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Message Archive: Messages 1051 - 1100
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1100. Leroy's models, 19 January, 2006 - During the 1950's, and my teens, I took great joy in seeing the annual display of a Mr. Leroy's models of Barnum and Bailey, Buffalo Bill's Wild West, and the show boat Cotton Blossom, at Hudson's Department Store. What ever happened to those models? I realize that memories always gild lilies, but I don't think I have ever seen better carved models of parade wagons. Thanks, Ken Kurtz. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, please read posting instructions when sending messages to this board.
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1099. Candy Butcher, 19 January, 2006 - Hello, What is a Candy Butcher? Thanks for your reply. Falcocchio, James J., FalcocchioJ@Peninsula.wednet.edu. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender; replies may not be sent for month(s), note the message number to check for replies after the message is archived.
The candy pitch came into the outdoor show world in the 1860's. Box candy - 7-8 pieces with a prize in some of the boxes. The first prizes used were wire iterms - small pieces of jewelry. First it was pitched in the side shows and then in the main show. Up until the 1960's or so - it helped move a lot of shows from circuses - auto thrill shows to tent rep theatres. Candy butchers sold the prize candy not only on outdoor shows but in theatres, especially burlesque theatres. It was a big item in all the sit down carnival shows. Authorities cracked down on the candy pitch sales in the late 1950's and the six or seven big supply houses stopped shipping it. The die hard carny girl show operators who still used it brought the candy kisses, boxes, and supplies of cheap pens and stuffed their own boxes. On circuses it was replaced by the peanut pitch. The candy butcher had to make up the candy boxes and the peanut sacks. Now you can buy the peanuts bagged. (see Girl Show: Into The Canvas World Of Bump and Grind -ECW PRESS 1999 for a complete chapter on candy pitchmen). The early circuses contracted out their concession dept., side show, concert, etc. In many cases one operator bid or paid the show so much for these privileges for the tour. Many of the big shows continued to contract their concessions out. The Miller Bros. ran the concessions on the Ringling tent show in the 1940's and 1950's. The concessions and front end money on the lot was very important, many days it was the difference from getting the nut and not getting the nut. On the indoor circuses it was a terrific advantage as many of the buildings didn't have butchers in the seats. Often they only had one or two stands and they had small windows. The per caps on concessions were always higher on the indoor shows. On tent circus the butchers were always paid on percent until recently. Those folks you see walking around aimlessly with a tray of half melted snow cones at the circus today are not 'candy butchers' but at best sales staff on the line of fast food servers. Old time butchers were hustlers. They didn't want anything to do with salaries. I started in the concession end of the circus business in 1963 as the last of the old time butchers were fading out. A high lined crew got a show a lot of money every day. They also did 'chinese'- that is they did a lot of the set-up work each day in return for their meals in the cookhouse and a berth in a show sleeper. On Sells and Gray I had the snow and apples and we set up the long side reserve chair grandstand and hung side wall. We put up the marquee and unfolded the side show front panel wagons. Then we set-up our individual joints. About half of the old timers on Sells and Gray when I was there held IASE stage hand cards and that's what they did in the winter. Others made the Football Bowl Parades, Daytona races, and Mardi Gras parades working what ever items they could get. The concession manager was usually paid 30 points. Stand men got 20 and butchers ten to fifteen. Items were priced in "Ways", a way = a nickel. On a quarter item you were said to being going 5 ways. Of course if you could get away with going for 30 or 35 cents and pocketing the (cake) or hype - you did it. You also rehashed empty bags, sacks, cups as your were checked out by the container and not the product. On hot dogs they didn't count the meat but the buns. The items were given out so that each stand guy had a cold and hot day items. The popcorn or cracker jacks, peanuts and soda together, soda or flukem (orange and grape drinks mixed from powder) and hot dogs, snow cones and candy apples, floss was such a powerful item that it was a single joint. Overall it was the biggest money maker except on hot days where snow and soda was right up there. In the early spring and fall popcorn did well. Candy ran hot and cold - very good in the south and north east - slow in the mid-west. Another big item was the garbage (souvenirs) and the rubber -(balloons), programs and coloring books, bugs (chamelons), hats - with free engraving. Only the big shows had custard or ice cream. The garbage butcher worked what he called a 'bundle' - a leather strap over the shoulder attached to a small pouch into which the bottom ends of the sticks the souvenirs were tied could fit into so he could carry a lot of them around and still have both hands free to work and make change. Everyone wore change aprons with three pockets. The food items were sent into the big top in an order. That is dry first. Once people were ready to almost kill you for a drink - then the wet went in. Candy apples didn't go in until the last couple of acts. Reason - it takes too long to eat an apple. Garbage, programs, coloring books were worked in the top all the time but the rubber was not brought in until the last couple of acts. Reason - so not to block peoples' view of the show - kids waving balloons in people's faces. Today's operators don't care or pay any attention to such policies. The circus business today sure could use sold time butchers like Johnny Walker, Noble Sims, Jimmy Kernan, High Pockets, Never Worry Murray, Peter and Paul Prance, Mother Bruce, and the many more old time hustlers who weren't afraid to be high steppin' it the end blues. - Al Stencell, proud to be a candy butcher. P.S. Many butchers became show owners.
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1098. Fernando Saravia, 19 January, 2006 - Am looking for information on Fernando Saravia. He's an Argentine, and as far as I know, was part of a trapeze troupe in the 60's and 70's. Thank you in advance, Barb Durtche. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, please do not send attachments, e.g., graphic images or photos. |
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1097. Stanley Bros., 19 January, 2006 - Hello, I am looking for any info on the Stanley Bros. who were high wire performers in the circus. My grandfather was one of the performers in their act and was also a clown with the circus. I am uncertain about the time frame, but I think it may have been around 1910 or so. His name was James H. Cordray. If you have any info or could provide me with a place that I could go to help me, I would be so grateful. Thank you for your help, Diane Richter. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, if someone replies to your question, don't forget to send a thank you reply.
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1096. Princess Dixie, 19 January, 2006 - I am looking for any information on Princess Dixie, lion tamer, with the Johnny J. Jones Exposition. I believe the years were late teens to early 20's. Thank you so much. Sherry Rodriguez, kcgyrene@kc.rr.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, please read posting instructions when sending messages to this board.
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1095. Barnum & Bailey Elephant Superintendent, 19 January, 2006 - Would anyone have any info concerning the career of Harry J. Mooney. He had been the superindentent of elephants with the Barnum & Bailey Show from 1909-1918. It seems very mysterious, as no one really knows where he came from and where he went after the 1918 season, when the Barnum & Bailey Circus merged with the Ringling Bros. Show. K.C. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, please do not send attachments, e.g., graphic images or photos.
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1094. Circus disasters, 19 January, 2006 - Research for a fiction novel - were there any decent (!) circus disasters in 19th Century London? Fires, tents collapsing, animals escaping, anything of that sort? Thanks in advance for the help, Buni. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, if someone replies to your question, don't forget to send a thank you reply.
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1093. Wild Australian Children, 18 January, 2006 - I have purchased a broadside recently. It is an advertisment for "Great living wonders"! The Wild Australian Children. There is a reference to Van Amburgh & Co's Menagerie. I am looking for some dates and other information. Thanks for any info you can give me. Regards, Gary Macia. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, please read posting instructions when sending messages to this board. |
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1092. One finger balancer, Ringling, 18 January, 2006 - Trying to find info on Harold Uranas (spelling?) A one finger balancer with Ringling Bros, late 40's or early 50's. Thanks for your help. Michael Hill. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender; replies may not be sent for month(s), note the message number to check for replies after the message is archived.
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1091. Flying Wallendas, 18 January, 2006 - I'm researching The Flying Wallendas and am looking for pictures from the 1962 fall in Detroit and Karl Wallenda's fall in Puerto Rico. Any help would be appreciated. Todd Duncan. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, please do not send attachments, e.g., graphic images or photos.
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1090. Winkler, 17 January, 2006 - I had a Aunt that was killed when she fell off horse performing, she was very young this was in Detroit, MI. Her last name was Winkler, not sure of first name. Do you have any info on this? Was in very late 1800's or very early 1900's. Betty Sczepanski, in Mich. Bettys@mindnet.org. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, if someone replies to your question, don't forget to send a thank you reply. |
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1089. Amazing Elmourne, 17 January, 2006 - My name is Sandra MacInnis and I am a relative of The Amazing Elmourne (Tight rope Walker). I know really nothing about him and was looking into it. I would like to find something out for a project for my school. I was hoping that you could help me. I would love to hear from you if you have any information, anyway hope to hear back from you. Sandra, flamingcat123@hotmail.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, please read posting instructions when sending messages to this board. |
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1088. Fred Stelling clown, 17 January, 2006 - I'm trying to find information on Fred 'Butterfly' Stelling who was "lead Clown" with Barnum and Bailey's in the 1920's. I believe he may have joined that circus when it was touring Europe at the turn of the century. I've tried contacting the Barnum Museum but, unfortunately have not received any reply. Any help offered would be gratefully received. Kevin Stirling, kevinstirling@aol.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender; replies may not be sent for month(s), note the message number to check for replies after the message is archived.
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1087. Schickler Sisters, 16 January, 2006 - The Schickler Sisters were terrific horse ladies working often in England during the late 50s and early 60s presenting Knie's horses and ponies. What happened to them? Tony James, England, tonyjames@tesco.net. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, please do not send attachments, e.g., graphic images or photos.
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1086. Allan C. Hill Great American Circus, 15 January, 2006 - Can anyone tell me the history, what happened to Allan C. Hill's Great American Circus? Thank you. Marc R. Jurnove, NY, ISPEAKInc@aol.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, if someone replies to your question, don't forget to send a thank you reply.
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1085. Cutie & Dumbo, elephants, 15 January, 2006 - I found a newspaper article from 1942 about Cutie and Dumbo, the Fisher elephants on an indoor circus at the Hammond Civic Center in Indiana. Does anyone know the history of these elephants? I know Dumbo helped capture Modoc with Corine in 1942. Darren Bryan in Georgia, darrenrx@bellsouth.net. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, please read posting instructions when sending messages to this board.
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1084. Corine, elephant trainer, 15 January, 2006 - I'm looking for information on Corine the Elephant trainer with Mighty Haag. He joined with Mighty Haag in the early 1920's and was there until it closed in 1938. A newspaper article states that Corine is a real African Elephant boy, 6ft 7in, brought to USA with consignment of elephants for the original Barnum Show. His full name is Ezra Corine Hazell and he helped capture Modoc in 1942. Darren Bryan in Georgia, darrenrx@bellsouth.net. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender; replies may not be sent for month(s), note the message number to check for replies after the message is archived.
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1083. Great Dane act, 15 January, 2006 - My name is Jeff and I'm trying to find information and possibly some pictures of a circus animal act I remember seeing from the 1900's. It involved several Great Danes and the trainer was a small boy not much bigger then the dogs. I only saw a very short segment of the act and I'm interested in all the routines and stunts they performed. One thing that I do remember is when the boy trainer was facing the crowd, one of the dogs came up behind him and pushed his nose into the boy's hand. The boy then was shown wiping the dog droll off on his pants. I have seen other dog acts but they seem to be mostly of smaller dogs. The use of large dogs like Great Danes would be interesting in the tricks and stunts they do. The obvious is the boy was small enough to sit up on one of the dog's back, may even had performed a stunt or two while riding them. If anyone has information or even pictures they can share, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you. Jeff Greene, HugeWolf@yahoo.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, please do not send attachments, e.g., graphic images or photos. |
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1082. Mabel or Belle Reed, 13 January, 2006 - I was wondering if you could guide me to information about Mabel or Belle Reed. She responded to an ad in The Cincinnati Enquirer in January 1884 that requested 3 young girls to learn the circus business. A Mister Bibb Forepaugh was seeking girls to work with him and his two daughters - Mamie and Pearl and his wife Zola. The article that I am reading talks about the Robinson Circus. She practiced bicycle riding, roller skating, trapeze and walking the light rope. They lived on Vine street over the swimming school and used the downstairs for the acts. She states that Uncle John Robinson states "My Dear, you are not meant for the things that you do. You should be a rider. She remained for two years with the Forepaugh family and then was apprenticed to Mr Robinson. In 1886 she worked in the Robinson's ring barn on John street in Cincinnati, OH. John Wilson trained her. They bought a horse named Messenger for her to ride. I would like to find some information and or some pictures of Mabel actually doing her acts. I have two pictures of her. One in a scanty riding costume the other of her on horse back. She states in her article that her name was often listed on billboards. If there are poster or other things that refer to her I would like to see them and maybe have the ability to purchase them. Thanks in advace for your help in this matter. She later did Broadway plays and I have been able to find a good deal of information about that time in the teens when she was an actress. Marcia Nugent-McKenna. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, if someone replies to your question, don't forget to send a thank you reply. |
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1081. Jimmy Wood's All American Circus ca 1949, 13 January, 2006 - Circus fans, and anyone out there who can help. I am truly in need of information or photo scans on the following folks: Art LaRue (aka; the Circus Cop). Mark Anthony Tramp Clown. Captain Winston's trained seals (Sissy, Slicker and Joe). The Flying De Waynes (Ted De Wayne). Mrs Eleanor (world famous trapeze artist 1949). The Jimmy Wood's All American Circus 1948-1951. Kenneth Waite clown Troop. (1946). I am counting on some of you helping me. I will give credit in my research to any help provided. Please, help with any tidbits or trunk loads. Thank you, Thomas Holbrook, Bozo historian/collector. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, please read posting instructions when sending messages to this board.
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1080. Unus' fall, 12 January, 2006 - Anyone Remember Seeing Unus Fall From Highwire In Chicago (1950s)? As 12-year-olds, my dad and a friend took an unsupervised trip from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Chicago and saw the RBBB circus perform in the 1950s. Unus was the star of the show, and my dad remembers an accident that almost killed him. Unus was doing his handstand/fingerstand on the highwire and fell. There was no safety net. He hit a guide wire that broke his fall but gave him a bad cut. He climbed back to the highwire, finished his performance, and then was taken away for medical attention. I'm surprised I haven't been able to find any reference to this on the net. Anybody else ever heard about this incident? Dave Skidmore, Grand Rapids, MI, dskidmore@wnj.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender; replies may not be sent for month(s), note the message number to check for replies after the message is archived.
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1079. Bishops, trapeze, 12 January, 2006 - I was told by a grand parent that my great great uncles were circus performers a long time ago. Named Cane and Able Bishop. Anyone heard of them? They were trapeze artists. Kelly Smith. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, please do not send attachments, e.g., graphic images or photos.
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1078. Louise Ringling, 11 January, 2006 - Okay, I already used up my self-imposed three questions for the circus book I'm working on. However, as the author (book and lyrics) of the stage musical Those Ringlings, which has been produced twice on the west coast, I am now fine-tunning it again. A long lingering mystery of sorts, perhaps known to some, is the nature of the relationship between Al and Louise Ringling. My take is that there was attraction in the beginning, though it gradually (or quickly) waned, and that they shared the circus and perhaps little else as the years rolled on. I recall many years ago in the Baraboo area being told of a rumored affair that Louise Ringling had with her chauffeur. Although this is not dramatized in my musical play (and I don't intend to), it informs somewhat my take on her character and how she related to Al, and it still intrigues me, as does the fabulous Ringling Brothers story. Seems Al remained possibly more faithful and more in love with Louise than she with him. Can anybody out there shed any documented or well-rumored light on these matters? I'd be most interested and appreciative. Thanks, David Lewis Hammarstrom. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, if someone replies to your question, don't forget to send a thank you reply. |
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1077. Forty horse hitch, 10 January, 2006 - In 1857, Spaulding & Rogers advertised their "Forty Horse Wagon," and "Forty Horses Driven by One Man." Does anyone know if this was the first forty-horse hitch used in a circus? Thanks, Judy Griffin. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, please read posting instructions when sending messages to this board. |
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1076. Yankee Robinson 1867, 10 January, 2006 - I am looking for additional information on the Yankee Robinson show in 1867. I have minimal information on the Yankee Robinson show for 1867. The Orin King files at CWM place his show in Mound City, KS, August 16, 1867 and Lawrence, KS, Aug 26-27, 1867. The Clipper has his show at Ridgeway, KS, September 2, 1867 and Quincy, IL, October 25, 1867. The extensive Bowers' article on Yankee Robinson in TAMS has almost no information on 1867. I have found one article that I would like to confirm. In the Rochester, Fulton County, Indiana "Rochester Chronicle," May 9, 1867: a cousin of Abraham Lincoln, John Hanks, was said to have been traveling with the Yankee Robinson's Consolidated Show. He exhibited "momentoes" of President Lincoln, the largest organ in the world, the Albino or White Moor Man of Madagascar, the largest man in the world, and the smallest woman. As well as a life size figure of Jefferson Davis. I have found information that indicates this John Hanks did exhibit items related to Lincoln during this time period. I'm also looking for Yankee Robinson ads 1867, 1866-69 route information. Thanks, Judy Griffin. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender; replies may not be sent for month(s), note the message number to check for replies after the message is archived.
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1075. Eduardo Montenegro, 10 January, 2006 - Does any one knows about Eduardo Montenegro who came to settle in Istanbul in the 19th century. He tried to sell the 36 animals ( an elephants, lions, tigers etc.) he collected all over Europe. I suspect he owned a circus. Did you hear about a "Circus Montenegro"? Thank you very much for your help. Dr. Feza Gunergun, Istanbul University, Turkey, fezagunergun@yahoo.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, please do not send attachments, e.g., graphic images or photos.
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1074. Clara Cadona, 10 January, 2006 - Can someone tell me if Clara Cadona was Afredo's wife before or after Lillian Lieitzel? B. Strong. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, if someone replies to your question, don't forget to send a thank you reply.
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1073. Help Capture a Circus Robber! William E. Sinclair, 1886, 09 January, 2006 - William E. Sinclair was the 29 year old Treasurer on Barnum's show in 1880 when Barnum secretly negotiated with James Bailey and James Hutchinson to join forces for the coming season. Barnum was impressed with the young man's head for money, and he pushed his new partners to install Sinclair in a similar position in the new consolidation. This didn't happen, and Sinclair headed off to make his fortune on his investments. James Bailey's resolutely loyal man, Merritt Young, later settled into the important role of Treasurer in the Barnum, Bailey & Hutchinson circus. When Bailey retired from the partnership at the end of the 1885 season, Merrit Young was one of few men who left with him. Suddenly, Barnum, Hutchinson and their new partners, Cole and Cooper, urgently needed a Treasurer for the show. Sinclair was sought out. His investments had not worked out. He was on hard times, and he agreed to step back into the breach. On the Saturday afternoon when the traditional torchlight parade was scheduled to begin the 1886 season, Sinclair told Cooper in their Madison Square Garden office that he was slipping out to lunch. Out he went, along with $6,500 of the show's funds. That's a lot of money - about $135,000 in today's dollars. Neither Sinclair nor the money returned from lunch. The show was having a few headaches. The new partners were bedding down final details of a programme that no longer had the benefit of James Bailey's fastidious wizardry. Bad weather forced postponement of the Saturday night torchlight parade. Traditionally, the season could not commence until the parade had occurred. Rain on the Monday night forced a second postponement, and then, incredibly, there was a third postponement on Tuesday night. When the Barnum brain's-trust met on Wednesday morning, they must have been perturbed by a season that was three days late and a Treasurer who hadn't been sighted since Saturday. That night, the parade was not half-way through when it was drenched, and the new wardrobe destroyed. At least the show could start next day. Was Sinclair found? I don't know. Can anybody help find him? Stuart Hicks, Western Australia. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, please read posting instructions when sending messages to this board. |
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1072. 1907 boy killed by elephant, 08 January, 2006 - I am looking for any info on an incident which occurred in 1907 in Buffalo, NY where a boy was killed by an elephant. Thank you, Jo Little, Buffalo, NY. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender; replies may not be sent for month(s), note the message number to check for replies after the message is archived.
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1071. Erwin & Edwin Jung twin acrobats, 07 January, 2006 - Erwin and Edwin Jung area twin acrobats in a circus. Maybe in Germany or Swiz. The name: tsuai Jung or Jung brothers. The year of 1920. Do You have any notice about the two man? Thank for the information. My name: Leni Jung Buch from São Paulo, Brazil, email: jofm@directnet.com.br. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, please do not send attachments, e.g., graphic images or photos.
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1070. Mike Lane, King Bros. Christiani, 06 January, 2006 - My Uncle is a man named Mike Lane. He was with the King Brothers Christani (sp) circus who wintered in Macon, Georgia in 1952-53. He was a wrestler who worked with the Sheik. Today is his 73rd birthday and he talked of the old rolling mud shows. Would love to be able to find any info on his old circus. Thank you in advance for your time. Kurt Holbrook. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, if someone replies to your question, don't forget to send a thank you reply.
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1069. Elephant Alice death, 06 January, 2006 - Does anyone know when Alice the elephant of the Mighty Haag Shows/Fisher Elephants died and where she is buried. The last reference I have for her is 1943 in Chicago at the Olympia Circus. I do know she died in Medora Indiana and it was likely in the 1940's. Darren Bryan in Georgia, darrenrx@bellsouth.net. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, please read posting instructions when sending messages to this board.
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1068. Elephant Toto, 06 January, 2006 - In a newspaper article, Coshocton Tribune, Ohio 6-6-1942, there is listed a Toto the elephant on the 1942 King Bros Circus. Ruby Haag is listed as the elephant trainer. Was Toto part of the Haag/Fisher elephants or did he belong to the King Bros? Darren Bryan in Georgia, darrenrx@bellsouth.net. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender; replies may not be sent for month(s), note the message number to check for replies after the message is archived. |
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1067. Elephant Alice, 06 January, 2006 - There is an Elephant named Alice billed as "The Largest Performing Elephant on the Road" on the Beers-Barnes Circus in June and August of 1944. Was Alice of the Haag Elephants ever billed this way? The Haag Elephants were on the Barnes Bros Olympia Combined Circus in April of 1944. Darren Bryan in Georgia, darrenrx@bellsouth.net. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, please do not send attachments, e.g., graphic images or photos.
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1066. Ernest Haag, 06 January, 2006 - Ernest Haag's obituary was written in the February 9, 1935 issue of Billboard Magazine. The article was under Hartmann's Weekly Broadcast. In the article, Hartmann mentions interviewing Ernest 9 year before his death. Does anyone know if Hartmann wrote an article on Ernest Haag around 1926? Darren Bryan in Georgia, darrenrx@bellsouth.net. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, if someone replies to your question, don't forget to send a thank you reply. |
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1065. Friscoe's Trained Seals, 06 January, 2006 - Friscoe's Trained Seals appeared at an amusement park near Buffalo during the 1920s and 1930s. Does anyone have information about the owner and details of the act they could share? William Kae, Buffalo, NY. wmkae@aol.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, please read posting instructions when sending messages to this board.
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1064. Dan Rice token, 05 January, 2006 - My name is Tim and I have a token which I'm trying to find some information on. It is slightly smaller than quarter size, copper (I believe) and says "Dan Rice Circus" and "5c in Trade" on it. If anyone has any info or can point me to some references regarding this token I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks, Tim French. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender; replies may not be sent for month(s), note the message number to check for replies after the message is archived.
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1063. Ross Brothers Crown circus, 04 January, 2006 - Hello thanks for the wonderful site. My Father has recently died and I know nothing of his life before immigrating to Australia. He was Tom Ross jr of Ross Brothers Crown circus. Granddad owned the circus and they used names such as Rosair or rozane. I was told he was England's youngest wire walker performed something called the break away ladder, trapeze and horses. I really know nothing other than the fact that the whole English side of the family blame dads leaving for the circus folding. Dad was the oldest and didn't want to carry on. Can you help me find out who my dad was? Darren Ross. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, please do not send attachments, e.g., graphic images or photos. |
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1062. Flying Nelsons, 04 January, 2006 - I have some old family photos of a Nelson acrobatic family. I am trying to locate photos of the Flying Nelsons to see if there is a connection. Any ideas? Catherine Ryan, Orleans, Ontario. Thanks. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, if someone replies to your question, don't forget to send a thank you reply. |
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1061. M L Clark & Sons, 03 January, 2006 - Do you have any information on the M L Clark & Son's circus? My husband's grandfather (Allie Clark) and father (Garner M. Clark) were in the family circus. Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your help in this matter. Karen P. Clark. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, please read posting instructions when sending messages to this board.
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1060. Smallest bicycle, 03 January, 2006 - Looking for information about the bicycle 2 1/2 inches tall, ridden by a man, and fits in his hand. Where can I find a picture of it? Amberjaks@aol.com. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender; replies may not be sent for month(s), note the message number to check for replies after the message is archived. |
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1059. Trevally acrobates, 02 January, 2006 - All I know currently is that they appeared on a Folies Bergere poster around 1908/9, doing three-high breakaway move. I haven't come across any other reference yet. Charlie Holland, |
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1058. Craggs, acrobats, 02 January, 2006 - I'm just starting some research into this Victorian troupe and would be keen to know more (partly because I live in Kennington, London near by where their gymnasium was!) I have the Windsor Magazine article Dec 1897, May 1898, "The Greatest of Acrobats, The Marvellous Craggs", and the pieces on them in Le Roux and Garniers "Acrobats and Mountebanks" and in Adrian's En Piste, Les Acrobates, and in Strehly's L'Acrobatie et les Acrobates (pub 1903). I'm also aware of the posters featuring them in the British Library's Evanion Collection www.bl.uk/catalogues/evanion/ and of the details in John Turner's fabulous volumes 'Victorian Arena; The Performers': CRAGG, J.W. Acrobat. Born May 1846, in Manchester. Founder of the Cragg Troupe of acrobats. In 1862 left a Manchester printing office, where he was working as a "printer's devil", for the stage, in a double trapeze act with a mate from the printing firm. Commenced his circus life, in 1862, as a partner in the De Castro Brothers, later assisted by their wives. The partnership was dissolved in 1873, when the Craggs went to Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and India, returning to Britain in 1876. Went to Blackpool and became the proprietor of a theatre there, but this venture was not a success. Visited Egypt in 1882. The Craggs were known as the 'Gentleman Acrobats', performing in evening dress, with gardenias in their buttonholes. In 1883, in Berlin, Alf Cragg performed the roundo flip-flap double somersault. In 1886 the Seven Craggs appeared for six weeks in New York, where they earned $100 a night, then Paris. They came forward in line, simultaneously performed seven somersaults on the spot, then, in shirt sleeves, began half an hour of wonderful acrobatic feats. Consisted of father, five sons and one daughter Violet. Gymnast with an up to date gymnasium, in Kennington Road, London. Married four times, with 24 children of whom 13 were living in 1921. The eldest was then 58, the youngest 3 years old. Celebrated his 80th birthday in June 1926 (Sources: J.M. Turner, "Victorian Arena, The Performers", vol.1 (Lingdales, Formby, 1994); World's Fair, 5/6/1920, p.1,col.2 O.99; ibid, 3/9/1921, p.7, col.2 O.143; ibid, 5/6/1926, p.5, col.2; ibid, 25/8/1928, p.13, col.1; ibid, 3/7/1937, p.45, col.3; ibid, 18/1/1958, p.14, col.5; Le Roux and Garnier, "Acrobats and Mountebanks"(1890), p.300-5). CRAGG, J.W. (Supplement). Acrobat. Born 27th May 1846. First performed, at the Casino, Manchester, in March 1862, for £2 a week. With a partner gave a trapeze act as the Brothers Williams. Became the De Castro Brothers, acrobats and trapeze artists, in 1864. In 1865 joined Sanger's circus, remaining with them three years. Early in 1868, whilst performing at Cremorne Gardens, fell from the trapeze and was out of action for some months. Noted with Pinder's circus, touring from Bolton to Cromer, in 1868, then joining Henry and Adams circus, Scarborough. Noted with them at Bradford, for the 1868-9 season. In 1869, the partners introduced their wives into the act, becoming the De Castro Troupe, with two children. In 1871 were four men, on the flying trapeze. In 1872 the partners split up and J.W. Cragg and five of his sons formed the De Castro Family, which first appeared, with a new flying act, at the Winchester Music Hall, London. In 1873 the family went to Austalia and New Zealand, and in 1874 to China. In 1885 the troupe changed its name to The Craggs. Gave a command performance, before Royalty, on 4th July 1889. One of the best-known and lovable personalities in the circus and music hall profession. At the start of the Great War his sons enlisted and J.W. Cragg was forced into retirement. His sketch 'The Territorials, 1913-14, was his last public entertainment. Opened Cragg's Gymnasium. Known for his wealth of good stories and genial nature which endeared him to all who met him. One of the 'Noble Six Hundred' who contributed to the setting-up of the Brinsworth Home. Known in old age as Papa Cragg. Killed, by a motor cycle, on Saturday 24th October 1931, at Harmondsworth, aged 85 years (Sources - J.M. Turner, "Victorian Arena, The Performers", vol.2 (Lingdales, Formby, 2000); World's Fair, 17/4/1920. O.93; ibid, 13/6/1931, p.26, col.2; ibid, 31/10/1931, p.1, col.5; ibid, 7/11/1931, p.6, col.1 & p.10, col.1-2; ibid, 27/2/1937, p.8, col.2; ibid, 9/9/1939, p.5, col.1; The Craggs, the Geatest of Acrobats, J. Cragg, 'The Windsor Magazine', Dec 1897, interview with W. Craggs, founder of the troupe, 8 pages). Charlie Holland, charlie@holland-palmer.demon.co.uk. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, if someone replies to your question, don't forget to send a thank you reply.
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1057. Julians/Yullians/Yuliams acrobats, 02 January, 2006 - This wonderful acrobatic act can be seen on film from c1903 as follows. I am familiar with the Voltige au Tapis film but haven't seen the Julian's Troupe film. I'd like to know more about the troupe and if anyone has a copy of the Julian's Troupe film. The Julians, Acrobats (1903) These famous European acrobats are shown in their wonderful feats of balancing and high-class acrobatic work. This troupe commands the highest salary ever paid to a company of gymnasts, and the sensational work they perform gives proof that theirs is justly the most celebrated in the world. The photography is beautifully sharp and distinct, and the subject most entertaining. Summary written by Edison Catalog Pathe Baby (9.5mm)1923 catalogue Film 229 Voltige au Tapis par Les Julian'S
Film 230 Julian'S Troupe
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1056. One finger hand stand, 31 December, 2005 - I am Philip Nochlin of Tampa, Florida. As a child, I watched a terrrific acrobat with the Barnum & Bailey Circus in New York City. Dressed in a tuxedo including top hat, he balanced upon a street light globe doing a hand stand poised on but one finger! This act made an inedible impression upon me and I would be greatly appreciate it if you could identify who the peformer was and when he performed this amazing act! Best wishes for a great new year. Thanks a lot. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender; replies may not be sent for month(s), note the message number to check for replies after the message is archived.
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1055. Joe Haworth, high wire, 31 December, 2005 - Looking for information on a Joe Haworth who was a high wire caughter from about 1945 to 1960. I know his last years were with Cole Brothers Circus and he would go ahead of the circus and sell tickets and get things setup. Any help you can give me would be appreciated. Judy Thonebe. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, please do not send attachments, e.g., graphic images or photos. |
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1054. RBBB question, 31 December, 2005 - Did any of the circus staff live at the winter quarters in Sarasota when the show played under canvas? Thank You! Best, Craig. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, if someone replies to your question, don't forget to send a thank you reply.
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1053. Vivyana/Vivian Rosard, 31 December, 2005 - Looking for information on Vivyana (Vivian) Rosard, a trapeze artist that performed for the Al G. Barnes Circus in the 1930's. I understand she was injured in a fall which ended her career. I would like to know her story and what ever became of her. Thanks, Randy Maus. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, please read posting instructions when sending messages to this board. |
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1052. RBBB circus wagon, 30 December, 2005 - I am a volunteer at the Circus Hall of Fame in Peru, Indiana. About two years ago a circus fan from Ohio, John Mauer acquired an RBBB circus cage from the old Tony Diano winterquarters in Ohio. He donated this cage to the Circus Hall of Fame. The floor and undergear is missing but the bars, ends and roof are intact as well as the bull rings on the corners. The unusual part of this wagon is a complete set of horizontal bars inside the vertical bars on each side. From photos provided by Dom Yodice it appears that this wagon may be #82 and probably was on RBBB in the 1947-1949 period. A model plan drawn by Lucky Allen who was on RBBB indicates that this wagon was a rhino cage. We expect to restore this wagon this summer and we would like to know if the horizontal bars were part of the original wagon or were added later maybe by another owner. Any other info on this wagon or any corrections to the info I have presented would be appreciated. Dick Britton dickbritton@usadatanet.net. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender; replies may not be sent for month(s), note the message number to check for replies after the message is archived.
In 1959 rhino #82 landed at Bob Dietch's Kiddie zoo in New Jersey along with other RBBB menagerie wagons. It wound up at a circus farm in New York run by a chap named Brown. From there it went to the Circus World Museum in Baraboo. I do not have a photo of the wagon in question as it now resides in Peru. However, if it was the one Diano once had it should be the same as #83 on RBBB. It was one of five performing animal cages built new for the 1947 RBBB show. The others were ## 68, 69, and 72. All seem to have been identical in construction. Each had a distinctive steel beam underneath. The one in question (#83) was sold by RBBB to Biller Bros. in 1949 where it was converted to use as a highway trailer cage. By 1961 it was at Diano's place. There is a photograph of it there in the May-June 1962 Bandwagon. By 1947 RBBB had abandoned the chutes (tunnels) that ran from the steel performing arenas across the hippodrome track and under the grandstand to cage wagons spotted outside. The 1944 Hartford fire put an end to that. Beginning in 1945 cages were pulled into the big top and spotted against the steel arenas and removed after the act(s). Small clerestory-roofed Alfred Court cages were used for that purpose in 1945, there were no cage acts on RBBB in 1946 and in 1947 it built the ones referred to above. But they did not work. They were too big and tall and blocked the view from many seats. So they were replaced in 1948 by those long, low silhouette performing animal cage wagons that saw use for the rest of RBBB's years as a field show. Two of the new 1947 cages were in the 1948 RBBB menagerie (## 72 and 83) but were abandoned after that year in favor of those short ex-army ordnance wagons. That made #83 available for Biller. It got two RBBB cages in 1949 and the other may have been may have #72 (a twin to #83), but I am not sure about that. When on RBBB the wagon did not have both horizontal and vertical bars so that must have been added by a subsequent owner. I can say, however, that the one pictured at Diano's in 1961 did not have horizontal bars - only vertical ones. Richard Reynolds, Atlanta, GA
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1051. Performer's shoes, 30 December, 2005 - Hi and thank you in advance for any information. I found an old pair of women's sandals at an estate sale of a 1920's circus performer - the shoes were in an old trunk (not his circus trunk). Not all the items in the trunk were circus related. His first wife had been a performer, as well and although these wooden soles shoes certainly do not look comfortable for any type performance. But, I am curious if they were his first wife's shoes - The very bright blue color of the wood base is really my only indication that they might be an entertainers shoes. They are a leather upper which is nailed onto the bright blue sole - they have a cut in the wood on the bottom that allows give to the base of the shoe - I've never seen anything quite like them. I purchased his old circus travel trunk and other memorabilia - and wondering if the shoes should go in this trunk or in the trash! Thanks for any information. regards, c. k. coleman, cc362211@aol.com, Birmingham, AL. Respond to this message, your reply goes to this board, not to the sender, please do not send attachments, e.g., graphic images or photos.
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