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Message Archive: Messages 801 - 850



850. Bill Poster, 17 September, 2005 - Our family befriended a bill poster for the Hoxie show back in the 1970's. Her name was Torchy Wilson but I think she only became a bill poster after some years as a performer. Does any one know anything about her? Also any information on Billy Gunga would be appreciated. I know his wife died in 1996 but I cannot find out about Billy. He was a juggler. Many Thanks, Bob Amon, NC, rjmmamon@earthlink.net. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 28 September, 2005 - Torchy Wilson, Torchy Townsend. Same great person. She was living here in Gibsonton Fl. the last several years of her life. She passed away several years ago, she was a great personality, loved life and was always up for volunteering at the showmans club. We all miss her. Lee Stevens

    Reply: 29 Oct 2008 - Hi Bob, I am one of Billy Gunga's daughters, and just came across your posting on CHS. My sisters and I are no longer in the circus business, and are now raising our families. My older sister (Kamala) and I both live in Erie, PA. My twin sister (Jaya) lives right there in North Carolina. She is in the Raleigh Durham area. I do hope that you will respond to this email. I know you posted back in 2005. My sisters and I have lots of pics from the road, but now that Daddy and Mom are both passed it's difficult for us to remember different things. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Maya Pillay

    Reply: 11 Apr 2009 - Hi, I was a friend of Billy's. I'm sorry to say that he died in Pennsylvania, before Ivy, of cancer, like her. This would have been in the mid to late 80's. I saw Ivy in Michigan about a year and a half before she died. She was my sister-in-law's first cousin. I know that all three of the girls, Camala, Maya, and Jaya went to college and are all professionals. Billy was the best man I ever met and a great friend and I think and talk about him a lot. Glad to see that his memory isn't dead. Yours, George Fiting

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849. Circus History Medallions, 17 September, 2005 - 200 Years of Circus History on 50 Silver Medallions. Announcement by Hamilton Mint & CWM that first 5 or 6 medallions would be available this summer (1974). 7 areas of history include: The American Circus, Circus Day, Circus Acts, Circus Salutes, Circus Animals, Circus Mobility, Circus Pageantry. Each of these groups include 6 or 8 subjects that range from the first railroad circus to truck circuses. Does anyone know if the medallions were ever minted? Where may I go to view photos of them? Danny. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.

    Reply: 27 Sep 2008 - I saw Gunther Gable Williams perform, my tenth birthday present, Washington, DC coliseum. The best I've ever seen. Are there any videos of him? tim mcintyre, lothian505@yahoo.com


848. Bandy & Tune, trapeze, 16 September, 2005 - I am looking for information on a trapeze group known as Bandy and Tune. The oral family story that was that there were twin sons that worked in the circus and were trapeze artists in my family. One was Arthur and his circus name was Bandy and his brother's circus name was Tune. Bandy and Tune traveled through Europe as circus performers. It was with great delight that in the 1900 census of Rye, New York, Arthur Oscar Lindauer listed his occupation as "trapeze performer" confirming this story. It is not known if Oscar had a twin brother. He had a brother, Harry, that died in 1921 of syphilis; and a brother, LeBaron, that worked as a gardener for a large estate in Rye. Has anyone ever come across a reference to them (other than my own internet postings). I thought they might have been at Playland in Rye, but a search of their archives turned up nothing. Richard Arthur Norton, Somerset, NJ. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.

    Reply: 05 Jan 2008 - One of the Ringlings had an estate in Rye. I don't know the exact location, but Archbishop Cushing later lived there or next door. My great-grandfather built the stables on that Ringling estate which was located west of Rye High School and north of Playland. m beary, sr.mary.sunshine@gmail.com


847. Flying Melzoras, 15 September, 2005 - There was a circus family from Saginaw MI. Some had the name of Thomas. One of them purportedly did the first triple somersault. I believe they performed under the name Flying Melzoras. That name may be misspelled. I'd appreciate information on them. Tom Cline. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 15 September, 2005 - You have the correct spelling, Melzoras. If you do a Google search for "Flying Melzoras," you'll turn up some information. This is from www.svsu.edu/library/circustest6/exhibit1/vexmain1.htm:
    "The Flying Melzoras Collection. This collection gives viewers insight to the world of a Saginaw based circus performing family. The Thomas family (Melzer, Buster, Jane, Raymond, Bill, Ann) performed as the "The Flying Thomases" and "The Flying Melzoras" from the 1920's to the 1960's. This online exhibit (nearly 200 photos & images) represents a small portion of the collection but depicts many aspects of their life. A life devoted to the entertainment of others as circus performers. For further information about The Flying Melzoras Collection please contact the Zahnow Library Archives."
    Partial information from an article in the Newark (OH) Advocate, August 02, 1946: For 41 years Mrs. Jane Melzora, 59, has been known as "the girl on the flying trapeze." She is the principle artist in the "Flying Melzora" team which hails from Saginaw, Mich. The team consists of her two sons, Raymond, the clown in the act. Buster, the main flyer and her daughter-in-law, Ann, who is also termed a 'flyer.' Mrs. Melzora's career began when only 18. She and her husband were a team. In 1911 the Melzoras began with the Walter L. Main circus and 1912 with the Cole and Rice circus. They first did stage flying acts, then outdoors beginning in 1916. Played nearly all the Shrine and outdoor circuses. The flying Melzoras boast they have one of the two training barns in the United States, built in 1922 in Saginaw. In 1944 played a year's stand with Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey. More recently with Garden Bros. circus in Toronto, Canada.
    There is an article in White Tops, "Flying Melzoras'", 1996, Vol. 69, #4, p.37. - J. Griffin.

    Reply: 17 June, 2006 - Yes, at least part of the papers and memorabilia of The Flying Melzoras were given to the Saginaw Valley State University Library by Bill Thomas, last of the "Melzoras". Bill is still alive and living in Saginaw. The Library has digitized a large portion of the donated photographs. We hold some objects in storage. For more information see the website quoted elsewhere or contact Kirker Kranz at ekranz@svsu.edu. Kirker Kranz, Access Services Assistant, Zahnow Library, (989)964-4243


846. Beckmann & Gerety Carnival Attraction Shows, 15 September, 2005 - Hello Again: Thanks for your help. I am now looking for information on the "Beckmann & Gerety Carnival Attraction Shows." If someone could send me a link or just a little information I would really appreciate it. I really appreciate your help. Regards, simos. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 16 September, 2005 - Beckmann & Gerety Shows was a large railroad carnival. The principals were Fred Beckmann and Barney S. Gerety. Joe McKennon's "Pictorial History of the American Carnival" (1971) has dates of 1931-1942 for it. It had formerly been one of the Clarence Wortham outfits and toured under his name even after Wortham had passed away in 1922 and the show was sold to others. It was one of several carnival properties brought into the Amusement Corporation of America, which dissolved in 1943. A portion of the property was later acquired by Art Concello to form his circus. The McKennon book includes images of the show as well as biographies of the principals and other data. It would be a good place to start. You can request it on loan via your local librarian. Fred Dahlinger

    Reply: 03 April, 2007 - I too am looking for information of the Beckman and Gerety shows, I was married to Barney Gerety's only Nephew, who is now deceased. I knew him when he lived in San antonio Texas. I appreciate any information you have on him and his show. Kathleen Gerety

    Reply: 30 April 2007 - I've got a copy of McKennon's "A Pictorial History of the American Carnival" (1972). Here's what Joe wrote about Bernard S. Gerety:

    Joe Scholibo, long-time carnival worker and press agent, recently wrote the following: "B. S. Gerety, a scholar of Wortham's, the Little Giant, will always remain the 'gentleman' of the carnival world." That sentence sums up Barney Gerety's midway behavior through all the years in which he was active in the collective amusement field. Retired for many years with, "I have owned the biggest of them all. Why should I break my neck with no-count or none-at-all labor trying to move this thing around the country when I have all I will ever need to live on?" Bernard S. Gerety lived at his home in San Antonio, Texas. Still the gentleman and a perfect host to any outdoor show friend of former years who came to visit with him.

    Bernard S Gerety was born in Danville, Illinois on Christmas Day 1887. He attended school in Danville and acquired a good education. He met the Little Giant, Wortham, right after the latter came to Danville as manager of the baseball club. They liked each other, and Wortham, who had little formal education, persuaded the younger man to start working for him. Soon Gerety was handling all of the young promoter's bookkeeping. When Wortham and Tom W. Allen put the little two-car gilly show on the road, Barney, as he was known to all his friends, started trouping. He was show treasurer as well as being Wortham's own secretary. As the Wortham enterprises expanded, Barney Gerety's duties increased.

    A fateful decision was made by the Little Giant in the late teens when he decided to send Barney out to San Bernardino, California, to assist Fred Beckman of the Wortham's World's Best Shows. Four-time loser Beckman; he had failed with his own circus, carnival, wild West show, and Days of Forty-Nine Shows, was having a difficult job keeping the huge midway moving and operating. The equipment was badly run down and shop crews were not doing too much to improve the appearance of the midway. Barney went out there to represent Mr. Wortham (he still referred to him as Mr. Wortham forty-eight years after the little showman's death), and he did just that. In order to properly represent his boss man, he had to assume some of the duties of management. In a few weeks he had the show back in good mechanical condition and moving on time. He and Beckman were to be co-managers of big midways for twenty-five years.

    After Wortham's death in 1922, Beckman and Gerety took over the World's Best Shows and finally in 1930 they put their own names on the equipment. Barney remained very much in the background managing the little details that kept the show open and operating, while his colorful partner got all the publicity for himself. This situation prevailed until Beckman's death in the early forties. Barney managed the big midway for one season after his widely heralded partner's death, and put the huge midway in the barn for good at the end of that season.

    He stayed in Shreveport for several years until all equipment was disposed of. He operated a small amusement ride unit on the Shreveport Fairgrounds for a few years, then retired to his home in San Antonio. Beckman & Gerety equipment was sold to various individuals, with James E. Strates getting most of the wagons after his winter quarters burned and all his wagons were destroyed.

    Barney Gerety was a quiet man and slow to become involved with anything or anyone not connected with his own interests, but he was never a cold man. To the men who worked for and with Barney, he was the perfect "Boss Man." He died in San Antonio on July 3, 1971. - Tom Hernandez

    Reply: 26 Feb 2008 - I was going through my mother's scrapbook and found a picture of her scantilly dressed with other's including Nancy Lee Miller. The name of their show was "Gay Puree Revue" and they were on the Beckmann & Gerety show in Milwaukee. I would love to hear from others who may have been a part of this revue or their Mother/Grandmother was. The clipping is around 1939. Nancy Lee Miller and her husband, Dave, produced the Gay Paree Revue for four years with Beckmann & Gerety and had another attraction on the Max Goodman Wonder show in 1941. Any information you have would be appreciated. Judy Tyler, judycc9@yahoo.com


845. Imperial Exposition & Hagen Bros., 15 September, 2005 - Looking for information pertaining to Imperial Exposition and Hagen Bros. circuses. Trying to determine who was the elephant trainer circa 1944-1948. The name of the trainer or owner of an elephant named Big Babe, with Imperial Exposition 1848. Thanks, Ron. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 18 September, 2005 - I have no records of Hagen Bros in existence in 1946, 1947, or 1948. The first year I find for Hagen Bros. Circus is 1950. Bob Cline
    Reply: 20 September, 2005 - There is a partial route for Hagen Bros. Circus from July 27, 1949 to the end of August as the show played Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. You should check the Billboard during this time frame. No earlier titles noted. Ted Bowman Route Collection
    Reply: 20 September, 2005 - Imperial Exposition is listed as a traveling carnival, 1946-1950 by Joe McKennon's "Pictorial History of the American Carnival." Bob Goldsack's carnival trains book has it on 25 cars in 1948. There was also the Dodson's Imperial Shows of 1949, of which he includes a photograph. He says became the ACA Imperial Shows for 1950. McKennon says the former Goodman Wonder outfit became the ACA Imperial show, whereas Goldsack says only some equipment was transferred. It would appear that there are possibly some conflicts in these accounts. Information that should clarify the different Imperial outfits would be in the weekly issues of "Billboard" magazine. Goldsack also published extended coverage of the Dodson operation in his "Midway Journal Illustrated" in May 2000, pages 6-19, but it doesn't have much on the 1949 Imperial outfit. Fred Dahlinger

    Reply: 26 February, 2006 - I have A photo of my uncle at A side show called "Gay Paree Revue." I think it was with Imperial Exposition, but the year would be 1940 or 41. Can anyone help me out with this. I will be glad to send copy of photo. There is 3 women with him with names on back of photo. Thanks, Harry Garland

    Reply: 02 March, 2006 - There were several "Gay Paree" shows with carnivals. One employed Billy Williams old carved front. Send me a scan of the image and I'll check it for you. afdj@g2a.net. Fred Dahlinger


844. Harrington's calliope, 15 September, 2005 - Please does anyone know where one of Ernest Harrington's calliopes could be found. I am his grandaughter, Patricia Andrews Harrington. Also, if anyone is still alive who was connected to Ernest Harrington's show and circus from 1930 to 1934. I performed at 2 yrs young in his circus as Patsy Bee. Thank you very much, Pat. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 16 September, 2005 - Harrington fabricated air calliopes for about four years, before selling his operation to others. Few of his instruments survive today. One with 43 whistles is in a public museum. It is mounted in a non-circus wagon. There is another 43 in private ownership. They are often confused with National Calliope Company machines because they utilized the same general design. I have also seen a Tangley-made calliope with a Harrington nameplate applied to it; either he repaired it, or someone transferred the plate later. The carved lions applied to the air calliope truck announcing the arrival of his Uncle Tom's Cabin show are in another collection. Checking through the rosters of his circus, I did not see the name of staffers or performers definitely known to be alive today. The photographic negatives for the images of his 1930s circus are in private hands. Fred Dahlinger afdj@g2a.net


843. Calliope, 15 September, 2005 - My grandfather Otto Baumgart was a woodcarver and chair designer who in the 20's or 30's carved animal figures and other adornment on at least two steam calyopes (as is the circus pronunciation of calliope). The carving was done in the Midwest somewhere (Cleveland?) for a man whom he mentioned but I paid no attention to. One day while visiting Otto in Indiana in the 1960s we drive across the Ohio River. Near Owensboro, Kentucky out of nowhere in a quiet wooded area came a slow truck toward us with a 'wide load' sign on it pulling a Calliope. As we got closer we heard the boiler rumbling and steam rising. We pulled the car over to the side and stopped to gawk. Otto practically pushed his head through the roof of the car with excitement as he exclaimed, "That's mine!" He went on to say that he had carved two of them, and he thought this was still touring Europe (as it had for the last 18 years). That moment the young man onboard began playing on the keyboards a shrieking, rousing tune, as this aberration went past us in tow. Probably scared all the animals out of the forest. I wish I had taken notes, or had a camera. What a memorable experience for a kid. I'd like to see that calyope again! All the steam calliopes on wheels I've seen over the years have been too boxy, too big, or too crude. This was very nicely carved. It had no paint on it. Perhaps someone was restoring it. Otto always did nice work. Any clues? Private collection? Circus World (?) in Indiana didn't have it several years ago. Ted Baumgart. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 15 September, 2005 - A check of census records suggests that your grandfather, Otto Baumgart, was a resident of Perry County, Indiana, employed as a carver (1910, age 23) and machinist (1920, age 33) at a Tell City, Indiana furniture factory. Perhaps it was the enterprise owned by the late Bert Fenn, the steamboat authority? In 1920 Otto Baumgart was listed as having a wife, Laura, age 31, and a son, Gilbert, age 5. There were essentially no steam calliope wagons manufactured entirely anew after 1919-1920. New sides and carvings were applied to a Barnes calliope about 1922, but it's long gone. The last "new" circus steam calliope wagon was assembled for 1939, in Rochester, Indiana, but it utilized carvings from pre-existing wagons. It burned in 1940. Another existing circus tableau wagon, built in 1903, was converted to haul a calliope in 1940, but it's been in Wisconsin since 1952. The next new "wagon," actually a trailer on pneumatic tires, was fabricated by Harry Shell of Farmington, MO, to house a non-circus steam calliope that was built new in the mid-1950s. He traveled the country with it, doing fairs, celebrations, etc. It's now at a river museum in Winona, Minnesota. Steam calliopes visited Europe in 1859, 1860, 1889 and 1898-1902, but none was ever resident there until a decade or two ago, when a hobbyist fabricated one. The Bode Wagon Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, manufactured steam calliope wagons from about 1902 to 1919. Sullivan & Eagle did likewise circa 1892-1910. A circus wagon was converted into a semi-trailer about 1948 and it was on tour through 1956. A semi-trailer was converted to haul a circus steam calliope about 1958, but it lacked carvings. There have been various carved vehicles created to house air calliopes from the 1910s to current times, but that would not seem to agree with your recollection of the steam. There's a picture gallery of circus steam calliopes in "Bandwagon," Nov.-Dec. 1969, and you may want to look through it, but none of the known circus calliopes fit your recollections. Bonafide circus steam calliope wagons are at: the Ringling Circus Museum, Sarasota, FL; Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn, MI; Circus World Museum, Baraboo, WI; and with the Circus Festival group, Peru, IN. Some side panels from another are in the Miami County Museum, Peru, IN. Fred Dahlinger

    Reply: 29 October, 2006 - Belonged to a doctor who had 2 one in trailer and one on house boat he died in early 70s. Don't know what happened to them. I don't rember his name. He had it in prade in the area for years and was his love. Marshallmdw@aol.com


842. History of the Trapeze, 15 September, 2005 - To all Circus history buffs. My 12 year-old daughter is doing a school research project on the history of the trapeze and famous trapeze artists. (She has been taking flying lessons herself from Tito Gaona). We are having a very hard time finding any resources on the history of the trapeze. If anyone knows about relevant articles etc., we would be very grateful if you passed this information along. Thanks! Thomas and Eliana Dunlap, thomasdunlap@post.harvard.edu. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 15 September, 2005 - Steve Gossard of Bloomington, IL wrote and published an exhaustive history of the development of the trapeze, in all its variations. The title is, approximately, "A Reckless Era of Aerial Performance." It may still be in print and available for purchase. You can likely find his contact points via a directory search. Fred Dahlinger [A Reckless Era of Aerial Performance, The Evolution of the Trapeze, Bloomington, IL: Self-published, 1991 or possibly by Illinois State University 1994 - J. Griffin]


841. They Knew Jumbo!, 15 September, 2005 - I am trying to locate either published or unpublished first hand accounts of the elephant men who either personally handled who had close contact with Jumbo during his three years with the Barnum & London circus. In particular individuals such as William "Elephant Bill" Newman, George Arstingstall and William E. Blackburne. Is there any info concerning these individuals own firsthand personal observations concerning "The Greatest Elephant Ever Held in Captivity"? apemonsterman@yahoo.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 29 September, 2005 - I am not aware of any especially helpful single source on the elephant men like Newman, Arstingstall and Blackburne, and would also be pleased to hear any suggestions. Of course, there are plenty of passing references in contemporary newspapers like the Clipper. These help explain, amongst other things, the training methods of the time. But Jumbo performed no tricks.
          In Arstingstall's case, we know of his departure from the Barnum & London within a few months of Jumbo's death. The Clipper reported on 14 November 1885: "He [Arstingstall] will go into business at Bridgeport, Ct., and we catch it on the fly that he may go into matrimony, too." Later, Arstingstall was said to have attempted suicide: "Prof. Arstingstal [sic] has never been quite himself since the death of Jumbo. The elephant's tragic death completely upset him, and shortly afterward he resigned from the show. Trouble growing out of an affair of the heart is said to be largely the cause of his unfortunate condition." (Clipper, 19 February 1887). Happily, he recovered from this setback.
          Of course the one man most closely associated with Jumbo was his English keeper, Matthew Scott, who was imported from the London Zoo along with Jumbo in 1882 and was next to Jumbo almost every day and night, right up to the instant when the animal was killed by a train on 15 September 1885. Scott's control over Jumbo was total, and the keeper jealously guarded his custodianship of the beast. I would be astonished to hear any suggestion that other elephant men had terribly much to do with Jumbo. Their jobs would have focused on the big trick-herd and the smaller elephants. I think Arstingstall would have been happy to see Scott take care of his single elephant, and to ensure that his routine appearance schedule was reliably followed. Scott took Jumbo to and from the train, down side streets while the parade diverted public attention. The celebrity elephant was then to be seen by the buyers of tickets, in the menagerie and in the grand entrée, often with children on his back. He had virtually no other role. For this reason, perhaps, there is no rich store of interesting stories of Jumbo's circus-days. The incredible Jumbo legends and myths were largely established before Jumbo first put foot in a circus ring.
          There is a 96-page pamphlet, published presumably for sale on the show in 1885, called Autobiography of Matthew Scott, Jumbo's Keeper Formerly of the Zoological Society's Gardens, London, and Receiver of Sir Edwin Landseer Medal in 1866. Also Jumbo's Biography By the Same Author. Scott was a simple man; it is scarcely possible that he actually wrote this. More likely it was written by the person who is named alongside Scott as the document's copyright-owner, Thomas E. Lowe. With all the usual caveats, however, it is reasonable to assume that there is truth in it. Stuart Hicks, Australia


840. Poster, Cavalcade of Stars, 15 September, 2005 - I am looking for information on a circus poster and the circus mentioned on it. It says "Cavalcade of Stars" and is dated Set 5 to Sept 9. It was printed by Neal Walters Poster Corp. of Eureka Springs, Ark. The circus was taking place in Wauseon, Ohio. Can anyone tell me more as far as age, etc. Thanks to anyone who can help. Larry. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 19 September, 2005 - Cavalcade of Stars was a tented variety show that Robert (Bobby) Snowden had on the road after he got out of touring the King Bros Circus. It was out in the late 1960's early 1970's. He had it out for about three seasons under canvas and then for a while indoors. Seating was on one side of the tent facing a stage that the acts worked on. It was a phone operations. For a while he had a well known trap on the old highway outside Savanah, called Chico's Monkey Farm. It was staffed by a host of old time show guys. They gave daily demonstrations on how to clean marks. Bobby Snowden is one of the best old time showmen that I know of. The King Bros. Circus had some of its best seasons when he managed it. The last I heard, he was touring a wax Lord's Last Supper. Al Stencell

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839. Circus Williams, 14 September, 2005 - I tried to find some information about a show that I saw when I was 12 years old, 1966, in Germany. It was the Circus Williams, and Guenter Gable makes a number with a horse, an elephant and a tiger. This number was very dangerous and a great success. I want to find some kind of photos and documents and so one, if it's possible, but I didn't find anyone. By the way, my Mother was after the war working by circus Althoff. His name was Verina Holl, did you have some informations or pictures about? She was an accordion player in a group with 10 other girls, for a while and she told me a lot of nice stories. She loved the live with the peoples there and she never forget them. Thank you to try to find some information and to contact me. Sorry for my English I'm German. So long, Regina Holl. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 19 September, 2005 - You best bet for seeing pictures of German Circuses is through the German circus magazine called Circus-Journal. It is one of the best magazines covering circus today. They have a web site: www.circus-journal.de, email: info@Circus-Journal.de. They run historical articles on older German shows in most issues and have done a pretty thorough history of the shows that Carl Althoff had out. They have also put out a wonderful photo book that covers German Circuses from the 1950's to the early 1960's. Circus Williams is well covered. You can also advertise in it for photos, programs, etc. of various shows. Al Stencell
    Reply: 26 September, 2005 - This doesn't answer your question directly, but you seemed impressed by Gunther Gable-Williams, who joined the Ringling Bros.& Barnum and Bailey Circus in the U.S. in 1968 and became world-renowned as the best animal trainer. He died not too many years ago and was buried in Venice, FL., where the circus had its headquarters from 1960-1991. You can find many interesting articles and pictures of him on the web by typing in Gunther Gable-Williams in Google. We lived in Venice during those years and attended the rehearsals almost daily. Betty Winsett
    Reply: 15 November, 2005 - Pardon me that my english is not so good (bad). I'm a flemisch speaking Belgian. The name of the guy was Gunther-Gebel Williams. He started his carreer in the circus of his parents. In the beginning he worked with horses and elephants. Originaly Circus Williams was English. The act with the tiger and a horse (it was also to see in Circus Althof in '65 was a duplicate of the original act in the Circus of Moskou with a male lion riding a horse. But father Williams dieded in London in '51 in the ring, during a Roman Chariot Race. His brother Alphonse (a horseman) died in a car accident in Belgium in september '60, during the tour of Circus Williams in Belgium. Mother Carola Williams toke over in '51, but managed the circus from Köln in Germany. In the seventies Gebel Williams went to the Ringling Brothers in the States and became one of the most famous dompteurs in the world. He worked with lions and tigers He dieded in 2001. Paco

    Reply: 10 Mar 2009 - I recently saw you trying to find information about Circus William. I was working on the show then. I worked with Gunther -Gebel-Williams for over twenty years. I am maybe one of the last trainers still living that worked with Gunther, now retired and living in Vegas. Maybe I can answer some of those question. Werner Edling

    Reply: 29 Apr 2009 - Pictures and information about Circus Williams including pictures of Gunther Gebel-Williams can be found at www.circus-williams.de (In German). The English version is available at www.circus-williams.de/starte.htm.


838. Tattooing, 14 September, 2005 - I am currently researching the influence that circus and carnivals had on the spread and normalization of tattooing in North America. A fairly basic thesis, I know, but I am having trouble locating primary sources, such as direct accounts or newspaper articles from the 18th and 19th century in England and America, especially those that deal with this particularly painful period in tattooing history. If anyone could please give me direction, it would be much appreciated. Thanks! Kate Scordato, kscordat@gonzaga.edu. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 14 September, 2005 - American circus activity commences in 1793, but the exhibition of a tattooed person with a circus isn't documented until 1836, eleven years after the first use of a tent. The American "carnival," which has a somewhat variable definition, doesn't commence as an "industry" until the late 1890s, although gatherings of itinerant showmen with shows, rides and other attractions traveled as early as the 1840s. American pleasure gardens, of the character that led to amusement parks, start in mid-19th century, but the formal park movement commences in the mid-1890s, with only a few parks and amusement zones having formal side shows on their premises in later years. It may be that these amusement enterprises are actually later than the focus of your thesis. A check of Stuart Thayer's "Annals of the American Circus," Vols. II and III (1986 and 1992, later reprinted as three in one), provides information about James O'Connell, the first tattooed man known to have been exhibited in conjunction with an American circus. That event is dated to 1836, with data available through O'Connell's 1854 death. The routes in Thayer's "Annals" provide the itineraries of many troupes up through 1860, revealing the geographic parameters. If a tattooed person was affiliated with a circus, or perhaps a traveling menagerie prior to that date, it would likely have been on an incidental basis, as an itinerant, separate attraction that found it convenient to set up a tent adjacent to the circus, which attracted an audience. You should also check John Glenroy's "Ins and Outs of Circus Life," (1885) a relatively rare volume that includes O'Connell in various circus rosters. Some tertiary information is to be found in William L. Slout's "Olympians of the Sawdust Circle" (1998, page 226 provides a cameo biography of O'Connell). Additional tattooed people of note will be found within the volume. By the 1870s, you're looking at a mixture of circus side show and early museum (like Barnum's American Museum) activity, with tattooed people floating between them summer and winter seasons, and also appearing as separate attractions at agricultural fairs. Dime museum activity mushrooms a decade later, or so. The circus side show, as an entity, is established with the adoption of the three-tent configuration (big top, menagerie and side show) in the early 1870s. The most highly aggrandized tattooed circus attraction was likely Capt. Costentenus of the late 1870s Barnum circus. The topic is covered in Robert Bogdan's book "Freak Show." You might check with C. W. Eldridge in the San Francisco/Berkeley area, who established the extensive Tattoo Archive. There are also the growing number of books about tattoo history, on-line newspaper databases and other resources. There are some local theater histories that might mention tattooed exhibitions, and a few areas have abstracted exhibition histories (theses and other). Early tattooed people images and narrative materials might be found in older established eastern collections and theater libraries, such as the American Antiquarian Society, Harvard University, New York Historical Society and others of that stature. Ricky Jay has extensive knowledge of similar topics, domestic and foreign, has published several worthy volumes, and may also be able to provide insight on additional sources. Published diaries might also reveal some commentary on tattooed people. Circus newspaper ads, route books, handbills/heralds, side show booklets, couriers and posters present the circus side of tattooed exhibitions and their aggrandizement efforts. The assignment of "artificial" exotic origins to tattooed people with circuses would seem to have made them of more interest that the usual run of the mill domestic-applied tattoos. Thus, the circus treatment may provide a mirror of public mindset. Unfortunately, for your stated era, for public commentary, you're likely looking at scanning many reels of microfilm, or paging through preserved volumes. Fred Dahlinger
    Reply: 08 December, 2005 - These are pictures of the "Captain" that my wife and I found in our home ten years ago. The larger image has been donated to the Brockville museum, the smaller is hanging in our home. They are exceptionally rare wood block prints made for Barnum's tour of 1877. David Sheridan, thedsheridans3015@sympatico.ca [Note: unfortunately attachments (graphics, photos, etc.) are not permitted on this discussion board. Contact this sender to obtain the images.]


837. Clyde Beatty, 14 September, 2005 - I have acquired a family history chart on Clyde Beatty family, which shows Clyde as the fourth generation. It starts with a Daniel & Mary Beatty migrating from Ireland in 1850 with their five children and settling in Highland County, Ohio. The chart is on two 81/2 x 11 sheets but unfortunately poor photo coping omitted the center portion of both sheets. I do not know who prepared this family chart. Are you aware of this Beatty family chart and if so, where could I get a legible copy? Thank you for your response. Rcm29285@aol.com, Ray Mann, Dayton,OH. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.


836. Baldwins, balloonists, 13 September, 2005 - Thank you, Mr. Dahlinger for your prompt and thoughtful replies. [see messages 831, 829] You provide a very valuable and unusual service for us circus tyros. As relates to my original messages, perhaps I can clarify, more specifically, what it is I'm after. The source(s) for my info are not terribly reliable, but my "suspect" citations are all I have to go on, at least for the moment.
Search: I'm trying to track the whereabouts of a couple of daredevil performers of the late 19th century; Ivy Baldwin, and Tom Baldwin. Both were high-wire walkers and balloonists who performed with traveling circuses, but they also worked independent of circuses. Articles written about them, to use examples, below, suggest the following:
1. Ivy Baldwin, who purportedly joined "a" circus (which one?) at the age of 13, in San Antonio, in 1879; Additionally he claimed to have made his first balloon ascension in Evansville, Indiana, in 1880. 2. Ivy Baldwin also claimed he joined with Tom Baldwin, in Houston, ca. 1883, while with (either) the Thayer-Noyes Circus, or the Wallace Show - performing as "The DareDevil Baldwins". 3. Tom Baldwin supposedly joined the Cole show in 1876; stayed with it for 3-4 seasons. Baldwin also claimed he performed his first balloon ascension in Chilicoth, Ohio, in 1880.
Only way I know of to try and trace their movements is to use the NY Clipper, and maybe newspapers for the years (and cities) that are mentioned above. But, it also occurred to me to try CWM, for routes, etc. Any additional suggestions to above, I'd be happy to listen to. Thanks again, Gregory LaLonde. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 13 September, 2005 - Is your Tom Baldwin the Thomas Baldwin, balloonist, from Quincy, Illinois? If so, there is quite a long article about him in Sioux Valley News (Correctionville, Iowa), December 22, 1887. States he was with circuses (not named), etc. Was Ivy Baldwin's real name Will Ivy, born Houston 1866? J. Griffin
    Reply: 22 September, 2005 - The New York Clipper Sept. 26, 1891 ran an ad for - Foreign Tour - T. S. Baldwin is now making a six months' tour of China and Japan. S. Y. Baldwin is still at home, Quincy, Ill., making contracts for 1891. Persons desiring anything in the Balloon or Parachute line should address T. S. & S. Y. BALDWIN, Quincy, Ill. Inventors of the present parachute, and the first in the world to use it successfully. John Polacsek
    Reply: 26 September, 2005 - The parachute and balloon business was pretty big - in 1892 the Clipper noted that Thomas Baldwin was purchasing a large tract of land and had plans to create a recreation park with a horse track, etc. outside Quincy, Illinois. The historical marker near the Quincy airport notes it was named Baldwin Field, looks like the Baldwin boys were doing very well outside the circus field. John Polacsek

    Reply: 09 Nov 2007 - In reply to J. Griffin's question: Was Ivy Baldwin's real name Will Ivy, born Houston 1866? J. Griffin. Yes, Ivy Baldwin was born William Alonzo Ivy on 30 July 1866 to John Henry and Elizabeth (Johnson) Ivy in Houston, Harris Co Texas. He is my grandfather's brother and I have a copy of the Ivy Bible which contains all of this information. Will changed his name to Ivy Baldwin, which was the name of their act, after he broke up with his partner. Later Will performed at a park in Colorado and you can find a lot of information on him at this Colorado site with a picture of him on the highwire that he walked across every day.

    http://www.boulderhistorymuseum.org/history.ivy.html

    He came out of retirement at age 82 and walked the highwire again.

    http://www.rcooper.0catch.com/ebaldivy.htm

    A Google search of Ivy Baldwin brings up at least 10 sites which tell of all his feats and accomplishments. CAROLYN IVY SHIMEK, cishimek@comcast.net



835. Christy Bros. circus, 13 September, 2005 - My name is Maggie Weir, and evidently my grandmother worked for the Christy Bros. circus/animal show in the early part of the twentieth century. I am aware that several posters were made in Chicago to advertise the traveling show, and also that the show wintered in Houston, Texas. If you have any information on where I can procure one of these vintage posters, not a reproduction, I would be most grateful. I would like to find one and give it to my mother as a tribute to her mother. I can be reached at maggieweir@yahoo.com and I live in Boston, Massachusetts. I am having a dickens of a time finding a resource to purchase something that would be a momento from the Christy Bros. circus. Thank you so very much. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 17 September, 2005 - You have several options. The best chance is eBay under Collectibles, to Historical Memoribilia, to Circus and Carnival. You have the full enjoyment of shopping from home at your leisure. You can also attend any of the Circus Historians, Fans, Model Builders, etc. national conventions where sellers and buyers come together like no other time. Another option but definitely the most expensive would be scouting antique shoppes. Your chances are slim and none about everyday of the week, but occassionally things turn up. You could also advertise in any of the Circus periodicals as looking for Christy Bros. material and possibly get some leads in this manner. Good Luck! Bob Cline


834. Hellmans Big Top, 13 September, 2005 - Looking for some old friends Sonny Foy or Joan McClure who worked with Hellmans Big Top Circus. Any information will help. Many thanks! Private reply cunrome@yahoo.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.


833. Circus Manitowoc, WI, 11 September, 2005 - I am looking for information regarding any circus that may have performed in Manitowoc, Wisconsin during 1939-1944. I am very familiar with the school operated by Billy Schultz in Manitowoc during those years but am interested in any outdoor circus that may have performed there. Thanks in advance for your help. My name is Joe Renier and my email is: renier@us.ibm.com. I am writing to you from Tucson, Arizona Regards, Joe. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 13 September, 2005 - Establishing the identities and dates of circuses that played a community can be done in several ways. Sometimes local libraries or historical societies have a vertical file or newspaper index that can be consulted. Often these may not include every engagement. You can also consult collections of routes of circuses. There are a few of these in the country and usually not readily consulted, because of location, time or expense factors. Another way is to scan the daily newspapers for circus ads; they stand out amongst the other ads and printed materials. This is the most time consuming, but among the most readily accomplished if the newspapers have been microfilmed and are available via interlibrary loan. Consult with your local librarian about loans. There are a few cities for which this has been done, but I don't believe that Manitowoc has been covered to date. In earlier years, before newspapers were common, one must also search for handbills, diary entries and other documents for route data. Two publications, the weekly "Billboard," a trade magazine, and the bi-monthly Circus Fans Association of America journal, "White Tops," may also contain relevant information. Billboard has been microfilmed and may also be available via your local library. Theater histories, in book or dissertation form can also contain information about circus activity. Fred Dahlinger


832. 1912 cost circus ticket, 11 September, 2005 - I want to know what the price of a circus ticket was in the year 1912, Wilmington, Delaware. ABr730@aol.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 18 September, 2005 - Admission to the Mighty Haag Railroad Show was $1 in 1912, but in 1906 it was 25-35 cents when it was a wagon show. The ticket price was 50 cents in 1916 when it was a wagon show again. Darren Bryan in Georgia, darrenrx@bellsouth.net


831. Wallace 1883, W.W. Cole balloon ascensions, 11 September, 2005 - 2 questions (requests for information) 1. route (itinerary) of the "Wallace" show, ca. 1883. 2. did the W. W. Cole circus ever feature balloon ascensions? If so, when? greg_lalo@yahoo.com, Gregory LaLonde. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 12 September, 2005 - The well known Wallace & Co., owned by Ben Wallace and James Anderson, didn't come out until 1884. Check the New York Clipper for a partial route and also the Peru, IN newspapers on it. Karl Hartisch penned a brief article for Bandwagon about the formation of the show, which you can locate in the article index on this website. Perhaps you're actually seeking the earlier and unrelated J. A. Wallace show of 1871 or the Prof. Wallace's show that Sturtevant includes in his enumeration of titles for 1883? His source was likely an entry in the Clipper. Clarifying your specific interest and resource base would possibly facilitate better responses. See the Bowman collection response to your question 829 for guidance on the second of your inquiries. Fred Dahlinger


830. Landis Carnival, 11 September, 2005 - In the 20-30 Floyd and Vernita Ensworth worked for the Landis Carnival. Am searching for what ever I can find on the Carnival. Do you know where I might start? One member of the family set the big top as he was a licensed electrian, another sold tickets and "barked"? in front of the shows. Another was under 8 years of age, dressed very pretty to attract people. I found them listed in 1930 Census Colorado. One relative passed away and in her diary she talks of the Landis Carnival. The family is from Kansas. I would like to know what kind of Carnival and where it traveled (2 or 3 states), how large and generaly any thing I may find. Thank you, Jacki Nicodemus, Oregon, hypocobleu@earthlink.net. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 26 December, 2005 - A carnival historian friend of mine, and editor of the Carnival Historical and Model Builders Society (CH&MBS) publication Carnival Midway, found some information and photos of the Kansas-based Landes Shows in the Big Eli News. If you have access to the issues of that publication, I can reference date and page #. If not, I'll send you copies of what was found. If you're interested in CH&MBS, let me know and I can also forward to you an application form and information sheet. Regards, Fred Heatley

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829. W.W. Cole, Thayer-Noyes, ballooning, 10 September, 2005 - I have 3 questions re circus history:
1. route (itinerary) info for W.W. Cole's circus ca. 1879-1880. Also, roster of performers with same.
2. route (itinerary) info for Thayer-Noyes Circus, ca. 1881-1883.
3. verticle file info, index entries, citations, etc. - subject "ballooning", 19th century.
Any help with above, would be appreciated thanks. Gregory L LaLonde, greg_lalo@yahoo.com, Mpls MN. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 10 September, 2005 - America's Daredevil Balloonist: W.H. Donaldson, 1840-1875, James W. Raab. Manhattan, KS: Sunflower University Press, 1999. Also see message No. 12. J. Griffin
    Reply: 12 September, 2005 - See the book "The Eagle Aloft" by a Smithsonian curator, also articles by Robert L. Parkinson and William L. Slout in "Bandwagon," both of which are found in the article index on this website. Fred Dahlinger
    Reply: 12 September, 2005 - There are chapters on the 1879 and 1880 W.W. Cole show in the book - Chilly Billy, The Evolution of a Circus Millionaire by William L. Slout. He may still have copies left - contact him at wslout@aol.com. The only route books for the Cole show are 1876, 1877 and 1886. You will need to read the New York Clipper to obtain specifics on the show. Just where did you get the information for your question # 2? Noyes was last on the Adam Forepaugh Show in 1880, did not go out again, and died in 1885. Thayer was on the Van Amburgh Show in 1881, on Adam Forepaugh in 1882, not out in 1883, in 1884 put out the Thayer Show which collapsed in Michigan two months after it opened, then he finished the season on W.W. Cole. The title apparemntly was not used those years. Ted Bowman Route Collection


828. Jumbo's Tusks, 10 September, 2005 - Whatever Became of Jumbo's Tusks? I had read in a old newspaper article dated January.14.1940, concerning the auction of John Ringling's (The last of the Ringling's) personal possessions from his Park Avenue Apartment in NYC "The items of most interest are the great tusks of Jumbo,the famous elephant, bound in brass." Would anyone know of the tusk's present location? Its true,that Jumbo's left tusk was broken when he was struck by the locomotive in St.Thomas Ontario September 15 1885. However I can locate only about 6 tusk sections from Jumbo in various museums across the world, which were cut less then a centimeter each in thickness. K.C. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 11 September, 2005 - I have one of those sections of Jumbo's ivory. When I was in charge of the elephants at the Ringling Circus Park in the 1970's Chappie Fox tipped me off that he had received a call from a gentleman in Orlando who had the item and would sell it. I don't remember the man's name but I bought it from him after Chappie verified it's authenticity. Jumbo's tusk was sliced as tho it were a loaf of bread and the sections presented to guests at a mock funeral as a momento but of course well after the fact. I keep it in a safety deposit box at the bank so I havn't seen it in some time but I am sure it is much thicker than a centimeter and either written or etched in ornate black letters on one side is the name of the Firm that mounted Jumbo's carcass and also assembled his skeleton for tour on the Barnum Show. There were also other particulars written but I would have to go down to the bank to refresh my memory. I have always assumed that this whole affair was a publicity stunt. Buckles
    Reply: 12 September, 2005 - There are indeed several existing slices of tusk attributed to Jumbo. They are usually inscribed in ink with a legend identifying them as such. Also check Saxon's book for the story about how some of the "grindings" from it were served up to some special guests. Also check the Shoshani paper about Jumbo. It might be appropriate at some time to confirm that these sections are actually from an African elephant. If I recall correctly, the mounted skin of the beast was fitted with a set of tusks that perished when it burned. Perhaps the sections are from the embedded socket area? I think that there's more to the story of Jumbo's tusks, and skull, than meets the eye. Fred Dahlinger
    Reply: 12 September, 2005 - RE: Buckle's reply. If I remember correctly Jumbo's post-mortem preparation was done in Rochester, NY at Ward's Scientific. Ward was the master of modern zoological specimen preparation. The taxidermist who oversaw Jumbo, was, I think, William T Hornaday - the best taxidermist in the United States, and later the founder of New York Zoological Society (the Bronx Zoo.) The Jumbo mount/articulation was just prior to Hornaday moving on to the Smithsonian. Hornaday's apprentice, or one of them would have been Carl Akeley, the naturalist and taxidermist later responsible for the major African displays at New York's Museum of Natural History, and Chicago's Field Museum. Years ago I remember seeing some notes on Jumbo's preparation, but whether they were at Ward's, or at the Museum, or at the zoo (where I worked at the time) I can't recall. Ben Trumble
    Reply: 13 September, 2005 - On February 28 1886, when Jumbo's hide had been mounted and the skeleton articulated (to create the so-called 'Double Jumbo'), Henry Ward threw a journalists' party to celebrate his Natural Science Establishment's completion of the job and to garner publicity for the achievement. A contemporary account records: "Professor Ward is a very enthusiastic scientist, and full of novel ideas. In preparing the tusks he accumulated about a pound and a half of the ivory finely powdered, and in honor of the occasion he took this substance to the cook at the Powers hotel with instructions to use it in the composition of jelly. This was done, and the journalists of course sampled the unique dish, and some of Jumbo did they thus assimilate. His visitors of Friday had their pleasure increased by the presentation of pieces of the ivory of Jumbo's tusks, with inscriptions to authenticate them." (Buffalo Courier, March ?2 1886.)
          Aside from the journalists, inscribed slices of ivory went to various dignitaries. Ward sent one to Barnum's wife, for example, and Barnum responded on March 1 1886: "Yours rec'd with the decorated slice from Jumbo's tusk for Mrs. Barnum, who will write you. I hope you will send me the other slice and I will send it to 'The British Museum'." Ward sent yet another slice to Barnum's partner, James L. Hutchinson (or maybe even to Hutchinson's wife?). I have that one, courtesy of my father-in-law, who is Hutchinson's grand-son. Its inscription includes the words "Property of Barnum & London Combined Shows."
          As usual, Fred Dahlinger's leads are spot-on. Shoshani (1986) shows photos of the slice at the Smithsonian and the one at Circus World Museum, which are more or less identical to the one that I hold. I am confident that the one held by Buckles is similar as well.
          Are the slices authentic? This was a publicity stunt, yes. But there is no reason to suggest they were fakes. If they had been, we are left to imagine why Ward would have set about deceiving Barnum and Hutchinson about their own elephant in this way. The New York Sun of February 28 1886 states that Jumbo's tusks were 18 inches in circumference. Mine is 16.5 inches around. Each of the slices comes from the root of the tusk, the part that would have been inside Jumbo's skull. My slice is inscribed "Upperpart of Jumbo's Tusk." The British Museum of Natural History's mammalian expert confirms that their own specimen is similar to these others, with a large hole in the middle that would have contained the root pulp cavity. The slices and jelly powder distributed by Ward were from the internal, invisible part of the tusks, for which the taxidermist had no use.
          The Pfening archives include a copy of Henry Ward's contract with Barnum to do the Jumbo taxidermy. The agreement intriguingly states: "If extra tusks are required they are to be furnished by Mr. Barnum." Possibly, when Ward was embarking on the job, there was concern that the original tusks might have been so broken in the train accident that they would need to be replaced by another set, from another elephant. Alternatively, there may have been a plan that Jumbo's skeleton would carry tusks, so that the Double Jumbo would require double tusks. A BB&H litho of Jumbo's skeleton (see Quarterly Journal of Library of Congress, summer 1983, p.219), depicts it with tusks.
          In any event, tusks were never put on the skeleton. The stuffed hide had tusks, which, with the rest of the beast, were incinerated in the Tufts fire.
          The "great tusks of Jumbo" auctioned from Ringling's apartment would not have been authentic. Jumbo's tusks could scarcely be called 'great,' let alone bound in brass. If they had indeed remained intact, they would have been used by Ward, rather than given back to the Barnum partners. (In turn, James Bailey's widow would not have on-sold such specimens to the Ringlings.) The Hutchinson family has a similar apocryphal story that another set of giant tusks which passed down through that family were Jumbo's. Stuart Hicks, Australia
    Reply: 15 September, 2005 - According to the local newspaper accounts of September 26 1885, the local medical officer observed that the impact drove Jumbo's left tusk into his skull. However as can be seen from the known two photographs of Jumbo's carcass lying on the embankment of the grand Trunk Railway, it can be observed from the photograph that Jumbo's right tusk is complete. It appears to be about 14 inches in length projecting from his tusk socket, also there would have been at least two feet more of tusk in the socket. That would make at least 36 inches and probably more of complete tusk. Why would they section up a intact tusk? They probably did not, but sectioned up Jumbo's damaged left tusk, the extent of the damage to the left tusk does not appear to be recorded. Also concerning those tusk sections in the various museums across the world, they all have the same general dimensions. The measurements of Jumbo's tusk section in the collections of the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH 22247) about (approx.) 13.9 mm inches in height, 11.3 mm in width, the pulp cavity 4.2 mm in height and 3.0 mm in width, with a circumference of the outer tusk section about 39 mm. It is my understanding that the tusk sections came from the upper (anterior) part of Jumbo's tusk, not from the avelor portion, thats why the tusk sections are smaller dimensions then the measured basal circumference, at the lip line (18 inches in circumference). The tusk sections probably came from around the region were the iron band on the tusk was located. I have not read of a convincing argument as to why the tusks sold at the 1940 John Ringling auction, could not have been Jumbo's tusks. All of the known tusk sections combined do not appear to be more then several inches if they were all placed together. Usually for mounted hides, tropical wood, carved and polished to resemble ivory are used for mounts. Possibly all known Jumbo tusk sections can be examined for the shwreger pattern to see if they came from not only a approx. 24-28 year old male Loxodonta africana, but the identical elephant, and hopefully John Ringling's Jumbo tusks can be located and examined. K.C.


827. United Campbells Shows, 09 September, 2005 - My name is Rick Stanley. I am a researcher and have recently come across some information that a person who worked as a "Showman" for United Campbells Shows. I can find no history of this company. This person gave his residence as El Paso Texas. Do you know anything about this company? Thank You, Rick. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 12 September, 2005 - The H. W. Cambell United Shows was a railroad carnival. McKennon lists it as operational 1919-1921. The show is known to circus historians for having owned the 1866 Van Amburgh/Sells bandchariot built by the Fielding Bros. A photo of it on Campbell in 1921, taken by Basil Clemons at Breckenridge, Texas, can be seen at www.texasrecord.org. There's an article about the show in Billboard, March 8, 1919, page 49. It opened in Moultrie, GA. I believe that there's also a set of illustrations in Billboard, August 24, 1918. Your best bet is to scan the columns of carnival news and ads in Billboard and New York Clipper, the two weekly amusement serials. A private individual also has a set of images of the show. If your record is from a census, the canvassers usually found the showmen along the road. Local city directories also listed traveling showmen as such. Providing the person's name may also lead to additional information. Fred Dahlinger


826. John Robinson's Circus - Polar Bear Poster, 08 September, 2005 - Believe this to date circa 1926-27. Dimensions are approximately 10.5 feet wide by 6.5 feet long. Lightweight canvas in 6 pieces sewed together. Request history and use. Lin Wagner. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 10 September, 2005 - Dear Lin: "Banner" must be among the terms most frequently misused by collectors and eBay sellers, but what you have there is a true banner. For many years these were printed on cloth and in later years on what they called "fiber," being a heavy paper about the weight of an index card. From your dimensions you have what we call a "nine-sheet" despite its being in six pieces. The term describes the size, not the number of pieces. It is approximately three sheets high and three sheets long, a "one-sheet" being in the neighborhood of 28" high and 42" wide or "long." These were tacked high on the sides of buildings in the old days, the bannermen working from ladders and scaffolds. They actually tacked into the mortar between the bricks and when that was missing they would drive strips of wood between the bricks and tack into them. According to billposting lore not one banner tacker ever fell despite a lot of dangerous work and occasional showing off. Incidentally as you see above a billposter would express the dimensions a bit differently; he would say it is 10.5 feet long and 6.5 feet high. Best regards, Billcar Whitey
    Reply: 11 September, 2005 - Thanks to Billcar Whitey for info on my banner not poster! Lin


825. Centennial year, RBBB, 08 September, 2005 - Reading thru a most interesting 19 page article by Robt. S. MacDougall from the Sep-Oct 2K4 issue, pgs 5-21, entitled "Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, The Blue Unit train, The First Twenty Years". On page 7 the article talks about Irvin & Israel Feld planning for their 100th Anniversary Edition (1970). They chose to go back in time to 1870, rather than 1872 the year that PTB first launched his train along w/W.C.Coup & Dan Costello. Quite simply may I ask as time permits, what might have been their thinking for choosing 1870 instead of 1872? Thank you, Danny. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.


824. Honest Bill, Shell Bros., 08 September, 2005 - Do you have any information on "Honest Bill" who traveled with the Shell Brother's Circus in the 1930's. He called himself "Honest Bill" from over the hill. I'ved never worked and never will. My dad and mother saw Honest Bill when the circus was in Clifton, Texas in circa 1934. Thanks, JMW. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 12 September, 2005 - Schell Bros. [with a "c"] was owned by George Engesser, 1929-1936. You may find coverage of Engesser or the show by searching the Bandwagon article index on this website. There would also be coverage in weekly issues of the trade publication "Billboard" and also the bi-monthly issues of the Circus Fans Association publication "White Tops." "Honest" Bill Newton was the son of "Lucky" Bill Newton (1860-June 19, 1937). The family name may have been Hoogewoning, but that spelling may be in slight error. They are affiliated with Quenomo, Kansas. You may find some coverage of their various enterprises in Bandwagon, as well as some views of their printed materials, such as letterheads. The Newtons operated overland shows and launched an early motorized circus that also featured a primitive airplane. The story of that show has been published in Bandwagon and can likely be located in the website article index. Fred Dahlinger
    Reply: 14 September, 2005 - You might try contacting the Historcial Soc in St Peter MN. They have a extensive file on the Shell and Zellmar Bros shows. NedCircus@aol.com


823. Dailey Bros. Circus, 07 September, 2005 - I am in search of information about a murder in the Dailey Brothers Circus in Missouri in the late '40s or early '50s. Linda Talbott. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 20 September, 2005 - You might check with Norma King with Walker Brothers Circus (Website On Line). She was on the Daily show which was owned by Ben Davenport and his wife, "Princess Iola". There are many rumors and facts about the Daily Brothers Railroad Circus and Ben Davenport. Good Luck. bunni


822. Mons Forber, 07 September, 2005 - Circus performers: I have a handbill that states: "The Original Mons. Forber . . . Parisian Wonder . . . the Greatest Slack Wire Walker and Juggler living . . . assisted by Edna Farber. It appears to be printed around the 1880s to early 1900, and could could be from the Mass. or Connecticut area. How do I get some more info on this? Richard Pilon. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 07 September, 2005 - Found on NewspaperArchive.com. Mons Forber appeared at the Trenton (NJ) Nickelodeon Theater, October 1897, "marvelous Wire Walker, Mons Forber, and his performing dog Pasha, the smallest and greatest performing dog in the world - from Trenton (NJ) Evening Times, October 12, 1897. Sandusky (OH) Star Journal, June 7, 1902, Mons. Forber, a slack wire juggler. [on a vaudeville bill at Cedar Point] Also found on the vaudeville circuit, 1899, 1907. No mention of Mons. Forber with a circus, no mention of Edna Farber or Edna Forber. J. Griffin
    Reply: 08 September, 2005 - His name obviously wasn't 'Mons. Forber' but Mons stands for Monsigneur. I don't think he was French, he might have been British, but I think he was actually Alsatian. I think it's the same man anyway that worked in Paris at the Cirque d'Hiver, mentioned in a 1894 Ille de France Ce Soir review as Mister Forber l'Equilibriste Anglais. By accounts it was a kind of John Robinson on the wire, which he mounted as a drunken Monocled British Lord from the audience, chasing a girl who'd just begun the act off, his little dog yapping below, proceeding to speed up his act into the wire dancer that he was. Fred Bradna, who's real name by the way was Ferber, coincidentally, described in his memoirs how European artists were scouted and coddled at the Cirque D'Hiver by American variety and circus agents in the late 1800's, as indeed he and his wife were. So it makes sense that this hilarious sensation would turn up in the States a few years later. Natasha Gerson


821. Edward Bacon, 07 September, 2005 - Im looking for a "Edward Bacon," about 1919 thru 1920, at the age of 41 was a circus performer and muscian, lived in Brooklyn, N.Y. He disappeared about that time, this is all the information I have. Thanks, Ed.B. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 07 September, 2005 - Ed "Doc" Bacon is known as a calliope player. He also handled inside ticket sales and his wife worked in wardrobe. In 1925 it was said that he had been playing for 31 years and had relatives in Muncie, Indiana. That year he was with Miller Bros. 101 Ranch Wild West as steam calliope player. The Miller Bros. steam calliope wagon still exists today, in an altered format. He may have been off the road in 1920. His 1925 contact point was care of Billboard magazine's Chicago office, suggesting that he was on the road. Fred Dahlinger
    Reply: 6 October, 2005 - Thanks Fred, you opened a whole new direction for me. Can you confirm that this Edward (DOC) Bacon was married to Anna Cahill about 1910, had four children, Anne B: 1911, Helen B: 1914, Michael B: 1918 & Philip B: 1919. If so can you tell me Edward Bacon Mother & Fathers name? Or where or when he died, Edward could be my Grand father, (Anne), His daughter was my mother. I would appreciate any information, Thanks Ed. B.


820. Circus 1912, Utah, 06 September, 2005 - I am the Emery County Archives Administrator. Emery County is in Utah and has many small towns, but no cities. The county seat is Castle Dale, about 25 miles from the largest city in the area which is Price, Utah. I have a picture taken by C.T. Lupton of the United States Geological Survey in 1912. It is a photograph of two elephants and two camels walking across Emery County desert. All of Emery County is a desert. One elephant has a man riding on it. The notes from C.T. Lupton is "1912 Circus going from Emery to Salina." Salina is a distance of 2 hours driving in a car. (Different county). The closest railroad is and was in Price. So my question is, did the circus come by train to Price and then travel to small towns by walking the animals? If you have any information on how circuses traveled back in 1912, please send it to me. Thank you, Dottie Grimes, dottiegrimes@gmail.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 07 September, 2005 - Not many circuses would have 2 elephants and 2 camels parading around in the desert, however they did walk from the train yard to the circus lot. Is the inscription on the photo that the circus was going, or Lupton was going from Emery to Salina, and he happened upon the circus unloading? Based on the year - 1912 and probable shows - the circus known as Sanger's Greater European Shows Combined was in the area. This 10 car railroad circus was in Utah and performed Sept. 3 - Heber; Sept. 4 - Eureka; Sept. 5 - Spanish Fork; Sept. 6 - Manti; Sept 7 - Richfield; Sunday no show; Sept. 9 - Salina; Sept. 10 - Maroni; Sept. 11 - Mt. Pleasant; Sept 12 - Scofield; Sept. 13 - Price; Sept 14 - Green River - then into Colorado. The show went from west to east, not the route that you are looking for, but it does give a hint as to where the shows were playing. Try reading the Salina, Green River or Price newspapers for other circus advertisements or news articles about the show in town. Ted Bowman Route Collection
    Reply: 07 September, 2005 - The 1913 season of the Sanger circus was documented in an article in Bandwagon, July-August 1981. It is available for purchase as a back issue. The show might not have changed much from 1912. Fred Dahlinger

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819. Nunn family, 06 September, 2005 - I was wondering if you could tell me about the Rockwell Mammoth Circus during the 1843-1847 in Alton ILL. I am a Nunn researcher, and have found a Thomas Nunn was a Equestrian Director for this circus. All during this circus is the Nunn Acrobat family. I a was wondering if this circus toured all of the United States? It mentions that Thomas Nunn from the Astley's and Franconi's European Amphitheatre. Was Thomas Nunn from England and justed toured here or did he settle in the the United States? Was this an big circus? I would be very interested in anything about this particular circus. Thank you so much for any bit of information. I have checked the Census of 1840 of Alton ILL and do not find them. Priscilla. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 06 September, 2005 - From Robert L. Parkinson, "Directory of American Circuses," p. 342: Rockwell & Co.'s Circus 1847-1848, 1850 (Henry Rockwell, proprietor, 1847-1848, 1850, Alex Rockwell, proprietor, 1851.
          From Slout's "Olympians of the Sawdust Circle", p. 223: Mrs. Thomas (Lucinda) Nunn, equestrienne, Rockwell's, 1848, riding in 'Hebe the Morning Sprite'; Nunn, Thomas, rider and equestrian director, appeared as "Hebe, or Morning Sprite,' Rockwell & Co.'s, 1838, equestrian direcctor, Rockwell & Co., 1847-48, S. Q. Stokes' 1849-51, Australia, 1854-55. Page 288: Stewart, William [a.k.a. Stewart Nunn], died 1852, family came to the USA from England, 1844; Niblo's 1845; Nathan Howes' winter 1845; four Nunns, Rockwell & Co. (Hubbell's unit), 1847-48; Stone & McCollum, 1849; S. Q. Stokes, 1851; sons were Alfred and Henry; died in New Orleans. Page 286: Stewart, Mme. W. E., equestrienne, mother of Alfred Stewart, died NYC, February 5, 1873; Stewart, Alfred (died february 20, 1872), child acrobat, Rockwell & Co., 1848, later became an actor of some prominence, died at Cobleskill, NY. Note: it is not clear if the Nunn family were actually Stewarts, or if William Stewart joined the act and took the surname Nunn for his profession. William Stewart, living in NYC, 1850 census, equestrian, born England (no Nunns in household). Thomas Nunn, living in NYC with Nickerson(?) family, 1850 census, equestrian, born England (no other Nunns in the household). The Rockwell & Co. circus did tour the US. J. Griffin
    Reply: 07 September, 2005 - Additional information on Rockwell and Nunn can be found in Stuart Thayer's "Annals of the American Circus," Vol. II, or in the consolidated three volumes in one. Fred Dahlinger
    Reply: 27 October, 2005 - Additionally to the above, Thomas Nunn was on the Van Amburgh Menagerie in the U. K. in January 1845. He came to the U. S. in that year and performed at Niblo's Garden. That winter he was with N. Howes' winter show in New York. Thomas Nunn, William Stewart and George Honey (George Orrin) performed as a team. Lyming Nunn joined Thomas in 1848 and 1849. Thomas Nunn and William Stewart were partners in 1851. Thomas Nunn was on W. H. Foley's Circus in Australia in June 1854, and on Rowe's American Circus in Australia in July and August 1854. Thomas Nunn was on Lewis' Circus in Australia in 1855. Stuart Thayer.


818. Circus Hall of Fame Inductees, 06 September, 2005 - Does anyone have Circus Hall of Fame Inductees from 2001 to present? David Orr. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 07 September, 2005 - Check with the Ringling Home in Sarasota, Florida. I can't remember the spelling? Czadizan is how it sounds. They honor past and present performers each year. Try contacting: Historical Society of Sarasota County. Tel: (941) 364-9076 or "The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art" at (941) 364-9076. Good luck. Erny Karoly
    Reply: 07 September, 2005 - If the inquiry is about the International Circus Hall of Fame in Peru, IN, then the contact would likely be Tom Dunwoody. There may be some confusion with the Ring of Fame, which also honors circus personalities on St. Armand's Circle in Sarasota, Florida. Fred Dahlinger
    Reply: 20 September, 2005 - Jenny Wallenda or Allan C. Hill are both on the Ring of Fame Committee in Sarasota. So is Norma Cristiani Frasier and Dale Longmire. Jenny is probably the one who would have the list. Hope this helps. Bunni


817. John Robinson Circus circa 1916-1917, 06 September, 2005 - My name is Bill Ellis, wle@williamleeellis.com, a PhD student in ethnomusicology at the University of Memphis. Would anyone have any info on the John Robinson Circus circa 1916-1917? Specifically, bluesman Blind Wille McTell stated he worked for the John Robinson Circus during those years. Finding his name on a payment roster, for example, would be a major score, but even a description of the minstrel plantation side show he was in would shed some light (types of entertainment, tunes, et al). Many thanks in advance, Bill Ellis. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 07 September, 2005 - Perhaps the best sources will be the weekly circus news columns of the weekly trade journal "Billboard," which at one time also had a page for black personnel. The "New York Clipper" also carried circus news, but coverage varies from year to year. Both journals have been microfilmed and should be available to consult. Sometimes, reviews included the rosters of the side show minstrel band.
          The black side show minstrel bands originated in the late 19th century and were commonplace circus entertainment into the 1930s. There's been some investigation of them as researchers have sought out various personalities that played with them.
          The John Robinson title, owned by the bonafide Robinson family of Terrace Park (Cincinnati), Ohio, was inactive 1912-1915. They sold the rights to it to Jerry Mugivan and Bert Bowers, who applied it in 1916 to one of their two circuses, Robinson's Famous Shows, and then in 1917 to their combined 45-car John Robinson outfit. During the winter of 1915-1916 the Robinson outfit was wintered in Montgomery, AL; during 1916-1917 in Americus, GA. The title continued in use through 1930.
          There's a collection of "original" John Robinson circus documentation at the Cincinnati Historical Society, but it's largely pre-Mugivan & Bowers material. If any ledgers survive from 1916-1917, they might be part of the RBBB business records archive at the Circus World Museum library.
          The late W. H. B. Jones sold a set of John Robinson photos taken at Hattiesburg, MS on November 29, 1916. Members of the side show band might be seen on one of the parade wagons. Jonesey's negatives have been dispersed. Albert Conover sold a set of 1917 John Robinson photographs at one time, but they are no longer directly available. Two of the images depict the sideshow band on top of a tableau wagon in parade (painted oval on the sides) and another documents the sideshow bannerline. The lead bandwagon and steam calliope from this circus are preserved today.
          You may want to read Clifford Watkins' biography of P. G. Lowery for some insights and leads to other resources, such as black newspapers that reported on the careers of African American musicians in the outdoor show business. Fred Dahlinger [Clifford Edward Watkins. Showman: The Life and Music of Perry George Lowery. Jackson: UP of Mississippi, 2003 - J. Griffin]
    Reply: 07 September, 2005 - The archives of the 1916 John Robinson Ten Big Shows have yet to be found. There is a John Robinson Collection at the Cincinnati Historical Society, but the records only go to 1912 or so, and later records only include some of the military elephant dates that were played. There was a 1916 route book issued for the show - no McTell listed. The Minstrel performers are listed as Mabel L. Adams, Maggie L. Motto, William Rastus Taylor, and Earl Terry. You might try reading the Billboard for a review of the show. Ted Bowman Route Collection.
    Reply: 07 September, 2005 - The determination that McTell is not listed in the 1916 route book means that he was not there when the roster was compiled for publication. Musicians, and other people, came and went from shows for various reasons. Musicians often played only through a certain territory, or when someone was needed. Other people joined a traveling show only to move from one part of the country to another, expense free, or to "see the world." People also used aliases and stage names. Fred Dahlinger
    Reply: 24 September, 2005 - Hi William. My family owned Afro American Minstrel/Medicine Shows from the teens throuth the fifties and many of the entertainers I grew up with were also on the circus sideshows and some such as Clarence Smith and Lil Buck Abel and Weathersby were on Circus Bartok and Hoxie Bros. Circus after the Bardex Minstrel/Medicine Show closed in the fifties. You Might check out Brooks McNamara book Step Right Up. Also different Southern States Historical Societies. Good Luck. Hope this helps. Bunni Bartok. BunniB1@aol.com


816. George Nichols, 06 September, 2005 - We are trying to find information about George Nichols. I believe he was a contortionist or an acrobat in the circus. The Nichols were adopted by a family, the Kings in Streator Illinois, but we were told that his real family were in the circus and they were the Nichols. Other Nichols family members rode ponies and was a clown. Any information you have would be greatly appreciated. I am trying to find this book - Directory of American Circuses 1793-2000, but I am not sure if I will find it. Thanks, Joseph King. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.


815. Texas Tommy, 06 September, 2005 - I am looking for any information about my aunt's brother-in-law who had a circus act called Texas Tommy and Baby Doll or husky dogs. He had two ponies and twenty or more husky type dogs, he came from Allentown Penn. His last name was Updegrove, my sister travelled with him one summer and we are trying to find some information. marylinhoward@yahoo.com, Marylin Howard, Hamilton, Ontario. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.

    Reply: 10 May 2008 - I would be interested in exchanging information about Texas Tommy with Marylin Howard. He was my grandfather and I have been researching his show business career myself recently. smallett, smallett@cox.net


814. Mills Bros. Circus, 06 September, 2005 - A few weeks ago, CIRCUS VERN had a message about a memorial for a promoter for Mills Bros. Circus who had died while booking the show into Reno, NV, in the early 1940's or something like that. I was not aware that Mills Bros Circus ever went that far west. Can anyone out there confirm this? Jim Cole. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.


813. 1964 Worlds Fair, 05 September, 2005. I have aquired a 16mm film with footage at the 1964 Worlds Fair. I am attempting to identify the names of the acts that may have performed there. There are several on the film, but the following is my priority interest. I understand that "The Continental Circus" had a pavilion, and also there was a Circus Museum with exibits from Ringling Bros. A couple of shots in particular are of the most interest. I have scenes of the "sway pole act". I am wondering if this is the The Flying Alexanders? I also understand that this was performed by Bellows Nocks, and also Eugene Nocks (his father) and his family swayed on pine poles before switching poles for the act's finale. (this is depicted in the film). Secondly, I have a shot of a clown in front of one of the pavilions, and I am going to have to watch the film again to see which pavilion. I understand that Emmett Kelly Jr. was commissioned for the Kodak pavilion. But, I am wondering what other "notable" clowns may have been present at this time with either Ringling Bros. or the Continental Circus. I would really like to narrow them down if at all possible. Thank you, BThompson831@cfl.rr.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 06 September, 2005 - The circus at the Worlds Fair was called "John Ringling North's Continental Circus" and as I recall the Nocks performed across the street at the water show "Aquacade". Art Concello designed and erected the tent but was not involved in the performance. The circus featured the Riding Hannefords, Flying Alexanders, Berosini Chimps and Risley, Billy Barton, Albert Rix Bear Act, Stephenson's dogs, MissLoni, Count Nicholas, Ernie Burch and Moran and our elephants. I'm sure I overlooked someone. I don't recall much out front other than the Ringling ticket wagons. North never appeared on the scene, he must have known something since business wise we died the death of a dog. Buckles
    Reply: 4 October, 2005 - The correct name is Nock, Eugene Nock. Nocks (Flying Nocks) is the plural. Natasha Gerson


812. 1962 Crisiani Wallace, 04 September, 2005 - Needed to fill out a collection, route card from 1962 Crisiani Wallace Bros. Circus, late August, that has Newport, RI listed (Aug 28). Jim Cole, jscolecircus@webtv.net. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.


811. Hagenbeck Wallace, Giraffe Neck Women, 04 September, 2005 - I am trying to find out if the Hagenbeck Wallace Circus was in Dallas Texas during the 1936 Texas Centennial celebration. If the circus wasn't there, does anyone know if the Royal Padaung Giraffe Neck Women were at the Centennial celebration? Thanks in advance, simos. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 05 September, 2005 - The Hagenbeck Wallace Circus played Dallas on November 1 & 2, 1935, then closed in Paris, Texas and shipped to Peru, Indiana. The show was kept in winterquarters for the 1936 season. Ted Bowman Route Collection
    Reply: 05 September, 2005 - The Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus did not tour in 1936. Fred Dahlinger


810. Live Unicorn, 03 September, 2005 - I heard on some radio program that part of the history of the Barnum and Bailey circus was they had a live unicorn. Is that so? nreese@austin.rr.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 05 September, 2005 - The "unicorn" was a white long haired goat that supposedly had one horn in the center of its forehead. I saw it and it looked just like a......goat! Don't always believe what you read or hear about the circus. In 1955, when I was 11 yrs old, I had my picture taken on the Ringling show kissing a gorilla named Mademoiselle Toto. She supposedly "escaped" and met me in the city and followed me back to the circus. It made all the major papers in the country. Well, Ms. Toto had polio in her lower limbs and had to be carried to that hay bale by her keeper, Joe Thomas. Hey, that's show business; what ever will bring em in. Erny Karoly, ernyk@aol.com

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809. Marguerite Haupt, cat trainer, 03 September, 2005 - I was wondering if anyone knew any information about a Female Cat Trainer, Marguerite Haupt. She was killed by a Tiger I think while in the employ of either Hagenbeck-Wallace or Al G. Barnes wild circus some time around the early nineteen hundreds. Thx, Donna Kozori. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 06 September, 2005 - I looked in the book Wild Animal Trainer in America by Joanne Carol Joys (Pruett Publishing Company - 1983 ) and found no mention of her. You might consider contacting the Circus World Museum Research Library to see if they have anything tucked in their files about her. Bob Cline
    Reply: 15 September, 2005 - She was in the direct employ of Lousis Roth before Mabel Starks, if the Hough book is correct. dkozoriz@compusmart.ab.ca


808. Nellie May Thornton, tatooed lady, 03 September, 2005 - I am looking for information on Nellie(or Nelly) May Thornton that was employed in the circus in the 1920's. She was a tatooed lady. I have been told that she married a barker from the circus. Any information would be helpful. linda_steinbauer@yahoo.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.


807. Harringtons Nickle Plate Show, 01 September, 2005 - My mother has just become a member of your circus historical society as she is the Granddaughter of Ernest A. Harrington of "Harringtons Nickle Plate Show". We became acquainted with your society after reading the article about Harringtons Nickle Plate Show in the back issue of Bandwagon magazine dated July-August 2001. The article was written by Joseph T. Bradbury and he received some of his information from Fred Dahlinger Jr. My mother is Patsy Bea referred to in the article. As you can understand we are VERY interested in any and all information that we can get about E. A. Harrington and the circus! Mr. Bradbury refers to the 1933 edition of "Circus Magazine" and we are particularly interested in knowing how we may get a copy of this edition. We would also like any information on the other articles mentioned in the Bandwagon! We will also answer any questions that you may have of us. Thank You, Wendy Veal, Great Granddaughter of Ernest A. Harrington. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 03 September, 2005 - Ernest Harrington had a long and interesting career in show business, starting about 1900. He had a tent theater, a circus, one of the last "Tom" shows to tour and also built air calliopes in the 1920s. You can contact me directly at afdj@g2a.net. Fred Dahlinger
    Reply: 03 September, 2005 - Hi Wendy, I would first call Circus World Museum to see if they have a copy of Circus Magazine 1933. Erin Foley is wonderful to work with and she will be glad to check their library and send you copies for a small fee. The web address is: www.circusworldmuseum.com/contact/index.html and the phone number is 866-693-1500. Also, I have a photo of a cowboy and a woman dressed as an Indian. The photo is in a scrapbook and has written under it "Nickel Plate Circus 1927" Please see posting 378 for discussion of this photo. Darren Bryan in Georgia, darrenrx@bellsouth.net


806. Fred Turner or Johnny J. James, 01 September, 2005 - Does anyone recall Fred Turner or Johnny J. James' Travelling Circus and Show? It featured blacks as dancing girls and ran by train from Hot Springs, AR and ran in Hartford, CT and NYC. How do I find pictures of these shows please? Devoted, Olivia A. M. Freeman. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 03 September, 2005 - Is it possible that you are seeking the Johnny J. Jones Exposition, a large railroad carnival that was active from the 1910s to about 1950? Bob Goldsack of Nashua, NH wrote a book about the show. It had a number of back end shows that may have featured black dancers. You can locate his contact information by searching past questions. Al Stencell also wrote a book titled "Girl Show" that might interest you. Fred Dahlinger


805. Flying Jordans, Bob Fisher's Fearless Flyers, 01 September, 2005 - Would anyone have some background facts on these two groups of flyers: The Flying Jordans and Bob Fisher's Fearless Flyers? I would like to know which shows they traveled with and the approximate years they were together. Any facts would be very interesting to me. Thank you so much. Janette L. Jones, jljones@molalla.net. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 13 September, 2005 - Lewis and Mamie, founders of The Flying Jordans, of Bellfontaine, Ohio, were one of the earliest flying return acts in the U.S. In 1890 Mamie became the first woman to accomplish a double somersault to a hand catch while practicing at Edward Shipp's training barn at Petersburg, Illinois. The Jordans made a sensation performing this trick throughout the U.S. and Europe. In Europe in 1892 they enlisted ("adopted" ?) three young people to work in the act: Oscar Linscoff, who took the name "Jordan" and performed under that name until as late as 1948; George Novikoff, who married Pauline Loretta (of the famous Loretta Twins bar act) and entered into partnership with Jack Ernest to form the Ernestonian-Novikoff flying act; and Lena Jordan (her actual last name is not known), who became the first person in history to perform a triple somersault to a hand catch. Lewis Jordan died in 1913, and it was Oscar who used the name of the "Flying Jordans" into the 1930s and '40s. The following is an incomplete chronology of the Flying Jordans' activities:

    1890 Wallace & Co. Circus
    1891 Orrin Bros. Circus, Barnum & Bailey Circus
    1892 Touring Europe
    1896-'97 Ringling Bros. Circus
    1906 Hagenbeck Wallace Circus
    1907 Performing in Porto Rico
    1909 Ringling Bros. Circus
    1913 Lewis Jordan dies December 22--The Jordan Girls are performing a wire act on the vaudeville stage 1932 Sam B. Dill Circus 1933 Eastern States Circus 1934 The "Mill Show" 1935-'36 Tom Mix Circus 1937 Vaudeville stage show. Steve Gossard

    Reply: 20 September, 2005 - Robert Musselman was born in Corinth, Kentucky in 1900 (geneological information provided by Delores J. Boyd). His sister, Edith, married Charles Waller. Bob joined Charles' flying return act, "The Flying Fishers", in Bloomington, Illinois in about 1915. He took the name "Fisher" as his professional name throughout his life, and performed with the trapeze acts practicing and living in Bloomington. Bob was working with Charles Siegrist's troupe on the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus from 1918-1920. He was with Tom Nelson's Flying Nelsons on the Sells Floto Circus in 1921. It was about this time that Bob married his wife, Francis, and they were listed with the roster of the of the Sells Floto Circus as "Mr. and Mrs. Bob Fisher" that year, probably with Tom Nelson's troupe again. They are found performing with the Flying La Vans at the St. Louis Polics Circus in April of 1925, and with the Women's Relief Corps Circus in Bloomington, Illinois in 1927. During this time Bob and his wife were performing with the Flying Wards for the American Circus Corporation, and practicing at the Ward barn on Emerson Street. By 1929 Bob had formed his own troupe, which he called "Bob Fisher's Fearless Flyers." They performed with the 101 Ranch Wild West Show that year, and performed stunts for the Buddy Rogers movie, "Half Way to Heaven." The Fearless Flyers played parks and fairs in spring of 1931, but followed with a tour of Europe that continued into the following year. They finished their tour in 1932 in South America, and returned to the U.S. to play shrine dates with Mayme Ward's troupe that spring. After that they began yet another tour of Europe, which lasted through December 1932. The Fearless Flyers played shrine dates and parks and fairs in 1933. From 1934 through 1937 they were the principal flying act with the Russell Bros. Circus, as well as playing shrine dates in the winter months. In 1938 the Fearless Flyers were the featured flying act with the Al. G. Barnes-Sells Floto Circus. In 1940 Bob and Frances moved to St. Petersburg, Florida. Frances died that year in March, and the Bob's act continued performing in parks and fairs that summer. The Fearless Flyers performed shrine dates and parks and fairs for two more years. Though 1942 is the last year that Bob is found touring with his flying return act, Mickey King tells us that when she retired from performing in the 1950s Bob was working as the manager of Ligonier Park. He remarried Evelyn Nelson in 1950, and took a job as maintenance supervisor of the Parks Department of St. Petersburg, Florida, where he retired. He died December 23, 1969 in St. Petersburg, Florida.


804. Kay Bros. circus, 01 September, 2005 - Do you have any information on Kay Bros. circus of years gone by? Thanks, Robert Spivey. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 01 September, 2005 - From Robert L. Parkinson, Directory of American Circuses, pp. 237-238, 241. Kay Bros. Circus, 1918-1941, 1951, 1988-1989. William Ketrow, proprietor 1918-1941, Chuck Koenekemp, proprietor, 1988-1989. Also: Kaye Bros. Circus, circa 1961, Al Kayda, proprietor; Ketrow Bros. Circus 1906-1930, William Ketrow, proprietor. J. Griffin

    Reply: 15 November, 2006 - Hello there, I have just read your message. I'm trying to find information on my grandad. He worked for a circus called Tommy Kay he looked after the tigers. Have you got any information that may help me? If so please reply to beatricemcnaught@btinternet.com


803. Ringling route card 1955, 31 August, 2005 - Does anyone have a copy of the Ringling route card for 1955 season. I would love to find one, Erny Karoly, ErnyK@aol.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 01 September, 2005 - There were twelve route cards printed for the 1955 season, and one route book issued. There are usually one or two RBBB route books on ebay every week, you should check it under 'circus route'. John Polacsek


802. Sells Brothers Circus, 31 August, 2005 - Is there any information existing on the US travel itinerary of the Sells Brothers Circus in the 1881 - 1887 time period? Did Sells Brothers ever travel to Texas? Is there any particular library or museum that would have Sells Brothers information? Thank you. Jane Biedron, Susan@jsbiedron.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 01 September, 2005 - The Sells Bros. did play Texas, endured a disastrous tour about 1887. The state was sometimes the death knell for traveling shows. Try the Circus World Museum Library for routes, via an inquiry to their website. Be aware that the Sells brothers fielded two shows for most of the 1880s, through 1887, the second circus under a variety of titles such as New Great Pacific and S. H. Barrett. Fred Dahlinger
    Reply: 01 September, 2005 - In 1884 the Sells Bros. Circus played dates in Texas from October 8 to Nov 25, and in 1887 they played Texas from October 10 - 28. Ted Bowman Route Collection


801. Big Top Water Spray, 29 August, 2005 - In reading Chappie Fox's book A Ticket To The Circus, he makes reference in the 1955 edition there was a water wagon for big top spray. Was that spray used to cool the interior or for some other reason? Thank You! Best, Craig Johnson, Lock Haven, PA. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 31 August, 2005 - Craig, The water wagon was used for the following: Fill water buckets for performers to wash in etc; water the animals, spray the ground to keep the dust down, fill the water barrels placed around the lot with big blocks of ice in them and a tin cup attached on a chain for personnel to have drinking water, hose down the elephants to keep them cool. When I was with Ringling in 1955, Jimmy Armstrong, one of the clowns had the 'water concession", he would come around and fill our water buckets and he was usually given a "tip" for his service. Or perhaps he got a certain amount for each bucket? I don't remember as I was just 11 yrs old at the time. I hope this helps you a little. Erny Karoly

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