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Message Archive: Messages 2251 - 2300
2300. Prizer paintings, 12 Feb 2008 - Do you have informaton on paintings from William Douglas Prizer or W Prizer or WD Prizer? Sender's name removed by request. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2299. William Pickard, Zella Earl, 11 Feb 2008 - I am looking for any information related to my grandparents William Pickard and Zella Earl. He was a sea lion trainer and she was part of an act called the Earl Sisters who were bareback riders and aerialist in the early 1900’s. They married and settled in New York state and he continued to train sea lions for many years although he didn’t travel with the act. Thank You – A. Pickard. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Zella Earl was with the Yankee Robinson circus in 1914. There is a photo/illustration of Zella on page one of this newspaper. Perry (IA) Daily Chief, April 24, 1914. Article says she was performing with her sister Maude in an aerial act, double trapeze and swinging ladders, known as human butterflies of the air. Keep in mind Maude may not actually have been her real sister. - Judy Griffin
If someone replies, don't forget a thank you reply. 2298. Patu, magician, 11 Feb 2008 - Looking to know of a circus act with a magician I believe was a oriental guy of some sort in the 1930's, went by the last name PATU, traveled in circuses through Lousiana. Marchris Perkins, marchris.perkins@yahoo.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2297. Margarito, smallest man, 11 Feb 2008 - In a year either 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958 or 1959 the Ringling Bros Circus was in Pomona, CA and they had the smallest man in the world. His name was Margarito and last name may have been Exparsa. He was 21 and stood at 22'. He was from Mexico and traveled with his parents who were of normal size. I recently heard he was seen on Mexican TV but have been unable to substantiate this story. We had his family and several of the other little people as our guests and I would very much like to know of his fate and if possible how I could contact him. I live in Las Vegas, NV, Ken Gossett, kg1927@cox.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
If someone replies, don't forget a thank you reply. 2296. Flying Esquedas, 11 Feb 2008 - Like to find info on the Flying Esquedas, we are having a Esqueda family reunion,and would love info on our talented relatives. Thank You Diana Esqueda, Email Reelladyfisher2000@yahoo.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2295. Midget, Mercer, 10 Feb 2008 - I came across this site when searching for information for my mother concerning her great uncle, who was a small man, midget performer up to the 1940's. We do not know what circus he worker for. We do know that his last name was Mercer, first name possibly John or David, and that he was born in Ontario,Canada. My mother last recalled seeing him when she was 5 or 6-years old, in the early 50's. He was known to his family members and did visit them when he was traveling. Sometime in the 50's he either retired or died. We don't know anything for sure. At this time he could have been in his mid sixties. He was also married to another circus performer. My mother believes that he was her grandfather's brother. Her grandfather's name was George Vickery Mercer, b.1885. George lived in Hamilton,Ontario. He also had sisters. Vicky,married to a dentist in Hamilton,Ontario. Another named Maggie, married to a farmer and lived in Saltfleet, Ontario and Annie, married to an Italian barber, lived in Hamilton also. His parents names were David and Annie Mercer. Mother's maiden name was Berniston. He might have used this name or Mercer. We have no idea what his stage/billing name was or his wife's. Any information from the members of this community or directions to ways we could research info regarding our 'family mystery man' would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance. leah mercer, maohumane@yahoo.ca. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
If someone replies, don't forget a thank you reply. 2294. Fat Lady, 09 Feb 2008 - Erin Foley from the Circus Museum in Baraboo, WI, suggested I get in touch with you and this discussion site. I am researching the subject of the fat lady in American sideshows/circuses in the 20th century, and would appreciate information, stories, anecdotes, or leads to print or photographic sources on this topic. Some specifics I'm trying to discover are, how much did the highest-earning ladies make? What kind of special arrangements were necessary to let them travel with a show, or remain comfortable while exhibiting themselves? Was the usual costume the Baby Doll-Romper Suite variety of outfit, or were there also glamorous fat ladies? Who were the most famous in the business or had the most unusual personalities? Are there any records or reminiscences of what and how much the ladies would eat, on the average? And so on. Thank you for any information you can supply on this interesting subject. Craig A. Smith. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
There's the Dolly Dimples book and perhaps other memoirs. There's photos in the Durant history book and also McKennon's carnival history. There's the possibly accurate story of the fat lady having her own berth on the train, as compared to the often two-across berth. The Kelty photos of side shows, both circus and amusement park/Coney Island, provide insights on presentation modes. You'll readily find side show staff photos for Coney Island, where there were quite a number of independent side shows, particularly from the 1920s into the 1940s. James Taylor's "Shocked and Amazed" has some coverage of these in a special issue. Ward Hall and others can indeed give you recent background. "Ten men to hug her and a box car to lug her" seems to be a line I heard him speak one time. The challenge is to compile a listing of names, both real, and stage, and to then pursue them individually in the documentation. That's where you'll move from the hype to the reality of their existence. Fred Dahlinger
2293. Jerry Booker Poster Prints, 08 Feb 2008 - I am searching for source of Jerry Booker Poster Prints as was once advertised in Bandwagon Magazine. Tom. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
If someone replies, don't forget a thank you reply. 2292. Harry Jaffe aka Harry Lewiston, 08 Feb 2008 - I am looking for information about my uncle, Harry Jaffe. He ran away from home and joined the circus in 1915. His stage name was Harry Lewiston. I'm interested in whatever information I can find and especially old photos of him. The last time I saw him was in 1955. If you can help me in my quest, I would be grateful. Sammi Backman. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2291. Vickie Cristiani, 07 Feb 2008 - I went to high school with Vickie Cristiani of the Flying Cristiani's circus. After high school, Vickie rejoined her father and uncles in the act. The last I heard, Vickie had been injured while doing an act with a trained elephant. I am trying to locate Vickie of any of the Cristiani's. I want to invite her to visit and to join our 50 th year Class reunion coming up in 1 year. Any info? Thanks, Juliet. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
If someone replies, don't forget a thank you reply. 2290. Age of Canvas Artwork, 07 Feb 2008 - A few years ago I bought 2 large canvases with RBBB artwork on them. One is about 7' x 18' and the other one is about 7' x 7'. They are signed or printed with "Bill Bailey" on them. The large one appears to be 8 different sheets sewn together. The colors vary greatly from one sheet to the other (almost like when your inkjet runs out of ink). Is this a screen print? How do you tell if this is "original" or a reproduction or anything? Sorry I am so uniformed. I just liked them so I bought them. Thanx in advance. Scott Holloway, Atlanta, scott@segwayga.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2289. Dick Clemens, Lion Tamer, 06 Feb 2008 - I am looking for more information and history on Captain Dick Clemens, Lion Tamer in the 30-50’s. He had been all over the US and abroad. His first wife, Grace died in 1947, She was only 40yrs old. He remarried to Mary, Japanese decent sometime after that. Mary passed around 2006. I am interested in anyone that has more information. He also had an assistant Fay Maloney, not sure how long he was with Dick. I appreciate your information. I am a relative of Dick & Grace, and knew Mary his second wife. Thanks, Robin. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
If someone replies, don't forget a thank you reply. 2288. Atlas Trio, 05 Feb 2008 - My father was born in Panama in 1917. He was part of an act called the Atlas Trio. They were a hand balancing act and traveled to Cuba, The U.S. and Canada and within Panama with their act. I am trying to find pictures and more history and information about them. Please if you you have info or suggestions on how to research or find info I would be so grateful. His name is Carlos Moran. Your help is greatly appreciated. ptygold@charter.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2287. Gordon's clown shoes, 04 Feb 2008 - I have acquired from Ruby and Jay Gordon who have since past a pair of clown shoes with a brass plate on the back of them that states they had been on displayed in a New York museum. I do not have any other history on these except she was a professional clown. She left several outfits and these mysterious shoes with the brass plate attached to the back of them. We will miss them and their clown antics. Would appreciate any direction or information you can give. Thank you, Lorrie Sprigg, africanlor@aol.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
If someone replies, don't forget a thank you reply. 2286. Greatest Show on Earth photos, 04 Feb 2008 - I found two perfect photographs taken probably early 1950's, somewhere in North Eastern USA. Either my grandfather or father took them. One is a midget in a suit on stage. I would really like to know who he is. The other is a picture of the tent with people walking around. The sign on the tent says "The Greatest Show on Earth". Would appreciate any help. I can fax a copy of both pictures. Thank-you. Linda from Largo, Fla., lurban6@tampabay.rr.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2285. Luigi Gerardi, 03 Feb 2008 - Does anyone have information on what happened to the Italian wild animal trainer Luigi Gerardi and his family (Luigi, Gerardo, Fosco, Wilma or Gladis Gerardi)? Luigo worked with lions and tigers for Danish Circus Moreno until 1962 when wild animal acts was forbidden in Denmark. Some year later the family started their own circus in Italy (Cirque Gerard?). Kind regards, Ole Simonsen, Afsendes email-adresse: osim@post11.tele.dk. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
If someone replies, don't forget a thank you reply. 2284. Dare Devil Devlin, 03 Feb 2008 - My cousin, Charles Devlin, joined the M. L. Clark Circus around 1900. He was a one-legged bicycle stunt man and performed a stunt under the name Dare-Devil Devlin called "Ride for Life." He performed this stunt with several shows between 1900 and 1910 when he left the circus. I am interested in learning if there is any record of this act and any description of the act. Jack Devlin, San Rafael, California, mandomarov@yahoo.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2283. Johnny J. Jones route 1908, 01 Feb 2008 - I am wondering if anyone has information about Johnny J. Jones' carnival route for 1908. Any little bit would be helpful. Thank you, lr2c@andrew.cmu.edu, Pittsburgh, Pa. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
If someone replies, don't forget a thank you reply. 2282. George Carden Circus, 01 Feb 2008 - Do you by any chance have the name of the song that George Carden Circus International uses during their light show? Aaronsalgado6@aol.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2281. John H. Smith, Little Prince, 01 Feb 2008 - My name is Rolanda Smith and I am trying to get some information on my father. His name is John H. Smith and he once performed with the Ringling Brothers when he was 12 years old. Which would make it in the late 1920s. He went by the name the little prince. He was a snake charmer and he swallowed swords. He also performed with a monkey named Bobo. He was African American. I have two county fair IDs if that helps with anything. I have other lists of performances he was a part of. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
If someone replies, don't forget a thank you reply. 2280. Three Delaney Brothers, 01 Feb 2008 - Does any one have any information about this act? I would love to know more! Jamie Stimpson, jastimpson@hotmail.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2279. Antalek Troupe Poster, 30 Jan 2008 - Hello, my name is Tabitha Antalek. My husband is related to the former Frank Antalek who was a trapeze artist in the Ringling Bros Circus that came over from Hungary in the 1920s and formed the "Antalek Troupe". I have been searching for the poster of theirs and I have seen it in museums but have no luck finding one. Can you please help me. My husband would be thrilled to have one and I would love to make his dream come true. Any information you could have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you again, Tabitha Antalek. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
1937 Mon 10/4 to Tue 10/5 Houston Description: Acrobats: Antalek Troupe, perch act, 14 figures Lithographer: Erie 41-436-6 Size: one sheet upright streamer, date tag See also: 20-74, 57-77, 57-82 Number: 257-57-77 Circus name: Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus Performance: 1937 Mon 10/4 to Tue 10/5 Houston Description: Acrobats: Antalek Troupe, perch act, 14 figures Lithographer: Erie Size: half sheet upright streamer, date tag See also: 20-74, 57-76, 57-82 Please contact us if you have any luck finding the lithograph. Of course, this other photo is a great find, too! Great to talk to you. Terry Zondlak (Antalek), tzondlak@iwarp.net
If someone replies, don't forget a thank you reply. 2278. Small circuses 1930s, 29 Jan 2008 - I am reviewing "Water for Elephants" by Susan Gruen for our book club. I grew up in Wabash, Indiana, about 15 miles from Peru, Indiana. As a girl, I remember hearing about the small circuses wintering there, especially Cole Brothers Circus. I would deeply appreciate your sending me information or giving me directions on how to find some pertinent information about small circuses in the 1930's. Thank you for any help you can give me. Sincerely, Barbara Keefer. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2277. Buckley & Coup c.1864, 29 Jan 2008 - In hopes of dating, and learning more about a very early poster that I have, I am looking for specific information on "Buckley & Coup," a wagon show that was based in Delavan, Wisconsin during the Civil War. This particular title is NOT listed in Bob Parkinson’s "Directory of American Circuses." The internet, being the amazing research tool that it is, provides evidence of that show paying a performance tax to exhibit in Jones County Iowa on May 23, 1864. I also know that W. C. Coup’s father-in-law was an old showman named Matthew Buckley, who died March 1, 1897 in Delavan at the ripe age of 97. Matthew Buckley was involved with a number of wagon shows back in the 1830s-50s. It appears that "Buckley & Coup" may have been a joint enterprise of father-and-son in-law. Can anyone confirm that? Was the "Buckley & Coup" title used in any year other than 1864? A side question: there was an "Ed Buckley" who was asst to General Manager W C Coup on the first PT Barnum show of 1871. Was Ed Buckley W. C. Coup’s brother-in-law? Uncle? Chris Berry, chris.berrydc@gmail.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
A collector has a small print of the Lucasie family [albinos] with the Buckley and Coup title on it. What's the nature of your item? It was not uncommon for side shows to be operated as a concession with a circus. For example, the Bunnell Bros. had the side show on the Barnum circus a few years later, when Coup was manager. Gordon Yadon's research, summarized and published in the "Delevan, Wisconsin Circus Historical Souvenir Magazine," states that Edward Buckley (1836-1892) was the son of Matthew Buckley (1800-1897). Another son was Harry Buckley (1829-1884), Coup's one-time partner. You can also check them out in Slout's "Olympians of the Sawdust Circle," on this website. All of the above people are profiled and illustrated in the book "Badger State Showmen." W. C. Coup married Henrietta Bradley of Kenosha, WI in 1860. Their son was W. [William] W. Coup. He was a clerk for the C&NW Railroad in Chicago in the 1890s. I don't recall reading about W. C. Coup's wife dying or their divorce, despite the fact she wanted him out of show business. Perhaps it was his son who married into the Buckley family? Both Harry and Edward Buckley died in Chicago. Fred Dahlinger
Incidentally, regarding the other part of the posting vis-ŕ-vis the family relationship between Matthew Buckley and W.C. Coup; according to the attached obituary from the NY Times (March 2, 1897, page two) Matthew Buckley’s “daughter married W.C. Coup”. http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=980DE2D61F3AE433A25751C0A9659C94669ED7CF&oref=slogin Although it doesn’t say when they were married, and she is not identified by name in the obituary, your posting now leads me to ponder whether W.C. Coup was married more than once – OR if Henrietta Bradley was in fact Matthew Buckley’s daughter. Chris Berry
Matthew Buckley was born in England in 1800, came to the US in 1826, had a show on and off after 1828 and retired from the traveling show business to Delavan after the season of 1849. Marianne (1802-1877) was his wife. Their children included sons Henry/Harry (1829-1884), Edward G. (1836-1892) and James Page (1848-1918). Details are in Slout's Olympians, on this website. W. C. Coup presumably recruited all three of the Buckley brothers to work for the Barnum show during the great years of 1871-1873 [each in different years, different roles]. Their father, Matthew, was not with it. He became a Delavan farmer and then retired entirely by 1870. The "Times" erred in stating that Matthew was on the Barnum show. It was his sons who were with it. Check Thayer and Slout's extensive book account of the early Barnum circus, "Grand Entree," and you'll find the sons listed therein as employees, but not the father. Edward Buckley was with Coup's later Equescurriculum, dates not cited, could be sometime late 1880s and into the 1890s. Yadon's research in the Delavan booklet stipulates the year as 1889. James Page Buckley was with Coup's final dog and pony show efforts of 1893-1894. Coup had been with Harry Buckley's circus 1859-1860 and then they were partners in the side show with the Mabie outfit. They went into partnership in a cheese factory, but it was surely not the first in Wisconsin, though it may have been first in some other regard. Coup's status, in regard to his exact relation to the Buckley family requires further investigation. Fred Dahlinger
If someone replies, don't forget a thank you reply. 2276. Article, 28 Jan 2008 - May be of some interest in Sunday’s January 27th Los Angeles Times, latimes.com, A High Flying Job Isn’t Out Of Reach by Myung J. Chun. RG. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2275. Rollah family, trapeze, 28 Jan 2008 - Looking for information on a family of trapeze artists by the name of Rollah. My great-grandmother's family. Her name was Sarinda Rosella Rollah Griffin. She married my great-grandfather Charles Griffin in Michigan. Her family was supposed to be Indian, maybe Kickapoo. She died visiting her family in Tennessee, from Bronchial Pneumonia. She had a metal plate in her head from a fall on the trapeze. The whole family were circus performers on the trapeze. GLORIA ODELL, gloryo1@verizon.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
If someone replies, don't forget a thank you reply. 2274. Virginia Sprengel, equestrian, 27 Jan 2008 - Greetings, I’m looking for information about my aunt (Virginia (Joan) Sprengel born 1919) who performed with the Poodles Hannaford troupe in the late 30’s. Besides the equestrian acts, she performed high wire and traipse acts. Her stage name was probably Marta Tonga (from Tahiti), although she occasionally went by the name of "Joan Charlton", but probably used this for her acting/modeling "careers" (appeared at least once on the cover of Vogue magazine). She also performed in the opening of the Golden State Bridge on a mobile traipse "float" (I’ve actually seen one news photo on this one). My aunt’s future was foretold to her by a "mystic" in 1931. She tells me that all foretold had thus far come to pass. Anyway, her memory is fading, but those of her circus career and especially of the equestrian acts, remain the most vivid left to her. Any leads on old stories, posters etc. would be most appreciated. Thanks, Keith Sprengel. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
George Hanneford [born 1923], the eldest member of the family, is still alive and resides in FL with his wife Vicki. Someone should have contact information for him. He may be in the Miami area, but perhaps has relocated. There's been a telecast special on the Golden Gate Bridge construction that might include the opening ceremony. It was on one of the series like "Modern Marvels." Fred Dahlinger
2273. Nellie, Tattooed Lady, 27 Jan 2008 - I am trying to find out information on my Great Grandmother Nellie Mae Thornton (maiden name) she became a tattooed lady in the circus around 1932. She went by Nellie the Tattooed Lady. Any help or direction would be greatly appreciated krapee@verizon.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
If someone replies, don't forget a thank you reply. 2272. Cole Bros. Iowa, 25 Jan 2008 - I am looking for information as to the date(s) Cole Brothers Circus played in Sioux City, Iowa from the period of 1927 to 1935. Any ideas and/or help would be appreciated. Thanks. Hess R. Roorda from Iowa. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Now that you have the possible titles of the Circus that played Sioux City, You can look in the Library at the local newspapers usually found on microfilm. Almost all of these circuses were certainly on the road between April 1 and Nov. 1. That will help you narrow down your searches. You could try newspaperARCHIVE.com. This is a fee based newspaper search from your home of over 80 million newspaper pages. You could try to get Billboard on an interlibrary loan. This was a wonderful trade journal of the time. There was a section just about circuses each week. There was also a section that listed routes for that week from the shows on the road. While not every show listed their routes and some changes were made, its a real good source of information. You could also contact the Circus World Museum Research Library in Baraboo, WI. Erin Foley is the Archivist on duty. She will be glad to help you. Hope this helps you a little bit. Bob Cline
2271. Flying Ridgeways, 25 Jan 2008 - I have been trying to find information about a circus family called Ridgeway from Sydney, Australia (they may have originated in New Zealand) They were also known as The Flying Ridgeways. They worked with Ashtons circus at one time in about the 1930's. They were a trapese act, a canon act and I think horses. They are the great Grandmother and Great Great Aunt to my children and it would be wonderful to find out some more information about them. If anybody has any information I would be so grateful, so would my triplet girls. Thank you, N. Otway. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
If someone replies, don't forget a thank you reply. 2270. Circus Research, 24 Jan 2008 - For all those who are not CHS members or Bandwagon subscribers, you absolutely should order a back issue of the current Bandwagon, November-December, 2007 (Vol. 51, No. 6). Fred Pfening III's article provides information on online newspaper sources for researching the circus - will help you find information for your particular circus interest. Pfening lists free and fee ($) sources that should help you in your search for information. He lists some sources that are new to me, and I thought I was up-to-date on various online newspaper archives. In addition, he lists information on which newspapers, locations and dates are available. Order this issue of Bandwagon from: Bandwagon Back Issues, 2515 Dorset Rd., Columbus, OH 43221, cost is $4.00 per issue, plus $2.50 per issue postage. - Judy Griffin. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2269. Elephant death, New Zealand, 24 Jan 2008 - I am trying to find out the name of an elephant that died in Ohakune, a small village in the central North Island of New Zealand, around the end of the 1950s or early in the 1960s. It was most likely, though not certainly, with Sole Brothers Circus. The elephant died from eating tutu, a native shrub that is toxic to animals and humans. Its bones were later removed to the museum in the Biology Department at Auckland University. I was a child living in Ohakune at the time and recall the event quite clearly - but lack documentary details. Any help would be much appreciated. Martin Edmond. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
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2268. Mildred Nugent, Ward-Bell Flying Act, 24 Jan 2008 - It is my deepest regret to inform all that the last surviving member of the Ward-Bell Flying Act and my grandmother, Mildred P. Nugent, former wife of Harold Ward, passed away on Saturday, January 19, 2008. She was 87 and lived a long good life. Ariana Dunbar, arianadunbar@msn.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2267. Clarence Wortham, 24 Jan 2008 - My great uncle, Clarence Wortham, was the youngest brother of my materal grandmother, Lola Wortham Snell. I am interested in making a connection to this family. I have colored circus print of Clarence Wortham after his death, the funeral attended by the Ringling Bros. My mother, Katherine Snell, babysat for his children and often spoke of Aunt Belle. Clarence had a younger brother, John, and we visited their circus/carnaival when I was a young child in San Francisco, CA. Any information. Virginia Redfield, Edmonds WA. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
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2266. Unus, 23 Jan 2008 - Please provide bio information on finger stand equilibrist Franz Furtner Unus. Thank you! - Bill Hall, Bill Hall Entertainment And Events, Churchville, PA. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2265. Peter Hames, tight rope, 23 Jan 2008 - My grandmother tells me this story about her grandfather, Peter Hames. Peter was a tight-rope walker in the traveling German circus and traveled to Sao Paulo, Brazil some time during 1909-1911. In 1911, while at sea, he perished, supposedly swept away by a wave while he practiced on deck. He was 22 years old. Word reached my heart-broken great-great-grandmother of her lover's tragic death while she was 6 months pregnant with his child. All very dramatic and interesting, but how do I go about verifying this story of a circus act that traveled to Brazil? Are there records? I'd love to find out more about this circus and fill out this story. (I don't read German or Portuguese). Thanks for any help! Viviane. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
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2264. Gallagher Family, 23 Jan 2008 - I am looking for information on a Family of Gallagher children that performed together in a acrobat act. I think in the forties or fifties. I have some pictures. Any information would be appreciated. John Regan, annabanana1960@hotmail.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
"in 1944 child performers . . . Wallace Bros. featured the Gallagher Family of child acrobate - Betty, Bonny, Patsy, Mugsy and Jimmy - stairstepping in age from 14 to 7. . . ." - Yank the Army Weekly (New York, NY), October 20, 1944. "HARLINGEN, Feb. 4. — Seven members of the Gallagher family of Oklahoma City, Okla., traveling with the Ray Brothers circus, narrowly escaped death Thursday when a gas leak overcame practically all of them in Harlingen municipal auditorium. If Betty, a sister, had not been sitting up with her boy friend they might have lost their lives. . . . According to reports, all except Betty of a family of five sisters and two brothers, had retired for the night in one of the backstage rooms of the auditorium. About 2 a.m., Betty who was talking with Joe Pinney, her boy friend also with the circus, saw Michael Patrick Gallagher, 5, become nauseated and very ill. Betty awakened one of her sisters who arose and fainted. . . . Betty got excited and woke up everybody. She passed out finally but not before she got a door open and one window. Thursday night, all were reported fully recovered." - Brownsville (TX) Herald, February 4, 1949. ". . . Stevens Bros. Circus . . . Hamburg . . . June 4 . . . From Ireland comes the truly remarkable Gallagher family composed of six sons and daughters . . ." - Hamburg, Iowa Reporter, May 31, 1951. "One of America's leading circus families - and it's still growing - is the Gallagher family, acrobatic-teeterboard act, . . . 1947 State Fair in Huron, Sept. 2-6. There are six in the act now - five girls and one boy - with age ranging from 8 years to 17. And coming up . . . are two more youngsters, age 2 and 3 . . ." [1947 South Dakota State Fair] - Daily Plainsman (Huron, SD), August 27, 1947. Gallagher Family all with the Barnes Circus. 1946, www.juggling.org/jb/jb20.html. "Al G. Kelly & Miller Bros. Circus [1949] Gallagher Family - ten brothers and sisters, ranging from 5 years to teen-age - who could, we believe, if necessary, put on an entire circus performance by themselves - teetrboard, juggling, trampoline, contortion, riding act - you name it and they will probably be doing it. . . . cute little blonde from the Gallagher troupe who provides the comedy element (ala "Poodles" Hanneford) sometimes from the seats and sometimes in the ring. She is a real show-stopper. Hobby Bandwagon, Vol. 4, No. 7 (Aug), 1949, pp. 3-5, www.circushistory.org/Bandwagon/bw-aug1949.htm.
2263. RBBB 1939, 22 Jan 2008 - Can anyone give me information about how I can find out if my dad worked for the Ringling Brothers Barnum Bailey circus back in 1939. I have a picture of the circus employees. Thank you, my email is getagrip28@aol.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
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2262. Dexter Fellows, 20 Jan 2008 - I am looking for information and pictures of Dexter Fellows the press agent for Barnum and Bailey in the early l900’s and founded the Saints and Sinners. I have his autobiography but just found your and thought I would ask. Thank you, susanhoople@adelplhia.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2261. Von Bros., 20 Jan 2008 - I had such success receiving responses to my recent former message #2239, I'm going to try again. In my search for circuses and dates that have played in Pittsfield, MA over the years, I have come across a rather vague reference to Von Bros. circus being in western MA, Berkshire County, during the 1963 season. It may not have been Pittsfield, but I'd like to know where and when. Did Von Bros. play in MA at all? I'd appreciate any assistance with this inquiry. Richard Hamilton, CHS #4120, bhamil4193@fairpoint.net. Thanks. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
See Von Bros. show for 1963 at www.circushistory.org/Bandwagon/bw-1963Sep.htm. Also see message archives for number 678. Message on Buckles Woodcock website: ". . . In 1966, it [Robbins Bros.] came out again until June. Managed by Paul Cristiani. Playing the Western Pa, Va and West Va route for the Cristiani-Wallace show which was merged with Von Bros. for the eastern dates. Show was rather short, not many workingmen and played my home town spot only to be partially abandoned there. Big top and seats on 2 semis were sold at a sheriffs sale in Dec. . . ." Advertisement. Von Bros. Circus. Hart Family, hand balancers, jugglers, wire walkers. Captain [Roy Howze ?] high school horses-ponies. Frederick Von, trapeze. At Coolbaugh School grounds, Tobyh???, PA, July 25. Daily Record (Stroudsburg, PA), Friday, July 24, 1953. Von Bros. to show one mile north of Pennington, NJ, July 21, 1954. - Hopewell (NJ) Herald, Thursday, July 15, 1954. ". . . guests of Henry L. Vonderheid at the Red Rock Game Farm in the Pismire Moutains. Mr. Vonderheid operates Von Bros. Circus, several travelling amusement shows, and the Game Farm in Ricketts Glen State Park, Pennsylvania Route 115." - Times-Mirror (Warren, PA), July 9, 1958. Von Bros. to be at Waterford, NY, Friday June 21. - Times Record (Troy, NY), Monday, June 17, 1963, also June 11, 1963. Von Bros. will open April 25, 1964 at Dover, Maryland. The clown Edward T. Allen, Jr., "Jo Jo," was with the show. - Bridgeport (CT) Sunday Post, April 12, 1964. Probably at New Milford, CT, August 11, 1964. - Bridgeport (CT) Post, August 10, 1964. Von Bros. at Huntington, PA on May 1, 1965. "This year will be the 18th edition of the Von Bros. 3-Ring Circus. It is considered the world's second largest motorized circus. Hailed as bigger and better than ever, the 1965 edition will feature scores of imported and domestic circus acts, pageant spectacles, a steel arena of jungle-bred lions, liberty horses, trapeze chimpanzees, Llamas, camels, the whole to be climaxed by the world renowned Von Bros. elephant ballet." - Daily News (Huntingdon and Mount Union, PA), March 15, 1965. Show had an all-girl aerial ballet and a Circus on Parade opening spectacle. - Daily News (Huntingdon and Mount Union, PA), April 21, 1965 Von Bros. at Salisbury, MD, September 5 or 8 [?] 1965. Had two motor caravans of double length tractor trailers. Big top said to seat 3, 500 people. - Daily Times (Salisbury, MD), August 5, 1965. Von Bros. at Hagerstown, MD next Wed. Had a parade, seven lions, circus band. - Daily Mail (Hagerstown, MD), Friday, September 24, 1965. Von Bros. to be at Mount Union May 3, 1965. - Daily News (Huntingdon and Mount Union, PA), April 1, 1965. Von Bros. at Westford, MA, July 24, 1965. - Lowell (MA) Sun, July 19, 1965. Von Bros. at Annapolis September 11, 1965. Has 42 motorized units. - Evening Capital (Annapolis, MD), September 10, 1965. Von Bros. to be at Myersville, MD September 28, 1965. - Frederick (MD) Post, September 27, 1965. Von Bros. at Clifton Heights, PA, May 14. - Delaware County Daily Times (Chester, PA), May 10, 1965. Von Bros. at Merrimack, NH, tomorrow. - Nashua (NH) Telegraph, July 16, 1965. Von Bros. was at Greenville, New Hampshire Wednesday, July 20, 1966. Fitchburg (MA) Sentinel, July 15, 1966. [article on Friday, July 15 said "final week of ticket sales for the one day appearance of the Von. Bros. three-ring circus in Greenville on Wednesday." Von Bros. at Bristol Township, PA, May 29, 1966. Had elephant Tina and chimpanzee Bongo, Dixieland band, Alberta Family, Norma Cristiani bareback rider. - Bucks County Courier and Bucks County Times (Bristol, PA), May 26, 1966. Von Bros. to be at Seneca Falls, NY, June 19, 1966. 18th edition. - Post-Standard (Syracuse, NY), June 13, 1966. Von Bros. to be at DuBoistown, PA June 11 instead of next Monday. "Von and the Christiani Wallace Circus merged and because of route changes, the DuBoistown date had to be switched." - Williamsport (PA) Sun-Gazette, Wednesday, April 20, 1966. Von Bros. to be at Townsend, MA Thursday. Suburban News (Fitchburg, MA), Monday, July 18, 1966. Kennet Square, PA. Elephant Jewel injured in tractor-trailer accident Thursday along Lancaster Pike near Ephrata. Jewel taken to Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine for treatment. Jewel owned by Von Brothers - Christiani - Wallace Circus. Valley Independent (Monessen, PA), Saturday, May 7, 1966. Von Bros. circus left two elephants behind at North Syracuse, NY. "Because of a breakdown of moving equipment, the circus, which was in the village for the Lions Club Festival over the weekend, left the elephants in a vacant lot . . . Circus officials are due to pick up the animals later today . . . Circus officials were forced to temporarily abandon the elephants until a moving van can be repaired. . . . The Von Bros. circus is also reportedly disbanding and selling many of its animals. . . . the circus manager said the circus is disbanding because of the death of the manager's husband a month ago. Ironically, the woman's husband was on crutches when the Lions Club official spoke with him. The crutches were the result of the circus man having been mauled by an elephant." - Syracuse (NY) Herald-Journal, June 13, 1967. Show was to be at North Syracuse on June 10-11, 1967 - Syracuse (NY) Herald-Journal, June 5, 1967. Von Bros. scheduled for Littlestown, PA, May 19, 1967. - Gettysburg (PA) Times, April, 18, 1967. Von Bros. to be at Brunswick, Maryland, May 16, 1967. - The Post (Frederick, MD), May 11, 1967. Von Bros. at Pembroke, NC Monday, April 10, 1967. Clowns were Robert Gardner, James Douglas and Kent Chastain, all from Daytona Beach, Florida. Performers were Christa and Antionette Dubsky, from Sarasota, Florida. - Robesonian (Lumberton, NC), April 11, 1967. Von Bros., 21st annual edition, to be at Thurmont, MD, May 18, 1967. - Frederick (MD) Post, May 11, 1967. Larry Rich of Elyria, clown, was with Von Bros. Circus from Pennsylvania last season. Chronical-Telegram (Elyria, OH), September 2, 1967. This may be Henry, Social Security Death Index: Henry Vonderheid, Born: 24 Jun 1919, Died: Apr 1967, State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania.
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2260. William Strong, Frosty the Clown, 20 Jan 2008 - I have recently met the sweetest man that was a clown for the Ringling Bros. Barnum Bailey circus for 50 years. His name is Billy (William Strong) and he went by the name of Frosty the Clown. He was married to a trapeze artist from the same circus and they had a daughter. Both his wife and his daughter are deceased. The unusual thing about Billy is that he cannot speak. He lights up the room with his smile and is quite animated with his gestures. He is 80 years old now and in a nursing home in Waco, Texas. Can anyone help me in knowing more about his history with the circus? Perhaps his family? He has traveled the world with the circus, and currently seems to be alone in this world. LCBROSE@aol.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
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2259. William Lindsay Gresham, 19 Jan 2008 - To any and all concerned: I am writing (over four years now) a biography and semi-critical study of William Lindsay Gresham, author of "Nightmare Alley" (1946), and "Monster Midway" (1953). Both are, as you all probably know, are about the carny life. And of course, "Nightmare Alley" was made into a now famous noir movie in 1947, starring Tyrone Power, Joan Blondell, and Coleen Gray. If anyone has any info at all about Gresham (no matter how small or insignificant!), or what he wrote, I would appreciate it if you would reply back to me as soon as is convenient. Many thanks, Perry Bramlett, Louisville, KY. Author: C. S. Lewis: Life at the Center; Touring C. S. Lewis's Ireland and England; I Am in Fact a Hobbit: An Introduction to the Life and Work of J. R. R. Tolkien. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2258. William Soldner, slack wire, 18 Jan 2008 - I'm looking for information on my grandfather, William Edward Soldner, who was a slack wire walker in the era between 1915 and 1925. He also patented (who knows if he was the first) an exhibition where monkeys raced small carts around a banked wooden track. We believe he was with Ringling Brothers. Salina, Kansas was home for him, which I note was a frequent stop for them. Any information would be greatly appreciated. You can reach me individually at matt.soldner@gmail.com. Thanks so much for any information you might have! M. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
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2257. Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show - British Tour, 16 Jan 2008 - I am doing a bit of research into the tour conducted in 1904, particularly between the dates of 6th October - 14th October 1904, when the show reached the counties of Cumberland, Lancashire and Westmorland in England. I am a railway historian and started by looking at the way the circus was moved from town to town, but I have been drawn into how the show worked and the attractions it offered. I have found the Special Train Notice covering most of the movements in this period, but am not sure of the division of labour between the railway companies and the Barnum & Bailey staff, nor how the material was off-loaded. Local newspaper reports give me the flavour of the impact of the show on the towns it visited and the fun the local population had. I have still a lot to discover - how the masses of the workers were carried (I assume in other trains rather that the show special stock, which seemed to have limited passenger capacity) and how the advanced publicity carriage was handled ahead of the show. I would appreciate any help members might be able to offer. P.S. The Barnum and Bailey show visited the same area in 1899 and this seemed to be a bigger affair as far as the railway operation was concerned - four trains instead of three. Mike Peascod, of Pinner, England. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
The major difference between the Barnum & Bailey outfit of 1898-1899 and the subsequent Buffalo Bill's Wild West was the deletion of the menagerie, the traveling zoo. It was not uncommon for the animal sector to consume one-quarter, or more, of a show train operation, especially with a large circus like B&B. The elephants, lead stock [camels, zebras, sacred cows, etc.] and caged beasts that were with the circus were not with the Wild West, it was not part of the western exhibition. That largely explains deletion of the elephant cars [no elephants], some stock cars [no lead stock and fewer baggage stock], flats [no cage wagons]. There was one additional sleeping car, presumably because there were more actors in the Wild West, or different bunk and berth assignments. One or more cars may have been reserved for the singular use of the Native Americans. Richard E. Conover's account of the B&B train in "Bandwagon," March-April 1959, pages 3-5, sets the circus train size at 67 cars: 3 elephant cars; 18 stock cars; 1 double deck pony car, 1 baggage car; eight sleepers; 35 flat cars; and one advance car. It seems that the total number of BBWW cars was 49, 18 less than B&B, a 26% shrinkage. The BBWW train, as generally documented in "World's Fair," March 3, 1951, and elsewhere, was likely: 17 stocks; 1 baggage; 22 flats; and 9 sleepers. Not included in the BBWW or B&B numbers, for that matter, are the brake carriages, which were usually at the head and tail of each train. There were plans prepared to enable the BBWW train to move in three, four and even five sections when necessary, depending upon engine tractive effort and the ruling grade. Thus, "number of trains" alone is not to be used as a meaningful comparator, it's the specific number of cars that tells the story. The railroad provided the tracks, locomotives, caboose [American term, British would be brake carriages] and crew [engineer, fireman, brakemen and conductor], as well as all trackside management and operational facilities necessary to move the train between contracted points as well as local shifting, storage, etc., after arrival. Show personnel did general maintenance, heavy repairs would have been contracted to a car builder or the railroad car shops. The Wild West personnel loaded and unloaded the entire contents of the train. Horsemen and Indians managed the baggage stock and riding animals, as well as bison and so on. Train men, called "razorbacks," unloaded the wagons from the flat cars with ramps called "runs", in conjunction with ropes and other simple tools. The British railroads would have been familiar with the Wild West train requirements, having moved the B&B show just a few years previously. The movements were planned in great detail, staged in a strategic logistical manner, and then articulated to the railroad. B&B went to the extent of printing an elaborate booklet, in French, to provide to the railroad men in that country. It's possible that some supplemental passenger cars may have moved show personnel, but it seems more likely that all Wild West people moved on the train. The majority were housed in the sleepers, which were in some cases high density [three high bunks, two deep, lining both sides of the center aisle]. As one moved up in the staff hierarchy, more space was provided, greater bunk space, then a separate compartment, etc. A proprietor may have occupied an entire car. There is also a possibility that "supplemental" workingmen were hired locally, on the day of the exhibition, to augment the "permanent" crew. The B&B train construction was covered by Chris Leigh in two articles in "Model Railway Constructor," October 1983 and August 1984. There is more coverage elsewhere, in other Buffalo Bill books, of the train while in service on the BBWW. The advance car, which had been constructed in the US by Barney & Smith and then shipped to England in time for the 1898 tour, usually traveled a couple weeks ahead of the show trains. It would have been attached to regularly scheduled trains. In the US, sometimes these were express trains, at other times it was coupled to a "local." It all depended upon the route of the circus, the advance car taking the same journey a few weeks "in advance." Fred Dahlinger
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2256. Brooke Barnett, trapeze, 15 Jan 2008 - Am looking for Brooke Barnett, a trapeze flyer with Barnum in the 1950s (we think). We do know she married a popular singer but don't know his name. Any information or recollections would be terrific! Or even suggestions for where I should try next? Jim (sometime trapeze flyer at Imperial Flyers in Denver). jim@jimjames.org. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
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2255. Missouri Giantess, 15 Jan 2008 - I have found that the Missouri Giantess (Kate Keathley) Is my Great-grandaunt. I have found some information about her but would like to find a picture of her. does anyone happen to have one or could point me in the right direction. Thomas C. Wiegand, Bremerton, Wa., Email, t.wiegand@comcast.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2254. Circus performers UK, 14 Jan 2008 - I found this website, whilst searching on google. I was wondering if you have any information on some circus performers from the same family. Do any of theses names ring a bell? Peter Morrissey, Wendy Van Haarlem, Thomas and Collette Salsky? They worked in numerous circuses around the world including: Zippos in England, Bobby Roberts, Chiperfields Gasa Olimpia, Finlandia, Chinese State circus, Pinda and many more. Peter morrissey as far as I know has also apeared in magazines such as "the worlds fair". If you do, can someone gat back to me. Thanx. Wendy Morrissey, littlemisswendy@hotmail.co.uk. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
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2253. German circuses pre WWII, 13 Jan 2008 - I am looking for the names of German circus groups before the second world war. Thank you. Jack Gootjes, Canada, lgootjes@gtn.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
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2252. Castings Campbell Circus, 13 Jan 2008 - Dear Circus History message board: Can anyone give me any information or leads as to The Castings Campbell Circus. They may have been based in the Northeast, Connecticut, Massachusetts area. Thank you. H. Peck. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
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2251. Grace or Anna Weed, 12 Jan 2008 - I am looking for information about a woman who was my great aunt named Grace or Anna Weed. Original surname was Wiig. She was born in Iowa and lived in Minnesota for awhile. It is said through the family that she may have gotten involved with someone from the Ringling brothers and no one had seen her after that until she died. Just Curious. Connie. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
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