Reply: 21 June 2007 - I know that a few years ago when I was still in show business Willy Brand was an agent for circus and was living in Paris France I will try and get some news in this regard and let you know. My email is fbogino@hotmail.com. Sincerely, Frank Bogino

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Reply: 23 February, 2007 - Try searching "Schumann" on www.circusmuseum.nl/eng You will get 162 hits. Photo's and posters. Do not forget the extra n. Herman Voogd, hvoogd@teylersmuseum.nl

Reply: 24 February, 2007 - Thank you Mr. Voodgd for your prompt reply. fatima

Reply: 24 February, 2007 - Hello Barry, I would certainly recommend a book that covers the the story of Bullen's Elephants called "MR BULLEN'S ELEPHANTS" written by Bob Cunningham in collaboration with Brenton Bullen. It is an excellent book with many photos, some in colour, that provides a detailed history of the Bullen Family and their Elephant herd. - JOHN SULLIVAN

Reply: 23 February, 2007 - A quick Google search revealed a N. Y. Times article from 2001 about the house. It stated that the 1888-built residence was at 150th and St. Nicholas Place. The current owner bought it in 1951 and it suffered a fire in 2000. They had used it for a funeral home. According to the article, Bailey was not satisfied with the local development and decided to move to Mt. Vernon, where he erected "The Knolls," a palatial home that has been demolished. I recall that there were other articles written about the Bailey NYC residence and a search might reveal them. Checking the Times in 1888 might offer some insights on the original construction. Fred Dahlinger

Reply: 27 February, 2007 - Craig, I am surprised you haven't got an answer on this. I have an article (somewhere, if only I could find it and eventually I will) that came out on AMC, in a men's magazine like Argosy, something like that. I think it came out a year or two after they put the show indoors. What is remarkable is that I can't recall Concello every being so extensively profiled (outside of the chapter on the Concellos in Robert Lewis Taylor's book, Center Ring), although I don't can't recall how accurate the article is. When I find it, I will let you know. I think the title of the story is something like "The Best Damn Showman on Earth." In the meantime, maybe other sources will think of it! David Lewis Hammarstrom

Reply: 28 February, 2007 - There was a great 1973 Tom Parkinson interview with Arthur M Concello published in the Sept-Oct 2001 Bandwagon. Ree-gards, Ole Whitey

Reply: 28 February, 2007 - David: Thank You for answering my posting. I always feel honored to see your name on one of my messages. You know, if we had known when we saw The Big One back in the 1950s that the end was so close I would have taken my camera along to take outside pictures of everything. Our mutual lives have been rewarding. Yet, a huge part of our lives was spent on the show lot that day and in a blink of an eye it was gone forever. David, that is really a sad thought. The best taste in live entertainment under canvas gone. With the exception of the movie GSOE! Children of today and the last 50 years will never know first hand what we so enjoyed in our youth. All My Best, Craig Johnson, Lock Haven, Pa.

Reply: 07 March, 2007 - Ole Whitey: Thank You for your reply. Where would I be able to locate that issue? Best, Craig Johnson

Reply: 07 March, 2007 - Craig, just order the back issue. Ordering information on the Bandwagon page, click on Bandwagon on the navigation bar. J. Griffin

Reply: 08 March, 2007 - Thank You Judy! Best, Craig

Reply: 21 February, 2007 - Try Outagamie County Historical Society, 330 E. College Ave., Appleton, WI 54911, (920) 733-8445, E-mail: ochs@foxvalleyhistory.org. They have a large collection on Houdini. - J. Griffin

Reply: 23 February, 2007 - We have a wide selection of vintage tents. We are in Southern California. Please give our office a call at (323) 751-3486 and we can email you photos. We just did the Christina Aguilera video "Hurt" which had our tents, props, wardrobe. Please view the video on YouTube. Thank-you, LA Circus

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Reply: 23 February, 2007 - Go to www.circusmuseum.nl/eng click search on the top lefthand corner, choose advanced search, click in the category circus on 'index", wait (be patience) till a long list of circuses appears, choose " Ringling Bros.". Then type in the area Startyear/endyear first "1945" and then "1948". Then click on "search" Among the results are foto's of the Ringling tent in 1945, the trains and the elephants. Some pictures are taken in Toledo, Ohio. If you do the same with "Barnum and Bailey" and vary with the years, the results can be a little different. You can zoom in for details. If you like it, you can order prints in the online shop for a reasonable price. Good luck and all the best to your father. Herman Voogd, hvoogd@teylersmuseum.nl

Reply: 23 February, 2007 - Search "ashtons" on www.circusmuseum.nl/eng. You can also try" australie". Herman Voogd, hvoogd@teylersmuseum.nl

Reply: 20 February, 2007 - In answer to your question as to what happened to the Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1944 - nothing. There was no Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1944. S. Thayer

Reply: 23 February, 2007 - At www.circusmuseum.nl/eng if you search with the word "lawson" the results are two Barnum and Bailey posters. On the second one you will find in small letters (you have to zoom in) bottom right: the year 1944. Maybe there was no circus in 1944 but there was definitely a poster and a nice one! Herman Voogd, hvoogd@teylersmuseum.nl

Reply: 26 February, 2007 - The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Combined Shows Inc. suffered a horrendous fire in the packed Big Top while in Hartford, Ct. Many died while being trampled from the push of the crowd to get out. Several books have been written about this fire. Check into the Circus Fans Association website for their periodical the White Tops. There was a very good article in there back in Nov. 2006 I believe. I'm sure you can purchase a back issue through them. Bob Cline

Reply: 24 February, 2007 - Hello Calvin, the Moscow Circus appeared there in 1974. The other circus I believe you are thinking of is "The Great International Circus" which was in January 1979. - John Sullivan. NZ

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Reply: 16 February, 2007 - Goldsack's contact information is listed on the Publications page on this website. Click on Publications on the navigation sidebar, scroll down to the bottom of the page, he's listed under 'other.' J. Griffin

Reply: 02 March, 2007 - This is to Troy Dodson Craig. I have in my possession three photo albums from members of the Dodson World's fair during the twenties and thirties. They are Max and Jean Montgomery. Max was the Musical director of the Dodson Show. We need to talk. I got them some years ago here in San Francisco. They are full of pics from the Dodson world, and I believe Clarence, Mel, and Kate Dodson are in these photos. I am also in San Francisco. Andre Hunt, San Francisco, Ca. thedre@value.net

Reply: 31 May 2007 - Hello, I am trying to contact Troy Dodson Craig. I would like to trade information with you my fiance's grandmother says that Clarence Dodson was her father's uncle. Is your Clarence Guy Dodson the son of a Clarence Dodson? Our family is related to the Dodson's World fair shows somehow, we have other relatives who also performed in the show. Please e-mail me at jenni43435@yahoo.com. Thanks, Jennifer Ball

Reply: 20 Sep 2007 - For Troy Dodson Craig. I am doing genealogical research on the Dodson/Hoffman Family, specifically on my grand-mother, Elizabeth Hoffman Ahlberg, who was a sister of Katie Hoffman Dodson, married to Clarence G. Dodson. Do you have any family history? The only way I have known to try to trace everyone is through the Dodson Shows. Thanks very much. Judith Davis

Reply: 16 February, 2007 - You might try researching the world's fairs that were staged in San Francisco: the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition [midway called "The Zone"] and also the 1939-1940 Golden Gate International Exposition [midway called "The Gayway"]. There may have been activities that involved people of short stature. A picture book, "San Francisciana Photographs of Three World Fairs" by Marilyn Blaisdell has images of Commodore Tradel [representing Bromo-Seltzer] and "Elizabeth, The Living Doll" at the 1915 fair. I checked guidebook listings and found that the 1939 fair included "Midget Village: Fifty midgets present vaudeville acts, entertainment, trained ponies, in 45-minute show. Also concession stands, restaurant in a Western setting." There are surely images of the attraction in existence, perhaps on-line or at the San Francisco library or the historical societies.
      There were other fairs in California: the 1915-1916 California-Pacific Exposition in San Diego ["The Isthmus"] and the 1928 Pacific Southwest Exposition at Long Beach. There's also amusement park activity, like Chutes at the Beach and Idora Park [which reportedly closed about 1929], and Neptune Beach over in Alameda. A few larger amusement parks had side shows. There are books and other documentation about these parks, though Idora coverage is less in quantity.
      There's an abundance of world's fair documentation, archived, collected, published, etc. "Billboard" magazine carried a lot of coverage on the 1939-1940 fair, with Walter K. Sibley writing many special columns about it. There's a good chance that the person you're seeking was not a direct hire of the fair, but an employee of a concessionaire. That might make it a bit more difficult to locate specific data, but she'd likely appear in group photos taken of the attraction. I'd also suggest checking the several books that have been published on the topic of shorter people. There were also a number of troupes, Singer's and also the Stanley Graham show, an article about which has been published recently in "Bandwagon." Check the article index on this website. You might also check for her in city directories and vital records. Fred Dahlinger

Reply: 04 March, 2007 - Vicky, There was a "Wee Jeanie" who appeared at the Dreamland Circus Sideshow in Coney Island in 1921, but her right name was Jennie Lindsey and she was supposedly born in Scotland. I can e-mail an image to you if you like. Tom Hernandez, zenheard at yahoo dot com

Reply: 20 February, 2007 - Contact Rik Gern, former Advance Clown for the Ringling Gold Unit, who lives in Austin and performs as "Bonzo Crunch, Fool at Large". Patrick Cashin, cashincomedy@mac.com

Reply: 16 February, 2007 - Certainly something can be found on the internet. Clyde Beatty (born June 10, 1903 in Bainbridge, Ohio, USA; died July 19, 1965) ... comes from Wikipedia. I've searched a couple times for other things and ran across more Beatty information. As for what you can find, Mr. Beatty wrote a couple books called the Big Cage and Facing the Big Cats. Both are full of stories of his life on the road. Try your local Libraries or the State Library system. If you can't find them, try the Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wi. to get a loaned issue. The Museum Library also houses the largest collection of Circus artifacts, research, and memoribilia in the world. Try contacting the Archivist, Erin Foley for further assistance. Mr. Beatty has one son, Clyde Junior, that is alive. There is a new circus on the road this year using the title of Clyde Beatty Circus. They are using the old show's logo and posters on their website. They also have to have permission from Clyde Jr. to use this title so they may be able to put you in contact with him if you explain your needs. I can't say for sure but it's another direction to try. I haven't gone through all the articles listed on this website, but if you will click on the Bandwagon tab on the upper left hand side, you will find the articles that have been written since the 1950's. Many are available online now Thanks to Judy Griffin our webmaster. Last, try contacting the Bainbridge, Ohio Historical Sociey or Library. Certainly they will have some information on their famous offspring. Bob Cline

Reply: 28 February, 2007 - An article by Joanne Joys covering Beatty's origins and early life is in "Bandwagon," Jan-Feb 1990. The issue can be purchased as a back copy. Information is on the website. Fred Dahlinger

Reply: 14 February, 2007 - According to their route book (on this website), the show was at Enschede on September 4, 1901. Click on routes on the navigation bar to check their 1901 route. J. Griffin

Reply: 25 February, 2007 - On www.circusmuseum.nl you can search and find foto's of the visit in 1901. Unfortunately the pictures were not taken in Enschede but in Amsterdam. Herman Voogd, hvoogd@planet.nl

Reply: 12 February, 2007 - If you will go to bucklesw.blogspot.com you will find some stories and photos of the Orton family and Ortonville. They are relatives of Buckles Woodcock. Bob Cline

Reply: 12 February, 2007 - Dear Charles, Check out the daily blog site of elephant trainer & circus historian, Buckles Woodcock. www.bucklesw.blogspot.com. He is related to the Orton family, and has recently had many photos and history of them on his site. Also go through the achive files on that site and you will find additional history about the Orton Family. Jim Cole

Reply: 13 February, 2007 - Des Moines, Iowa was a location affiliated with showman Fred Buchanan. He and his brother had an outfit out of Granger, IA by 1900-1902, but Fred was also involved with Ingersoll Park, an amusement park in Des Moines, after the turn of the century. For a while they toyed with the title "Buchanan Bros." for their traveling enterprise. A 1905 report had Buchanan operating a zoo in Des Moines, the accumulation of animals a likely prelude to inaugurating the circus. His first authentic circus venture may have been the Yankee Robinson overland show in 1906. It went on rails in 1908 and prospered through 1920. It was acquired by Mugivan & Bowers and refitted as Howes Great London for 1921 at the William P. Hall farm in Lancaster, Missouri. Lancaster was also where the Orton Bros. Circus, a railroad show, was framed for 1916. Is it possible that there's some confusion in recollections or memoirs that has connected these names, titles and locations?
      There's some early Buchanan history that connects with Des Moines in the Harry L. "Cookhouse" Kelly papers at the CWM Library. The novel "Gus the Great" is also a highly readable account based on the Buchanan-Hall relationship. There's an article about the Granger quarters in "Bandwagon" in the 1960s, as well as extended coverage of the Hall farm history. Adrian Sharpe also wrote an article about the Ortons for Bandwagon many years ago. You can locate all of these in the article index on this website. The late Joe Rettinger accumulated a lot of data on Buchanan but the current location of his notes has not been made public. Fred Dahlinger

Reply: 03 May 2007 - My grandfather, Miles Orton and his family ran the Orton Bros. circus until the depression. They winter quartered in Ortonville Iowa which is about 15 miles west of Des Moines on Highway 6. There are only 2 remaining children of Miles but some of his grandaughters and grandsons have pictures etc. of the circus which by the way was started by Hirum Orton in Portage Wisc. in the middle 1800's. Mary Wheeler, Pleasan Hill Iowa

Reply: 05 May 2007 - Hello Mary, I am interested in Thomas Taplin Cooke's family. As you know, his daughter Mary Ann married Miles Orton in 1862 after the death of her husband,William H Cole. Her son W.W. Cole, was raised on the Orton Show. I understand that Mary Ann Cooke-Cole-Orton, was very close to Sarah Elizabeth Orton and placed a very expensive and beautiful seven foot tall headstone at Sara Elizabeth's grave. Do you have any other information on Mary Ann and her connection to the Orton family? When did she and Miles divorce? Jim Stockley, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Reply: 06 May 2007 - William L. Slout's limited circulation book, "Chilly Billy, The Evolution of a Circus Millionaire" (2002) has the Cooke and Mary Ann coverage that you seek. If you post your e-mail address, it can be forwarded to the author. Bill did some substantial research and analysis about the Cooke family. Fred Dahlinger

Reply: 07 May 2007 - Thanks very much for the reply Mr Dahlinger. I got a copy of 'Chilly Billy' from Bill Slout when it first came out and am very fond of the anecdote told by George Conklin (on page 11) concerning WW Cole's instructions about how Conklin should treat Mary Ann. I also have a copy of WW Cole's will that I got from Mabel Garstin in Canada - this proved a very useful aide in untangling most of the Cooke Family tree (and re-arranging some of it). I guess when I saw Mary Wheeler's post (with her being Miles granddaughter) I was wondering (and hoping) she might have any personal memories or anecdotes concerning Miles Orton and Maryann Cooke to share. I also wondered if any of the pictures she spoke about featured Mary Ann Cooke ? I keep teasing Mr Woodcock over at his weblog, trying to get him to share whatever he has on Miles Orton but he's not biting - yet ;-) Kindest regards, Jim, Stockley Trained Animal Consultants cc, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, email: js114@pixie.co.za.

Reply: 11 February, 2007 - Priscilla Williams. See David Lewis Hammarstrom's book, "Big Top Boss," page 271, which cites the "San Francisco Chronicle," September 2, 1967, page 25. Fred Dahlinger

Reply: 14 February, 2007 - My 'Twentieth Century Circus People (Lingdales Press, Formby, 2003) contains the following entry; - LUCK, Jack. Animal trainer. Real name Arthur Wigg, born about 1881. Married Elizabeth Lamont. With Andrew Purchase's Circus and Menagerie, touring in 1912. With Bostock and Wombwells' show, directed by Frank Bostock, in Birmingham, 1920-21. In 1926 was working with two groups, leopards, and a mix of wolves, bears and hyenas. Lion tamer with the company, at Aberdeen, in May 1929, titled Bostock's Jungle and Fun City, at Leeds, in December 1929, at Birmingam in January 1930, and at a number of venues later in the year. At that time he was referred to as an old-timer. Bostock and Wombwell's show closed after its 1931 tour. Succeded by Tommy Kayes. Retired to Glasgow. Died in July 1946. See also under 'Cardona' sources - World's Fair, 20/7/1946, p.1, col.4; ibid, 28/1/1950, p.14, col.5). John Turner. P.S. Does anyone ever get any thanks for suppylying hard-won intellectual property? Just a thought!

Reply: 07 February, 2007 - If want to order the Bandwagon, May-June 2004, click on the Bandwagon link on the navigation bar, scroll down for how to order that back issue. J. Griffin

Reply: 07 February, 2007 - I have one elephant named Jessie that probably fits your search. She is about the age you describe and the sale in the mid 70's goes along with it also. The time frame from 1961 to 1976 was blank in my records so I inserted the Ray and Betty Olive name to see if this is the elephant you are looking for. If it sounds right to you, she is still on the George Carden International Circus to the best of my knowledge. Bob Cline

JESSIE
Born - 1949 in the wild
Female Asian
1951 to 1953 - Hawthorn Melody Zoo in Libertyville, ILL.
1954 to 1961 - R.A. Miller
1955 - The Great Fred J. Mack Circus - owned by R. A. Richards
???? to 1975 - Ray & Betty Olive
1976 to 1986 - Hoxie's Great American Circus
1986 to Present - Carden International Circus

Reply: 19 June 2007 - Hi Lori, I knew your daddy well. I am the son of Bo Miller. Your daddy and mine flew B-24's together in the war. Jessie had a sister elephant named Jenny. Mayburn kept Jenny a couple of years after selling Jessie. Jenny was purchased by the San Antonio Zoo. The year was 61 or 62 I delivered her myself but the years are a blur. Big Jim Miller

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Reply: 04 February, 2007 - I know that Frank James toured with a show which went by the name Frank James-Cole Younger Wild West. You might want to look at www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-2906 for a discussion of Lulu Hurst. Ree-gards- Ole Whitey

Reply: 05 February, 2007 - Ole Whitey, you don't know how much I appreciate this information very much. You really made my day with the information concerning the circus or show that Frank James was with. I am going to order the book "The Great Cole Younger and Frank Historical Wild West Show" by Koblas. This is more than likely how my Grandfather met Frank James, because this was one of the proudest moments in his life to relate this to his grandchildren. Maybe the book will give me more insight on the situation. I sure appreciate you taking the time to respond to my question. For years now I have been trying to find out the circus my grandfather performed for in the hopes I could get information on it. What you sent me will probably add very much to my genealogy. Thank you again for your time and effort. Jimmy L. Veal

Reply: 12 February, 2007 - Jimmy Veal - By 1890 Lulu Hurst was retired. However, Annie Abbott (also of Georgia; real name Dixie Haygood) was active. There were several other small women who were doing similar acts. Some using the name "Annie Abbott" even though they were not the real Annie Abbott. Hugh Harrington, hharring@alltel.net

Reply: 15 February, 2007 - Hugh, thanks for this information on Annie Abbott. Actually my grandfather wasn't sure of the strong girls name, only that he was impressed with these feats of strength. I just asssumed it was Lulu, as I did not know about Annie. My grandfather would get a job with any circus coming through his hometown, but could not travel with them as he had a family and a farm he had to take care of. He was definitely sure of Frank James and could even remember how he looked. Thanks again for the name Annie Abbott as this could be another lead for me. Jimmy L. Veal

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Reply: 03 February, 2007 - Powells’ Circus. There are two possibilities here, Powell and Clarke’s traveled 1929-32, led by Edars FDosseett. Owell brothers’ Circus, led by Claude Fossett, ran from about 1944-1968. I have given you both my sets of records in case they help. Please let me know.

Edward Fossett’s Powell & Clarke’s Circus
    World's Fair, 6/7/1929 p.26, col.4, Powell and Clarke's Circus, Fossett, Edward, in Ireland. 25/06/1929 Gilbert E. Taylor Singing Fool.
    World's Fair, 20/7/1929 p.28, col.4. Powell and Clarke's Big Circus, Fossett, E. at Downpatrick, Ireland, 10/7/1929 E. Fossett.
    World's Fair, 28/9/1929 p.26, col.4. Powell & Clarke's Circus, Fossett, E., at Derry, Ireland. 31/09/1929. Due Dungiven, Limavady, due Coleraine Saturday (28th?).
    World's Fair, 16/11/1929 p.16, col.1. Powell and Clarke's Big A1 Circus, Fossett, E., at Irvinestown, Ireland, 15/11/1929. Going to Pettigo, Dromore. Finishes on Wednesday 20th November.
    World's Fair, 5/4/1930, p.28, col.2. Powell & Clarke's Circus, Fossett, E., at Dungiven, Co. Derry, Ireland. 5/4/1930. Mr E. Fossett.
    World's Fair, 24/5/1930, p.30, col.2. Powell & Clarke's Circus, Fossett, E., at Dundalk, Ireland, 19/5/1930. Mr E. Fossett; Capt. Gilbert Taylor, manager; Signor Alberta, Indiarubber man; Eugene, the singing clown; Aston Troupe, trick cyclists; Sid Hurley, jockey act; Mlle Floretta, lady juggler. In Carrickmacross on 21/5/1930.
    World's Fair, 28/6/1930 p.28, col.2. Powell and Clarke's Circus, Fossett, E.. at Listowell, Ireland, 23/6/1930 Eugene, singing clown. Played to capacity.
    World's Fair, 5/7/1930, p.12, col.2. Powell & Clarke's Circus, Fossett, Edward, at Castleisland, Ireland, 30/6/1930. Teddy Fossett, jockey act; Alston Troupe; Alberta and Floretta; the Bisto Kids; and Dr. Mypha.
    World's Fair, 19/7/1930, p.6, col.5. Powell and Clarke's Circus, Fossett, Edward, in Cork district, Ireland, 5/7/1930. Mr E. Fossett is a hard worker.
    World's Fair, 9/8/1930, p.21, col.1. Powell and Clarke's Circus, Fossett, E., in West Cork, Ireland, 2/8/1930. Have added a panatrope, the latest musical instrument.
    World's Fair, 11/10/1930, p.28, col.3. Powell and Clarke's Circus, Fossett, E., at Ballaghareen & Tobercurry, Ireland, 4/10/1930.
    World's Fair, 23/4/1931, p.16, col.4. Fossett, Powell and Clarke's Circus, Fossett, Edward, in Ireland, 18/4/1931. Great Lynton Troupe, trick cyclists; Speedy, clown; Ray troupe, acrobats; Messrs Fossett's champion jockey act; Serpentino and Lenora, contortionists; Famous Bellinis, equilibrists; Texas Frank, cowboy ventrilloquist; Mons Onzello, aerial act.
    World's Fair, 4/7/1931, p.14, col.4. Powell and Clarke's Big A1 Circus, Fossett, E., at Co. Cork, Ireland, 29/6/1931. Famous Bellinis. Doing very well.
    World's Fair, 3/10/1931, p.30, col.5. Powell and Clarke's Circus and Menagerie, Fossett, E, at Dromore, Co. Down, Ireland, 26/09/1931. Piloted by Carl Bernardo.
    World's Fair, 10/10/1931 p.8, col.2. Powell and Clarke's circus, Fossett, Edward, in Ireland, 3/10/1931. Teddy Fossett; Rex Beach, bandmaster; The Ashtons, trick comedy cyclists; Bernard's wonder dogs; etc.
    World's Fair, 9/1/1932, p.32, col.5. Powell and Clarke's Circus, Fossett, E. Roxborough Castle, Co. Tyrone, Ireland, 2/1/1932. Overwintering.
See below
    World's Fair, 20/5/1944, p.12, col.2. Powell's Victory Circus, Fossett, Claude, 15/5/1944. Sonya Allen, lady of the lions; Toni Allen's monkey act; Betty Allen (daughter), on trapeze; Allen's menagerie.
    World's Fair, 12/8/1944, p.12, col.5. Powell Brother's Victory Circus, Fossett, Claude, at Clitheroe, 4/8/1944. Miss Sonya Allen; Tommy (Allen) and Betty. Going to Todmorden, Centre Vale Park.
    World's Fair, 9/9/1944, p.6, col.3. Powell Brother's Victory Circus, Fossett, Claude, at Brecon. 04/09/1944 Sonya (Allen), the lion-tamer; Eve, globe-walker; Powell Troupe, bareback riders; Flying Desmonds, aerialists.
    World' Fair, 7/10/1944, p.4, col.4, Powell Brothers Victory Circus, Fossett, Claude, at Nailsworth, 25/9/1944. Claude Fossett and Sonya Allen, the principals; Tommy Allen and Yank Miller, from Bostock and Wombwell's show; Eve, rolling globe; Salarno, equilibrist; Bo-Bo, comedy juggler; Powell Troupe, riders; Nina, on the silver thread; Les Freres, table acrobats; Anina, flying trapeze; Flying Desmonds; clowns Bo-Bo, Tony, Totto and Sprats; Touring until the end of the month.
    World' Fair, 6/10/1945, p.12, col.3. Powell's Circus, Fossett, Claude, at Horley, 1/10/1944.
    World' Fair, 16/6/1945, p.12, col.3. Powell's Circus, Fossett, Claude, in North Wales, 11/6/1945. Claude Fossett;
    World's Fair, 8/9/1945, p.12, col.4. Powell's Circus, Fossett, Claude, in Lincolnshire, 6/9/1945.
    World' Fair, 11/5/1946, p.13, col.1. Powell Brothers' Circus, Fossett, Claude, at Newtown, 4/5/1946. Bim Fossett & his wife (dau. of late George W. Batty); Miss Janette (Claude Fossett's wife); Lady Over the Lions; Squibs & Jo-Jo; Crackerjacks, Western Pastimes; Hans Brick; Marthine's canine wonders.
    CFA Circus Posters , 1994 p.5. Powell Brothers' Victory Circus & Zoo, Fossett, Claude, at Redditch (Beoley Road), 7/5/1946. Jannette (Janet Fossett), aerial thrills, over a cage of lions; Alexis (Jim Fossett), trick rider; Tony & partner, comedy wire act; Eve (Janet Fossett), 'The Perfection of Grace', on top of the globe; Les Freres, acrobatic tumbling; Zadowsky Troupe, riders; Flying Desmonds, Canada's aerialists; The Crackerjacks, Western Pastimes; Squibs & Jojo, clowns; Sonya Allan's lions, presented by Hans Brick. Third year of tenting.
    World' Fair, 25/5/1946, p.5, col.5. Powell Brothers' Victory Circus & Zoo, Fossett, Claude, at Shipton on Stour, 10/5/1946. Jannette, on the high wire over the lions; Flying Desmonds, trapeze; Sonya Allen, performing lions.
    World' Fair, 17/7/1954, p.24, col.5. Powell Brothers' Circus, Fossett, Claude at Aberporth, Carmarthenshire, Wales, 24/6/1954. Capt. Powell with with two pintos; Ristoli Brothers & Marie; Miss Joanna, ballerina on HB; Mons William Moxon, fast equilibrist; Bobo; Valentine's dogs; Riding Freemans (Claude and Mrs Fossett), Bob Fossett; Bobo (Bob Fossett); Mrs Freeman, Sammy & Jack and their wives; Thursday.
    World' Fair, 10/7/1954, p.21, col.4. Powell Brothers' Circus, Fossett, Claude, at Dolgelly, Wales, 9/7/1954. Friday and Saturday.
    World' Fair, 21/8/1954, p.25, col.2. Powell Brothers' Circus, Fossett, Claude, at Bala, Wales, 11/8/1954. Riding Freemans; Capt. Powell; Ristoli Brothers & Marie, in 'Table Manners'; Les Devals, aerialists; Miss Joanna, ballerina on HB; Julia, globe walker; Mons Moxon, foot equilibrist; Bobo; Valentine's dogs; Wednesday & Thursday. Went to Corwen on 13th, Chirk on 14th.

Claude Fossett’s Powell Brothers’ Circus (BUT post-War)
    World's Fair, 20/5/1944 p.12, col.2. Powell's Victory Circus, Fossett, Claude, 15/5/1944. Sonya Allen, lady of the lions; Toni Allen's monkey act; Betty Allen (daughter), on trapeze; Allen's menagerie.
    World's Fair, 12/8/1944, p.12, col.5. Powell Brother's Victory Circus, Fossett, Claude Clitheroe, 4/8/1944. Miss Sonya Allen; Tommy (Allen) and Betty. Going to Todmorden, Centre Vale Park.
    World's Fair, 9/9/1944 p.6, col.3. Powell Brother's Victory Circus, Fossett, Claude, at Brecon, 4/9/1944. Sonya (Allen), the lion-tamer; Eve, globe-walker; Powell Troupe, bareback riders; Flying Desmonds, aerialists.
    World' Fair, 7/10/1944, p.4, col.4. Powell Brothers Victory Circus, Fossett, Claude, at Nailsworth, 25/9/1944. Claude Fossett and Sonya Allen, the principals; Tommy Allen and Yank Miller, from Bostock and Wombwell's show; Eve, rolling globe; Salarno, equilibrist; Bo-Bo, comedy juggler; Powell Troupe, riders; Nina, on the silver thread; Les Freres, table acrobats; Anina, flying trapeze; Flying Desmonds; clowns Bo-Bo, Tony, Totto and Sprats; Touring until the end of the month.
    World' Fair, 6/10/1945, p.12, col.3. Powell's Circus, Fossett, Claude, at Horley, 1/10/1944.
    World's Fair, 16/6/1945, p.12, col.3. Powell's Circus, Fossett, Claude, in North Wales, 11/6/1945. Claude Fossett.
    World's Fair, 8/9/1945, p.12, col.4. Powell's Circus, Fossett, Claude, in Lincolnshire, 6/9/1945.
    World' Fair, 11/5/1946, p.13, col.1. Powell Brothers' Circus, Fossett, Claude. Newtown, 4/5/1946. Bim Fossett & his wife (dau. of late George W. Batty); Miss Janette (Claude Fossett's wife); Lady Over the Lions; Squibs & Jo-Jo; Crackerjacks, Western Pastimes; Hans Brick; Marthine's canine wonders.
    CFA Circus Posters, 1994 p.5. Powell Brothers' Victory Circus & Zoo, Fossett, Claude, at Redditch (Beoley Road), 7/5/1946. Jannette (Janet Fossett), aerial thrills, over a cage of lions; Alexis (Jim Fossett), trick rider; Tony & partner, comedy wire act; Eve (Janet Fossett), 'The Perfection of Grace', on top of the globe; Les Freres, acrobatic tumbling; Zadowsky Troupe, riders; Flying Desmonds, Canada's aerialists; The Crackerjacks, Western Pastimes; Squibs & Jojo, clowns; Sonya Allan's lions, presented by Hans Brick. Third year of tenting.
    World' Fair, 25/5/1946, p.5, col.5. Powell Brothers' Victory Circus & Zoo, Fossett, Claude, at Shipton on Stour, 10/5/1946. Jannette, on the high wire over the lions; Flying Desmonds, trapeze; Sonya Allen, performing lions.
    World's Fair, 28/6/1952, p.9, col.1. Valentine's Circus, Leys Fairground, Fossett, Claude, at Witney, Oxon., 16/6/1952. Went to Abingdon, 17-18th June; then to Wallingford.
    World's Fair, 17/7/1954, p.24, col.5. Powell Brothers' Circus, Fossett, Claude, at Aberporth, Carmarthenshire, Wales, 24/6/1954. Capt. Powell with two pintos; Ristoli Brothers & Marie; Miss Joanna, ballerina on horseback; Mons William Moxon, fast equilibrist; Bobo; Valentine's dogs; Riding Freemans (Claude and Mrs Fossett), Bob Fossett; Bobo (Bob Fossett); Mrs Freeman, Sammy & Jack and their wives; Thursday.
    World' Fair, 10/7/1954, p.21, col.4. Powell Brothers' Circus, Fossett, Claude, at Dolgelly, Wales, 9/7/1954. Friday and Saturday.
    World' Fair, 21/8/1954, p.25, col.2. Powell Brothers' Circus, Fossett, Claude, at Bala, Wales, 11/8/1954. Riding Freemans; Capt. Powell; Ristoli Brothers & Marie, in 'Table Manners'; Les Devals, aerialists; Miss Joanna, ballerina on HB; Julia, globe walker; Mons Moxon, foot equilibrist; Bobo; Valentine's dogs; Wednesday & Thursday. Went to Corwen on 13th, Chirk on 14th.
    World' Fair, 24/8/1957, p.8, col.5. Fossett, Claude, at Sutton-on-Sea. 3/8/1957. Check exact date.
    World' Fair, 3/5/1958, p.14, col.3. Anglo-French circus, Fossett, Claude Midlands, 28/4/1958. Dolly Yelding, husband Andy and son Bobby; Jimmy Fossett, 'Little Beaver', & young Jessie Fossett (Daughter of Claude) aged 15 the star of the show.
    World' Fair, 15/9/1962, p.46, col.2. Anglo-French circus, Fossett, Claude Lechlade, 08/09/1962 Jessie Fossett, the proprietor's daughter; elephant 'Mandy' trapped in burning van but was saved. Went to Wooton Bassett, 10-15th Sep. Check dates.
    World's Fair, 17/8/1963, p.43, col.5. Claude Fossett's Circus, Fossett, Claude Conway, N. Wales, 31/7/1963. Star is Miss Jessie Fossett, juggling and on high trapeze; 'Sister' Fossett, chimps; Claude Fossett, clowning; Clarke Family; Mr Clarke, ringmaster; The Rianos, western pastimes; Flying Durbans, on trapeze and rings; the Giovannis, sisters juggling on rolling globes; Richard Turpin, young clown. One pole tent.
    World's Fair, 9/10/1965, p.50, col.3. Fossett Brothers' Circus, Fossett, Claude Long Melford, Suffolk, 15/09/1965. Freda and Frenchi, jugglers; Flying Durbans; Valentine's performing poodles and pony; Santol and partner, on the silver thread; Cincletan, Lady from Space; Valday, walking on the Top of the World; Sambi balancers; Bobo and Skimpy. Went to Sudbury from Lavenham. Check exact dates!
    World's Fair, 6/5/1967, p.54, col.1. Fossett Brothers' Circus, Fossett, Claude Goldthorpe, Yorkshire, 5/5/1967. Claude and 'Sister' Fossett, owners, with Jessica; Claude's brother Robert Fossett, and his family Robert junior and Mary Ann; Valentine's 'Poodle Review'; The Fossetti Sisters (Jessica and her close friend Valda) in trapeze act (also as 'Freda and Franchi', jugglers); Sambi (Robert Fossett junior), tumbler balancing; 'Robert and May' (Robert Fossett junior and sister Mary Ann), tight rope; The Crackaways (Children of Claude and Robert Fossett), Western act with ropes and whips; Bert Starmer, advance agent. Went to Thurscoe, 8-9th May. Doing two day stands.
    World's Fair, 8/6/1968, p.54, col.1. Fossett Brothers' Circus, Fossett, Claude Wakefield, 25/5/1967. Robert and May, on the low wire; Valentine's poodles; Trevor Bailey (son of Sad Alf) of Crick's canine wonders; Arab acrobats; Sambi and BoBo, clowns; Fossett Girls, with Jessie, in a Rodeo act with Jessie as the only female knife-thrower; Fossetti Sisters, aerial act; Freda and Frenchi (Jessie and Vanda Fossett), juggling with clubs and hoops; Claude Fossett, clown (and active back stage). Went to Pontefract, and Normanton. Check dates.
    World's Fair, 5/8/1967, p.52, col.5. Fossett Brothers' Circus, Fossett, Claude, Houghton, Co.Durham, 31/7/1967. Went to Seaham, 2-3; Easington Colliery, 4-5 Aug. Two day stands.
    World's Fair, 16/9/1967, p.54, col.5. Fossett Brothers' Circus, Fossett, Claude, at Saxilby, near Lincoln, 11/9/1967. Two nights. From Misterton. Due North Hykeham, 14-15; then Bingham.
    World's Fair, 6/4/1968, p.58, col.1. Fossett Brothers' Circus, Fossett, Claude, Leamington Spa, 1/4/1968. Three days.

If you are interested in British circus history, why not visit www.circusbiography.co.uk. Best wishes, John Turner.

Reply: 10 February, 2007 - Much appreciated and thanks. Joy Powell

Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus
Monday, August 11
Milwaukee
World's Largest Tent Now 100% air conditioned

As you can see, there is no year indicated. Carol Kizer, Columbus, OH, ckizer@cscc.edu. Respond to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

Reply: 30 January, 2007 - Your poster is from 1941. Circus posters almost never have the year shown as part of the date; after all they are generally put up shortly before the date and then thrown away shortly thereafter. There is at least one frequently-seen fake circus poster that appears on eBay - I won't even dignify it by calling it a reproduction since it doesn't even resemble a real poster - on which the dead giveaway that it is not genuine is the fact that the year is given as part of the date. Ree-gards, Ole Whitey

Reply: 30 January, 2007 - Have a route listing for RBBB in Milwaukee of August 11 & 12, 1947, Ned circus@aol.com

Reply: 02 February, 2007 - There are several directions to correctly answer your question. First by using a perpetual calendar, Monday August 11th occurred in 1919, 1930, 1941, 1947, and 1958 for answering your question. The real give away as to the correct date comes from the air-conditioned Big Top reference on the poster. By 1958, Ringling wasn't under canvas anymore. By clicking on the upper left hand button that says Bandwagon, you will be redirected to a group of article listings. If you click on the 1957 to 1999 group, you will scroll down to Nov./ Dec. 1973 where you will find an article entitled Romance between Circus and the Air Conditioning Industry available on line for you to read. As you can see, the Big Top idea was beginning to become reality in 1939, and by 1947 was not in use anymore. It's a well documented article that will give you a solid 1941 answer. Bob Cline

Reply: 05 February, 2007 - Or you can do like I did, Bob, and go straight from the perpetual calendar to a RBBB route book. I didn't see the 1941 show but I did the 1943 when I worried my dad greatly by asking every time a butcher came through the seats if that were one of the Ringling brothers. Ole Whitey

Reply: 02 February, 2007 - History tells us the Movie was filmed and released in 1951. Ringling carried two elephants named Ruth at the time. Perhaps someone with better information can enlighten us on which Ruth was featured in the movie. Minyak had come to America with legendary elephant trainer Hugo Schmitt after surviving the World War II bombings in 1947. Bob Cline

RUTH (Barnes), Female Asian
1908 to 1936 - Al G. Barnes Circus
1937 to 1938 - Al G. Barnes/Sells-Floto Circus
1939 to 1955 - RBBB
1956 to 1955 - Stayed in RBBB winterquarters
1959 to 1965 - Eddie Billetti's Animal land USA
1966 - Sold to Puerto Rico

Ruth (Wallace), Female Asian
1926 - Benson's Animal Farm
1927 - 101 Ranch Wild West
1928 to 1930 - John Robinson Circus
1931 to 1932 - Sells-Floto Circus
1933 to 1938 - Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus
1939 - Baldwin Park, CA quarters
1939 to 1966 - RBBB
1966 - Retired at the New Orleans Zoo after the season ended

Minyak, Female Asian
Born Jan. 29, 1932 at a zoo in Essen, Germany
Joined RBBB in 1947 w/Hugo Schmitt
Gave birth in the Hagenbeck Zoo
1947 to 1961 - RBBB
1962 - Hoxie Bros. Circus
1963 to 1964 - United Nations Circus
1964 - Carson & Barnes Circus
Died 1964

Reply: 08 February, 2007 - Rick, Just thought of a piece of relevant trivia concerning Minyak. Story goes that when DeMille was filming that famous scene where Gloria Graham is about to be crushed there was some difficulty with the camera or the film processing in the lab as it was about to be printed. The production had gotten back to Hollywood and this very key scene was unusable. So DeMille went to Paramount's prop department and got an Elephant's Foot Umbrella stand and shot the scene. So it is the foot on an Indian Elephant, but an anonymous one that was in many movies as a prop, that almost crushed Gloria! In Wag the Dog, Dustin Hoffman tries to tell this story in his role as a producer, but doesn't quite finish it. Ruth was the Elephant that found the candy at tear down. I hope this was interesting if a bit off point. R. T. Carr (New Member, Circus Historical Society)

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Reply: 25 January, 2007 - From the mid-1910s to the mid-1950s there were a few places in the Los Angeles that might have been considered "circus graveyards," holding the wheeled remnants of circuses of the past. The first held the chattel of the defunct Frank A. Robbins circus, sometime after the show assets were seized by a lithograph company in 1915. The vehicles were sold to a studio or rental company in Los Angeles.
      One of the later, successor sites was maintained by show operator Jimmy Wood [no "s"] at 4112 Del Ray Avenue in Venice. He hired out vehicles to film production companies seeking to accomplish a circus theme background with retired artifacts. In later years, some of the Wood-owned vehicles were turned over to a junkyard owned by Jimmy Condon. In the early 1950s the Venice Chamber of Commerce acquired a number of wagons and placed them on exhibit at a Pacific Electric lot at Mildred Avenue and Trolley Way. Other wagon carvings were sold to private collectors and visitors, attracted by the faded glory of the pieces. Historian Richard E. Conover journeyed there in the 1950s and photographed most of what remained.
      Many of the wagons that were acquired for the ill-fated 1936 Ken Maynard Wild West went to the United Tent & Awning Company in Los Angeles. Most of these went in 1950 to amusement park and ride builder Dave Bradley, who had a Los Angeles area kiddieland, Beverly Park, in the 1950s. It was at Beverly and La Cienega. The decaying wagons were parked about his property, providing "atmosphere."
      The Venice and Bradley groups were both acquired in the mid-1950s by Disney Studios, which rebuilt many of them in replica form [salvaged the metal, replaced the wood, in altered form or dimensions in some cases]. Others were simply dismantled or scrapped. The plan was to use the reconstructed wagons with the Mickey Mouse Circus at DisneyLand, which eventually flopped. They were later utilized in a number of Hollywood films. Those that survived the replication process, as well as the surviving original components that were copied, arrived in two different shipments at Circus World Museum.
      The story of these sites is partially told in these articles: Harry Nelson, "Old Circus Wagons Brighten Junkyards," in Los Angeles Times, November 22, 1951; Bay Area News, November 26, 1951; and Billboard, January 26, 1952, page 54; "Dave Bradley's Circus Relics Bring Tears to Old-Timers," Hollywood Citizen News, February 10, 1951; and Sam Abbott, "Filmsters Flock to Kid Spot," Billboard, June 27, 1953, page 50.
      When the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus failed after the 1938 tour, the entire show was left on the west coast at a former Al G. Barnes Circus winter quarters. After use on shows in 1939 and 1944, many of the wagons were acquired by Louis Goebel, who had property in the LA area and eventually purchased the "World Jungle Compound" from Horne at Thousand Oaks. He holdings were mostly baggage wagons, but the carved elephants from a former Barnes tableau were also there. These wagons were also used for atmosphere and rentals and later were donated into preservation. Two were sold to a private owner; one survived and the other was dismantled.
      One should also not forget that Norris & Rowe, Sells-Floto and perhaps other shows once wintered in the Venice area. Al G. Barnes also occupied several different sites in the LA area [Culver City and Baldwin Park, for example]. Circuses found that they could rent animals for studio use and thereby defray some of the expense of wintering the show. One could likely enumerate quite a few shows that once called the area home, not to mention several wild-life operations, such as Horne's, Gay's and others.
      All of the above sites are now gone and exist only in photographs. It's always possible that there are some pockets of circus activity and vehicle storage in the Los Angeles area today, but they will focus around motorized vehicles. Correspondents in the area might be able to provide enlightenment about them. Fred Dahlinger

Reply: 30 January, 2007 - LA Circus has two acres of antique and vintage carnival and circus equipment, props, costumes, tents in Southern California. Please feel free to call our office at (323) 751-3486 or email us at circusinc@aol.com, we would love to hear from you.

Reply: 26 January, 2007 - The Cheser Cable I remember was a antipodist (foot juggler) who worked on Gatini Circus in 1977-1978 (and probably 1979). He holds a record in the Guinness Book of Records for having juggled some very heavy object. - Giovanni Iuliani

Reply: 24 January, 2007 - There are quite a few circus notables buried in Spring Grove Cemetary in Cincinnati, OH, including "Old John" Robinson and family, John, Gil, etc. Agnes Lake, Bill Lake, Emma Lake Robinson, Alice Lake Wilson, and a few others that are buried together. You can search their records online, under the "Education" function. Good luck! Carolyn Bowers, Annandale, VA

Reply: 25 January, 2007 - Circus people have generally led traveling lives. Connecting with local residents along the route when serious, legal, license or other matters arise could be very difficult, today maybe less so than the past, when anyone from beyond the city limits was treated as a real outsider. Membership in a service group or fraternal order brought with it recognition as a "brother." Thereby a connection could be established locally for the benefit of the showman to accomplish the purpose at hand. Some members of the circus profession, like Bill Woodcock, Sr. were quite highly regarded orators in the ways of the ceremonies conducted by fraternal orders, and their presence was always enjoyed and honored accordingly. In a locale that served as a winter quarters community, such as Hugo, membership in service or fraternal groups might also engender the ability to render public service or serve as a meeting opportunity in the off season. The beneficial acts conducted by many members of the circus business are too often forgotten or overlooked, be it hospital and prison performances, fuel, fire, flood and AIDS benefits, and many other socially conscious causes. Fred Dahlinger

Reply: 28 January, 2007 - I have never heard of the Daughters of the Dawn, which you mentioned above, and an internet search only turns up a Welsh Language society founded in 1967, which I don't think would have an abundance of late members in the circus section of the cemetery. Could you possibly be thinking of the Order of the Eastern Star, an organization for female relatives of Masons? Ree-gards, Ole Whitey

Reply: 08 February, 2007 - Kelley, One of the largest 'Showmen's Rest's: I've run into is Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills. In fact all the Cemeteries in and around Hollywood are where a great many circus performers are interred right along with the Stars, as they should be. Clyde Beatty comes to mind. His resting place is behind a plaque at about eye level in a wall at Hollywood Hills. (Many reference books on the subject will send you right there ) There is a Lion on each end of the plaque. Apocraphal rumor has it that he's buried with the ashes of one of his Lions. "Buddy" was his name. Do not know the truth of it. But that's one I've heard from one than one source. As a child I met Clyde when my Dad was working for the Sheriff up in San Rafael CA., and he was in a bit of bill troubles. They collected the debt directly from the 'Red Wagon'. My Dad had a wonderful time! (So did I) He later asked my Dad to do a similar task in Los Angeles, after some disaster in Barstow. We spent a week with the show. What a great memory to get back from your question! R. T. Carr (New Member, Circus Historical Society)

Reply: 10 February, 2007 - There is another Showmen's Rest at Memorial Lawn Cemetery, Kansas City, Missouri, according to a 1951 reference. It was affiliated with the Heart of America Showmen's Club, which met at the Coates House. Fred Dahlinger

Reply: 16 February, 2007 - Kelley, Just had another thought about Los Angeles area performers' graves: See previous posting about Clyde Beatty. Another very big name is buried in Inglewood Park Cemetary right nest to Hollywood park race track. The Cadona family. Alfredo, the man who was famous for his consistant triple. Lalo, his catcher and brother. And not the least of all surely, his spouse, the Great Lillian Lietzel. A message about the Cadona's sparked my memory once again. R.T. Carr, rtcariii@yahoo.com, New CHS member

Reply: 23 January, 2007 - There are three articles relating to the R. T. Richards Circus in past "Bandwagon" issues. You can locate them in the article index on the website. One, from 1942, is posted on-line. The others were in the 1960s, about the show and the winter quarters in New Jersey. About the only photographs of the show are the set by Frank Farrell, which accompanied the one article. A set of these is in the CWM library. Also there, in the Isaac Marcks papers, is likely to be found the roster and route. Additional data would be in the 1917 issues of "Billboard" and perhaps in the file cards and folders of the George Chindahl and Tom Parkinson collections. Fred Dahlinger

Reply: 27 January, 2007 - Sorry, but I don't understand the question/ story, really. The soldier rescued circus animals from what? Natasha Gerson

Reply: 21 January, 2007 - I thought someone would have answered this before now, but let me get the ball rolling. There have been any number of prominent circus people who were Jews. Weren't the Sells Brothers Jewish? Paul Lewis, who owned Lewis Bros Circus out of Jackson, Michigan, in the years before WW II was Jewish. There was Si Rubens, owner of Rogers Bros Circus in the post-WW II years. Abe Goldstein, famous clown, comes to mind. Wasn't Art Hoffman, owner of Heritage Bros, Jewish? Ringling-Barnum owners Irvin and Israel Feld were Jewish; was their partner Roy Hofheinz? Irving Polack and Louis Stern, owners of Polack Bros. Animal trainer Isaac Van Amburgh? These are names that I just thought of; surely someone more knowledgeable than the undersigned can help this researcher. Ree-gards, Ole Whitey

Reply: 23 January, 2007 - One has to be careful in assessing faith and heritage based upon names, as in the case of Isaac A. Van Amburgh. For example, there's no evidence that Levi J. North was Jewish. The choice of Old Testament Biblical names for children was common in 19th century America [and of late has experienced something of a revival]. The same is true of the Sells Bros.; even though they once used the Paul Silverburg title and Willie Sells lambasted them as being Jewish in a rat sheet issued by Sells & Rentfrow about 1891, there's no overt evidence that I've seen that says they were actually Jewish. I don't recall reading anti-Semitic discourses in any trade journals, but it may have been an issue right below the surface. Finding a synagogue along extended routes was likely a challenge.
      One might check into Floyd King and Jess Adkins, though it's not clear in either case; Floyd's daughter is alive, perhaps in the Atlanta area, and Adkins had a son, too. Paul Lewis was actually Paul Rosenberg, if I remember correctly (spelling might be different); a descendant has sent in a contact to this query page before. The list might include Jessica Henthoff in St. Louis and Paul Binder with Big Apple, as well as Big Apple supporter Alan Slifka. There's a file on people who appear to have a Jewish heritage in the vertical file in the CWM library, but verifying their heritage or actual professed faith is very difficult.
      The carnival business probably had a higher percentage of Jewish people involved, likely reflecting trends in immigration after the turn of the century, along with the business opportunities that the developing and growing industry presented. One might also examine performers that came out of Europe to America in the period before World War II, seeking to escape Nazi tyranny. This would include side show personalities. Another that comes to mind is the RBBB giant Jacob Ehrlich [Jack Earle], who has a nephew in Texas. It is not clear that any of the circus-owning families of Jewish heritage in Europe and to the east transferred their presence to the US, operations that might be considered to include the Moscow Circus, which was reportedly founded by a Jewish man.
      Circuses that presented shows specifically for Jewish communities are also part of the discussion. There are some bills that were printed in Hebrew; I believe that I've seen one for Hagenbeck-Wallace in the 1930s. Ricky Wallenda presented a circus for a strict Jewish group in recent times; he could likely provide further details. Fred Dahlinger

Reply: 24 January, 2007 - Mr. Dahlinger is correct. I have a Hagenbeck-Wallace date sheet in my collection that is in Hebrew. Printed in red and blue on a white background. Mine is from a stand in Chicago in the 1930's I believe. Regards, P.J. Holmes

Reply: 24 January, 2007 - Rose Gould??? Richard Gephart, rag11@comcast.net

Reply: 27 January, 2007 - The Mills Brothers should be on the list of circus folks. Jerry Jacobson, Jerome-Jacobson@sbcglobal.net

Reply: 20 January, 2007 - Try www.abebooks.com - Fred Dahlinger.

Joe has been dead for years but try www.abebooks.com. They list Volumes I and III and I believe I & II are in the same volume. - Ree-gards, Ole Whitey

Reply: 21 January, 2007 - I have many copies of volume II. If interested, jimjimelliott@yahoo.com. Jim Elliott

Reply: 24 January, 2007 - Thank you so much for responses to question #1710. Fred Dahlinger is so knowledgeable. Thanks also to Ole Whitey and Jim Elliott. Sandra Hayes

Reply: 03 February, 2007 - Purchased Pictorial History autographed by author copy from Paul Holley in Wisconsin. Thanks so much. Sandra Hayes

Reply: 27 January, 2007 - I suggest you look at the local newspaper for both dates. The fatal accident would have been reported, and the result of the Coroner's Inquest. The original Coroner's report may be available, in full, in the Yorkshire County Record Office. I shall place your query on the www.circusbiography.co.uk website and hope that it draws additional information. John Turner.

Reply: 19 January, 2007 - You should try to contact the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (their public library system) for more information. Their URL is www.clpgh.org. They have an East Liberty branch, I believe, or you could send an email reference question to the main branch. Good luck! - Carolyn Bowers

Reply: 05 February, 2007 - Before Dan Rice became a performer, he worked in East Liberty for James Wilson, who operated the Shakespeare House, probably an inn, and the Shakespeare pleasure gardens. That was around 1840. Rice first appeared in a circus ad, in the March 9, 1843 Pittsburgh Morning Post, for his benefit that night with Samuel H. Nichols' Circus and Theatre (the company) at the "Amphitheatre" (the building). Neither the pleasure garden nor this amphitheatre may be the building you mean, but I thought the information might be helpful. David Carlyon

Reply: 20 January, 2007 - The best places to find information on King Ziemer and his Royal American Shows will be the news columns of the weekly trade journals "New York Clipper" and "Billboard." I noted just some brief mentions of Ziemer's operation in the December 16, 1899 issue of the Clipper, page 879, and Billboard, December 15, 1900, page 20. I believe that Ziemer had either a small carnival or a vaudeville-variety style show, and not a circus. I recall an article or two that might have provided a listing of the cast and attractions. You might be able to obtain microfilm for these journals on interlibrary loan. Sometimes Ziemer's name or show title only appears in the annual winter quarters listings, and nothing else. If you have his exact date of death, checking the pages of these journals for about a month thereafter might reveal an account of it, with commentary.
      More than two decades later, Carl J. Sedlmayr was in the carnival business and by independent means decided upon the Royal American Shows title for his own use. It seems very doubtful that he had ever heard of the prior King Ziemer operation, of which there's even less knowledge today. Sedlmayr's operation was a railroad carnival, which sometimes had some back end shows that bordered on being a circus.
      You might also try some of the on-line newspaper searching services, such as www.newspaperarchive.com. I searched it for both "King Ziemer" and "Royal American" between 1893 and 1915 but there were no appropriate "hits." There were many mentions of the title "Royal American" applied to other products, many more than are known to many people, from shoes to fruit. Fred Dahlinger

Reply: 25 January, 2007 - Digging up more information all the time, now going to tracking in Shawano. Thank you so much for getting me started. Sandra Hayes

Reply: 07 February, 2007 - The N. Y. library says that p. 879 of the 12/16/1899 Clipper does not have any mention of Ziemer operation. Please help. Sandra Hayes

Reply: 12 February, 2007 - Request the Clipper on microfilm via interlibrary loan and scan the page in question directly. I may have erred in making the notation, but hope not. Fred Dahlinger

Reply: 26 January, 2007 - Dear Friend Carolyn: Sorry for the delay in responding but I had a virus in the machine which had to be addressed by people smarter than I. My records show that Thomas Hargraves was out by 1900 (perhaps earlier) and folded in 1907. When researching the Frank A Robbins Circus, I ran into ads for the Thomas Hargreaves Shows or Circus. However I have 2 couriers, almost identical from the 1906 and 1907 seasons and advertise Hargreaves Shows. Like so many others, it started out as a wagon and at least by 1903 it was on rails (16 cars). There is a summary of the show in White Tops Mar/Apr 1952. I also wrote a bit about the show in my 1905 and 1907 articles on Frank A Robbins. It was strictly an East Coast show wintering out of Chester PA (just below Philly on the Delaware) at least some of the time. I thought that it also wintered in Jersey but never checked it out. Thought about writing an article about the Show but at least at this point in my life, haven't done so. Although much briefer, thought that his circus pursuits paralleled FAR. If I can help let me know. Best, Robert F

Reply: 27 January, 2007 - Just a bit more. When I just gave the couriers a closer reading, they claimed the show started in 1899. There is no apparent reason for this date to be incorrect. Best, Robert F

Reply: 05 February, 2007 - Carolyn: Exploring Dan Rice's life, I didn't look at Frank/Francis Reed or the Reed descendents much. However, Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pennsylvania has a small trove of Rice material, collected by his daughter, with family information. That includes some clippings and pictures of the Reeds, and it may have info on Frank that I didn't note. David Carlyon

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Reply: 10 January, 2007 - Joe Bradbury wrote articles about all of the Cole show tours in the 1940s. If you search the article index, after clicking on the "Bandwagon" icon on the site home page, you can search for them. Use your "edit" function to search for key words, such as "Cole" or "Bradbury," and they'll readily show up. Be sure to check all of the indices. They may still be available in back issue form and instructions are on the website on how to order them. Fred Dahlinger

Reply: 10 January, 2007 - The Cole Bros. Circus Programs are available on Ebay from time to time. Ebay will be your easiest opportunity to locate them. You could contact the Circus World Museum Library in Baraboo, Wisconsin to request Xerox copies of the program entries. If your grandmother was really there, they probably have a cross reference of her. Your best bet would be to arrange a visit to the Circus World Museum Library. Erin Foley is the Archivist and would be able to show you everything they have in their files about your grandmother. Also look for Route Books for the years in question on ebay. These contained better information than the programs as to the route they traveled that year, daily diary entries, members and depts.. some include a listing of animals on the shows and some photos. The Route Books are quite a bit more expensive and usually harder to find. There are also Circus Conventions such as the Circus Historical Society, Circus Fans, or Circus Model Builders that offer historical artifacts for sale from time to time. Hope some of this helps. Bob Cline