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Message Archive: Messages 851 - 900



900. Buckeye Bill, 15 October, 2005 - Buckeye Bill, a medicine showman traveled with the Kansas giant, Horn Ford. Would like to know more about Buckeye Bill or where I can find the information. Barbara Frum, frumski@earthlink.net. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.

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899. Rockwell circus, Page circus, Sells Floto circus, 14 October, 2005 - Both these circus's were in the early to mid 1800's. I have been told that Pages Circus owned the "leopard spotted horse" by the name of Alexander until 1931, he was then sold to Elephant Coleman (of Williamstown, Vt), then to W. H. Rockwell. While in the ownership of Rockwell. There was a Currier & Ives painting of Alexander, at the Bowery Amphitheatre in NY March 1840. I am also looking for information regarding some horses owned or used by Sells-Floto Circus or Floto Dog & Pony Show. One would be a horse called Pasha (or Pacha), he is said to be an Arabian. This would be about 1906, as this horse led the "circus parade" with Otto Floto mounted. The other horse would be an Appaloosa colored stallion known as Barnum's Flash, who probably was a "Barnum" horse to begin with. Any information on the above will be appreciated. Pat Mefferd, Cottonwood, Ca. (distant relative of Harry Heye Tammen, co-founder of the Sells-Floto Circus, formerly Floto Dog & Pony Show). Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.


896. Who's Who in the American Circus, 14 October, 2005 - The CFA White Tops in the 1963 to 1966 era published a Who's Who in the American Circus. I have most of the journals but I'm missing a few pages. Would any one have these that would be willing to simply make me copies of the Who's Who archives? I can tell you in detail what pages I'm missing if you might be able to help. For those that are not familiar with this archive, the lists are for shows in existance from the 1840's to 1952. There is another list that included owners and years. Terrific history and I have referenced what I have many times in my elephant research. Regards, Bob Cline fivetiger@marlboroelectric.net. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 14 October, 2005 - Bob, CFA has recently given permission to place Sturtevant's "Who's Who in the American Circus" list of circuses (1724-1952) on this website. It will not include the list of owners. It should go on next week. Otherwise, I have a copy (list of circuses). J. Griffin, CHS webmaster.


895. Show Me the Hide of Black Diamond, 13 October, 2005 - On October 12th, 1929 in the town of Corsicana Texas, the huge bull Asian tusker "Black Diamond", of the Al. G. Barnes circus, killed one of the towns leading citizens on the streets of Corsicana, in front of a shocked crowd. Public outrage demanded the elephant pay the ultimate price, so on October 16th, the huge elephant was unloaded from his car in Kenedy Texas,and at 2:15 pm was shot by a firing squad. Reportly Black Diamond's hide and feet were given to Eugene Eckols. However a 1934 newspaper article stated that Black Diamond's hide was in the possession of Frank J. Walter of Houston Texas. So does anyone know where his hide is these days? For more info concerning the black Diamond story check out www.roadsideamerica.com then click on pet cemetey dept. then click on Black Diamond page. kentonc2001@yahoo.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.


894. Circus piano, 13 October, 2005 - I am trying to find out about a midget Cable upright piano which was supposedly on display at Chicago's 1933 Worlds Fair. When I purchased it, I was told that it was afterwards used as a circus piano for 10 years. I want to know what circus and who may have played it. It is antique red with black and gold trim. It was built in 1932. It is tuned to play very loud. Any info would be helpful. Thank you in advance for your help. Cindy McKeever. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 14 October, 2005 - I don't recall ever seeing a piano on a circus, but I did see several of these miniature pianos on rep shows. I suggest you contact the Theatre Museum of Repertoire Americana at 405 East Thrashers Road, Mt Pleasant, Iowa 52641. They might be able to help you. Ree-gards, Ole Whitey
    Reply: 20 October, 2005 - I have seen several organs on circuses but, never a piano. Erny Karoly
    Reply: 22 October, 2005 - I, too, have not seen a piano on a circus. Sideshows had bands, but all used portable instruments. All of my family's Minstrel, Medicine, and Rep shows did have upright pianos as an important part of the band. Mr. Mistin, the child prodigee on Ringling in the 50's, I believe, used a xylophone or marimba. I do not remember if he included a piano. BunniB1@aol.com


893. Col. Woods sideshow/musuem, 11 October, 2005 - Trying to find out information on a side show hand bill that I have. Its title is Col. Woods grand museum of Lancaster Penn. It's dated 1854 can't find anything on him or the museum. jsalbie@netusa1.net. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 11 October, 2005 - This may be Joseph H. "Col" Wood. In 1843 assembled a traveling museum and toured it for 15 years. Best known for his Wood's Museum, Philadelphia and probably his museum in Chicago. There is more on Joseph H. Wood in William L. Slout's Olympians of the Sawdust Circle, p. 333. J. Griffin.
    Reply: 14 October, 2005 - There were two showmen by the name of Woods. Often they are confused for one another. An extensive paper has been written about them and is on file at Circus World Museum's library. Fred Dahlinger
    Reply: 16 October, 2005 - Colonel Wood's Museum was located at the corner of Ninth and Arch Streets in Philadelphia. During the 1860's the museum rented live exotic animals from the John O'Brien circus,including the two-ton rhinoceros,"Big Pete." The Rhinoceroes was displayed on the ground floor but when he walked around the building shook, so customers got concered. Also I believe the Wood's museum in Chicago was destroyed by the Chicago fire of 1871. It probably most famous for displaying one of the two Sea Serpent" skeletons of the showman Albert Koch (actually the sea serpent skeletons were the articulated remains of several extinct toothed whales called Zueglodons also known as Basilosaurus whose skeletons were found in Alabama on land that once had been under the ocean. The other sea sepent skeleton was I believe displayed in a museum in Berlin Germany, where it was correctly articulated into a single Zueglodon whale years ago. apemonsterman@yahoo.com
    Reply: 03 February, 2006 - I am the great great grandson of John Harvey Wood who, according to family tradition, is reputed to at one time owned and operated Wood's Museum in Chicago. I would be greatly for any leads anyone might provide to me in my research on the "Colonel". R. Gaffney, San Francisco

    Reply: 25 January, 2007 - I have ads for Col. Woods' Grand Museum of Living Wonders from the Wheeling (then Virginia, now West Virginia) Daily Intelligencer for April 1854 and September 1857. At that time, he was featuring Miss Richardson, Madame Clofullia and, in 1854, Chang and Eng. I am interested in women entertainers who traveled through Wheeling in these years. B. Howe.

    Reply: 16 April, 2007 - I've been researching Col. John Wood for some time, due to his connection with Lavinia Warren Bump (Mrs. Tom Thumb). I believe his home base was Old Brutus / Weedsport, NY. He is buried there, as is John W. Wood, his son, I believe. Both Johns were in "show business." Col. was involved with P.T.Barnum, co-producing some Baby Contests. He was also hired to manage the infamous "Cardiff Giant." When Lavinia was 16 years old in 1858, she went to work on a "museum" showboat, managed by Col. Wood. They traveled and performed along the Illinois, Ohio, Mississippi, and Missouri Rivers. Handbills were distributed at every stop. After four years, the approaching war caused Col. Wood to sell the boats and retreat home to the north. Lavinia worked at county and state fairs for Wood for a few months and then was hired by P.T. Barnum for his American Museum. Hope this helps. I am grateful for the information I have gotten at this site. Nancy Gedraitis, nancygedraitis@yahoo.com


892. Matej Triska, high wire, 10 October, 2005 - Hello I am looking for anybody that my have known Matej Triska a high wire artist From the Czech Republic. Born 1922. Would like to know if any body may have any pictures or video that I may not have or just any stories. jmtriska@cs.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 11 October, 2005 - A circus video dealer from Sarasota, Jim Ridenhour may have a video of this act from the 1950's TV show "Super Circus". Jim Cole
    Reply: 11 October, 2005 - Drat, I had a great picture of the "Triska Troupe" on the high wire downloaded from ebay but lost it in a computer crash. Was interested in the name to know if there was any relation to Mario Triska, the violinist, and Piroska Triska, dancer, singer, Sinti / Romany, performing here in the Netherlands and Germany, they were not sure, maybe you are? Natasha Gerson
    Reply: 18 October, 2005 - Some others may confirm or correct my memory of Triska's high wire act. I believe his finish trick was to ride a motorcycle across the wire. Halfway across the cycle's engine would stop and Triska would have to "kick start" the machine. Amazing he never got the machine repaired but it was an exciting finale. The last time I saw his act was on Hubert Castle's Indianapolis date in the mid 70s. jalexander
    Reply: 13 December, 2005 - My Name is Gaston, I'm Matej Triska's Grandson you may contact me at gbggarces@yahoo.com. I'll be glad to relate any info about or to him.

    Reply: 26 March, 2006 - Hello, Gaston I am your Aunt Donna. J. I would love a copy of what your mom has. Contact me please. Donninza@peoplepc.com. I have lost all contact information yet again in another computer crash and move.

    Reply: 26 September, 2006 - I am writing this email in response to a question I had found on the internet about Matej Triska. This is my grandfather and I have numerous photos, family history as well as contact with my aunts and uncle who was part of the circus act. I am a college student at Marshall University. I would be more than happy to speak with you about my grandfather, whom I regret to inform you is VERY ill and may not be on this earth much longer. Sincerely, Sonja Triska Gollihue

    Reply: 01 October, 2006 - Just this summer spoke to 'The Albertos' - also Triska's from Czecha, performing with the Dutch circus Harlekino this summer, and was told Matrej had an accident at one point and then dissappeared from view. Would also be interested to know. Natasha Gerson


891. Seal act, Sharkey, 10 October, 2005 - Does anyone know if there was a seal act with a seal named Sharkey? I think it may been part of the Ringling Brothers Circus. Thank you. Joe Valastro. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 14 October, 2005 - Yes there was a seal named Sharkey. I don't know if he was with RBBB. I remember him working Fairs & Sport Shows, he was pretty big, worked on stage and in a tank of water, I seem to remember him being billed as "Billy Rose's Sharkey" B Strong


890a. Brown & Dyer show, 10 October, 2005 - Am looking for information about the Brown and Dyer Show. Captain Curly Wilson. Any information about the Show would be helpful. RAYoungTX@aol.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 14 October, 2005 - Brown & Dyer was a railroad carnival. Joe McKennon's book lists it as operating 1918-1929. Capt. Curly Wilson was a known showman. One of his recollections was printed in Billboard, April 11, 1936, page 41, pertaining to when he was with the 1897 Hummel, Hamilton & Sells show. You'd probably have to search the weekly issues of the Billboard to locate further information about Wilson and his time with Brown & Dyer. Fred Dahlinger


890. First circus Australia, 9 October, 2005 - I'm currently researching early circus acts in Australia for a fictional story I'm writing. I would like to know which circus was the very first one to come out to Australia and in which year it arrived. Also, what acts were performed? Were there any animals and what kinds? I would appreciate any information you may have. glen3677@bigpond.net.au. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 10 October, 2005 - There is a marvellous book written in 1983 by Mark St. Leon called "Spangles and Sawdust - The Circus In Australia" This will answer all your queries. You will need to try some specialist booksellers but the odd copies are still available. Published by Greenhouse publications, ISBN 0 0909104 61 1. John Sullivan

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889. Perry Brothers Circus, 8 October, 2005 - I am looking for information on Perry Brothers Circus, I believe it is owned by the Maynards. If anyone has information on this circus or even better, contact information for them it would be appreciated. Thanks, Jarret Towns. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 21 December, 2005 - I am related to the Perry circus family. And I know the Maynards well. What do u need to know? Regards, Glenn Mallowes

    Reply: 18 May, 2006 - I would like the email address of Glenn Mallows. I spent alot of time travelling with Perry Brothers as a child and have lost contact. They have since sold their animals and gear to Stardust Circus please reply to diedavies@yahoo.com.au

    Reply: 31 May, 2006 - It was Robert Perry from Albertos Circus that sold out to Stardust Circus. The original Perry Brothers Circus is still going. It is owned by the Maynard Family nee Perry. My brother is married to Jimmy Perrys Grandaughter. Her name is Yasmin Brophy. My email address is garycaroline62@yahoo.com.au if you need any info I can give you Lorraine Maynard (Perry) phone number to you. Cheers, Gary Brophy, Dir. Circus Sunrise, Australia


888. Etsel (Ed, Dee) Piland, 8 October, 2005 - Etsel (Ed, Dee) Piland and he worked for the Tom Mix circus in the 1930's and his girlfriend's name was Joy Myers. If you any information about Etsel or Joy, I would like to hear from you. Thank You, Bob Piland, mariannem44@sbcglobal.net. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.


887. Search For Burial Site of Columbus (the elephant), 8 October, 2005 - In October 1851, during which the famous Raymond & Waring elephant "Columbus",(Which was the largest elephant in America,up until that time) was touring the country side of the Eastern U.S.A, near the town of North Adams Massachusetts, Columbus fell through a wooden bridge over the Hoosick River (more like a stream) onto the rocks below, and was seriously injured. The elephant was schedule for a gig at the town of Stockbridge 30 miles away, which he almost made, however he was suffering immensely and a few days later, was taken into a barn on the Lenox/Stockbridge line. The barn was located on the Cortland Field Bishop estate. A week after falling through the bridge Columbus died. James Raymond(the owner) donated Columbus's carcass to nearby Williams College, however since no one at the college had the skills to preserve a elephant hide and skeleton, Columbus was buried in the rocky soil near where he died. 6 years later in 1857, some of the staff and students of Williams College dug up Columbus,but it was found that Columbus was still partially a carcass, so they buried him again. However years later it seems that as staff and students came and went from the college, the exact place the elephant was buried was forgotten.
      In 1951 during the centennial of the incident, some of the college residents attempted to try and locate the burial site of Columbus again, however the ground was too frozen to do any digging, again forgotten until 1967 when another attempt was made to locate the buried elephant, however again this time they forgot their digging implements as well as it being too cold to dig. For a interesting article about Columbus and the on again off again search for him, check out, The Adams Historical Society Newsletter, Vol.20 no.5, September 1993 also Banner Line, June 15, 1967 pp.7-10. K.C. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 16 October, 2005 - According to recent research by circus historians, The Columbus that fell throught the bridge at North Adams, Ma. in 1851 was actually Columbus #2. The original Columbus the elephant was imported in 1817 (named after the ship that brought him to America). The original Columbus died in March 1829, at the age of 26 years old. His hide and skeleton were prepared and mounted for exhibit at the Peale Museum in Philadelphia. When the Peale museum went out of business in 1848,reportly Columbus's hide and skeleton were sold to the Museum of Moses Kimball in Boston, Ma. That museum went out of business in 1899. What became of Columbus hide and skeleton after that is not known at this time (as far as I know). BTW of the two elephants, Columbus #2 was the largest, reportly he weighed 10,730 lbs. The first Columbus only weighed 8,121 lbs. Check out the article, The Elephants Named Columbus by Stuart Thayer,in Bandwagon Nov-Dec, 2000. K.C.

    Reply: 20 October, 2006 - Reportly when Columbus was dying from his injuries in the barn at Cortlandt Field near the county line in October 1851, his screams could be heard from miles away. (There still is or had been,a old path crossing the field known as"Elephant Path"). Back then they probably would not have had too many options as to where to bury a 5 tonne elephant carcass,so the logical place would have been buried within the barn. A grave of at least 10 feet wide x 14 feet length by 7 feet deep would have been about the size. Also a fact is,that the famous naturalist and museum builder Henry A. Ward had been a student at nearby Williams College during 1851-1852. My feeling is that sometime years later he came back and exhumed Columbus's skeleton, possibly in the early 1860's for his company and museum in Rochester New York. However in October 1869,Ward's, Cosmos Hall and Chronos Hall with the Zoological specimens in Rochester,NY, were destroyed in a fire. Kenton C.

    Reply: 18 Nov 2007 - There is a newspaper article in the Berkshire (PA) Eagle dated May-8-1862,that had reported that there were plans for the Williams College Summer class to locate then dig up and set up and articulate the skeleton of Columbus in the college Natural History museum along with that of a whale. However I was unable to find any follow up article to say for sure if they did it. Kenton C.


886. Carole Goodwin, 8 October, 2005 - Trying to help a friend find out if other members of her act are still around. She came over from England around 1964-1965, and did an act in Las Vegas with the other show girls. Then she came to Sarasota, and performed at the Circus Hall of Fame. Her name is Carole Goodwin. She is 63 now. Thanks if anyone responds. T. Whitman for Carole (Goodwin) Baxter. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.


885. Leo Weste booklet, 7 October, 2005 - Hello, In 1925 Leo Weste (sic!) published a small booklet about his life and I was wondering if any of your members had come across it or if they know where I could get a copy of it. I am led to believe that he may have performed with my great grandfather Leo Thompson. rayperkin@blueyonder.co.uk. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.


884. Peter Baujan, fat man, 6 October, 2005 - Questioning if a man by the name of Peter Baujan traveled with the Barnum circus as a sideshow 'fat man'? I believe Mr. Baujan was originally from Midwest (Illinois) and would have been with the circus prior to 1894. Would be grateful for any information. M. Schnake, Jacksonville, IL, Lynnnez@yahoo.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 6 October, 2005 - This may be an obituary of Peter Baujan (you may have seen this, found on ancestry.com): Peter was known for his unsual weight, tipping the scales at 510 pounds. When a mere boy, he began to show signs of developing and when he reached his teens, he was a man. Because of his unsual size, various showmen visited him at his home, and he was induced by P. T. Barnum, the king of circus showmen, to go on the road with his company. He was then 26 years old, and for 9 years he traveled with the show in all parts of the world and exhibited as the largest man living. It was said that at the time he weighed 550 pounds. His mother was a small woman, weighing only 110 pounds, and the remainder of his family were of medium weight except one sister, Mary, who reached the weight of 440 pounds and for awhile she accompanied her brother with the Barnum show. On election days in Arenzville, he was taken to the voting place in a dray wagon; on times past at rallies he occasioned much merriment by being driven about and exhibited as the biggest democrat in Ilinois, for politically he was democrat. His size made it necessary to have special furniture for him and an ordinary chair would not withstand his weight. He was a well educated man and could talk intelligently on all the topics of the day. His travels about the world also gave him opportunity to observe widely the various habits and customs of people. He came to the U.S. at the age of 6 months, landing in New Orleans, LA and coming from there directly to Arenzville, IL where he lived the rest of his life. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday, March 25, 1914 at 9:30 o'clock at the St. Fidelis Catholic Church, Rev. Father J. J. Cronin in charge, interment in the Arenzville East Cemetery.
          Slout's "Olympians," which covers the time period for Peter, does not list Baujan. If he was a sideshow fat man, he may have used an different professional name. Supposedly Peter born Germany 1851, died 1914? Seemed to have lived in Cass County, Illinois. If you have not done so, you might want to contact the Cass county historical society? Cass County Historical & Genealogical Society, 109 S. Front St. Virginia, IL 62691, Telephone: (217)452-7977 - J. Griffin


883. Mr. Meakin, lion trainer, 6 October, 2005 - Hi! my name is Bethany and I am trying to find out information about a Mr. Meakin who trained my Nana's mother Bonita to be a lion trainer. He was from New Zealand. My nana is writing the family history and would love to find out information about this man. Regards, Bethany Fethers, bethanymichael@westnet.com.au. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 7 October, 2005 - Mr. Meakin lion tamer. A Mr. Dave Meakin used to have lions on the Australian show circuit. Could be the same man. robert perry, australia
    Reply: 7 October, 2005 - There was a David Meekin (different spelling) who performed a stage act with Lions and Tigers for Fullers vaudeville under the name "Afrikander" in the 1920's. He went on to become a prominet sideshow promoter in Australia and New Zealand up to the 1960's. This David Meekin was born at Artunga, near Tamworth Australia in 1891. John Sullivan, New Zealand


882. Elephants Suzy & Kay, 5 October, 2005 - Does anyone know the fate of the two older elephants Suzy and Kay from Carson and Barnes? I worked with them on that show years ago. Dion. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 8 October, 2005 - Kay the elephant of the Carson & Barnes Show died near Taylorville, Illinois back in October 21, 1994. It was estimated she was near 58 years old. She was buried on the farm of a local veternarian. You can see a photo of her granite headstone over at www.roadsideamerica.com (the pet cemetary dept.). apemonsterman@yahoo.com
    Reply: 11 October, 2005 - I have a Suzie listed in 2001 at 52 years of age. I don't have her listed by 2003. She might be at the breeding farm in retirement. I can't really say without other information as to her whereabouts or demise. Bob Cline
    Reply: 12 October, 2005 - Suzy was taken off the Carson & Barnes Circus and was in a semi retired state at the elephant compound in Hugo. Last year she joined the Miller elephants that were spending the summer at Baraboo, and this year she is on the Universoul Circus doing the act with Becky and Traci. John Polacsek


881. Belle vue circus, Manchester, 4 October, 2005 - Could anyone give me the name of the conductor of the circus orchestra at Belle Vue around 1951/52. Thanks, Al Gleason. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.


880. Karoly Riders, 4 October, 2005 - If anyone has information on Circus Sarrasani in South America mentioning anything about the Karoly Riders, I would like to hear from you. Also, The Hippodrome in New York City around 1905-06. And, Circus Gleich, Barum, Blackpool Tower Circus 1936,37,38, performances in Russia 1912-13. Thanks, Erny Karoly. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 7 October, 2005 - AH Kober, the then-press man of Sarrasani, wrote at length about the South American tours of Stosch Sarrasani. I think the English title is Circus Days and Circus Nights, also with many illustrations. Natasha Gerson
    Reply: 8 October, 2005 - Copies of illustration about Sarrasani show a riding troupe described as: Tscherkessen, there are about 8 people doing a pyramid on a platform pulled by three horses. fatima

    Reply: 27 July 2007 - Dear Mr.Karoly! I’m an hungarian circus history collector and I have a list about the Karoly Riders but not too much data. 1906 Carl Hagenbeck’s circus in New York. 1910 Circus Beketow Budapest. 1911 Circus Adolf Strassburger. 1928 Circus Gleich. 1932 Krone. 1939 Strassburger-Carré. 1942-43 Mikkenie-Strassburger. 1945–1951 Circus Van Bever. 1949 Carl Hagenbeck/Elida Karoly. 1954 Margaret,Ilonka and Evy went to the Ringling, Eugene and Emile From the Van Bever to the Boswell Circus South Africa. Ilonka in 1956/57 Medrano 58 Strassburger 1961 Boswell. The Sandor Karoly Troupe in 1963 Circus Vivi Denmark. Margaret and Evy stayed in U.S.A. with The King Bros., Wallace Bros, Hoxie Bros. Please if You can send me data or copies about Sarrasani or other programs with the Karoly Riders From 1900 to 1950’s years. Many Thanks László Szigeti. Hungary

    Reply: 18 Oct 2007 - I am looking for some information on Carl Hagenbeck, who help out a young lad who could not pay for his meal in a cafe' in Germany. This lad is my father who was only 9 years old when he met Carl Hagenbeck, and my father learned the circus from A to Z. My father's name is Leslie Speechley who learned the circus business quite well like clowning, trapeze work, magic, animal training etc. If you have any information of my father please send, as I want to include this all in my family tree. I am sending you a photo of my father, but sorry I have no photo of him being young. But my father never changed his features in his face. Kind Regards, Lesley Speechley [attached photo not included here - J. Griffin, webmaster]

    Reply: 06 Jun 2008 - Hi Erny, Ilonka Karoly still lives in Holland. She's the daughter of Emile. For info you can try contacting me through mail: p.dalen7@chello.nl. Pierre van Dalen, Netherlands

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879. Gustave Burkhart, 4 October, 2005 - I'm trying to find any leads or information about my great uncle Gustave Burkhart (born 1870) of New York City. He was supposedly, according to family stories, a stage magician in New York Vaudeville, knew Thurston and Houdini and traveled with Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show in the 1900/1910 period. In the 1930 census he gives his occupation as "Circus manager." He passed away at age 88 in 1959 and his obit states that "During the 1920's and 30's he toured the West as a magician with the Gentry and King Brothers Circuses." I have a few postcards from the 40's that a family member saved that may help identify what circuses he actually managed or was involved with. On August 9,1942 he has just arrived from Vermont in Albany, NY complaining about how much trouble he is having with the help and attractions. On 30 Oct 1942 he is in Detroit on his way from Pittsburg and Cleveland and then on to Chicago, St. Louis and "possibly" Kansas City. On June 15, 1943 he is back in Detroit after St. Louis. On Jan 12, 1944 he is leaving for Wheeling West Virginia and Washington DC, "booked through the end April." The last post card is dated Aug 1, 1945 from New York City and he mentions that "after 45 years of theatrical touring" (at age 70) he has taken up managing some apartment buildings in Brooklyn. I know very little about him other than the above so any leads or insights would be greatly appreciated. Joel Burkhart in Tulsa. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 4 October, 2005 - Gus Burkhart (possibly born Burkhardt?) once worked in vaudeville as one of several called "the King of Coins." He also played circus side shows and the museum circuit; I am aware that he was playing Walker's Museum in Boston in March of 1907, which may mean he spent the winter of 1906-07 there. Side show acts frequently looked for winter work in the museums during this period. Your information above about his knowing Thurston and Houdini and touring with those various shows is all very possible and very likely correct. You may not be aware that the King brothers operated under several titles in the 1920s including Gentry Bros Circus, so the Gentry and King references may refer to the same show. Many years ago I saw a photograph of Burkhart's fine house in Brooklyn that he used in his publicity. And that's about all I know about your great uncle except that he looked every inch the magician of the era. Good luck in your search for more facts. Regards - Ole Whitey
    Reply: 5 October, 2005 - You might check George C. D. Odell's multi-volume "Annals of the New York Stage" for mentions of Burkhart, as well as the ProQuest on-line version of the "New York Times." Both will be found in larger libraries. Their respective indexes and key-word searching may provide references to him. Scanning the pages of amusement trade serials [Billboard, New York Clipper, Variety, Show World] might prove fruitful but will be very time consuming since his bookings were likely everywhere. Magic journals, both period and contemporary, would also seem to be a proper place to search for references.
          Buffalo Bill's Wild West [never "Show"] was in America 1900-1902, then went to Europe for 1903-1906, and then returned again for 1907-1908. Pawnee Bill bought the show property and with Cody as partial partner toured it through mid-1913 as the "Two Bills" outfit.
          If you check the Bandwagon article on this website, you'll find Joseph T. Bradbury articles covering all of the various Floyd and Howard King circuses of the 1920s that are mentioned by "Ole Whitey." They may mention your great uncle. Also look for Harris Bros., Walter L. Main and Cole Bros. [all until 1930 only].
          If you can obtain Billboard magazine for 1942-1945 on interlibrary loan (available as microfilm), you could scan it for the dates and routes that match his correspondence. Fred Dahlinger
    Reply: 6 October, 2005 - Many thanks for the above leads to my ?Uncle Gus? as he was known in the family. As usual in research like this, after a long drought, information pours in. Now one of the family members has come up with one of Uncle Gus's New York business cards from around 1930. The front side has the usual Show Biz hyperbole touting him as "Comedy Magician and Illusionist, King of Coins and Cards" and "25 Years the Leader of Laughter in every Branch of Amusement." It also mentions "Presenting a High Class Punch and Judy Entertainment with a Complete Miniature Theater. A Laughing Riot on every program". All that aside, what may be of interest to some of the readers of this Board is the backside of his card, which is basically a resume and possibly a chronological list of his many past jobs. (In show business you are never out of work, you are just between engagements) It lists some Circuses that don't even come up in a Google search. Below is exactly what is printed including the mis-spelling of Forepaugh and Nassau.
          "G. Burkhart who has been identified with all the leading Circuses throughout the United States and Canada, Mexico, Nassou, Jamaica and Bahama islands, West Indies beginning with the Forepouge and Sells Bros.., Barnum and Bailey Shows in 1897-8, later with Norris and Row Circus, Sells and Downs Shows, Campbel Bros. Circus, Hagenback Wild Animal Show, Cole Brothers World Toured Shows, Sig. Sautells Circus, Buckskin Bills Wild West, Walter L. Maine Circus, Augustus Jones Shows, Gollmar Bros. Circus, Buffalo Bills Wild West; From 1911 Mgr of Circus Side Shows, Downie and Wheeler Circus, Sig. Sautells Circus, La Tena Circus, Frank A. Robbins Shows, Young Buffalo Wild West, Walter L. Maine Circus; Season 1926-7, Manager Side Shows Gentry Bros. Circus."
          If you can believe it, he got all of that on the back side of his 2 3/4 by 4 3/4 Business Card. I hope it's of interest or use to someone on the board. Thanks again for all the leads and info. I've now got my work cut out for me tracking this information overload. Joel Burkhart in Tulsa
    Reply: 8 October, 2005 - All of the titles listed are bonafide, they're just mis-spelled in a number of cases. The proper spellings and general years of operation [except in complex cases] are: Adam Forepaugh & Sells Bros. 1896-1907, 1910-1911 Barnum & Bailey 1888-1918, later part of RBBB, 1897 was in the US, 1898 was in England Norris & Rowe 1900-1910 Sells & Downs 1902-1904 Campbell Bros.1896-1912 and later operations 1920-1922, 1923, 1930 Carl Hagenbeck Trained Wild Animal Show 1905-1906, later as Hagenbeck-Wallace 1907-1938 (except 1936) Cole Bros. World Toured [various operations] 1906-1909, 1912-1913, 1916-1924, 1929-1930 Sig Sautelle's [various partnerships] 1882-1886, 1889-1904, 1911-1914, 1919, 1926, Sautelle & Welsh 1905 Buckskin Bill's Wild West 1900-1902, 1904 Walter L. Main Circus 1886-1899, 1901-1904, 1918-1928, etc. J. Augustus Jones various operations under a variety of titles through about 1918 [sometimes with brother Elmer H. Jones] Gollmar Bros. 1891-1916, later operations 1922, 1923-1925 Buffalo Bill's Wild West 1884-1908, then combined with Pawnee Bill's as the "Two Bills" show 1909-1913, also served as a subtitle on later shows Downie & Wheeler 1911-1913 La Tena [owned by Andrew Downie] 1914-1917 Frank A. Robbins 1881-1891, 1898?, 1905-1915 [covered in an extensive Bandwagon series by Robert Sabia] Young Buffalo Wild West 1910-1914 Gentry Bros. [original 1887-1922 and later lessees of the title 1926-1934, 1941.
          You may want to seek out a copy of Robert L. Parkinson's "Directory of American Circuses" to gain broader knowledge of some of the more complex title ownerships [largely the source for the above listings] and operations, then you're off on a search for reviews, rosters, route books, perusal of trade journals, etc. I'd suggest searching the article indexes on this website as a start, which will identify back issues of interest. You may also want to start with shows for which you have dates, given that he moved around extensively during his career. Sometimes articles reveal past affiliations and future commitments. You may also be frustrated in that side show people moved between circus and carnival side shows, as well as other venues, all within the same season, meaning that they may not have been chronicled in end of year rosters. Fred Dahlinger
    Reply: 14 October, 2005 - As to Uncle Gus and the Circus, I do not believe that the postcards relate to circus activity, but rather booked dates at theatres. Although it might help to see a copy of them, the dates and places do not necessarily mean he was on a circus. I have been tracing a number of magicians who worked on various circuses during the tenting season and then had a variety of other activity during the winter, and when they could not secure a job on a show. His letterhead from March 1902 was printed Enroute, even though he was at home at 99 Superior Street, Brooklyn, N.Y. based on his request to join the Goodrich Circus, and the return address on the envelope. He never was hired, but his letterhead noted that during the late 1890's he was on the Barnum & Bailey Show, then on the Forepaugh/Sells Bros Circus, two seasons with Sig Sautelle, one season with Buckskin Bill's Wild West and season 1901-1902 (the winter months) on Murray Comedy Company. In addition his recent press notices were from Chicago, St, Louis, Middletown, Ohio, Wheeling, W. Va., Paris, Ky, Lawrence, Mass, and Lowell, Mass. Looks like he played year round as other magicians did which makes their history even harder to trace. John Polacsek, artistofdetroit@aol.com


878. Fat Lady Katrina, 4 October, 2005 - I always remember my mother talking about Katrina the Fat Lady. Now my mother was born in 1920. Do you have any info on a Fat Lady with a circus named Katrina? thanks, cindy. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.


877. Barrell rider Rasch, 3 October, 2005 - Does anyone have information on Gottlieb Rasch family or relatives of such - 1875-1910 - who were in circus? Thank you, Joanie Rasch, email at jk845266@aol.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.


876. Lewis W. Wilkins, giant, 3 October, 2005 - Has anyone seen information on Lewis W. Wilkins? He was known as "The Minnesota Giant", "The Stanton Giant" and "The Oklahoma Giant". I would like to hear from anyone with information on the Giants that worked the circus trade from 1885 to 1901. Thanks, Barbara Frum, frumski@earthlink.net. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 3 October, 2005 - "Tallest of Living Men," Daily Herald (Ohio), August 9, 1900. "The biggest living man is Lewis Wilkins . . . Wilkins was born on a farm near St. Paul, Minn., in 1874. When he was but ten years of age he measured six feet in height and now has grown to the tremendous height of 107 1-4 inches - just three-quarters of an inch less than nine feet - and weighs 364 pounds. . . . Perhaps the greatest giant who ever lived before Wilkins was Charles Byrne, an Irishman. . . . " Atlanta Constitution, June 15, 1902. Lewis Wilkins, tallest man. Lewis recently returned from his third tour of Europe. Purchased land near Waukomis, Okla. where a brother is now living. Indiana (PA) Democrat, September 3, 1902. Lewis Wilkins, home in Enid, Okla, died in Chicago where he had gone for medical treatment. Had been on exhibition since 1888, made several trips around the world. Death from swelling in the head that began 6 months ago when on exhibition in Europe. Went to home of his parents, thinking he would recover. From Kansas City Star. 1893 - Wilkins was displayed at Wonderland Musse, Lincoln, NE. A dime museum. An Ivor Davidson, who died at Roscoe, MN in 1905, "was a circus giant years ago." J. Griffin


875. Micky/Mickey, trapeze, 3 October, 2005 - Elfriede (Eli) Fredersdorff, circus show name was "Mickey," was discovered in Dresden, at Circus Sarrasani by Antoinette Costello of the Ringling Brothers. She took her to Sarasota Florida, they trained her as an aerialist (trapeze) they called her the double Lillian Leitzel and did the stunt work in the movie "die drei Codonas." If you wish you can see the website I made for her www.homestead.com/trapezemicky2. I would like to know more about mom's travels in the U.S. Ironically I live now in Wisconsin near Baraboo, however when I went there I could not find anything. Mom mentioned that she posed for a painting, sitting on a horse (white I believe) but never have run across it. Thank you, Delia. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 8 October, 2005 - Hello, I live in Sarasota, FL and I am also trying to find out some information for a friend who was in the Circus. I have been to the Sarasota Historical archives, and if you would give me the person's name, what circus they were with, or their performing name, and the year they were performing, I will try to find something for you. Thechknlady@cs.com
    Reply: 9 October, 2005 - Well, most everything you need to know it written above, however you can go to the website for more information. I wish I had kept up corresponding with Antoinette and asked her these question, but never thought about it at that time. depach@charter.net


874. Elephant today, 1 October, 2005 - How much would an average elephant cost someone today? macgirl07@satx.rr.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 3 October, 2005 - Do you mean, how much would it cost to keep, or how much it would cost to buy? The first depends on where you are and the price of hay, bread, fruit and veg but especially labour there. The second depends on many things. Your question is like 'What does a car cost these days?' Is it one elephant sold, or a troupe, is it a young elephant or a fully trained female one, if so, what does it do, how gentle is it, how does it react to strangers, how friendly or jealous is it with other elephants, or cope on its own. The most important factor is of course who is selling to who and why. Natasha Gerson
    Reply: 3 October, 2005 - The cost of an Elephant would depend on several factors. Age, amount of training, health, need for the owner to sell, temperament of the animal, (although, an elephant is probably the most dangerous animal in the circus. If it gets angry, no one could stop it.) I would estimate the price of a good elephant to be between $80k - $ 100k + -. As you can see it is a very large investment. The animals in the circus are not only a large investment of time and money; they become part of the family. Erny Karoly


873. Lena Kayes, 1 October, 2005 - Would love to locate Lena Kayes, daughter of Cilla Kayes, who worked Bertram Mills horses during World War II, later did a dog act. I believe Lena married someone from a Belgian teeter board act. fatima. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 3 October, 2005 - Hi, well as you know is often the case, the 'biggest name' was used by the offspring here, if we are on about the same person, but we must be, Pricilla Kayes (and William Riley's) daughter should be Lena Riley (born 1928) The name of her husband as given is Raoul Bradfort. I hope this facilitates your search. Natasha Gerson
    Reply: 4 October, 2005 - Thanks you so much, but, do you know how I could get in touch with her? Oujed@aol.com
    Reply: 14 October, 2005 - They worked longtime in Belgium varity as Lena 1 Raoul and they have a daughter named Priscilla, who has a trade in a place called Sint-Pieters-Leeuw near Brussels. circusevent@pandora.be
    Reply: 19 October, 2005 - I read with interest your message in the Circus History page. My father was William Riley Lena's father and I would like to receive information of Lena and her daughter Priscilla as I have never met them or been in contact. I would be very grateful for any information. Thank you, Billy Riley
    Reply: 06 February, 2006 - I am also looking for Raoul and Lena as I am also working on some research to do with the Sir Robert Fossett Circus where they also performed in England during the 1960's. If anyone has any contact details for Raoul or Lena I would most appreciate this. Thank you. Louis Ricketts, louisricketts@hotmail.com


872. Circus Madison Square Garden 1967-70, 29 September, 2005 - I would like to find out any information I can to verify an early childhood memory I have. My parents took me to a three-ring circus in Madison Square Garden sometime in the years 1967 - 1970; a female performer fell to her death during the show. I recall her being a tightrope walker; I don't know if this memory is accurate. Any information will be welcome! Julia McGill, Keswick, Virginia. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 29 September, 2005 - It's strange, there are several postings of people with vivid childhood memories of people falling to their death in Madison Square Garden. Can someone explain to a European: Why always there? Because there were more people to witness falls? Why nearly always aerialist falls and not other ring accidents, knives, horses, animal attacks or stampedes? Why always drops? I am really intrigued by this. It's not the same accidents witnessed either, note. Julia, I don't know about this one, but it might be worth something that not all falls wittnessed by people definitely as fatal, were in fact that. Crippling and career-ending, often, but not alway deadly, however it might have seen to a child. But then, I cannot vouch this one was one of these. Natasha Gerson

    Reply: 09 June, 2006 - I have a similar childhood memory but it wasn't at Madison Square Garden. We were attending a circus in Parkersburg, West Virginia, probably in the same time frame as your memory. There was a husband and wife act - he rode a bicycle on a highwire while she hung from a trapeze bar suspended under the wire but attached to the bike. I remember that she fell, her husband was understandably in shock. As I recall, the local paper the next day said that the lady broke her neck but did not die. That memory has always haunted me and I've often wondered whatever happened to the couple. Sarah Smith


871. Flying Corsellos/Corsellis, 28 September, 2005 - I am trying to locate information for a customer regarding a Ringling/Barnum & Bailey trapeze family. Information is sketchy: her grandfather, Clarence Ellis may have been part of the troupe. Name of the group was the Flying Corsellos or Flying Corsellis. A female member of the troupe was killed in a trapeze fall. Unfortunately, no more information is available! Is there any record of trapeze families working for Ringling/Barnum over the years? Thank you for any help you can provide. Lisa Kingsley, Books On The Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, CA. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 29 September, 2005 - The only Flying act that I can recall with that name were the Flying Concellos. Mr. Art Concello became the director of the Ringling show. Erny Karoly


870. Jerri Marshal, John Ringling North Chauffeur, 28 September, 2005 - Am trying to find anything on Jerri Marshal. He is an African American. He was the personal Chauffeur for John Ringling North. I first met him in Switzerland in 1954. He was driving Mr. Humberto Bedini, who came to scout my sister and I. Mr. Marshal became my very best friend on Ringling the following year. I was only 11 yrs old in 1955 and Jerri was so very kind and nice to me and my mother. I would like to thank him for all his kindnesses. Erny Karoly, ErnyK@aol.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.

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869. John David Brown, 28 September, 2005 - John David Brown b. 1875 was with the Barnum and Bailey Circus sometime between the years of 1889 and 1900 approximately. He ran away from home at 14/16 and joined the circus in Peru Indiana. My aunt remembers him telling her about the elephants he took care of and that he had been in a train wreck up north where all of the animals got loose. The elephant had him pinned in the wreckage with her trunk and would not let the people rescue him for quite some time. There have also been stories of him riding the elephants through town and such. I believe he started out as a water boy or helped to care for the elephants but may have later became a trainer or handler. Any information would be most appreciated as I have had no luck in trying to find any proof of him being with the circus. Thank you, Paula Little, auburnms@wmconnect.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 5 October, 2005 - Boys leaving the farm or small town to run away with the circus was a not uncommon event in the 19th century. They did it to see the larger world, to escape the drudgery of oppressive work or to elude an abusive household head. It's a legendary act that is still remembered today. They became candy butchers, animal grooms and did other menial jobs, but they were in "show business."
          Barnum & London played Peru, IN just once, on August 5, 1881; nearby Logansport on August 4, 1881, September 7, 1883, October 9, 1884 and July 27, 1886; and also Kokomo on July 26, 1886.
          The show became Barnum & Bailey in 1888 and played Logansport on June 19, 1888, July 8, 1890, July 7, 1892, August 17, 1895 and August 24, 1897; Kokomo on August 11, 1891 and June 25, 1895; and Wabash on August 8, 1895. B&B never routed into Peru between 1888 and 1897, inclusive. After concluding the 1897 tour in the US, Barnum & Bailey went to Europe for a tour that extended through 1902.
          Brown's name might be found in staff rosters in route books issued by Barnum & London and Barnum & Bailey. These can be found in a few public and private collections and were issued in all but one or two years of the 1880s and early 1890s.
          The best known B&B railroad mishap during this time occurred in 1889, near Potsdam, NY. The show train was en route from Gouverneur, NY to Montreal, Quebec on August 23rd. Five elephant and horse cars were damaged or destroyed and animals killed or injured. The wreck was documented in photography that survives today. It was later practice for elephant men to have accommodations in the cars near the elephants, but if practice was in effect in 1889 it has yet to be confirmed. You might check the local newspapers of the time for coverage, as well as local historical societies. There is also coverage of the incident in "New York Clipper," September 14, 1889.
          Starting in 1884, Peru, IN was home to the Wallace & Co. circus [Co. being James Anderson], which later became the Great Wallace Circus, and at other times Cook & Whitby. Given the local operation, some exposure to circus life was inevitable. Peru was also visited by other railroad circuses during the time when Brown would have been a young lad. Checking the usual local resources [newspapers, city directories, censuses, etc.] might prove fruitful. There is always the chance that "Barnum & Bailey" replaced "Wallace" in the memories of the family members that were not directly involved. If that's the case, you'll need to search Wallace documentation. That show also incurred a number of railroad mishaps, notably one on August 7, 1903 at Durand, MI that largely disrupted the operation. A lesser derailment occurred in 1892 near Richland Center, WI. Fred Dahlinger


868. Circus Giant, Barnum & Bailey, 27 September, 2005 - My name is Kevin Franklin and I am the Historian for the Town of Colonie. Many years ago, back in the 1930-s and 1940-s the Barnum & Bailey Circus would come to Menands NY, which is village in the Town of Colonie. Menands sits along Rt.32 between the cities of Albany and Watervliet. My father remembers a "Circus Giant" who used to dress up like a cowboy and had hands so large that the ring he wore was large enough to pass a silver dollar through. These rings were sold as souvenirs to the audience for about a dollar. They are sometimes found by metal detectorists around the Country. Does anyone know the name of the circus cowboy giant who used to travel with Barnum & Bailey back in the 30's? Any information you could provide would be great. Thanks, Kevin Franklin, Historian, Town of Colonie, N.Y., franklink@colonie.org. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 27 September, 2005 - This could be J. G. Tarver. See messages 259, 499, 525, 761. J. Griffin
    Reply: 27 September, 2005 - The cowboy giant may also be Jack Earl(e), real name Jacob Ehrlich, or something close to that. A big hat and boots were one means to further "heighten" the experience of meeting a giant. It was also an era of the cowboy movie matinee idol. Earl was with RBBB, not B&B. Some basic information of a tertiary nature and perhaps some photographs will turn up with a Google search. A famous view shows Earl sitting down playing cards with a midget. There are definitely rings from Jack in existence today. Fred Dahlinger
    Reply: 28 September, 2005 - The Giant I believe retired in Gibsonton Fl, just outside of Tampa. He owned some kind of camp or motel it had a huge western boot out front. I believe it was called The Giant Motel or Camp. There were also Mr. & Mrs. Fisher. They were a giant couple and owned the Pioneer Motel on the North Trail in Sarasota, FL. I believe they too dressed up as Cowboys. I just saw an old post card on EBay of them. Look under Circus collectibles or memorabilia, they have tons of stuff on circus. Plan to spend some time if you do. Erny Karoly


867. Barnum & Bailey, mobile community, 27 September, 2005 - Hello! My name is Jennifer Giarratana and I am a student at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design. I am doing some research on temporary/mobile communities, and I am very interested in finding information on Barnum and Bailey's traveling circus. I am focusing primarily on the period from 1900-1920, but any information would be helpful. I am looking for tent and wagon dimensions, and the spatial organization of these elements when assembled on site. I would love to locate a typical site plan. Unfortunately I have to conduct this research in a very short time period. Do you have any suggestions as to where I might find this information? My primary resource so far is a wonderful book titled Ringlingville. Are you aware of any other books or articles written on the subject of the physical layout of the traveling circus camp? Any lead would be much appreciated! Thank you in advance for your help. Jennifer. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 28 September, 2005 - Fred Barna's [Bradna] book 'My 40 years under the Big Top' as told to Hartzell Spence gives a lot of insight into the practicalities of circus travel and grounds. Often found on ebay. Natasha Gerson
    Reply: 28 September, 2005 - Dear Jennifer, I was struck by your surname in relation to circus. please see message number 254. Antonio Giarratana, variety and circus. Would this be a relative of yours, as I have indications that Giarratana emigrated to the US just after the start of WWII and I'd still very much like to find out what happened to him! Natasha Gerson
    Reply: 28 September, 2005 - The Big Top: My 40 Years With The Greatest Show On Earth, by Fred Bradna/Hartzell Spence, Simon & Schuster, 1952. J. Griffin
    Reply: 29 September, 2005 - Another book would be "Spangles" by Jennings, covers a circus around the civil war time. NedCircus@aol.com


866. Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey history, 26 September, 2005 - What is the history of Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus? I'm doing a project for school, and I have to create an "advertising campaign" for an actual historic organization or company. Where can I find more info on this subject? Lindsay. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 26 September, 2005 - Try finding the book by Tom Ogden called "Two Hundred Years of the American Circus." For a project such as yours (You didn't specify which grade you're in) the book will offer you insight into the Ringling Bros. Circus, P. T. Barnum, James Bailey and eventually Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Combined Shows Inc. The book will offer you other tidbits about the circus terminology, performers and owners, advance billboard and poster work, etc. The Bibliography will also give you plenty of other books to follow up with. You should be able to get this through your state library system if it's not locally found. If all else fails, request it from Circus World Museum Research Library in Baraboo, Wisconsin. The have a loan program for some of their books. Good Luck to you and I hope you discover the sawdust laden magical and mystifiying world that all of us love so well. Bob Cline


865. Question and replies removed at request of sender.


864. Sealtest Big Top Show, 25 September, 2005 - Does any one have any photos or videos of the Sealtest Big-Top TV show from the 1950's? I do have one video that has the "Flying Zacchinis" & the Hall kids unicycle act, and I'm looking for more. From what I know of the show, it was a one hour kids show (CBS), sponsered by Sealtest dairy products that came on Saturdays and featured live circus acts. I believe it was presented in an armory in Camden NJ or close by. The ringmaster was Jack Sterling, the clown was Ed McMahon (later Johnny Carson's sidekick) and the strong man was Dan Lurie, who later went on to produce body building products. James ColeRespond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 26 September, 2005 - Jim Ridenhour had a video listed in his portfolio. You may or may not have the same one. Bob Cline
    Reply: 04 January, 2006 - I believe the Hunt Bros. Circus was involved with this show as talent coordinators. They also supplied the elephants under the supervision of Roy Bush. Many well known circus stars, including Prof. George Keller, appeared on the show. One of the highlights for the scout groups in attendance was to appear in the "Circus Parade" that opened each program. Robert Momyer

    Reply: 15 February, 2006 - Where is Jan Crockett, the Sealtest Cutie on the Sealtest Big Top Show? She went on to sing with Jimmy Dean, Was a Wabctv Weather Girl and was a regular Glea Girl on Jackie Gleasons American Scene Magazine, plus many other commercials. Have not heard anything about her for years, but I became a fan of hers way back then. Craig Little, craig.little@craven.k12.nc.us


863. Man In The Moon, 24 September, 2005 - Our grandfather who we really know little about once was the Man In The Moon in a circus. There is a picture of him sitting in a moon cutout. What was the Man In The Moon? Was it just for a particular circus of was this a regular thing in circus shows? He was living in Chicago during this time. Terry Wayne twayne@se.rr.com, Lake City, Florida. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 25 September, 2005 - Also see message 497 Alf Rozelle. 'Rosello' was the orgininal 'Man in the Moon' a perch act performed at both RBBB and Hanneford. His real name was Fridi Kotsis. He had an accident in Madison Square Gardens in 1939 (MSG in the 40s seemed jinxed where aerialists are concerned) not during the hoop perch act itself, in which he stood on his head, but starting his descent on his 60 ft rope, when his mitt broke and the ropeburn caused him to release. Kotsis at the time was 35 an though he didn't die it was the end of his circus career. There appear to have been other Men in the Moon afterwards though all possibly performing as Rosello too. Natasha Gerson
    Reply: 26 September, 2005 - I recall as a young boy, seeing Ringling Bros. Barnum & Baily in 1952. The last act in the show was " Golden Dollar Moon", which featured man in a moon shaped rigging. There is no record of who performed that act in the show's magazine program, and some friends who were on the show that year do not recall who he was. Jim Cole

    Reply: 12 June, 2006 - My father Roy Barlag worked at the American Consulate in Breslau, Germany (called Wroclaw in Poland after WWII) in 1939. In his memoirs he wrote the following: Among other things,[in the capacity of foreign service clerk] I acted as a reception clerk taking care of business that did not require the official attention of the consul. Jews came to our office, requesting information about immigration to the United States. One day a group of Little People showed up at our office on their way to the New York World's Fair. There was also a circus performer needing a visa. He was a highwire artiest who called himself "Rosello, the Man in the Moon." Several weeks later we read in an American newspapaer that our Man in the Moon suffered a fall and broke his legs while performing his act at the World's Fair." Ted Barlag


862. Wall of Death Rider Emerson Shrader, 24 September, 2005 - Have photo of him and another rider in front of wall. Must have been taken between 1900 and 1919 Do you have any informaton on this rider and what circus or sideshow he was working for at the time? Thank You, Frances Rea. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 24 September, 2005 - Motorcycle drome (slanted wall) and silo (vertical wall) riders were generally an activity that was presented on carnival midways and also at fairs. A big proponent of them in the mid-1910s was J. Frank Hatch, who had a number of them on tour starting about 1915. There's some coverage in Al W. Stencell's book, "Seeing Is Believing" (2002), pages 101-118. Some images and data are also in Joe McKennon's book "Pictorial History of the American Carnival." A writer on motorcycle topics, David Gaylin, was once researching the topic for a book, but I've lost track of his location. Searching issues of the weekly trade journals "Billboard" and "New York Clipper" might reveal references to Shrader, as would the usual genealogical and newspaper resources. Fred Dahlinger


861. Rose Gould/Gold, 21 September, 2005 - Is my memory slipping? I worked for Polack Bros Shrine Circus from Los Angeles to Charlestown, West Virginia in 1949. I've seen multiple postings on your site about Rose Gold but I would have bet her name was Rose Gould. Am I totally wrong? RAG, Troy, MI. [See message 584] Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 26 September, 2005 - You are right, the name is Rose Gould. fatima

    Reply: 18 May 2007 - No, sorry, if you talk about the famous trapezist, her name is Rose Gold, also known as The Rose Gold Trio as she was flying in the air with two partners, her husband Andre Pahin and another male partner who was my grandfather for a few years. By the way,if anyone has got any information on them, I would be happy to get them as I'm trying to find photos,articles, everything related to the Rose Gold Trio. Don't hesitate to contact me! Thanks for your help!

    Rose Gold had two partners, her husband André Pahin and another male partner Georges Debackere who was my grandfather. Unfortunately,I have nearly nothing left from him. He worked with Rose Gold and her husband for a few years. I know he was with them when they made their show from the Eiffel Tower in 1952( or 1953?). Could someone help me in my research. I'm a French 42 year-old mother who would like her children to know more about the special life their great grandfather had.It's a missing period in my own life. Any information or advice which could help me will be warmly welcome! Thanks a lot! cendrillon.p@@alicemail.fr



860. Fritz Schneider, 20 September, 2005 - Have you ever heard of a Fritz Schneider. He was a make-up artist with circuses in early 1900s. He had family in Phila. His brother Charles was a doctor. My grandmother told me he came and visited every year when the circus was in town. Any info helpful, Jalb515@aol.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.

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859. Book, Wild Animal Trainer in America, 20 September, 2005 - I used to present the Carson and Barnes Circus cat act in the late 70's. I am looking for the book by J. Joys, Wild Animal Trainer in America. I'm not in it but would like to buy a copy of the book. circusdays@yahoo.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 20 September, 2005 - I just saw the author on the lot of the Carson & Barnes Circus last week in Maumee, Ohio. She still lives in Toledo, Ohio and I will drop her a line to check the CHS web page. John Polacsek
    Reply: 20 September, 2005 - Monitor ebay and second-hand book sites, such as www.abebooks.com and you'll find a reasonably priced copy. Fred Dahlinger


858. Circus, New Orleans, 20 September, 2005 - I am a researcher at the School of Geography, Leeds University, UK. My research is area is Jazz and its diffusion in the USA from 1917 onwards. I am currently examining New Orleans role as the city central to the development of jazz. This is based on its function as a major port and entertainment center. I was wondering if it was used as a wintering ground for the early circus industry. My intention is to argue that if this is the case, the conditions would be conducive for musicians from different areas and styles to interact and so contribute to the development of jazz music. I would be grateful if you could assist me with any information or likely sources that might help me obtain an understanding of the circus, and its route during this early period. Yours sincerely, F. Cudjoe (Frank), F.cudjoe@geog.leeds.ac.uk. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 20 September, 2005 - Cayetano Mariotini's circus (part of a larger American troupe run by Pépin and Breschard), visited New Orleans as early as 1816. George Washington Cable (1844-1925) used a New Orleans folk song for his "The Song of Cayetano's Circus", which will be found in numerous anthologies of American poetry. Peter Breschard
    Reply: 20 September, 2005 - American circus history commences in 1793. The zenith could be argued in different ways, but I'd propose it as spanning from 1871, when the Barnum circus was organized and fostered a major expansion of the genre, through 1905, when the maximum number of troupes was traveling across the US, about 100. During that period it asserted its greatest influence on the American public as a vehicle of entertainment and education. Thus, your post-1917 time frame is after the heyday of the American circus, one of decline in numbers and in other ways overall splendor and influence.
          African-American musicians were restricted to the circus side show from their introduction in the late 19th century until the last of them appeared in the late 1940s to early 1950s, their demise coming largely with the fading away of the tented railroad circus. I can recall just one time when the black side show band appeared in the "big top" show, on Barnum & Bailey, when Ned Brill was its "unconventional" leader, in the mid-1910s. They were part of a larger production number in Madison Square Garden.
          Stuart Thayer's "Annals of the American Circus," as well as his "Traveling Showmen," provide the foundational understanding of the American circus from 1793 to 1860, followed by William L. Slout's "Clowns and Cannons," which covers the Civil War era. There's no existing volume, as such for subsequent years. Circus routes are in Thayer, wherein you can locate early New Orleans activity. The city was noted for winter circuses, more so than summer performances. Slout's biographical encyclopedia of 19th century circus personalities, "Olympians of the Sawdust Circle," would prove beneficial to identify selected African Americans in the business. John Polacsek and George Chindahl have also written papers that concern the circus and New Orleans, the former in "Bandwagon" and the latter in "White Tops."
          There are also some New Orleans theater histories that would serve your interests. The jazz archives in New Orleans are extensive, including those compiled by Russell and others, which are temporarily inaccessible at Tulane University and elsewhere in the Crescent City.
          For the earlier side show bands, look at the Sells brothers of Columbus, Ohio, one of the earlier shows to utilize blacks. Some rosters are available wherein selected members can be traced. Thayer has found the earliest dates for such bands (I think the 1890s, maybe the 1880s) and also published an article about early minstrelsy and the circus, which you can locate in the article index on this website.
          Transfer of people and culture would have been more likely by the river than by railroad. That phenomenon has been studied by people examining the transfer of jazz by tramping excursion boats, such as those operated by the Streckfus family, and others, in the 1900-1930 period. They came up the Mississippi and then into the Ohio River system. Many jazz greats, Fate Marable and others, played on these vessels.
          Clifford Watkins has written a book about famed cornetist and longtime side show bandleader P. G. Lowery that will bear fruit for your work. The black newspapers of the times, which tracked the employment of leading black artists, will serve as a good resource (like the "Indianapolis Freeman") and J. A. Jackson's page in the "Billboard" magazines of the 1920s or 1930s will similarly prove fruitful.
          By comparison, American circus music, as a body of work, barely commences in the 1870s, flourishes beginning in the late 1890s and peaks relatively late, from the 1910s to the 1930s. It's dominated by white male composers, mostly former bandleaders and musicians. The big top bands generally didn't play cakewalks, ragtime and jazz unless the tempos would have matched the ring activity.
          Fred Pfening III has also done some foundational work in this area. An entire file of collected resource materials about African Americans and the American circus was established at Circus World Museum several years ago and might provide further leads. - Fred Dahlinger
    Reply: 22 September, 2005 - You may want to contact King Charles Weatherby. He is an African-American musican who was in numerous side show & big top bands from the 1950's - 1970's. Send me an e-mail, and I will let you know how to get in touch with him. jscolecircus@webtv.net, Jim Cole


857. RBBB Greatest Show On Earth, 20 September, 2005 - This past spring and summer I asked several of the leading movie channels to show "The Greatest Show On Earth" to no avail. I have watched that marvelous movie dozens of times and each run I see something new. Having spent over 35 plus years in the radio broadcast industry and having seen all of the traveling shows it is such a shame that what we took for granted in the 1950s is now just a memory and we saw it live in the late 40s and 1952 can only be appreciated on either VHS or DVD. It would be such a happening if someone or group could recreate the RBBB of the late 40s to early 50s. If I had the resources I would bring it all back for the now to enjoy. Pipe dream I realize and looking through rose colored glasses. However, it is still a gas to relive the past! Plus the sound of Maestro Evans and that special band that connects all the circus dots together. Best, J J Jeffries, Craig Johnson. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 26 September, 2005 - JJ, I just discovered a couple of days ago that the GSOE is currently available thru my local community college library {ILL} and have placed an order for it. As I recall there are 48 librairies across America that have it in there collections and many times that # that have it in tape format. Really looking forward to watching it again. Danny

    Reply: 07 June, 2006 - JJ and Craig, My favorite movie as well. A bit of trivia for you guys. Look for this one just before the Be a Jumping Jack trampoline backlot number there is a dog act rehearsing. The handle is DeMilld himself (the Director). I think you can even hear a snatch of dialogue as he puts the dogs through their paces. Probably liked the way they performed! (Much more responsive than humans). See if I'm correct. I noticed it the first time I saw it, which was when it came out! Regards. R.T. rtcarr@stanford.edu.

    Reply: 08 June, 2006 - I think we all agree it was a terrific movie. It is now available on DVD and can be found on eBay as well as some of the Super Walmarts for under 10 dollars. This past CHS convention had a group of surviving performers from the 1951 season join us and talk about their experiences in working with the movie crew and stars. All agreed that Mr. DeMille made a point of thanking each and every one on a daily basis. Dorothy Lamour was the gem of the group and kept a relationship with several of them after the movie was made for years. In fact several of the performers gave blood for her son when he became ill a couple years later. Bob Cline


856. Jim Ward, clown, 19 September, 2005 - Ever heard of a Jim Ward - The Clown's Comic Songster? Found a booklet w/this title, dated 1864, pub in Phil. Ward was a singer attached to G.F. Bailey's Great Circus, Menagerie, Hippopotamus and Elephant Show. Hand tied, 36 pgs, soft covers appears complete w/ minor wear. Thanks Jon Hoyt. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 19 September, 2005 - This could be the James M. Ward, clown and juggler, on George F. Bailey & Co., 1864. There is a write-up on James in Slout's Olympians of the Sawdust Circle, p. 316. J. Griffin


855. Circus 2005 Georgia, 19 September, 2005 - My daughter so wants to see a "real, live" circus! We live in Texas; but, we will be visiting southern Georgia at the beginning of November. Is there any circus scheduled to perform in this area in November? I have searched the internet; however, I must not be using the right search terms because I'm not coming up with any pertinent information. Thanks so much for your help! Sincerely, Di. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 22 September, 2005 - Check the Web-site for Cole Bros. Circus, I don't know their exact address, but try the search mode. They have their tour schedule on the web site. They are often in the Georgia area about that time, however their route was abruptly changed by the Hurricane. While this is still a fine circus, they no longer present animal acts wih the exception of trained Russian house cats. Good luck! Jim Cole


854. First circus in Texas, 19 September, 2005 - Good afternoon. What was the first circus in Texas and when was it? We show it was in 1868, but can not find any confirmation of this. Thank you for your prompt response, eck1536@sbcglobal.net. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 20 September, 2005 - You should check the route of Mabie's Menagerie and Circus 1858 playing Houston, Texas Dec. 23-25. And Mabie's Menagerie and Circus in 1859 - San Antonio, January 12-14; Crockett, Feb. 20; Clarksville, March 12,Marshall, April 8-9 then into Arkansas. The show was back in 1860 playing February thru May in Texas. In 1857 John Robinson's International Circus and Menagerie played Texas March 5 at Nacogdoches until July 21 at Rondo. G.N. Eldred's Great Rotunda Menagerie and Circus Played Texas in 1858 then went to Mexico and returned in 1859. Orton & Older's Great Southern Circus played Texas from Sept. 28 1859 thu Dec. 31 and in January 1859 was still in the state. Ted Bowman Route Collection.
    Reply: 27 October, 2005 - Dan Rice inserted an announcement in a Galveston newspaper in 1848, promising to visit both Galveston and Houston in December of that year. (he was in New Orleans at the time). We were not able to locate any proof that he did so. The lack of continuity in the surviving newspapers prevented a complete reading. The Charles Myler list of San Antonio dates was one of the standard pieces of research at the Hertzberg Collection for many years. The first entry records a San Antonio Ledger ad of 12 February 1852 for Sam Lathrop's Circus for a date on 4 March. The roster included Lathrop, his wife, and Masters Willie and Charles Lathrop (either sons or apprentices of the owner). Edgar Jones, William T. Odell, John Harper (or Harpier), Harrison Hough, R. Jessie, Judd, Mlle Amelia, Mr. Williams and Mr. and Mrs. Pell rounded out the troupe. Lathrop, Jones, Odell and Harper had all been on Levi J. North's Circus from August to November, 1851. The others are new to us. The money man may have been H. A. Maltby, who later took over the circus. Lathrop played Galveston in December, 1851, and promised to open in Houston on 22 December. The steamboat carrying the troupe became stuck on a sandbar in the Trinity River. By 9 January Lathrop and his family had abandoned the show, and it became the "H. A. Maltby New York Circus," which performed in Houston on 2 January. Stuart Thayer.


853. P J Durney, 19 September, 2005 - I'm sitting in front of a photocopy of a large newsphoto that I'm trying to date of PJ Durney, "Champion Ball-Walker of the World" - Belfast - Dublin 150 Miles. The reason I'm trying to date this is because Belfast City Hall turns 100 on the 1st October 2005, and Ramon Blondin will lead festivities by Wire - Walking 25 metres up across the front of the building. Later that month our own Circus School turns 20, so a rich tradition of circus is being recalled.
      Back to the photograph; can anyone help me with PJ Durney - I know his family hailed from Limerick, migrated to New Zealand then returned to this part of the world [I'm in Belfast]; PJ joined Poole and Bosco's Circus but I don't know what year he walked from Belfast to Dublin. Mike Moloney, mike@prisonartsfoundation.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.

    Reply: 12 Jun 2008 - Hi Mike, I noted your Circus History Message & Discussion Board posting. Patrick Durney was the brother of Augustine Durney. I am descended from Patrick Durney in Limerick, then his son Thomas Durney (from Napier, New Zealand) and then his son Augustine Joseph, and then Augustine's daughter Gertrude (my grandmother). If you research has turned up any more information about this Patrick Durney, can provide this information (including a copy of your photo) so that I can include it in my Durney family records for wider distribution to family members. Thank you for any assistance which you can provide. Regards, Stephen Schollum, Tauranga, New Zealand, s.schollum@clear.net.nz


852. Hagenbeck Wallace 1933, 19 September, 2005 - As a young lad I saw the Hagenbeck Wallace circus in 1933. There was a song sung by the prima donna, for the swinging ladder number. It was a slow number, and sure it was a waltz. Wuld some one have the music played for that year? Thnk you, biggleo@webtv.net. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.


851. Keller's Jungle Killers, 18 September, 2005 - I'm looking for any information on lion tamer by the name of George Keller. He died in the early 60's and he had a show called "Keller's Jungle Killers." I'm looking for any information, photos and in particular b/w film. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Wayne, wgibson@vcu.edu. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender.
    Reply: 18 September, 2005 - According to the "Zanesville Signal" (Zanesville, OH), September 9, 1940, George J. Keller was an art professor at Bloomsburg, State Teacher's College (Bloomsburg, PA). He taught mornings and spent his afternoons training his lions. In summers he had two trucks, a tent, a collapsible arena, two African lions, seven pumas, panthers and leopards and went on tour as "George Keller's Jungle Killers." He also trains Eskimo dogs and trained some for the Byrd Antarctic expedition. His animals were quartered in a 30 foot training area in his backyard in Bloomsburg. His troupe included a professional clown, Professor S. Irvine Shortess, a physics instructor at the college and six college students. In 1954 he was performing with the Shrine Circus. In 1968 Keller's Jungle Killers were performing with the Rudy Bros. Circus. You might be able to locate this: "Here Keller - Train This," George Keller, Random House, 1961. There's a photo of Keller here: www.svsu.edu/library/follett/exhibit1/e10133a.htm. A bio of Keller here: www.buvoice.com/media/paper227/news/2002/10/31/Features/kellers.Jungle.Killers-310438.shtml. A Google search turned up quite a bit on Keller. J. Griffin
    Reply: 22 September, 2005 - I have a good VHS video of George Keller's act when it appeared on the Mickey Mouse Club TV show around 1956. Please contact me. jscolecircus@webtv.net, Jim Cole
    Reply: 21 December, 2005 - Yes, I had Dr. Keller as a teacher at the Bloomsburg Normal School. He was a great teacher, and loved his animals as is correctly stated in his book, 'Here Keller, Train This'. While I did not help in any way with his training animals, I knew several that did. Bloomsburg being a rather small town, every one knew him and his outstanding work. It was not uncommon to visit his home to see his animals, after class and on weekends. While I only knew his one daughter by sight, she was in the same high school class as my sister. I urge anyone interested in George Keller and his training and experiences with wild animals, to read his book. It is now out of print, but it was printed in the Berwick-Bloomsburg Newspaper in 2005, including some photos. Sincerely, Professor W. C. Shellenberger

    Reply: 07 June, 2006 - Wayne, I saw the act at Disneyland the year it opened. They had an area called Circusland, which was used to plug Toby Tlyer released earlier that year, and later shown on Disney's TV Show. Keller's act has style and panache. He did a bit I'll always remember standing in the midst of these very real lions, (and possibly tigers?). He would stand and do a hypnotist bit and you would swear they were all under his spell as they did their act. This was in December and I think he was wintering there as the operation folded in the Spring. Best wishes, R.T. rtcarr@stanford.edu.

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