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Message Archive: Messages 2501 - 2550


2550. Clown College, Announcement, 16 Aug 2008 - "40 Years of Laughter - A Clown College Reunion," September 18-20, 2008, Circus World Museum, Baraboo, Wisconsin. Information: www.cannonhill.net/CC40th/.   Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2549. Charles Richmond, aeronaut, 16 Aug 2008 - I'm working on a project about Charles Richmond, an aeronaut/balloonist who was killed in a performance accident on June 3, 1893 at Trenton, NJ. I would be interested in learning anything about this man, especially his background or training prior to his death in Trenton. I have a very good idea of what happened the day he died from local reports in the newspapers of the day, but I would be very interested in learning more about him. Can anyone help, please? He is listed as making about 50 ascents between 1890 and 1893 prior to his death. Is there a source that might tell me more? Any information about Charles Richmond would be greatly appreciated. Charlie Webster, cwebster4@gmail.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2548. Carl Brinn, 16 Aug 2008 - Please can you give me any information on Carl Brinn, young samsom Astleys stage circus, he was my grandmother's brother and any information would be gratefully recieved. My email is debbiejohn@fsmail.net. Thank you very much, Debbie Williams. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 16 Aug 2008 - In case you didn't see this, information on Carl Brinn is provided in message No. 1529 (see message archives). J. Griffin

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2547. Ringling Bros, Pittsburgh, 14 Aug 2008 - Does anyone know the exact address and location in Pittsburgh where Ringling Bros. had its last performance under canvas. I believe it was an old race track. I'd like find it on Google Maps. Does anyone know what stands there now? Rick Whelan, rickwhelan@sympatico.ca. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 15 Aug 2008 - Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey’s last canvas lot was at the Heidelberg Raceway, which itself closed in 1973. Heidelberg was originally used for horseracing, but evolved into one of the top automobile racing facilities in western Pennsylvania. A shopping center – Raceway Plaza – is on the former site, on Route 50 between Carnegie and Bridgeville. Chris Berry, circusposters@gmail.com

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2546. Miller-Ayres Circus, 14 Aug 2008 - Please send me any details, dates, etc. about 1920’s family owned Miller-Ayres Circus from Sheboygan County. Thanks. Suzie Zenk, suzie_zenk@yamatocorp.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 15 Aug 2008 - There is a brief article about the Miller & Ayers show in "Bandwagon," Nov-Dec 1972 by Norman Wilbert. The book "Badger State Showmen" includes a couple paragraphs about it on pages 121-122. A file of material on the troupe is in the Circus World Museum library, as part of the research files for the book. You may also find other material in the Sheboygan area. Fred Dahlinger

    Reply: 30 Sep 2009 - My Name is James Ayers, My Father was Joseph Ayers who I was told walk'd the tight rope at age of 11 or 12 years old. My grandfather was Elisha Ayers. I understand he was part owner with Alvin Miller. I hope this will fill some gaps.

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2545. Andre and Serengeti lions, 12 Aug 2008 - Hi, those who know me in the Circus industry know me as “KIMMI” some know me as Andre skarbecki’s daughter, some as his groom. I am not Andres real daughter, but we always thought of each other that way, him as the father I never had, and me as the child he always wanted. I worked with Andre from 1978 to 1986, but we remained family, until his death in 2001. We had a wonderful relationship and we were welcomed in the circus community. I am writing a book about those years in the circus. Please if anyone has a story about the one or both of us or the way you remember Andre and The Serengeti Lions, please let me hear from you. Also I would like to purchase any circus reports of that era, or other magazines. Thank you for your time. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2544. Billy Smart circus, 12 Aug 2008 - Did Billy Smarts circus go to a small place in Lancashire called Stacksteads, Bacup in the 1950's? Christine Knights. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2543. Circus, Virginia, 10 Aug 2008 - Are there any historical references to performances held at a place called Race Field Farm or to New Glasgow or Clifford in Amherst County Virginia? I have an obscure mention of a circus and wish to verify it. Sandi Esposito, espositosf@earthlink.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2542. Brown - Le Brun, 10 Aug 2008 - I am trying to research the history of Henry Brown (English Clown 1817- 1904)and his family, he was my great great grandfather, he had 12 children many of whom followed him into the circus. Adele Brown equestrian with Keith's circus (New York) Frank Brown 1859-1943 Circus propritor and clown (Buenos Aires) Edgardo le Brun 1860 -? other children Zara, Elizabeth, Alice, Edwin, Sarah, Katie, Henry, Ellen? If anyone has any information please contact me moiragail.aitken@btinternet.com I would be very grateful. Thanks. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 12 Aug 2008 - My Great Aunt Rosita Roba lived with Frank Brown until she died. Would be interested in any info we share. rayperkin@hotmail.com

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2541. Maro Duo, 10 Aug 2008 - Has anyone ever come across a comedy trapeze act called The Maro Duo. One of the two was called Samuel Johnson who started his life in Hull, had a family and ran away with the circus. June Braddow. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2540. Charles Wertz, 10 Aug 2008 - I am trying to find out more about a Charles Wertz who married my great great aunt Isabell Allen. He was born 17th September 1867 in Fairfield, Jefferson County, Iowa and became an acrobat in the Barnum and Bailey Circus. In April 1897 he appeared in a short film made by White and Heise while performing with the circus in New York City described as Chas. Wertz, Acrobat; Trick Elephant No. 1. He toured with the circus in Europe between 1897 and 1903 and it was while he was in London that he married Isabell Allen. She returned with him to America and he continued as a travelling acrobat. It is beleived that he was a champion jumper. I have found a mention of him on your site, in the index to the September - October 2005 issue of Bandwagon Vol 49 No. 5. I am therefore enquiring if there is any way to obtain a copy of this article. I do have photos of Charles and Isabell if you would be interested. Regards, Paul. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 10 Aug 2008 - Information on ordering back issues of "Bandwagon" here: www.circushistory.org/Bandwagon/BW.htm#BACKISSUES. Or click on Bandwagon on the navigation bar on this website. - J. Griffin

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2539. Aerialist, Ringling 1970s, 09 Aug 2008 - I am trying to find the name of the Black female aerialist who performed with the Ringling Bros circus during the early 1970’s. Thanks, Jacqueline Larry, jaclarry@swbell.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2538. Frederick Decker, Ossian Giant, 05 Aug 2008 - My Great Great Grand Father was Frederick Decker the "Ossian Giant" who worked for P T Barnum circus with Tom Thumb. In the circus records I see there is no mention of Fred Decker. I had heard that P T Barnum was mad at Fred Decker for leaving the circus. So my question is. Does anyone have any records of Fred Decker being in the circus? Thanks, Charlene.
      Grove had for years quite a fame as the residence of Frederick Decker, "the Ossian giant." He was born in Geneseo, May 9, 1836, son of John B. and Christiana Decker, people of slightly more than medium size. He however grew to a height of 6 feet, 11 3/4 inches, with a weight of 300 to 350 lbs. He was on exhibition for years in many of the United States, and made his home in Grove in 1877 where he died March 21, 1886, and was buried at Swains. Of ten children he was the only one exceeding normal size. His wife, formerly Mary E. Lane, whom he married Oct. 21, 1861, weighed about 105 lbs. and none of their children attained his proportions. His son Frank lives at Angelica and is a conductor on the C. N. Y. and W. R. R., his daughters Viola and Flora married brothers named Nelson and live at Nunda, Nora married John Lanphear and lives near Fillmore. Mrs. Frederick Decker married second Israel Price and lives at Swains.
      Frederick A. Decker was born in Livingston County around 1836 and although his parents and nine siblings were of average size by the time Frederick reached his teens he measured well over seven feet tall and weighted in excess of three hundred pounds. His size and strength led him into lumbering in the hill of Ossian, New York.
      At the age of nineteen Frederick went to New York city where he met P. T. Barnum. Barnum, having immediately recognized the potential for appealing to the curiosities of the public offered Frederick a job and labeled him as the "Ossian Giant." He was displayed with Tom Thumb and one of Frederick's duties was to hold a small lady on the palm of his hand. Even with the monthly pay of $80.00 Frederick quickly became tired of being stared at the touched to see if he was real. He left the circus life and returned to the hills of Ossian and to the lumber industy.
      For obvious reasons Frederick was well known in his small community; however, his gentle nature is what endeared him to the locals. He married an Indian woman, had four children (all of average height and weight) and for a time worked for the Pinkertons during the Civil War looking for "Copper Heads" - pro-slavery advocates. The "Ossian Giant" died in 1836, his casket had to be specially made and it took 8 pall bearers and a sleight to move it. We fondly and proudly remember our very own "Ossian Giant." "Livingston County, New York - Highlights. So if any one has anymore information or pictures of him please let me know as I am the Great Great Grand Daughter of Frederick Decker the "Ossian Giant." Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 06 Aug 2008 - The tertiary documentation about Decker suggests that the "Barnum show" by which he was engaged was not the Barnum circus, which was inaugurated in 1871, but the showman's earlier New York museum efforts. This would have been between 1854, when Decker reportedly was hired at age 19, and 1865 or 1868, when Barnum's museums burned and Decker returned home. The indication of exhibition when Tom Thumb was at Barnum's museum might suggest circa 1862-1863. His obituary in the "New York Times" doesn't specify the institution as Barnum's museum, but simply a New York museum, which others may simply have assumed to be the most famous of the era - Barnum's.
          To find further mention of Decker, you'll need to check newspaper advertisements and handbills for the Barnum museum operation in that era, as well as guidebooks for the museum. Local hometown newspapers may also contain references to the local boy having relocated to the big city and found extraordinary employment there. Libraries, historical societies and collectors in the communities [city, county, state] where he resided may have relevant materials. It might also be worth checking George C. D. Odell's monumental "Annals of the New York Stage," which abstracted much of the newspaper advertising and reviews from the 19th century newspapers. There are many good references about Barnum and his museum, including books by Arthur Saxon, the Kunhardts, Neil Harris, Bluford Adams and others. A check of the various book indexes failed to reveal any entries for Decker, who may have substituted for some of Barnum's more famous big men. Links that might prove interesting include: http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=
    9402E1DF163AE033A2575BC2A9659C94679FD7CF and
    http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ny/county/allegany/
    TownVillageReservation/TownGrove/Ossian%20Giant.htm
          The Becker Collection at the University of Syracuse holds a large number of photographic images of giants, including some that are unidentified. You might find perusing the collection to be of interest. The images illustrate some of your ancestor's contemporaries. Biographies for some of them can be found on this website, in William L. Slout's "Olympians of the Sawdust Circle." Here's the link to the collection: http://library.syr.edu/information/spcollections/digital/eisenmann/
          There is also the possibility that Decker was somehow involved in the final 1854 tour of "P. T. Barnum's Grand Colossal Museum and Menagerie" an 1851-1854 partnership between Barnum and others. It initially toured as Barnum's Asiatic Caravan, Museum and Menagerie, 1851-1852. Notably, Tom Thumb's father was a partner and his diminutive son was among the initial attractions. It was something of a traveling version of Barnum's museum. Stuart Thayer wrote about that effort in the Sept-Oct 1992 issue of the CHS journal "Bandwagon," which can be accessed on this website: www.circushistory.org/Thayer/Thayer2g.htm. There is also a bit of additional coverage of the operation in Thayer's "Annals of the American Circus, 1793-1860," including routes traveled. The best resource on this operation will be newspaper advertisements, and perhaps heralds [handbills], if any can be located.
          Giants were something of a "stock in trade" in the dime museum operations of the 19th century and often little can be found about many of them. Their personal identity was often lost when a stage name was selected for aggrandizement. They presented themselves on an elevated stage, told their story to the audience, sold souvenirs [usually either cartes de visite or little booklets] to supplement their income and generally lived reasonably "normal" lives except for requiring oversized clothes, furniture and such. Some were afflicted with medical issues that shortened their lives. Decker seems to have lessened in stature through the years, reportedly as a result of his arduous labors, but was reported as well-liked in his community. Fred Dahlinger

    Reply: 09 Aug 2008 - Thank you so much for that information Fred. I do appreciate it. I will go to syracuse to see what I can find. Regards, Charlene Patnode-Pascuzzi

    Reply: 10 Aug 2008 - You actually don't have to go to Syracuse, if the purpose is to look at the Becker collection. It seems that most of it is digitized and available on-line at the link posted above. Fred Dahlinger

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2537. Lingring Cousins Circus, 04 Aug 2008 - Was there a Lingring Cousins Circus existing in 1906? I have a July 4, 1906 photo showing what looks like Lingring Cousins Circus on the wagons, but have been unable to find anything on the internet about this circus. Please send any info to Linda Galin, email Galin1533@Gmail.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 07 Aug 2008 - An examination of the photograph in question, kindly furnished by Ms. Galin, revealed that it documented the July 4, 1906 parade through the streets of Racine, Wisconsin. There is extended front page coverage of the event in the July 6, 1906 issue of the "Racine Journal." The "Lingring Cousins Circus" was a burlesque of the famous show and represented by a single dray wagon entry in the march. It was a box-body wagon, with the title banner on the back. It was followed by another bearing the identity "Prof. Singer's Dog & Monkey Show" as well as a "cage" wagon bearing a human occupant. There were so many parade entrants that they rolled down the street two-abreast. The subject of "circus" appears to have been utilized as one theme for entrants. Awards were given accordingly. Fred Dahlinger

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2536. Tex Maynard Wild West, 04 Aug 2008 - I am looking for information on a traveling show called "Tex Maynard Wild West Show". It was active in the late 60's or early 1970's. It traveled by bus and had cowboys and Indians. Thanks for any help you can give. Al Smith. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 06 Aug 2008 - I’m not sure whether there was a “Tex Maynard Wild West Show” in the 1960s, but I do know that there was a “Tex Maynard JUNIOR Wild West Show” in 1976. Although I did not personally see the show, I did pull a very nice half-sheet poster for it out of a store window back in the spring of 1976. The poster is a very nice piece for that era with custom artwork and the date strip promoting the “World Premier (sic)” at the Robarts Arena (Sarasota, Florida) on March 31 and April 1, 1976. According to the poster the show featured “Real Cowboys and Indians” along with a stagecoach robbery. The piece also promotes “James M. Cole and His Medicine Show Band”. There was one performance (8pm) on March 31 and two performances (4pm and 8pm) on April 1. Tickets were $4.00 for Adults, $2.50 for Children. I’m not sure if the “World Premier” was just for the 1976 season – or if they were the first performances ever for the show. Also someone else may be able to tell you how long the show continued following the Sarasota opening. Let me know if you would like to see a photo of the poster and I’ll be pleased to send it to you. Hope this helps! Chris Berry, email: circusposters@gmail.com

    Reply: 06 Aug 2008 - Parkinson's "Directory of American Circuses 1793-2000" lists Tex Maynard Jr. Wild West only for 1976. No other listing for Tex Maynard. J. Griffin

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2535. Wiley Ferris Jr clown, 04 Aug 2008 - I am looking for information about Wiley Ferris Jr the Youngest Clown. He apparently was with Sun Bros. Show in Season 97. There where photo cards apparently sold. What does season 97 mean as far as calendar dates. Are there any locations with history or records of Wiley Ferris Jr? Thanks, Cary Harpley, Harpley01@hotmail.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 06 Aug 2008 - "Season 97" would likely mean the tour staged in 1897. There's an article about the Sun Bros. Circus in "Bandwagon," May-June, 1994, which is available for purchase as a back copy. Fred Dahlinger [for information on ordering back issues of "Bandwagon," click on Bandwagon on the navigation bar]

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2534. Kit Carson, Tiger Bill poster, 01 Aug 2008 - We have a large sheet poster from a Kit Carson Tiger Bill Seils-Sterling Circus. The poster is 28" x 42," advertises Kit Carson (Daredevil Pioneer Indian Fighter & Scout of the Old West and Tiger Bill and his Congress Hollywood Cowboys In Person at each Performance. Background color yellow w/ black white & blue type. What is the vintage of this Circus? Were there many of these posters made? I haven't found any copies in vintage circus poster dealers. Terry S. Albuquerque, NM. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 02 Aug 2008 - In all likelihood your poster dates from 1937, although possibly 1936 or 1938. It is an authentic one-sheet poster, not a reproduction. During the course of a season in the 1930s a show the size of Seils Sterling used a number of designs, and several thousand of each would be printed each year. Obviously these posters were not meant to be saved, but rather discarded after the show left town. As a result any poster of this vintage is somewhat scarce – yet not necessarily “rare”. Although the artwork on your poster is not as detailed or vibrant as many others produced during the mid-1930s, your piece is still collectible and a tangible example of entertainment advertising in the era before television. Chris Berry circusposters@gmail.com

    Reply: 02 Aug 2008 - Seils-Sterling closed forever in 1938 and this poster would date from that general period. This poster is what is called a "one-sheet" and is the standard size by which all posters are compared. A poster half this size is a "half-sheet" and one three times the size is called a "three-sheet," etc. In the mid-1950s Central Show Printing Company of Mason City, Iowa, wanted to clear their shelves and put out a list of many old posters for a dollar a pop. I bought a stack, including the one you describe, but over the years I traded or sold some of them; I recall getting twelve dollars for this one. Some of the posters offered on this list have appreciated considerably in value. Regards, Whitey

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2533. Skywheels, 01 Aug 2008 - In the every changing world of todays modern traveling carnival shows, the Skywheel ride, be it an Allen Hershell or Chance Manufacturing model, has become an endangered species. Due to the cost and time of set-up and teardown, the Skywheel will soon become just a memory from the past. As a foreman on Jimmy Haines' Skywheel which appeared on the James E Strates Shows, I am writing to find out just how many of these wonderful spectaculars are still on the road and in stationary set-ups in amusement parks today. Thanks! Terry Heininger, flamingobooksell@aol.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 02 Aug 2008 - Norman D. Anderson wrote the book "Ferris Wheels, An Illustrated History" and also publishes a newsletter on the topic that could help to answer your question. I've forwarded your query to him. In his excellent volume he tells the story of the development of the Sky Wheel by John "Blink" Courtney and the Velare brothers, which predates the Herschell and Chance manufacture of the device. There's a bit of additional coverage in my article "Big Wheels and Band Organs" in the Carousel Organ Association of America's journal "Carousel Organ," Issue 29. If the topic interests you, the article is continued in Issue No. 30 Supplement. Here's a link for back issue information: www.coaa.us/journal.html Fred Dahlinger

    Reply: 03 Aug 2008 - Thanks very much for the information Fred! Terry Heininger

    Reply: 14 Aug 2008 - Hello Terry. Read your post on the CH site and was intrigued by your mention of Jimmy Haynes. I was acquainted with Jimmy and his wife Ann AKA (Mike). Unfortunately, that beautiful AH Sky Wheel was seized by the Venezuelan government around 1980 along many other rides and joints etc. Jimmy Haynes, Charlie Edens and others made several attempts to recover the sky wheel and other equipment but were largely unsuccessful. I wondered if you recall some of your other sky wheel mates; some names that come to mind are: Jiggs, Chief, Raymond, Johnny Dollar, and Marty. Regards, Richard Marvez

    Reply: 18 Aug 2008 - Richard: It's been great talking to you via email about the old crew, especially Chief and his Mohawk Indian crew from upstate New York. Thanks for the information about our Skywheel. I was unaware that it had been seized in 1980 and out of the country! I was out of the show business loop by that time and did not realize that all this stuff was going on. Charlie & Jimmy had a top notch operation and we could not have had better bosses. My trips to Jimmy and Ann's house in Hollywood after the season was over were special. I was unaware that Jimmy was only 50 miles away from me in a hospital in Baltimore when he died. I reside in York, Pennsylvania, right up Interstate 83. Thanks again for emailing and bringing me up to speed. Regards, Terry Heininger

    Reply: 26 Aug 2008 - Hi Terry, In the notes on sky-wheels and the crew on James E. Strates Shows one of the ride guys mentioned is named 'Chief". I wonder if he is the same "Chief" - an Indian fellow that later worked joints for them for quite a few seasons. I usually stop and talk to him at the Hamburg Fair but he hasn't been there the last two years. Al Stencell, stencell@sympatico.ca

    Reply: 27 Aug 2008 - Hey Al: It very well could be one in the same person that you see at Hamburg every year. There were about half a dozen Mohawk Indians from New York that Charlie Edens And Jimmy Haines hired on while they were in upstate New York. I met them around 1972 or 1973 and they were some really free spirits to put it mildly, hard working when they wanted to, but also party animals when they got started. And a not a care in the world attitude. I was told they hung steel for a living at one time, so the dizzy heights of 93 feet of that Skywheel was nothing for them. After I left the road in 1975 I lost contact with everyone on the show, and shortly moved from Ormond Beach, Florida back home to Pennsylvania. If you see that person again at Hamburg, ask him if he worked for Edens & Haines in the 1970's on the Skywheel, and if he says yes, you got your man! Regards, Terry Heininger

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2532. Elephant escape, Mexico City 1954, 30 Jul 2008 - I don't even know where to begin to look for this information. I write Mexican history, and ran across - in passing - a reference to a 1954 elephant stampede in Mexico City, when a circus train (Barnum and Bailey) was transferring engines at Buenvista station in MC, in July 1954. I've seen one Mexican newspaper account of the incident - which was probably the only elephant rampage through a major American city (and led to, if I'm not completely mistaken, one death - but he was a PR flack for the political party, so no great loss !) and the "ringleader" of the elephants being machine gunned, dragged off to the Zoo by tow truck and fed to the lions. Any information at all? Or suggestions where to look (my budget for this kind of research being exactly nothing). Richard Grabman (Perdon por la ausencia de tildes, pero estoy escribiendo en una PC prestada en USA). richmx2@yahoo.com, richmx2@excite.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 02 Aug 2008 - I feel that your information is off some what. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus did not even go to Mexico in 1954. They did play Mexico City in December of 1957. In 1958, they played in Mexico but not Mexico City. There were a couple elephants that were sold by Ringling to the Mexico City Zoo in 1957 that would have been delivered somehow, by train perhaps? Bob Cline

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2531. Barnum & Bailey Ireland, 30 Jul 2008 - Does anyone have the Barnum and Bailey route for Ireland, specifically for County Mayo? Mike Naughton, Yankee Doodle Circus, mikenaughtoncircus@gmail.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 31 Jul 2008 - Although the Barnum & Bailey GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH did spend the seasons of 1898-1902 in Europe, it never toured Ireland. After arriving in Stoke-on-Trent in late 1897, the season of 1898 was almost entirely in England (with just two multi-day stands in Glasgow and Edinburgh Scotland). Barnum & Bailey spent almost the entire year of 1899 in England – with about six weeks in Scotland (from late August until early October). The season of 1900 found the show exhibiting in Germany and Austria, The season of 1901 started in Budapest, Hungary, followed by Austria, Germany, Holland and Belgium. The entire 1902 season was spent in France, sailing for the United States after the show closed in Dunkirk October 26, 1902. Chris Berry circusposters@gmail.com

    Reply: 31 Jul 2008 - Mike, the 1898 and 1899 Barnum & Bailey routes are all credited to sites in England, Scotland and Wales, none for Ireland. The show was at the Olympia, London, during the winter of 1889-1890. Those were the only B&B visits to the area, as far as I know. Taking the show to Ireland would have required another ship movement, which was a very expensive proposition for a show the size of B&B. Presumably Bailey and his managers decided that the expense wasn't justified by the anticipated revenue. There may have been other logistical issues as well that weighed against visiting Ireland. If this doesn't answer the intent of your query, you might re-state it in a different way. Fred Dahlinger

    Reply: 01 Aug 2008 - Chris and Fred, Thank you for the information regarding B&B in Europe; now a little mystery has be solved. Mike Naughton, Yankee Doodle Circus, MikeNaughtonCircus@gmail.com.

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2530. Ring Bros. Circus, 30 Jul 2008 - I was wondering if anyone remembers Happy Davis from the Ring Bros. Circus? The time would be around the early 50's. He also used to make the nets used in the wire and web acts. He also appeared on the Captain Kangaroo show but I don't know what year. Any information at all would be appreciated. Thank you, Mona Ingold (monaingold@hotmail.com). [Message also posted in 2006, message No. 1379] Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 02 Sep 2008 - Looks like it was King Bros. Circus. Found on newspaperarchives.com (subscription website): "Waterloo Daily Courier," May 27, 1949 (Waterloo, Iowa), Happy Davis with King Bros. Circus. He was on the Captain Kangaroo show in 1959 - "Express and News" (San Antonio, Texas), March 14, 1959, TV listing. Apparently he was a clown. There were more articles on him at newspaperarchives.com. - Judy Griffin

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2529. Elephant Mogul, 29 Jul 2008 - Looking for any information on Mogul the elephant that was with Macomber & Welch in Boston. Mogul travelled to the Canadian Maritimes in the summer of 1836 with a small menagerie. All were lost with the burning of the Royal Tar steamship in Maine in October of 1836. Any information would be greatly appreciated, Mark. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 30 Jul 2008 - I don't have a lot of details but this is what I have. Bob Cline

    MOGUL, male Asian
    1831 - arrived in US May 14th (9 years old)
    1831 - exhibited at Lion Tavern in Boston
    1831 - Macomber & Co's New Collection of Animals
    1832 - No records
    1833 - Purdy, Welch, and Macomber
    1834 - Macomber, Welch & Co's. New Zoological Institute
    1835 - Macomber, Welch & Co.
    1836 - Macomber, Welch, & Co.
    1836 - Left St. John, N.B. on Oct. 21st
    Died - in the ship's fire - ship sank in Penobscot Bay on Oct. 25th

    Reply: 31 Jul 2008 - A big thank you to Bob Cline for the information on the elephant Mogul! I am interested in your source. My direct email address is hwander@midcoast.com. Mark

    Reply: 31 Jul 2008 - Two articles by Stuart Thayer cover all elephants in America before 1860. You'll find them in issues of "Bandwagon," Jan-Feb 1987 and Sept-Oct 1991. The works are largely derived from show references in period newspapers. Fred Dahlinger [information on ordering back issues of Bandwagon, click on Bandwagon on the navigation bar]

    Reply: 03 Aug 2008 - There were two elephants named Mogul, one had originally been Timour, the other landed in August 1834 and joined Macomber, Welch & Co., a new title in that year. It was Macomber, Welch & Co. that went down with The Royal Tar. Stuart Thayer.

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2528. Gee Gee Engesser, 28 Jul 2008 - Gee Gee Engesser died July 15, 2008. Read her biographical snapshot. A celebration of her life will be held at 3 p.m. on August 9th at Showfolks of Sarasota Club, 5204 Lockwood Ridge Road North, Sarasota, Florida. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2527. Forepaugh 1870, 28 Jul 2008 - I have a 16 page dated 1870 Brief catalogue of Animals, Birds and Artists of Forepaugh's Grand Zoological and Equestrian Aggregation combining A Mammoth Menagerie and A Giant Circus, by Warren, Johnson & Co., Show Printers. Would appreciate some info on this. Thank you, Yvonne. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 17 Aug 2008 - I am sorry to answer your request with a request, but can I ask if that catalogue mentions any elephant named Topsy? Or perhaps just a baby elephant? Thank you. Michael Daly

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2526. Sky King, 27 Jul 2008 - I have a picture of my grandfather and on the picture it says THE SKY-KING on it. I was wondering if you would know any information about the Sky King. All I keep finding is the radio show. lori mills, jeddy1991@yahoo.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 29 Jul 2008 - You might check out question #2089 on this website. JFP

    Reply: 26 Aug 2008 - I forget Sky King's real name but as a kid I watched the T.V. show. It must have been PENNY! He was on Carson and Barnes Circus in 1969 when I had the inside stand over there for a few months while Bob Raborn was in jail. One day up in Wisc. the seats on the long side fell -TWICE. I set the back end blues and it was a very soft lot and I had put seat blocks under the jacks on the back end blues. Back then, butchers did about everything plus we had no help. Camel Rider or who ever thought it better to not put seat blocks under the long side jacks. The first time the seats went down a number of patrons were injury badly. I can remember Sky King carrying this lady out of the top with a badly mangled leg and going in the ambulance with her to the hospital. He was a real patch and a big help in situations like that on the lot. He was good at making the radio stations each morning. Just a real nice guy and a real trouper. Later, I heard he ended up selling real estate. No doubt he was good at that, too! Just remembered the name - Kirby Grant. Al Stencell

    Reply: 27 Aug 2008 - I once asked Kirby Grant if he had been the Sky King on the radio in my youth; he said Earl Nightingale had played that part. Ole Whitey

    Reply: 27 Aug 2008 - A troupe called the Sky Kings performed on sway poles. They played the Zuhrah Shrine Circus at Minneapolis, MN, February 28 - March 9, 1963. Hubert Castle was the producer for this Shrine circus. J. Griffin

    Reply: 14 Sep 2008 - To Lori Mills: I met Kirby "Sky King" Grant on the Carson & Barnes lot in the late 1970s, and he was indeed a gentleman, excellent in meeting his fans, easy to talk to, and very gracious in signing autographs and having photos taken. Here is my best advice for you: For anything on any star, movie, or TV show, go to IMDb.com. This is Internet Movie Database. Type in, in this case, Kirby Grant in the search bar. You will get extensive information on him, including a bio, a filmography, his height and weight, his dates of birth and death, usually including the cause, and his marriage record, all providing these items were properly submitted and approved by the IMDb staff. Some entries have trivia on the stars and selected quotes from them. Some even feature salary histories. Then, look for the TV Show search bar. Type in Sky King. Up will come the history of the show - the premise, air dates, episode synopses, full cast and crew members, producers, directors, networks and studios. You will find great information at IMDb, which can also lead you to other links to enhance your studies. With over 65,000 names, you can look up directors, writers, grips, set designers, makeup artists, producers, studio bosses, all by name. Some have more info than others, some have photos and some don't, but you will be gratified to have this site for a start. Register as a member, which is easy, and if a photo for a star is missing, you can submit one. You can add to, or correct biographical information, as I did with Parley Baer - all subject, again, to IMDb staff approval. This is a site you will greatly enjoy. Roger Smith.

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2525. Wallendas, sway pole, 27 Jul 2008 - I was wondering if the Flying Wallenda's had a sway pole act. I was wondering if the man doing the sway pole act in 1940-1960 name was Raymond Reynolds? He might have had another name. lori mills, jeddy1991@yahoo.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2524. James Osborne, 27 Jul 2008 - I am trying to figure out if my uncle research is correct. He says my great grandfather was the strong man for Barnum and Bailey circus in the early 1900's. His name was James Osborne, But I am not forsure of his middle name. If you could help me verify this information I would greatly appreciate it. Nichole Tooill. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2523. Buffalo Ranch posters, 26 Jul 2008 - We are trying to determine if the two "Buffalo Ranch Real Wild West" posters we have are from the Jones Bros. version of 1910, the Kit Carson version of 1911-14, or the Mix version that we understand opened and closed on May 2, 1947. They are matted and framed and the viewable area is approx. 12"w x 34"h. On one the words "Milwaukee Riverside Press Co Chicago" are visable in the lower right hand corner. Any information will be appreciated. Bob Kelly, Ridgway, CO. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 27 Jul 2008 - The Riverside/Buffalo Ranch lithos date from the Jones Bros/Thomas Wiedemann (Kit Carson) “Buffalo Ranch Wild West Show” (1910-14). There are two Riverside posters that are often seen in collections today (“Real Indian Dances” and “Cowboys, Cowgirls, Indians, Mexicans”). Both are terrific designs, and I’m curious as to whether the artwork on your poster is something other than these. As far as I know, originals of these two posters are only found as a one-sheet “panel” (54”x20”) – itself a relatively unusual, yet standard, size. These two Buffalo Ranch images have been reproduced in recent years, and while it is possible that you have a very unique or different piece, the non-standard size of your poster (34”x12”) would indicate it is probably not an original Riverside lithograph. Still, it is a great artwork – and original or not, the image provides a glimpse into entertainment advertising in the early part of the 20th Century. Chris Berry, circusposters@gmail.com

    Reply: 28 Jul 2008 - The large panel posters of the Buffalo Ranch were originally printed by the Riverside Company, and the unused stock lay on the shelves until the 1940s. At that time a show purchased the paper and was going to use it by adding a small panel with the show name on it. However the show closed and the equipment was left out west. In the 1940s Orville Allread was putting out a small show in California, came across the equipment, and purchased the semi and contents. Inside were the original posters, and he circulated a number of them, that is why there are many mint condition copies circulating. When he was in the band of the Carson & Barnes Circus he related the story of the Riverside posters that were found in the semi. The story is true for he sent the two styles for my collection. John Polacsek

    Reply: 29 Jul 2008 - Sorry but it was Arvel & Grace Allread who in 1947 started a wildlife exhibit which grew into a circus. John Polacsek

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2522. Circuses, China 1932, 26 Jul 2008 - What information do you know about international circuses that traveled to Singapore China in 1932? Other locations would be in Australia, Hawaii, Jarta, these locations could have been other years close to 1932. The circuses that I would be looking for might have had women motorcycle acts, possibly a western show and a clown named Whitey that had a monkey as a companion. All of these specifics come from family memories of a decendent in my family. I do know that one worked for the Wortham Show based on his 1917 registration card and later census records that mentions his employment as a manager for a traveling show in 1930. His name was Fred Clare, his wife Marjorie (nee Hickey). She was Vancamp from a previous marriage and she had a daughter Margaret that is in a western getup for a show, I have a copy of the photo. Anything would help. DAVID CLARE, o2clare@sbcglobal.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2521. Endy Bros, Cetlin and Wilson carnivals, 26 Jul 2008 - Anyone have any info on the Endy bros and Cetlin and Wilson carnivals, specifically of a Bud Monroe who travelled with them with his sister Ethel. Any info would be helpful. My email is gpol42@yahoo.com. I am Ethel's son in law. Thanks, Gary Polito, NJ. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 27 Jul 2008 - I researched the Cetlin and Wilson Shows along with Robert Spivey for well over a year before sending the very lengthy article about the show to be published in the Carnival Midway magazine. We had the great opportunity to interview Bill Hartzman Jr. and his mother and learned an amazing amount of stuff from them. There are no show records in existence although Bill Hartzman Sr. had volumes of binders stacked up over the years from the Bookkeeping. What was left of the show equipment in Richmond, Va. was plundered, vandalized, burned, and buried. Names of people on the shows is not one of them. Unless they had a huge name like Lash LaRue, Sally Rand, etc. there is very little to be found in names of people on the show. I'm sorry I couldn't help you more. Maybe someone else out there can. Bob Cline

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2520. Raymond Reynolds, 26 Jul 2008 - I am looking for a Circus that I think that start with a R. My Grandfather Raymond Reynolds did a sway pole act for them in I believe in 1930 - 1950. I have a picture of him on the sway pole. lori mills, jeddy1991@yahoo.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2519. Geraldine Farnsworth, 24 Jul 2008 - I am looking for information about my mother. I believe the name she used was Gerry Worth. Her real name was Geraldine Farnsworth. She was a performer in the Cole Bros. circus around 1939 through early 40s. She fell from the trapeze or high wire at some point and broke her pelvis. She may have been in a hospital in Illinois. She had said that a clown named Johnny Whiteside (I think he was from Peoria) broke her fall. She also rode elephants and worked with Clyde Beatty. She tried to make somewhat of a comeback (swinging on the ropes)in the 50s when the circus came to Long Island but I don't think it worked out. She had alot of pictures but unfortunately they disappeared around the time she died. Any information you might have would be appreciated. Temple McDay, Medford, N.Y. P.S. She said she named me Temple because when she traveled around with the circus Temple Rexas was the most beautiful place she had seen. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2518. Jean Carroll vs Jean Carson, 23 Jul 2008 - Here's a good one - does anyone know if Jean Pauline Carson, who was in the wardrobe dept. with Ringling from the late 1930s to about 1974, was tattooed? There's a tattooed lady named Jean Furella Carroll who is famous for the pamphlet "How I Became the Tattooed Queen," which tells the tale of her supposed "transformation" from bearded lady to tattooed lady, but identifies her as "Jean Carson," who shaved her beard for the love of John Carson. Now, the other Jean Carson, the wardrobe mistress, was married to a John Carson. I think they're different ladies, but my question is - did Jean Pauline Carson, from wardrobe, ever work as a tattooed lady? Thanks! Amelia Osterud. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2517. Albert Kean, clown, 23 Jul 2008 - Hi, I am looking for information on Albert Kean who was a Circus Clown, Elephant Trainer and, I believe, many other things. He was definitely working in the 40’s and 50’s, maybe even before? I am very keen to know what his Clown name was? I have been told that he had a famous water Entre? Would anyone know what this is and have more information about it? I am also keen to source any literature about the Rosaire Circus Summer Season in Bridlington in 1957 where I believe he performed with Sausie the Elephant? If anyone has any information about the above or anything on Albert Kean I would be pleased to hear from you. Many Thanks. Elizabeth Bromley, Poole, Dorset, England, thinkpink1972@hotmail.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2516. Mihailovits, 23 Jul 2008 - I am looking for some informations about my family Mihailovits:
Fenenc Mihailovits born 10th of February 1914 in Budapest (my father)
Ivan Mihailovits born 24th of February 1920 in Budapest (my uncle)
Miklos Mihailovits born 20th of October 1922 in Budapest (my uncle)
They were all artists and have performed together in Copenhagen in 1942, 1944 and 1945, and I have photo of them. There parrents were:
Ferens Mihailovits born 23rd of May 1989 in Budapest
Margarete (Margit) Mihailovits born Rátz in Budapest (no date of birth)
They have lived on the address - at last from 1941 to 1945: VII Nagyatàdi Szabó-U,4 (in Budapest.)
I will be greatful if it is possible to find anything about my family, for instance if I have any brothers, sisters or cousins I could get in contact with. Off course, it is very doubtfull if my father ot his brothers are still alive. Best regards, Vivian Davidsen (born Mihailovits), Denmark, pemunk@worldonline.dk. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 07 Dec 2008 - Hi Vivian, yes you do indeed have some close relations!! My name is Paul Mihailovits, one of 2 sons of Miklos Mihailovits your Uncle. My brother (Alan) and I would be delighted to open up communication with you and fill you in on what we know from our perspective and of course from yours too. You are right to assume that the 3 brothers will have passed away. Miklos my Father in 1991. After that Alan and I lost direct contact with Ivan and your Father Ferenc (we knew him as 'Ferry' or 'Frank'.). This was due to some differences. We know that Ivan passed away around 93 or 94. We don't know for certain about your Father but sadly I guess we must assume that as he was born in 1914 there is a high possibility that he may not be alive. We can find out though! I can also tell you that you have several half brothers and sisters. Attilla, Ivan(deceased), Alexander, Mia, Vicky and possibly one other. It would be great if we could exchange informations and who knows maybe meet up one day. I forgot to mention that we are all based in England. Kind regards and hope to hear from you as soon as possible. Paul, pmihailovits@manx.net

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2515. Captain Billy Reed, 23 Jul 2008 - I am a niece of Henry Hamel aka Captain Billy Reed of the Clyde Beatty Circus circa 1930's. Does anyone know anything about him and his wife, whom family tells me was killed by a black panther. I think they were both lion tamers. Thank you for any info you can share. Gwen Hamel Steen, gnksteen@garlic.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2514. Amsterdam, NY, 23 Jul 2008 - I am looking for information on circuses that have played Amsterdam New York from early nineteen hundeds till present. M Kelly Joyce. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2513. Joe Carter, cowboy, 21 Jul 2008 - Hi- I'm trying to find information about Joe (or Joseph) Carter, who was a Wild West cowboy, probably in the 1930s. He might have worked on Sells-Floto for the 1932 season, and had a son also named Joe Carter. Supposedly Joe Carter, senior, died in a train accident, not sure when. Does this ring any bells for anyone? thanks, Amelia Osterud. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2512. Performing Goats, 21 Jul 2008 - I am researching older circus acts that included goats. All information, images and/or references will be greatly appreciated. Jennifer Cadero, Worcester County, MA, queenbee@surfbest.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 23 Jul 2008 - 31 images whit goats in the circus are visible on www.circusmuseum.nl/eng. Use the dutch word "geiten" (goats) to search. Herman Voogd

    Reply: 23 Jul 2008 - The wonderful educated equestrian goat named Humpty Dumpty was a featured attraction on the 1872 Conklin Brothers' Great Philadelphia Circus, Samwell's School of Educated Animals & Yankee Robinson's Big Show Combined. The animal was featured in a act of HORSE-GOAT-SHIP in that it rode on horseback and jumped through balloons (paper hoops) and over banners. The show opened in Marshall, Michigan and traveled all the way to the Pacific Coast. The illustrated ad in the Salt Lake Tribune 8/27/1872 (see the digital Utah newspaper site) shows the goat leaping through a balloon from the back of a horse. John Polacsek

    Reply: 14 Sep 2008 - For Jennifer Lader: Mabel Stark became the circus world's Tiger Queen. But that's not how she started. When she visited the Al. G. Barnes Circus Winterquarters, in Venice, California, she saw her first tiger, and was introduced to her future. She pleaded for a job with tigers until they finally hired her. But they started her in 1911 with trained goats in an end ring, likely to make her mad enough to quit, and she took no end of abusive derision from the old hands. She pestered the Front End relentlessly until Mr. Barnes asked master trainer Louis Roth to determine if Mabel was capable of working cats. The rest is history, of course, and after her first cat act broken for her by Roth, she achieved supremacy as a woman tiger trainer, particularly since Roth was her mentor and husband for most of four years. But for the rest of her life, she tried to live down her ignominious beginning with "those damn, stinking goats." Roger Smith.

    Reply: 29 Sep 2008 - Albert Ostermaier performed with a goat act with the 1955 Polack Bros Circus. Somewhere I have a copy of the publicity photo used in the program. My father purchased the act from Albert in 1956 after my mother passed away. My dad wanted to get back in the circus life after being with it for many years with a dog and pony act. However, he did not get back in but had performed the goat act at fairs that year. I also have publicity photos of the goat act. Not sure when you mentioned old how long ago you wanted to research. Thanks, Ray

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2511. Steam Calliope, 21 Jul 2008 - This is Captain Stage from the Chautauqua Belle on Chautauqua Lake, I am working on tracking down the old steam calliope that was once onboard; so that we can reinstall it on the vessel. If you have any information on where this wonderful instrument is today it would be most appreciated. Captain Mathew Stage, President, U.S. Steam Lines LTD, Chautauqua Belle. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 23 Jul 2008 - James "Jim" Webster sold the calliope about 1983 to the late Jack Telgmann, who was then serving as the curator of the Pump House Steam Museum in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Jack and others fabricated a wagon to haul it and a steam source. I've not seen or heard much about it since Jack's demise. Management of the Pump House Museum itself seems to have changed recently. Jack reportedly gifted the calliope to the City of Kingston as a memorial to his father. The Chautauqua Belle instrument was not "old" in the sense of dating back to the heyday of the instrument. Webster stated that he fabricated it himself, so it's likely the same vintage as the Belle. Also see query 1160. Fred Dahlinger

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2510. Diavolo, Paul Castagnetta, 18 Jul 2008 - My grandfather, Paul Castagnetta, a Fenchman, performed the loop the loop bicycle act. He was called Diavolo, dare devil. He performed in Europe and I think the US for Barnum and Bailey Circus. We have a photo of him riding his bicycle through the loop. I would like to learn more about it. The years would be between l900 and 1915. Do you have any information on him? Thank you. Dianne Nelson, chinarose1@bellsouth.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 23 Jul 2008 - Looping the loop! says the dutch poster (Friedlander) from 1935 with the artist Nic. Diavolo performing for circus Maxo. Is it the same person? Source: www.circusmuseum.nl/eng, search for Diavolo. Herman Voogd

    Reply: 23 Jul 2008 - It is another classic case of 'Whose on First' in the circus world. In April 1902 the Adam Forepaugh & Sells Bros. Circus open in Madison Square Garden with Diavolo who loops the Loop on a Bicycle. By September when the show reached Toledo, Ohio there were four understudies who tried out for the job, just in case, and they all ended up in the hospital. The man who was featured that season on Forepaugh/Sells as Diavolo was R. B. Vandervoort, of New York, and he learned to control his equilibrium on a car that looped at Coney Island, then worked a bicycle into the act. However in August 1902 another Diavolo, the American, was injured in London while performing. By August 5 he had fallen again while performing the 'loop the loop' at the Aquarium, and the newspaper noted that this was the third time he had fallen in the last ten days. So in 1902 there were at least two Diavolos working the loop the loop act. No references to Paul Castagnetta as Diavolo however. John Polacsek

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2509. Krista and Kristel, trapeze, 18 Jul 2008 - Anyone out there remember twin trapeze artistes Krista and Kristel (Swiss, I think) who were performing in some circus in Cape Town during 1953. I met them and have a photograph of them in my autograph book together with a message of good wishes to me - if there is anyone out there who has researched them or is interested in them let me know - regards, doris hoon. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 21 Jul 2008 - I also have a childhood memory of seeing them perform in New Zealand in 1949 in a stage presentation called "COMMAND PERFORMANCE". The programme from that show has a very large photograph of highlights from their act which was mainly "dental" (one holding the other by a device held the mouth). This programme also notes that they had appeared at a Royal Command performance at the Palladium, London in 1948. As an aside the show "Command Performance" main star was Australian Maurice Colleano, brother of the famous tight wire walker Con Colleano.John Sullivan New Zealand.

    Reply: 23 Jul 2008 - Thank you for responding to my message of 17th July. Fantastic that you have the 1949 Programme relating to their act, I unfortunately no longer have the 1953 one. If you would like a copy of the photo I have send me your e-mail address and I will scan it to you. best wishes, doris hoon, dorish@absamail.co.za

    Reply: 19 Jan 2010 - Hallo! My mother died 2 years ago and among all her photos I found a picture of Krista & Kristel. On the backside is written: "Trapezedancing girls, good friends of me from Gröna Lund, lived in my apartement on Tegnergatan during their tour." Gröna Lund is a amusing park in Stockholm and my mother worked there as an waitress. The year can be 1953 when there was a 70-years jubilee but I don´t know. I´m interested to know more about them if anyone know. Are they still alive? Greetings, Maj-Britt Olsbo, Sweden

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2508. Clarion Bros., 18 Jul 2008 - Looking for information on Geo Essenger's Clarion Bros Circus 1925. Know Essenger had a Ole show out and Baney Google show prior to 1925 and have pictures of 1926 Zellmar big top that looks much like the stage show tent but looking for information on Clarion Bros circus. Nedcircus@aol.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 21 Jul 2008 - On October 31, 1925 George Engesser wrote from Clarion Bros. Highest Class Truck Circus in America - 40 - Trucks - 40 & Greater Combined Wild Animal Circus, Permanent Address: St. Peter, Minn. to an advance agent who wanted a job for 1926. He commented on the 1925 season and I think the 1926 season was to be planned on a similar route - "Now you will land some sundays in Minn, None in North Dakota. then plenty a gain in Montana, SoDak, and Iowa, JUNE and JULY will be in No. Dak. only. In case I let you work advertising, it is to be split Fifty-fifty. Let me hear from you at Hot Springs, Arkansaw. " I am unaware of any dates for the circus. Ted Bowman Route Collection.

    Reply: 23 Jul 2008 - Thanks for the reply. We have searched MN newspapers and have never found any entries for Clarion but have found several references to Clarion Bros. I am assuming Engesser used it as a name to frame the 1926 Show or changed the name prior to going out in 26. Ned Kronberg

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2507. Cook Bros., Rhoda Royal, 18 Jul 2008 - Does anyone know anything about the Cook Brothers Circus or Rhoda-Royal Vaudeville Co. I have ancestors that were performers with this circus, Clarence Forinash - stage name - Charley Lackland, and his wife Elizabeth Forinash. I do have photographs of Clarence and Elizabeth in their performance attire. Clarence and Elizabeth were from Ohio. Clarence Forinash known as Charlie Lackland performed with these companies as a rodeo performer and a rope walker probably in the early 1900's. Thank you! Becky McCann, Joplin, Missouri. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 06 Aug 2008 - There's a biography of Rhoda Royal by Dan Draper in the July-August 2000 issue of "Bandwagon." It's available for purchase as a back copy. Royal, an equestrian, horse trainer, equestrian and owner, organized and managed a number of winter-time and summer traveling shows. The name "Cook Bros.," in addition to reportedly being an active circus title 1909-1921 [the principal of the readily-documented 1917 edition was D. Clinton Cook], was also used as the name for a one-car dramatic tent show operated by the Busby Bros. of Pana, IL, 1905-1907, staging the favorite "Ten Nights In a Bar Room." George Chindahl wrote an article about the Busbys in "White Tops," Sept-Oct 1950, pages 3-4, with additional information in his collection at Circus World Museum. A photograph of their car bearing the Cook Bros. title is in the writer's book "Show Trains of the 20th Century," page 68. Fred Dahlinger [for information on ordering back issues of "Bandwagon," click on Bandwagon on navigation bar]

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2506. Pantzer’s Midgets, 17 Jul 2008 - I am interested in an act called Pantzer’s Midgets; it was a troupe of Midgets run by Willie Pantzer. Can anyone tell me more about this relative of mine, or maybe point me to where I may be able to find film footage of him. Thank you, Paul Littler. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2505. Doll family house, 17 Jul 2008 - I am the editor of the in-house newsletter written for the residents of the Desoto Beach Club, an Independent Living Facility in Sarasota, Florida. Our residents (125+/-) are interested in Sarasota history and in monthly columns I have reached the Ringling era. I would like to photograph the house that the Doll family lived in and write about it in the newsletter. Can someone tell me where it is, and whether it's possible to take pictures of it? Lee Desmon, email address: boardprez@comcast.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 21 Jul 2008 - Gaby Wood in her book "Living Dolls" (2002) visited Tiny Doll but would only give her address as 21*** Street, Sarasota. She got the address from Kurt "Harry Doll" Schneider's obituary published in the Sarasota Herald Tribune. Harry died May 4, 1985. Perhaps the folks at the Tribune can help. Regards, Tom H.

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2504. LaFluer, LeRose, equilibrists, 17 Jul 2008 - I am looking for information on two equilibralist ; Joseph LaFluer, on Ringling Brothers performers list from 1897-1902 and Frank LeRose around the same time. May also have worked with Forepaugh and Sells or John Robinson Circus. Thanks in advance for any information. joni mceuen, jkandjm@sbcglobal.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 18 Jul 2008 - Stuart Thayer published a paper that included information about Joe LaFleur [not LaFluer] in "Bandwagon." He was a practitioner of the extraordinary "Jackley drops." You can find the article in the "Bandwagon" index on this website and then order it as a back issue [see Jan-Feb 2002]. Fred Dahlinger

    Reply: 18 Jul 2008 - There was an Arthur LaFluer whom I saw in the late days of Vaudeville; was he a relative of the earlier performers of the same name? Thanks, Whitey

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2503. Joseph Derosia La Frain, 17 Jul 2008 - Looking for my grandfather who was a strong man(?) or an acrobat with a circus between 1895 and 1917. He was very secretive, but we think he was French Canadian and ran away from home young. The name we knew him by was Joseph Derosia La Frain. He did have a trunk of circus memorabilia that dissappeared upon his death. We think it was from Ringling. Any info would be a help. joni mceuen, jkandjm@sbcglobal.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 02 Sep 2008 - This is not information on his circus career. From Ancestry.com: Joseph Derosia Lafrain; resided New Albany, Union County, Mississippi; age 37; born March 30, 1881; occupation: Cook, People's Cafe at New Albany; nearest relative: Mrs. Jessie Agnew Lafrain, New Albany, Mississippi. Source: United States, Selective Service System. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. M1509, Roll: 1683990.
        Also, Joseph Lafrain, Spouse: Jessie Whittock, Marriage Date: 20 Dec 1908, Lee County, Mississippi. Source: Hunting For Bears, comp., Mississippi Marriages, 1776-1935. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2004. Original data: Mississippi marriage information taken from county courthouse records. - Judy Griffin

    Reply: 02 Feb 2009 - So sorry for the late Thanks! Have Just checked to pick up information left last Sept. and while we knew part of it, we had not know the name of the cafe where Joseph was a cook. We appreciate all of your efforts to help with information.
        We are still hoping to track down information on his circus career, although we believe it to have been brief, I do know that Water Valley, Miss. (close to New Albany) was frequently played during that era by a number of troupes. My g-father was also a pastry chef, and a Joseph Sweet, perhaps a substitution for an unspellable last name (?) was listed as a pastry cook on a dining car w/Ringlings in 1900. Maybe the picture of him that we have is a ruse? Did hired help pose for photos as circus performers to send back home? Thanks again!

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2502. Dorothy Carr, 17 Jul 2008 - Hello and thanks in advance for sharing the knowledge of the old school. My aunt, Dorothy Carr, was in Clyde Beatty's circus some time ago. The exact dates I do not know. I would guess during the 50's. She rode ponies and got in the box of swords, she was short and petite. Her husband was "Lucky" and I believe he was the cook for some time. She was raised in Ft. Myers which I believe is where she met and joined the circus. Thanks and see ya in the tent. Jimmy Carr, Musician, Clown and Side show cafe operator. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

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2501. Guy Blackburn, 16 Jul 2008 - I am looking for any information about Guy Blackburn who worked for Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus in 1928/29, Seals Brothers circus in 1932, Stevens Brothers circus in 1946 and Dailey Brothers circus in 1949. Guy was said to have been a Trapeze Artist, and a Female impersonator. His brother Burns Blackburn was a elephant trainer for Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey circus in 1928/29 time period with Guy as a trapeze artist. Guy and Burns were both born in Alabama. I would like any and all information about both if posible. Thank you. You can email me at nobossretired45@att.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.

    Reply: 17 Jul 2008 - The Circus World Museum Research Library in Baraboo, WI, will have the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey employee records. They can tell you what years the person was there, the wage, etc. along the lines of employment. I think addresses are included. For the other shows, you can try asking about the route books for thoses shows on those years to see if there is a mention of the person being on the show. There should be if they were there from the beginning. Also the Archives have what they call the "Yellow" cards which are just real quick notes and references. They might offer you some more leads. The Archivist, Erin Foley, will do what she can, but it takes time as she has a terrific volume of requests in the system already. Bob Cline

    Reply: 18 Jul 2008 - I'd offer a slight insight on the holdings. The RBBB employment records generally don't go back before 1938. Before that date, one would have to rely upon abstracted entries found in the "yellow tickets." Fred Dahlinger

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