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Message Archive: Messages 2201 - 2250


2250. Mermaid mural, 11 Jan 2008 - I recently acquired an oil painting on masonite depicting most of a mermaid, in the WPA mural style, I would say. There obviously is more to the painting, which looks like it would have been attached to other panels. It's difficult to explain, but to me, it appears to be some sort of dime museum, or side-show piece. The panel is probably 4 feet by 3 feet, with two holes, where maybe light bulbs would have been inserted. I purchased the piece in Ottumwa, Iowa, and was told that it was found (face-in) in an old building in downtown Bloomfield, Iowa. It's so fascinating, perhaps from Grant Wood's ice wagon group or? I would be glad to send a photo, if you are interested. Thanks! vicki schipul, vickischipul@hotmail.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2249. Clyde Bros. Shrine Circus, 11 Jan 2008 - I was wondering if anyone had any information about the Clyde Bros. Shrine Circus. I have tickets from this circus, but am unable to discern if this circus was a part of the Clyde Beatty circus or if it was when Clyde Beatty was part of the Hagenbeck-Wallace circus. Any information would be appreciated. Michelle Stoverink, michelle.m.stoverink-1@ou.edu. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 12 Jan 2008 - The Clyde Bros. Circus was started in 1943 by Howard W. Suesz. By the early 1950's the show was playing a number of United States Shrine dates, and by the mid-1950s began playing a number of Canadian Shrine dates. Both indoor and tent dates were played. In 1949 Suesz started a tent show called Hagen Bros. that was operating until 1961. There was no connection to Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. However in 1960 the Clyde Bros. Circus had to change its title to Rex Bros. Circus for it's Canadian dates due to competition from the Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus that also played in Ontario that year. By 1975 the Clyde Bros. Circus had two units, the Red and the Blue and played a number of sponsored dates. In 1976 the Blue unit was the Clyde Bros. Circus and the Carden & Johnson International Circus was referred to as the Red unit. That year the Carden & Johnson International Circus bought the Clyde Bros. Circus and it's contracted dates. In 1994 the Clyde Bros. & Johnson Circus was managed by Don E. Johnson, and the show was active until 1998, if not later. Ted Bowman Circus Route Collection

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2248. Miss Charlie Hackett, 11 Jan 2008 - For those looking for a recent video of Miss Charlie Hackett, not only a Ringmistress, but highwire artist and animal trainer, she is now posted by her daughter on youtube www.youtube.com/watch?v=eL1GN2edt4g. Have fun watching! CinziaCat, cinziacat@aol.com. [also see message #283] Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2247. Barnum, Liverpool, PA ca 1852, 10 Jan 2008 - There is a story of old in my home town of Liverpool, PA that the Barnum Circus stopped by around 1852 and a fight broke out with the local boys. Liverpool was a small canal town at the time. I was wondering if anyone would know this to be true and what happened. llowe, llowe@countryilink.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 14 Jan 2008 - According to Stuart Thayer's Annals, P. T. Barnum had the "Barnum Caravan" 1851-1854. Barnum had human oddities, anthropological specimens, wax statuary, a menagerie and elephants. Your best bet would be to check any Liverpool or area newspapers that may have survived for this time period. Judy Griffin

    Reply: 23 Jan 2008 - The routes of the Asiatic Caravan [owned by Barnum and others] in Thayer's "Annals of the American Circus 1793-1860" reveal that the show played PA only in 1854. The closest date to Liverpool was Harrisburg, July 22. The next date before that was Huntingdon, PA on July 8. On July 24 they were in Carlisle, PA. I'd look for engagement dates sometime between July 8 and 22. If there are no Liverpool newspapers, try finding newspapers from local county seats in the PA State Library. Thayer also wrote an article about the Asiatic Caravan, published in "Bandwagon," Sept-Oct 1992, pages 32-33. It doesn't mention the Liverpool clem, but does describe another [Lynchburg, VA]. Fred Dahlinger

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2246. Julia Pastrana, 10 Jan 2008 - My new novel "Julia Pastrana" is now available and is based on the shocking but true life story of a young woman caught in the sideshows of the 1850's. It's available on Amazon.com or Trafford.com. I can be contacted at irlam2000@yahoo.com. Thank you. Sandra Olson. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2245. Harry, the Forgotten Lockhart, 09 Jan 2008 - Anyone here know about the circumstances concerning the demise of Harry Lockhart (brother of George and Sam) of the famous Lockhart elephant trainers? reportly Harry Lockhart died January 13, 1905 in Mexico City. He was the elephant trainer for the Orrin Bros. Circus. Possibly he may have died in their building in Villamil Square in Mexico City (Circo Teatro Orrin). The circus closed in 1906 and sold to the famous clown Richard Bell who ran his circus until 1910 when he closed it and came back to America. R.L. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 10 Jan 2008 - Daily Northwestern (Oshkosh, WI), February 01, 1905. "Harry Lockhart, Ringlings' famous elephant trainer, died at the city of Mexico of pneumonia. He will be buried at Baraboo." Found on newspaperarchives.com. - Judy Griffin

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2244. Rhina Kirk, 09 Jan 2008 - Hi everyone. I am wanting to contact a lady named Rhina Kirk who wrote a book in the early 1970s called Circus Heroes and Circus Heroines. I am presently finalising my book on May Wirth, the great Australian bareback rider. Rhina devoted a chapter of her book to May based on a personal interview. As best I have been able to establish, Rhina was living in Haverford, PA in 1998 but I have lost track of her after that. Thanks, Mark St Leon, Sydney, Australia. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2243. Jacob Melton, Zouaves, 09 Jan 2008 - My research just barely started. Christmas morn my grandparents inform us of a pair of moccasins up in their attic, worn by none other than Sitting Bull. My grandmother's recollection of the story is that her great uncle (her grandmother's brother in law), Jacob Melton was in the drill-like circus act, the Zouaves, and at one time toured with Buffalo Bill's Wild Wild West Show at the same time as Sitting Bull, who then gave this man his very own moccassins. I've read the very informative article by Thayer. However, is there a place where I can find names of the "cast and crew", and further proof of the stories authenticity? Any resource you can throw my way would be greatly appreciated. Kristen Mattingly. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2242. El Diablo, 08 Jan 2008 - Not sure how this works, but here goes. I'm looking for information, articles, photo's, or newspaper clippings or anything that can bring life or more truth to my families heritage. While growing up, I've always been told that my great or great great grandparents on my fathers side came over from Italy in the middle 1850's and were circus performers. Not sure if they were over in Italy. But to hearsay, my great or gg grandfather was the first man to perform the original triple loop on his bicycle without a net and broke almost every bone in his body more than once. He was the original dare devil. His name was El Diablo. His wife my great or gg grandmother was "the fat lady of the circus" weighing in excess of 950 lbs. They worked with Forepaughs or Forepaughs-Sells. Also possibly with Ringling Barnum Bailey when they bought out Forepaughs in 1905. I can not find any information on El Diablo or his wife. As a young child of 7, I remember my grandmother showing me articles and newspaper clippings of him in the family photo albums. That was 43 years ago. But she died shortly after, and the photo albums were never seen again until my father passed away in 2005. At this point in time I have no access to them as my siblings control them. I would greatly appreciate any kind of help in obtaining photos and articles and clippings and posters if any are available. I have seen circus posters and love them and can only dream of what it was like back then. But none show the thrill seeking El Diablo, or his wife "the fat lady of the circus", of which I remember my grandmother having clippings of announcing El Diablo. At this point also hearsay, the original Triple Loop is suppose to be somewhere in possibly NY or around that area, where they house circus history and memorabilia on display. I believe possibly on Coney Island or Staten Island. I was also told that they performed in Europe in front of Kings and Queens. I am unsure of his real name, but our family names on my fathers side from Naples and Sicily are Ambriola, Chefalo or Chefalu, Stewart and Bowen. I've heard that sometimes the names were changed when they arrived at Ellis Island. I would greatly appreciate any information on when Adam Forepaugh Sr. and Jr. started his circus and who was his original performers in the beginning. Its possible they hired on in the 1880's. It's also possible they performed in Montreal Canada. As I believe that their might be family up there. Hearsay has it that my grandmothers brother or uncle left the circus and moved to Canada where he became a professional boxer winning many titles in the heavy weight divisions. But his name eludes me, possibly under a Stewart or Chefalu or Chefalo. Since my fathers death, access to information of proof is unavailable to me. Everything I had, information, records and photos handed down to me where destroyed in 2005. So much thanks to anyone that can help me find out anything on El Diablo, his wife and a picture of the original triple loop stored somewhere. Also any information on Forepaughs records and stage names with possible real names. Again, thanks so very much. I can be contacted at enolson@union-tel.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 09 Jan 2008 - I think that the person you may be seeking appeared under the stage name "Diavolo." If you Google that name in conjunction with "loop the loop" you will get some immediate hits. There were several thrill act performers that utilized the name "Diavolo," one of whom was with Forepaugh-Sells in the early 1900s. It was only a single loop apparatus, not a triple, but nonetheless amazing. One of them ended up presenting the act in India. I'm not aware of anyone doing a triple auto loop, the physical limitations for such are incredible. For Diavolo, there are posters, photos, coverage in period newspapers, route books, programs, "Billboard" and "New York Clipper," etc. Fred D. Pfening Jr. wrote an article about loop the loop acts in Bandwagon, May-June 1969, pages 20-24. Therein he gives the name "Allo 'Dare Devil' Diavolo" as the artist performing the act in Nimes, near Marseilles, France on July 4, 1900. This may have involved part of his real name. He brought the act to Forepaugh-Sells in 1902, opening in Madison Square Garden on April 2. The thrilling presentation received broad acclaim in newspapers. Pfening reports Diavolo as being on the 1902-1904 Forepaugh-Sells shows. Others will surely have more to post on Diavolo. Fred Dahlinger

    Reply: 10 Jan 2008 - You might want to www.circusmuseum.nl/eng for posters "friedlander fra Diavolo 1910 (the great magician") Nic Diavolo 1932 (looping). H.Best-Otte The Netherlands

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2241. Kim Lowe, 08 Jan 2008 - Could anyone tell me, or maybe attent her to, how to get in contact with KIM LOWE? She wrote an article on Joe Jackson jr years ago which was published probably elsewhere too but which I read on circus skandinavia. I would love to get in touch with her on account of a photo concerning Mother Rialto's in Greenwood lake. Also looking for Linda Jackson, Joe's daughter. Thanks, Natasha Gerson nani@xs4all.nl. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2240. 1929 Circus Eastern PA, 07 Jan 2008 - I am searching for the name of a circus that traveled through the small mining towns of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania in April/May of 1929. Schuylkill County is about two hours north of Philadelphia, PA. Any information on what the name of the circus may be or how I could go about finding this information would be appreciated. Thanks, Susan, shaag724@aol.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 09 Jan 2008 - The best answer is to go to the local Library and go through the microfilmed newspapers of the time period your are seeking in the town your are looking for. Most Circuses used newspaper ads back then. Some were short and sweet others took as much as two full columns. I'll be sure you'll find out everything you wanted to know. Bob Cline

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2239. Ringling 1912, Pittsfield MA, 06 Jan 2008 - I am in the process of trying to identify the circuses and the dates they played in Pittsfield, MA from the early 1800s forward. I believe that Ringling's Circus played Pittsfield in 1912 but have not been able to verify this by checking newspaper microfilm in our local library. If anyone can verify a Ringling Pittsfield, MA date for the 1912 season, I would be graterful. Richard P. Hamilton, CHS #4120. bhamil4913@fairpoint.net, Williamstown, MA. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 07 Jan 2008 - Ringling played Pittsfield on July 5, 1911, and not in 1912. Barnum & Bailey, owned by the Ringlings, played Pittsfield on May 25, 1912. You might want to communicate with Bob Kitchen in Fall River, MA. Perhaps he knows of some other compiled city listings for MA? If a circus is in the vicinity, it can be an alert when scanning the newspapers. Those for 1793-1860 can be found in Thayer's "Annals." The works of Copeland MacAllister would also be worthwhile to check. You might also check the digitized holdings in resources such as www.newspaperarchive.com as an aid to your search. Given all the searching that you're accomplishing, recording what was said about the circuses, etc., will add value to your effort. Good luck. Fred Dahlinger

    Reply: 07 Jan 2008 - True to form the Ringling show usually did not repeat dates year after year, but skipped a year. In 1911 the Ringling Show played Pittsfield, Mass on July 5. In 1912 the other show that they owned, Barnum & Bailey, played Pittsfield, Mass on May 25. In 1913 the Ringling Show played Pittsfield, Mass on June 23. Ted Bowman Circus Route Collection

    Reply: 13 Jan 2008 - Dear Friend: For a good insight on Pittsfield circus activities including very descriptive sizing is to review the "Circus Report" weekly magazine for the first ten or fifteen years of publication. The father of publisher Don Marcks, was a early 20th century circus historian and recorded much valuable information on the various circuses that played his home town, Pittsfield. In almost every issue, Don included some of his father's observations. Best - Robert F Sabia

    Reply: 14 Jan 2008 - Bob makes a good point on the Isaac Marcks notes. A number of his cameo reports were printed in Bandwagon several decades ago. Marcks' notes now fill a record center box in the CWM library. They include rosters, routes and data for a period from about 1907 to 1920, or thereabouts. The notes are on small sheets of paper, in fountain pen ink, and are often difficult to discern because of contrast issues and faded ink. Fred Dahlinger

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2238. Miss Carvers, 06 Jan 2008 - I am searching for any sort of information about a world famous horse jumping performance. It is called Miss Carver's. A horse with Miss Helen Cahill on its back jumped from a wooden tower into an artificial pond at the bottom of this tower. She has once upon a time been received in the white house in Washington by the president, posibly Harry S. Truman. She performed in Esbjerg, Denmark in an amusement park 1947. Finn Stendevad mail: stendevad_nielsen_finn@hotmail.com. On beforehand thank you very much indeed. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2237. Chair Balancing history, 04 Jan 2008 - I am looking for any and all information on the history of Chair Balancing (also known as chair Stacking, Chair Pyramids, Stacking Chairs, Balance Chairs, Chinese Chairs, Chaise Chairs and Equilibre sur chaises). Any and all information would be helpful. Steven Santos, Director, Simply Circus, Inc., Newton, MA, Steven@SimplyCircus.com, www.SimplyCircus.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 17 Jan 2008 - Ringling Barnum had a Chair balancing act in the mid thirties. His name was Harry Rittley. His routine was a comical one as he climbed up a stack of chairs (about 20 feet high as an a intoxicated clown dressed in Tuxedo. He balanced himself on the top chair when it was stationery. He then started swaying back and forth on the stacked chairs. As the swaying increased the chairs started to fall all at once with Rittely falling backwards to a standing position on the Arena floor. Triton Junior College, (Chicago, Ill) circus had a chair Balancing act in its annual Spring Circus Program in 2007. Performer did a clever balancing routine on the top chair. College students at Triton do a circus program each year on the campus. Tino Wallenda also does a chair balancing act on the high wire. He balances himself in a sitting position on the chair. Bob Unterreiner

    Reply: 18 Jan 2008 - Steve, I was surprised that a search of newspaperarchives.com did not turn up this act earlier than the 1890s, and that in the most frequent results of the search the act was often performed by amateurs. Here's what I found:
          A chair balancing act, performer not named, was listed for "Bob Hunting's circus" in an article in the "Middletown Daily Press," (Middletown, NY) May 26, 1893. There was a 12 yr old, Little Johnny (great grandchild of Brigham Young, who did a chair balancing act in a benefit show at an Opera House in Ogden, UT (Standard (Ogden, UT), September 27, 1893). Arion, the "Hero of Niagara," did a chair balancing act 1896. "Balancing Stevens," at an Opera House, performed a chair balancing act, "sitting on a chair poised on one leg on a bottle and balancing upon a chair and table. . ." - Mansfield (OH) News, May 14, 1907. A Harry Langdon in 1906 balanced a "kitchen chair with the two back legs placed on the neck of two beer bottles. . . . Mr. Langdon seats himself in the chair momentarly balancing himself in this perilous position." While doing his act one of the bottle brokes, he fell and received a severe leg injury when he fell on the edge of the broken bottle. - Daily Times Tribune (Waterloo, IA), Feb. 7, 1906. Albert Rouget and unnamed "girlie" performed a chair balancing act at a theater "in which the man perched upon several tables and a pyramid of chairs, executes a fall from a [unreadable word] height." - Bridgeport (CT) Telegram, July 19, 1918. A Harry Bray's chair act, Davis Bros. Circus: "put a chair upside down on the floor. Gene [a dog] jumped up and put a foot on each leg, Harry lifted the chair up and balancing it on his chin carried it around the ring with dog on top." - Eau Claire (WI) Leader, Nov. 9, 1904. The act of chair balancing while on a trapeze was performed in 1901 - Fort Wayne (IN) News, June 8, 1901. The 'human fly,' George G. Polley, climbed a building and performed chair balancing stunts on the building's cornice over the sidewalk - Stary (Anniston, Alabama), March 24, 1918.
          In Barnum & Bailey Route Book, 1891: Nicholas Ceballos, High Wire, Chair Pyramids, Flying Rings. Bandwagon, Vol. 4, No. 4 (Jul-Aug), 1960, pp. 9-11, 14. - Judy Griffin

    Reply: 20 Jan 2008 - Steve, Clyde Beatty used a chair in his animal act but it was not for balancing routines. In last year's Carson/Barnes show I vaguely remember the high wire artist doing a chair balancing act. Jon Weiss, former Ringling Golden Ringmaster, has great skills in balancing a chair on his forehead. He also has balanced a step ladder on his forehead. Bob Unterreiner

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2236. William Douglas Prizer, artist, 04 Jan 2008 - We are art and antique dealers in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Recently we purchased a group of paintings from a local estate. One in particular stood out, it is a watercolor by a man named William Douglas Prizer born in 1895. We are told he is a listed artist but cannot find anything regarding him or his art. I have attached a photo file, if anyone can help with information it would be greatly appreciated. [attached photo not included here, attachments not permitted on this message board - J. Griffin] Eric Younkin, Antique Revival Online. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2235. Arthur Nelson, Clown, 04 Jan 2008 - I'm trying to trace pictures or illustrations of Arthur Nelson the 'King of the Clowns' - He died on July 28th 1860 in Burnley - Information I have so far is: "Arthur Nelson, clown, originally with Parrish’s Theatrical Booth. In May 1845 he was with Cooke’s Circus at Great Yarmouth, where, in an imitation of the famous clown Dicky Usher, he apparently drove four geese, pulling him in a wooden bathtub, down the River Bure. It was a hoax but, in the crush, a suspension bridge collapsed and almost a hundred people died." Could any member’s please help with this? Kind regards, Andy Aliffe, Bucks. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 07 Jan 2008 - "My thrills in the circus ring" by Leicester Alfred Cooke, [published as a serial in "The People's Journal" 30 July - 15 Oct 1932] deals with this incident. The article (sent to me by Stuart McMillan of Glasgow) says that Nelson had completed similar stunts all over Scotland and on the river Thames in London the year before the Yarmouth collapse (14 Oct 1844). L A Cooke speaks of a poster he had, together with a woodcut illustration showing Nelson driving the geese. So some sort of illustration existed. Good Luck! Jim Stockley, S.Africa (ndlovu8@gmail.com)

    Reply: 03 Jun 2008 - The Victoria & Albert Museum Theatre Collections Archive holds a playbill for the Pavilion Theatre, Whitechapel, 2 April 1851 (Benefit of Arthur Nelson) that has an illustration of him sitting in a tub being pulled by 4 geese. Work is currently underway to have this and many other items from London's East End Theatre of the 19th and early 20th century digitised and online, by around April 2009. In the meantime it can be viewed in the V&A Theatre Collections reading room at Blythe House. Regards, Louise Grainger (V&A Theatre Collections, London)

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2234. Howes and Cushing 1857-58 UK, 03 Jan 2008 - To anyone with an interest, I am looking at the impact Howes and Cushing made to the UK Circus scene during their tour of 1857/8. This is my first time in here, but looking at some of the names on this site I guess I have come to the right place for enquiries like this. There's plenty I'd like to ask, but let's keep things simple for now. I'd like to offer this by way of an introduction, as it discusses the show's arrival in the UK.

Howe's and Cushing's American Circus. We have previously announced the intended visit of this remarkable establishment, and we have now the pleasure of stating that the good ship Southampton, which had been chartered expressly for the conveyance of Messrs. Howe's and Cushing's Company to the port of Liverpool, anchored in the Mersey on Sunday last after a moderately fine passage of twenty-four days, having on board a noble stud of sixty-two horses and two mules. There are also thirteen native Indians of the Snake tribe, in addition to the ladies and gentlemen of the company, who constitute what we may term the list of passengers, whilst the cargo includes the entire fittings of the vast circus in which the performances are to take place. Owing to the excellent arrangements on board ship only four horses died during the passage. The opening is fixed for Thursday next, but as the establishment is to make an immediate flying tour through England and will only remain here until the 9th of May, it will, after all, be nothing but a nine days' wonder. The Era (London) April 26th 1857

My question to you all is quite simple. How did this tour happen? The logistics outlined above are up there with the Normandy Landings and speak of serious business intent in the days before Barnum, Bailey and Buffalo Bill. Evidence of what happened next with H&C lies thick on the ground over here in terms of where they went and the sort of show they put on. I guess they got what they came for - money by the truck load. I am Dave Page of St. Albans, England. Email address: daviepage@btinternet.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 08 Jan 2008 - The Howes & Cushing entry to England was one of a number by Americans undertaken in the 19th century. You can survey them in George Speaight's book, A History of the Circus, page 43 and elsewhere. The first was Richard Sands in 1842, notable for introducing the circus pavilion or tent to the isle. Isaac Van Amburgh, on an outfit owned by others, also made his mark there, before returning to the US. All of these efforts paled by comparison to Barnum & Bailey going to the Olympia in the winter of 1889, the multiple tours of Buffalo Bill's Wild West in Europe in the 1880s-1890s and especially the B&B 1898-1902 European tour and the subsequent 1903-1906 BBWW European tour. Those two operations were truly massive [60 railroad vans were used 1898-1902 and the operation was studied by the military]. Subsequently, there have been few if any outdoor shows that have gone from the US to Europe beyond wild west/rodeo outfits, I believe.
          Seth B. Howes was a formidable American showman, with Joseph Cushing as partner, both very experienced. Cameo biographies for both are in Slout's Olympians of the Sawdust Circle, on the CHS website. There are also other biographies elsewhere in the literature. Their careers and shows are detailed in Stuart Thayer's "Annals of the American Circus." It covers 1793-1860 and is still in print, available from the author. Howes was engaged in the Barnum Asiatic Caravan 1851-1852, invested in the 1853-1854 Franconi Hippodrome, had his own show in 1855 [in conjunction with Myers & Madigan] and in 1856 was an investor in the Jim Myers Great Show.
          In 1857 a financial panic raged in the United States. The "official start" wasn't until August 1857, but it may have been the inflationary period, like that before the 1929 crash, that suggested overseas was a good place to avoid the coming debacle. It may have been in anticipation of a disastrous 1857 tour that Howes decided to go elsewhere in search of fortune. Thayer doesn't note a specific reason for his departure, so likely none was given, or found. Sometimes American shows went into Canada, where the financial picture wasn't as bleak as in the US until after a few months time.
          Thayer's Annals gives the number of touring companies in the US as :1852, 22; 1853, 26; 1854, 28 [the peak to that time]; 1855, 24; 1856, 23; 1857, 26 [my count]. Not a lot is stated about 1856, but it was a sort of transitional year, amidst the slavery issue, an ambitious attempt at rail travel by a circus, and the general lead up to the Civil War.
          H&C was a conventional overland troupe appearing under a tent, for the most part. The 62 horses do not constitute a really large troupe; later ones had several hundred horses, for both ring and work duty. The trip would have been a matter of sending an agent ahead to England, to assess the prospects for business, to book the show into various places, securing advance advertising, placing orders for printing and supplies, etc. Then there was the matter of booking passage on an appropriate ship, from timing and size standpoints. H&C could readily have assembled the company of performers and the necessary key workingmen, with others hired directly after arrival in England. It was then a matter of putting it all together in England after arriving and commencing an overland tour as though they were back in the US. Yes, quite an undertaking, but not in the era when millions of people were emigrating hither and yon. In the same time frame, there was a lively business in showmen taking their outfits around the "Pacific rim," a far more daunting task with more shipping movements and different languages, except in Australia.
          As you probably know, there is coverage of the H&C transport to England in the Illustrated London News, a diagram of the boat loading, as I recall. I can supply a reference if you need it. There are also some later engravings of performing animals, the mules Pete and Barney and a horse named Black Hawk, I believe.
          The weekly American trade journal, New York Clipper, carried infrequent news accounts about H&C in England. Likely only the New York newspapers had further remarks, except for the Cincinnati Daily Commercial, which carried show news, too. There may be other H&C entries in Toole-Stott's bibliography, of which there are five volumes, the last rather hard to locate.
          There are at least two grand, surviving posters from the H&C British tour and I've also seen a program printed on silk. One of the posters depicts the interior of an indoor performance venue and the other records the street parade of the H&C's Great United States Circus. I believe that the latter is British, though a similar title was used in the US about 1875. I'm not certain if both are entirely accurate in their portrayals of actual events and vehicles.
          Another of your countrymen did an extended investigation of Jim Myers and his circus operations in England. Myers broke off from the H&C operation and went it alone for quite a few years. An engraving from one British theatrical journal [Illustrated Sporting and Theatrical Journal] shows his performance and parade from 1879; it's in the Tyrwhitt-Drake book. Myers is also reputedly the first showman to utilize a steam traction engine to move his troupe [a Bray make], supposedly busting down toll gates with it. An illustration from a newspaper advertisement is in Braithwaite's book about Frederick Savage. - Fred Dahlinger

    Reply: 09 Jan 2008 - Sorry, the horse's name was Black Eagle, as shown in the "Illustrated London News," June 12, 1858, page 592. Fred Dahlinger

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2233. Circus horses ca 1900, 03 Jan 2008 - I am currently working on writing and illustrating a chapter book about a circus horse set in a circus in Denmark around the turn of the century. It is difficult to find details about this circus, animal housing, types of acts and tricks using horses. Would you say that the acts are comprable to what was being done in the US in the same time period? Any sources in English would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Ruth Sanderson, author-illustrator, www.ruthsanderson.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 03 Feb 2008 - If you provide me with the name of the circus I will try to find some details for you. There are several books about circuses in Denmark, however all of them written in Danish. However, I can translate relevante passages for you. The Circus Museum at Hvidovre, Copenhagen, or the Circus Museum at Rold might also be able to help you. Ole Simonsen, www.circus-dk.dk. Afsendes email-adresse: osim@post11.tele.dk

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2232. Seven Flying Ashtons, 02 Jan 2008 - I was wondering if anyone has any information on the Seven Flying Ashtons. My father was the eldest son and if anyone has any videos or written info on them I'd really appriciate it. Please send it to bekaashton@yahoo.com.au thanks! Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2231. Thanks & Happy New Year, 01 Jan 2008 - Just a big thanks to all those who have contributed replies to the questions posted to this board since 2003. J. Griffin, webmaster. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2230. Dale Longmire, 01 Jan 2008 - I grew up with, went to school and acted with Dale in Parkersburg, West Virginia in the 1960’s. I understand that he just had heart surgery. I also am just recovering from a heart attack. My question is there any way you could help me connect with Dale? I heard that he had surgery at Sarasota Memorial, but has checked out. Any help you might proffer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much. Happy New Year! Barry K. Spiker. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2229. Ephriam Thompson, 31 Dec 2007 - Can anyone tell me where I can learn about Ephraim Thompson? kevin.jackson@superonline.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 01 Jan 2008 - Ray Perkin has been doing research on Thompson and will likely be in contact with you. No comprehensive biography of this noted elephant trainer and presenter has been published to date. Fred Dahlinger

    Reply: 14 Jan 2008 - FYI: There is a picture and some info on Ephriam Thompson over at Buckles Woodcock's weblog (http://bucklesw.blogspot.com) today :-) Jim Stockley, South Africa

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2228. Hermanos Marco Circus, 30 Dec 2007 - Dear circus friend: My name is Miguel Cintron from Guayanilla Puerto. Searching in my memory and in order to live again those memorable days when I followed The Hermanos Marco Circus around the island I contacted by mail Hiram Marco grandaughter. She has some information about his family circus; but did not tell my information about Farolito his clown and and Jacobo the minor of the "hermanos marco"; La sexta generacion". I think that El Payo still lives. May be people from Dulces Labios in Mayaguez Puerto Rico can tell us more information about because Juana Marco (mother of Payo) had a small bussines (cafetin) in that area. I will be glad for hear from you. You can contact me at valvula12@hotmail.com. Take care and have a happy new year. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2227. Richard Taylor, Bertram Mills Circus, 30 Dec 2007 - I am trying to trace any information on a Richard Taylor who for 25 years was manager of Bertram Mills Circus and in charge of all the vans, big top etc. Prior to this he was a Sargeant in the Army and after leaving the circus had a job as foreman in a large firm. I believe his daugher is living somewhere in Lowestoft. Alison Durrant, alison.durrant@lsc.gov.uk. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2226. Little Lord Robert, 29 Dec 2007 - I was wondering if anyone had any info on the world's smallest man, Little Lord Robert, and the world's smallest woman, (?) who appeared in the Ringling Bros circus, in Brooklyn, NY in 1909. Thank you, Lmommyjosie@aol.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2225. Elephant Minnie, 29 Dec 2007 - Does anyone out there remember and elephant named Minnie aka "Old Minnie"? I used to work for Circus Vargas and enjoyed handling 'Old Minnie'. She was with Circus Vargas when she passed in '78 I believe. She had been with Ringling, Mills Bros and the Tulsa Zoo. Does anyone know what happended to her after Vargas or maybe where she is buried? I would be interested in hearing any stories about her that may be out there as well as finding a picture of her. Thanks, Mark. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2224. Circus, carnival performers AR, MO, KS, 29 Dec 2007 - I'm looking for information on the following circus/carnival performers who lived and worked in Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas during the 1900s:

Forrestina Bradley Keyes Campbell, aka White River Red (1891-1973):
Jack Campbell
"Big Broad Tosser" Keyes
Leonard "Merry Go Round Crip" Blye

Thanks for any help you can give me! Susan Young, Shiloh Museum of Ozark History, Springdale, Arkansas. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 30 Dec 2007 - Northwest Arkansas Times (Fayetteville, AR), October 11, 1971. Advertisement for "Estate Auction 'White River Red' October 14, 1971 . . . Sale 6 miles South of West Fork, Arkansas on Hiway 71 Selling by Order of Probate Court of Washington County . . ." One item listed was "Museum Piece, Small Organ Grinders. Organ plays 6 tunes (Vicente Linares Faventia) Made in Barcelona, Spain. Mounted in hand made wooden push cart . . ." Some other items were: Pony ride equipment, Carnival joints; 10 or mroe large rolls canvass (sidewalls and carnival tents); cases stuffed animals; carnival games. "Estate of 'White River Red' - Forrestina M. Campbell, Incompetent." Found on newspaperarchives.com. - Judy Griffin

    Reply: 04 Jan 2008 - Thank you Judy! Susan

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2223. Strobridge poster 1908, 28 Dec 2007 - I have a poster by the Strobridge litho co. 1908 intitled: Bufflao Bills Wild West 7 Rough Riders and it is 31 x 23" overall. it does state copywrite Strobridge litho co. Cincinati & New york. It looks old but is it, or were can I have it checked out? Thanks, Mike. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 01 Jan 2008 - The standard size poster is the "one sheet," nominally about 28 inches by 42 inches [ratio of 1.5]. The half-sheet is about one-half that size, 21 inches by 28 inches [ratio of 1.33]. These dimensions do vary as much as plus or minus an inch or more in some cases. Yours has a ratio of about 1.34, close to a half-sheet but with substantially differing dimensions of 23 x 31. It suggests a reproduction of a half-sheet. I'd suggest scouting the offerings on ebay and other sites for repro Buffalo Bill's Wild West paper and also consulting with institutions on the topics, such as the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. They often have a familiarity with the items that have been reproduced. Those that are licensed by wise institutions require reproduction in fractional enlargement or reduction sizes, so as to make the repros readily identifiable in the aftermarket. Photographically reproduced defects, lack of clarity, etc., are other hallmarks of reproductions. You may also want to search past queries here that dealt with poster reproductions. There are hundreds of thousands of repros in circulation. Fred Dahlinger

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2222. Sanger's circus 1867, 27 Dec 2007 - The following is from a local newspaper, 'The South Durham Herald', printed in the former town of West Hartlepool and dated 18 May 1867. Sanger's circus. Yesterday morning the troupe of the above circus arrived at West Hartlepool, and pitched their tent in a field in Lynn street, where to performances took place, one in the afternoon and one in the evening, both of which were well attended and immediately preceding the first performance, a procession of the whole troupe passed through the principal streets of the town, which attracted much attention and which is their usual and most successful mode of advertising their presence in the town. From grenville davies. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 29 Dec 2007 - Sanger’s Circus Parade. From the book the Sanger Story by John Lukens (1956) "Promptly at one o’clock the parade began, led by the band wagon, with its gorgeous carvings and painted panels and twenty uniformed bandsmen, drawn usually by six piebald horses, but on special occasions as many as twelve. Behind them came a line of artistes, riding singly or in pairs; then a tableau; then another line of riders. Next came twenty or more red-and-gold beast cages filled with lions and tigers, leopards, panthers, bears, wolves, dingo’s, kangaroos, seals, pelicans, flamingos, snakes, monkeys, emus, ostriches, alligators; after these, the cowboys band on horseback. The next line of riders would be costumed according to the spectacle then being included in the programme. If it was a military spectacle, they would be a squadron of Lancers; if a Wild West spectacle, they would be cowboys and Indians. Then there was the Indian tableau. Four columns one at each of the corners supporting a canopy, all of solid teak intricately carved with symbolic Indian characters. The tableau being most impressive with ebony black Negro clad in leopard skin mounted on a pure white stallion. Alternatively a tableau of St George and the Dragon would be substituted – fiercely impressive dragon and a St George in full panoply on the white horse, which was always depicted by a female rider. Then there were the elephants with their trunks swinging, more riders, camels, and finally the Queen’s tableau and the Kings tableau. The Queen’s Tableau was certainly the most striking of them all, towering up three tiers on the top of which sat Britannia, holding her shield and trident, attended by a Life Guard in glittering cuirass and white-plumed helmet. The King’s Tableau, though not as impressive as the Queen’s was considerably taller. Each of the four tiers, elevated by means of a wind winch, was four feet high, and the fourth tier rose to a pinnacle on top of which perched a seat. Nine horses three abreast drew this Tableau, and was a glittering sight on a sunlit day, for all the men wore bejewelled turbans and Oriental costumes sewn all over with coloured lustre’s." - Tom Sandow

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2221. Capt. Gene Cardona, 27 Dec 2007 - I am interested in information on Capt. Gene Cardona (born Degeilh) who was an animal trainer for various circuses for twenty-two years and was killed by a lion on June 8, 1914 in Binghamton, New York. while working for the Ferrari Animal Shows. He was from Erce, France where he had been a bear trainer. He had previously worked for Sun Brothers and Smith Greater. His brother went under the name of Captain John Cardona. I have his itinerary for Sun Brothers in 1910, and some news clippings on his death. Francis J. Bremer, Chair, History Department, Millersville University of Pennsylvania, E-Mail: francis.bremer@millersville.edu. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 28 Dec 2007 - Used the name "Gus Cardona?", listed under that name in some accounts of his death in 1914. Possibly also William Cardona, Samuel Cardona? Fort Wayne (IN) Journal-Gazette, February 10, 1907. "Cardona's Lions . . . at the Temple of Vaudeville. . . . The appearance of Senor Cardona with his marvelous den of forest-bred performing African lions. This act is new to America, but has been a sensation in Europe - at the Theater Royale, Madrid, where it originated; at the Paris Hippodrome; Lentz' circus in Berlin; the Scottish zoo, in Gasgow, and the Palace theater in London. This act was voted the greatest trained animal act in the world. Senor Cardona has perfected a lion act that Is different from all others. It is especially Interesting in the manner in which the trainer presents his four beautiful beasts to the audience. In the first place he has a novel scenic cage or steel arena, and the equipment is elaborate electrical effects, which strongly emphasize the attiactiveness of the poses made by the lions. In several other ways Senor Cardona's is most marked. For instance he introduces what he calls 'The Lion's Cafe' a scene where the trainer and the lions assemble on chairs around a dining table and proceed to enjoy a meal in the most decorous fashion . . ."

    Abstracted information:
    Waterloo (IA) Daily Reporter, February 5, 1901. At Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Feb. 5, a William Cardona, lion tamer, performed at the zoo. Cardona was injured.
    Waterloo (IA) Times Tribune, August 19, 1904. At Cedar Falls with the Great Parker Amusement Co. "Capt. Cardona, the plucky little Frenchman" An animal trainer, was once with the Hagenback show at Harve, France, at the St. Louis zoo in 1903. Other animal trainers on the bill were Mlle. Warnette, Fere Lamont, Princess De La Warr. Article seems to indicate these were the Hagenback animals.
    Decatur (IL) Daily Review, July 23, 1905. He was with the Parker Amusement Company, C. W. Parker, owner. A carnival. In the animal arena were La Belle Salina, Mme. Maria and Captain Cardona. Show was at Decatur, Monday through Saturday.
    Waterloo (IA) Reporter, May 22, 1913. Wortham & Allen carnival at Waterloo. In the animal show were Ernestine La Rose, Captain Dyer and Captain Cardona.
    Lincoln (NE) Evening News July 19, 1899. Omaha, NE. "Mrs. Dolloy Martin, wife of a musician at the exposition grounds, and Samuel Cardona, lion tamer of Hagenback's animal show, are locked up in the city jail charged with being suspicious charachers. It is said that the couple have been living together and that the arrest was made at the request of the woman's husband"
    Chillicothe (MO) Constitution, May 22, 1909. Was with Parker Amusement Company. Performing with lions were Miss Ernestdeen LaRose, Miss Essie Fay, Capt. Cordona performed with a bear and lion. The show's animal trainers were "under the personal direction of Capt. Cordona." Essie Fay was "direct from Hagenback's" Parker Amusement company was "of Abiline, Kas." Found on newspaperarchives.com. - Judy Griffin

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2220. Louis Barre, 27 Dec 2007 - I am looking for information on Louis Barre, I have a picture of him and at the bottom it says Louis Barre of Springfield MA Strongman in the Circus. This would have been taken before 1910 as he was in Detroit Mi. by then having moved from Bridgeport Ct. The family story also say that he had a wife and child who died in a fire. This would have happened between 1900 and 1910. Is there a list of Circus strongmen, and how do I find out about Circus fires? Thank you, Janie Dillon. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2219. Building Banner, 27 Dec 2007 - I have a Bill Bailey Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey (1940's ? ) original oil/silk screen on double backed, double stiched canvas 9'6" x 7' with text "World's Biggest Menageri". It shows a 2 horned Black Rhinoceros barreling across an African Plain. I have not seen any others like it in size or material. I have seen small paper prints of the same picture and text. Does anyone know what this is? Thank you for your reply. Happy New Year! psklar@nyc.crr.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 30 Dec 2007 - Your Ringling-Barnum canvas (also known as muslin) banner was manufactured to be tacked – rather than pasted to a building. Big show advance teams consisted of not only billposters and lithographers who handled the paper posters, but also bannermen whose responsibility was to tack these large canvas banners very high on buildings where pasting paper posters was impractical. These banners were much more expensive than paper to produce and would usually be retrieved and recycled after the circus had moved on to the next town. The Bill Bailey “Charging Rhino” design was used in the large format (paper billboard and canvas) beginning in 1945 and was posted by Ringling Barnum for many years after. Chris Berry (chris.berrydc@gmail.com)

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2218. Smith or Barry midgets, 26 Dec 2007 - I am interested in any information that might be available about midgets/little people with the surname of Smith or Barry who may have travelled with circuses and carnivals in the 30s to 50s. Cousins were mentioning that my husband's family history includes such folks. If anyone has information, it would be greatlly appreciated. Katherine Smith. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2217. Bently Circus, 26 Dec 2007 - What is the Bently circus? Vari MacNeil, v.macneil@roadrunner.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 28 Dec 2007 - I'm assuming you are referring to the Bentley Bros. Circus. It was owned and operated by Tommy Bentley and Chuck Clancy from 1978 to 1999. It was then sold to Robert and Diane Moyer. They are a United States operation and have worked indoors and under canvas. There was a Bently Circus from 1890 to 1915. Bob Parkinson's book the Directory of American Circuses says it was owned by Charles A. Bentley and used various titles such as Bentley United Shows, Charles A. Bentley Overland Shows, Bentley & Ranft Shows, Bentley Circus, and the L.H. Ranft Show. If you'll contact Erin Foley the archivist at the Circus World Museum Research Library in Baraboo, WI., she will be glad to assist you if you need further information. Bob Cline

    Reply: 28 Dec 2007 - There was a Claude Bently Circus Side Show with the James E. Strates Shows. Reported in "The Progress," Clearfield, PA, July 25, 1952. - Judy Griffin

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2216. Bob Dietch's zoo, 22 Dec 2007 - I'm looking for information about Bob Dietch's zoo at the Great Gorge ski area. If you have any pictures or info please e-mail me at holsteliz@hotmail.com, thanks. . Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2215. Flying Palacios, 22 Dec 2007 - I was in The Flying Palacios in the 1970's - Do you know how I can find more information about them? Judy Billington. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 02 Jan 2008 - Hi Judy, You might try "SHOW FOLKS OF SARASOTA". I believe some of the Palacios belong to the Club. Good luck. Erny Karoly

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2214. Palmers Circus Wales, 21 Dec 2007 - I am trying to find any information about Palmers circus which travelled around Wales, (South Wales I think) in the early 1920's. My father joined them at age 13, and also the boxing booths which also travelled around at the time thank you in anticipation. Pam. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2213. Gargantua, Frank Buck, 19 Dec 2007 - I think I saw the Ringling brothers circus several times in Devils Lake North Dakota between 1934 and 1947. I recall Frank Buck and a suitcase with a snake in it that he used at the railroad siding if the crowd got to close to the car with Gargantua in it. Can you substantiate this? Thanks, R Barr M.D., RBARR@kc.rr.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 31 Dec 2007 - The only date that I can find for Devils Lake, ND is August 10, 1938. This was not RBBB but the wholly owned subsidiary, Al G. Barnes - Sells-Floto circus which was augmented by 20 cars from the recently closed RBBB circus. Frank Buck was a feature of that revised and reconstituted show that visited your town. Robert F Sabia

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2212. Mady and Co., acrobats, 19 Dec 2007 - I am looking for footage of a Hungarian acrobat team - Mady and Co. (a tall man and a very short woman) - who performed internationally from the late 1920s to 1940. I made a documentary of this duo (BALANCING ACTS), but have not given up my quest for footage of their act. Do you have any leads I could pursue? Thank you very much. Sincerely, Donna Schatz. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2211. Circus Unions, 19 Dec 2007 - I am curious if you know of any good active circus unions? I know that there may not be that many around but Im just curious. Thank you, Alyssa Marx. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 23 Dec 2007 - I've read about the Musicians union, Labor unions, Railroad unions, Electrical unions and AGVA which was a general catchall entertainers union. All of these covered many aspects and not just the circus. How about we ask Ol'Whitey: was there a billposters union? Bob Cline

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2210. Ben Maginley, 18 Dec 2007 - I am looking for ANY photo, image, drawing, litho, poster (WHATEVER) for Ben Maginley the noted clown, horse trainer (with Baileys Circus), circus manager, circus owner and singer. He died in 1888. His circus's were: Maginley Circus, Maginley and Carroll Circus, and finally Maginley and Co Circus. Posters of any of his circus's would do. Yours, Proinsias (from Ireland). Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 23 Dec 2007 - Chances of finding any original Maginley advertising materials [posters, heralds, couriers] or other documents [programs, tickets, etc.] is very slim and competition for purchasing them would be great. Your best bet will be to contact the institutions and solicit a copy of a herald in their collections, or perhaps a portrait of Maginley that was printed in the weekly trade journal "New York Clipper." There were two Maginley heralds in the personal collections of C. P. Fox and Tom Parkinson. They were reproduced on page 12 of their book "The Circus Moves by Rail." The whereabouts of these items today is unknown. It's also possible to locate copies of Maginley newspaper ads in one of the newspaper databases and to make prints of them. Fred Dahlinger

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2209. George Rudi Schroeder, 16 Dec 2007 - Looking for information (and relatives) of George Rudi Schroeder born 1901 in Germany. Apparently worked as animal (lion/tiger esp) in New York Circus and Wirths in Australia prior to WW2. We are supposed to have relatives in USA but no contact over 45years. Son Jan alive in Australia. Please contact kbriscoe@tadaust.org.au. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2208. 1921-36 Los Hermanos Torres Circus, 16 Dec 2007 - I seek any information of this circus which traveled throughout South America, Puerto Rico And Cuba. I know it was in Comerio, Puerto Rico in 1921, where, at the age of 11 yrs old, my father joined it, becoming one of the performers. They then traveled through South America, and wound up in Oriente, Cuba sometime around 1930-31?, where the owner of the circus died and the circus broke up. Email address is dawnlynnmm@yahoo.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2207. LeRoy tightrope walker, parachutist, 16 Dec 2007 - Looking for flyers/posters/information about "LeRoy" whose real name was Will Higgins. He performed at carnivals and fairs, but may have performed with a circus sometime between 1880 and 1894 throughout the mid-western and western states. His home was in Omaha, NE. Would appreciate any information about him. Thanks. jfusonie@aol.com, Greenfield, MA. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2206. Wall of Death Rider, 16 Dec 2007 - I am tying to find the history of a relative who was a Wall of Death Rider who rode in the Globe situated at the top of The Big Top. He took over from a German rider who was killed when he fell off and missed the safety net. The date's would probably be 1940s and/or 1950s I only know his first name was Ken. I don't know his stage name. Robert Thompson. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2205. E. McKnight Kauffer Posters, 15 Dec 2007 - Although most Ringling-Barnum lithos were designed by anonymous artists (or teams of artists), the well-known poster artist E. McKnight Kauffer designed - and signed - several posters and program covers for Ringling Barnum in the 1940s (Old King Cole, Elephant Ballet, Holidays, etc). Is there any indication that Kauffer also designed the brightly colored 1941 image of Alfred Court with the leopard around his neck? Kauffer returned to American in 1940 at the onset of World War II and evidently was a friend of John Ringling North. If not Kauffer - does anyone know the name of the artist who executed this very contemporary poster promoting the Alfred Court animal act? chris.berrydc@gmail.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 17 Dec 2007 - Chris: I have always thought Kauffer designed this poster as the Bel Geddes monogram or logo appears on the poster. I have been told that these Bel Geddes posters were all Kauffer's creations. Ole Whitey

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2204. Baron Richard Nowak, 15 Dec 2007 - I am seeking biographical information on Baron Richard Nowak, billed by the Wallace Bros. Circus in 1943 as "The World's Tiniest Man." When was he born? Where? When did he die? Did he perform for other circuses? Does he have descendents? Any information would be helpful and most appreciated. Thank you, Terry Ruscin, truscin@earthlink.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 15 Dec 2007 - Nowak was found on newspaperarchives.com only for the years 1939-42 - J. Griffin. Ada (Oklahoma) Evening News, August 17, 1939 - The Baron is coming to Ada . . . smallest man on earth - he stands only 23 inches tall, tips the scales at a mere 17 pounds and on going on 19 years of age. He is Baron Richard Nowak, of Prague, Czecho-Slovakia and he is making his first American tour with the big circus . . . he writes poetry, recites, speaks three different languages, is a college graduate. . . . Moberly (Missouri) Monitor-Index, July 26, 1939 - . . . the Baron is with Barnett Brothers 3-Ring Circus, which comes to Moberly for two performances on Tuesday, Aug. 1 . . . The circus will come from St. Louis where it exhibits 4 days and entrain for Jefferson City and the conclusion of the evening performance here. . . . Times Recorder (Zanesville, Ohio), April 30, 1940 - One of the extra added feature attractions of the all new Wallace Brothers circus will be the smallest man living on earth. Baron Richard Nowak who is appearing with his own company in the gigantic after show following the circus exhibition. . . . Syracuse (New York) Herald-Journal, July 9, 1940 - [Nowak was featured with the Hamid-Morton Circus. At Syracue July 08]. Clearfield (Pennsylvania) Progress, August 13, 1940 - The Wallace Brothers Circus will arrive in Clearfield early tomorrow morning . . . a extra feature will be Baron Richard Nowak . . . Cumberland (Maryland) Times, May 18, 1941 - . . . with Wallace Bros, Wild Animal Circus this year is Baron Richard Nowak, the smallest, man In all the world who will appear In Cumberland on Thursday, May 22, . . . Baron Nowak who is this year completing his tour of the North American continent with the big show as an extra added feature attraction . . . He travels in a special car with the circus . . . Having appeared in two short motion pictures, feted by the.stars and most of the dignitaries riot only in the United States, but every country in which his three-year tour around the globe has taken him . . . Olean (New York) Times Herald, July 6, 1942 - . . . with Wallace Bros. Wild Animal Circus this year is Baron Richard Nowak, the smallest man in the world who will appear in Olean on Thursday. July 9 . . .

    Reply: 16 Dec 2007 - A further search for Barnon Nowak turned up information that might be him (would need checking). The newspaper articles above seem to indicate an association between Nowak and Ray Rogers' circuses. If you haven't already done so, you might want to contact the Parkinson Library at Circus World Museum, www.wisconsinhistory.org/circusworld/research.asp. They may have information on Baron Nowak and/or Ray Rogers. There is an email contact on the page. - Judy Griffin
    From: Shirley Doig To: SCROOTS-L@rootsweb.com Date: Saturday, October 16, 1999 Subject: Rock Hill S.C. Hi, would anyone know the names of the cemetaries in Rock Hill? My uncle is supposed to be buried there and his step-son and probably his 2nd wife. His name was Ray Rogers and his stepson was Baron Richard Nowak. [probably York Co., SC]. Some information on Ray Rogers:
    http://bjretirees.blogspot.com/2005_11_01_archive.html "Ray Rogers who came out of Canada with his Barnett Bros. Circus which he subsequently named Wallace Bros."
    http://www.lib.usm.edu/~archives/m329.htm "Barnett Bros. Circus: The Barnett Bros. Circus was founded in Canada in 1927. In 1929, the company moved its winter quarters to York, South Carolina. The Circus was operated for 16 years by Ray W. Rogers. The show was renamed the Wallace Bros. Circus for the year of 1937, and the years 1941-1944. Rogers died in 1943"
    Bradbury did a series of five articles in Bandwagon. One is online - The Ray W. Rogers Circuses, Part I, Barnett Bros. 1928-29. The other articles on Rogers were in Jul-Aug, 1974, Sep-Oct, 1974, probably Nov-Dec, 1974, and last part covering 1938-39 in Jan-Feb 1975. You can find the online article and information on the other articles in the Bandwagon index on this website.

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2203. George S. Burton, 14 Dec 2007 - I was wondering if someone would be kind enough to help me in finding out about my grandfather. His name was George S. Burton and he was to my understanding Vice-President of Ringling Brothers-Barnum Bailey Circus in early the 1900's. Also, I was told that in the late 1920's and early 1930's, that he and ran a string of Carnivals through out Illinois and southern Wisconsin which went out of business due to severe rains, which kept crowds away for long periods of time. Since I am going by family legend, I do not know how much this is true. My grandfather died in November 1935, long before I was born and I have no family left that can tell me otherwise. He also went by the name George S. Mendelsohn, Samuel Burton, George Mendelsohn Burton and George Burton. Sincerely, Gerald Grosch. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2202. Strassberger's Circus, 14 Dec 2007 - We're interested infinding anything we can about the Strassberger's Circus - going from Germany to becoming a Dutch circus. Their survival, etc. JM. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 03 Jan 2008 - If you can read German you will find the whole story in a book called STRASSBURGER - GESCHICHTE EINES JÜDISCHEN CIRCUS. It is written by Herbert St. Nissing and was published by Circus Verlag in 1993. In short, it was the Dutch agent Frans Mikkenie who helped the Strassburger family to reestablish their circus in Germany. In 1941 and 1942 they performed in the Copenhagen Circus Building under the name Circkus Mikkenie - Strassburger. In the following years they toured Holland. Season 1953 they toured Sweden. Circus owner Karl Strassburger drowned during that tour when his circus on 7 May visited Trelleborg. His wife Regina and her sister Elly took over the ownership after Karl Strassburger. Circus Strassburger toured Sweden again in 1955 in some sort of co-operation with Swedish Circus Scott. Some years later Elly Strassbuger married the German wild animal trainer Harry Belli. Season 1959 was Circus Strassburgers last season as a touring circus. From 1960 to 1963 they presented a winter circus in Amsterdam's Royal Theatre Carré. 1963 was Circus Strassburgers last season. Ole Simonsen, www.circus-dk.dk. Afsendes email-adresse: osim@post11.tele.dk

    Reply: 16 Dec 2007 - You might want to www.circusmuseum.nl/eng for Strassburger circus. H.Best-Otte

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2201. Santos and Artigas Circus, 13 Dec 2007 - I am researching the Santos and Artigas Circus performances throughout Cuba in the 1950's. I may have found one reference in Bandwagon, Vol. 21, No. 2 (Mar-Apr), 1977 but have no access to said reference online. Are you able to help me or suggest other sources of information? Ray and Richard Smith Farm Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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