the 1945 and 1951 programs fails to mention either Reynolds or Kurs. Maybe RBBB route books would yield the information you seek. As for supper club material it is a matter outside the realm of CHS. As a Broadway dancer in New York her name must be listed in musical shows as well as in night club advertisements. However, unless your Ginger Rogers, a 35 year old woman would have very little job opportunities when standing in line at a "cattle call". Thousands of pictures can be located through talent agencies. That some kept former entertainers on file is doubtful but possible. Your cousin should ask Ms Reynolds about specific details, such as what she did in the circus and which clubs she worked. The Big Apple's Strand Book Store has over 18 miles of books. A compendium on night club entertainers (if it exist) would be a great help. If none exist then let me suggest to you a new hobby. - Giovanni Iuliani

    Reply: 31 Aug 2007 - I have just come across this posting and would like to respond to it as well as to the reply. I am the only child (daughter) of Pearl Reynolds. A few comments/corrections. She was born in 1920 (not 1921) and has no grandchildren. She lives in Forest Hills, NY, not Kew Gardens, NY. She did not leave the circus in 1955; she left much earlier, probably in the early 1940s (I was born in 1956 and she had been married and out of the circus for nearly 11 yrs by then.) She is not Mrs. Reynolds, but Mrs. Kurs. Her husband (deceased) did not destroy any photos. She threw them out. She gave me a few of them, and I am not sure how many she still has. She starred on the trapeze in RB&BB and when the circus was not touring, she starred in her own acrobatic show in numerous theaters and clubs across the U.S. She did not dance on Broadway. And she did not dance with her sister, Donna (now deceased); Donna had her own act. She was never a show girl and was not in any chorus or troupe; she was always the lead performer. She also modeled (this continued after she married) and she also taught Katharine Dunham dance. She was married to my father for 49 years, not 56 years. Katherine Kurs, kathkurs@aol.com


752. Human cannonball, 07 August, 2005 - When was the first human cannonball act and who did it? Thanks, Phil. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 09 August, 2005 - The topic is explored in a two-part article by Fred D. Pfening, Jr. in "Bandwagon." Check the article index on this website and then search for available copies. The first part is in the Nov-Dec 1976 issue, which has been sold out. The timing is the early 1870s. According to the article, the earliest documented designer was George A. [Guillermo Antonio] Farini (U. S. patent 1871) and the bullet (1871) was apparently a young man attired as a woman and named "Lulu." You may find further relevant information in a book covering Farini and his life by Sean Peacock and also in William L. Slout's "Olympians of the Sawdust Circle." Fred Dahlinger


751. Tom Mix Circus posters, 07 August, 2005 - Does anyone know where I can get either original or reproductions of Tom Mix Circus posters? billnhb@comcast.net. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.

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