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Message Archive: Messages 2701 - 2750
2750. History - acrobatics & circus, 05 Jan 2009 - Dear Circushistory, I have to write a paper for school and I'm writing about the reasons why sports people and gymnasts make the transition from the competitive sports world to the circusworld. Part of the paper is about the history of acrobatics in the circus. Both in the Chinese and the Western circusses that is. I was wondering if someone could provide me with information on this subject, how acrobatics became so linked with the circus and part of its culture and how this started in the first place. I would be very grateful if my questions can be answered. Any answers can be e-mailed to tarikrammo@hotmail.com. With kind regards, Tarik Rammo, The Netherlands. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2749. Hartzells, clowns, 05 Jan 2009 - Glenn B. (Bones) Hartzell, his wife Olive Hartzell, and their daughter, Glenna J. Hartzell were all clown performers with various circuses during the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. They lived in Los Angeles, California. Olive died of a heart attack in 1946 in Kirkland, Washington while playing an engagement with Dodge's Thrill Circus. She was cremated and her ashes are buried in the Ladies Auxilliary Pacific Coast Showmen's Association section of the Evergreen Cemetery in Los Angeles. Glenn died in 1955 in Phoenix, Arizona. He, too was cremated but the final disposition of his ashes is unknown. Glenna died in 1993 in Everett, Washington and her final resting place is also unknown. Does anyone have any pictures, pictures, or other documents identifying these people? rahartzell at cox.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Keep the heritage of the circus alive, join CHS today! Membership 2748. Kellys, 05 Jan 2009 - My family were involved directly with a circus until the late 1800's early 1900's - the name was Kelly. Can you help? Where can I look to find the names of circuses operating in the 1800's? Sheila. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2747. Yvonne's Dogs, 03 Jan 2009 - Hallo, and happy New Year, My name is Yvonne Harvey Shea, maiden name Yvonne van der Gracht. Born in Haarlem, Netherlands. In the year 1958 I worked with Ringling Bros., 88th season, 1958-1959 (Yvonne's Dogs) and traveled through the States and 2 months in Mexico with them. During the year 1959 also did the Captain Kangaroo and the Paul Winchell Show, then later in 1959 worked in Cuba and Puerto Rico with the circus Gaby, Fofo & Miliki, (Yvonne Dog Parade), returned to Europe, and Dec 1960./Jan1961 worked with Circus Strassburger (Yvonne Williams en haar honden) Amsterdam in Carre 3 weeks, Christmas Season. I am trying to locate if there is any film footage available on the computer. Please advise. Thanks, Yvonne. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Attempted translation: Did you read that around 1960 have worked with circus straordinaria citizen, I worked there my uncle but I do not know exactly the year. His name is Joop van Baer and I think he had a small group of people, was married to a German or Austrian. I've been been in the circus (think Naarden) but I do not remember much more, unfortunately, have you ever heard about them or can you maybe help me? With warm regards, Ingrid of Baer. Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 2746. Lorow Family, 03 Jan 2009 - Bert James Lorow (5/5/1886-12/12/1954), wife, Nellie (Johnson) 6/6/1885-1/17/1946, sons, Bert James,Jr., Cortez 12/04/1906, Nat 1/27/1911-11/6/1964 and Connilous Timothy 1/25/1922-11/1/1945. Bert Jr. carried the nickname Snookey and Nat was better known as Skeeter. There were three daughters, Nellie "Raynell" was married to Rajah Raboid and later to George Golden, 3/22/1905-8/15/1993. Laura 9/22/1908-3/7/1989 married Pete Manos (Athletic Show), Mary Edith "Ginger Ray" 6/4/1915-4/24/1989 married Charles (Chuck) Magid (Carol Stream Shows), Sharon Timothy Magid their son is married to Susan Strates, granddaughter of James E. Strates. Bert James Sr. should appear as a "side show" Punch and Judy, Glass Blower and illusionist (levitation, headless woman, saw and sword, bullet catch, etc.) Early Edward J. Kelty photos show the Lorow family as a bagpipe band (Christy Bros. 1925). I am wondering if there is anyone on staff or a pro researcher that would be interested in researching Lorow circus or Manos athletic show history? Thank you for your great work. Have a great New Year. Peter A. Manos. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2745. Bond or Seccombe high diver, 03 Jan 2009 - Complete shot in the dark here but I am researching my family history and remember my grandmother telling me that an Uncle of hers, either a Bond or a Seccombe, had a son who was a high diver in a circus in America and he broke his neck in one dive. This would’ve been between 1910 and probably 1930. Anybody have any ideas at all? Sorry, very vague I know so not really expecting anything. Linda McCabe. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Keep the heritage of the circus alive, join CHS today! Membership 2744. Mitchell's Pavilion photo, 03 Jan 2009 - A 1898 photo of this small tented show can be seen on this website Mitchell's Pavilion and scroll down. Opens in a new window (Internet Explorer) or a new tab (Netscape, Firefox). Thanks to Linda Westfall for this photo. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2743. Luke Ranft's circus, 02 Jan 2009 - Anyone know anything about a circus owned and run by a Luke Ranft in the early 1900s. He had his whole family with 3 children in the circus. He was from Niles, Michigan but went all over the midwest and eastern US performing. Joyce Woods, Mijoyw@aol.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
It looks like the show existed in 1917 (Pennsylvania): Smithfield Borough, retail dealers - L. F. Ranft Show, circus. Weekly Courier (Connellsville, PA), May 3, 1917, p. 7. Mercatile Appraiser's List of Fayette County, Pa., for the Year 1917. (including a proprietors of shows of whatever kinds, liable for a license). A 1924 advertisement for the Con T. Kennedy Shows had the Ranft Pony Circus as an attraction. Ironwood Daily Globe (Ironwood, MI), July 29, 1924, p. 7. In the 1920 Census, Niles, Michigan, Louis H. Ranft listed himself as a traveling showman. By 1930 he was a truck driver. Judy Griffin
These modest troupes were family-based operations, and often other families joined to make them possible with modest revenues and expenses, everyone working hard setting up the tents, handling props and being “generally useful.” A Bentley roster from 1912 doesn’t mention the Ranft family, but it may not list all of the troupers with the circus. There are photographs, a handbill and perhaps other items documenting Bentley’s career. Bentley operated an overland [horses and wagons, not internal combustion vehicles] tent show for many years and is reasonably well documented. He was in the business by 1873 and had a tent outfit by 1887, playing halls in the winter. His wife Nettie served as treasurer and his daughter, Geneva Bentley, who presented a Pomeranian dog act, was the only act listed by name. She was identified as show secretary in another account. His Eaton Rapids winter quarters of 34 years were destroyed by a tornado in July 1914 and he established a base elsewhere before moving back later in life. Ranft’s circus exploits are less well known, there being no readily known ephemera, photography and only a single trade paper account. He and his family may well have been itinerant performers with a variety of tent and hall shows, few of which are well documented. The following coming from an announcement in “Billboard,” March 21, 1914, page 62. His circus opened at Niles, Michigan on May 2, 1914. It, too, was an overland tent operation. It was described as having ten wagons and 22 horses with 24 people, of which nine played in the band [presumably there was “doubling” between acts and being in the “band”]. The outside free act to attract residents to the circus was a high dive act, likely into a net or tarp. The big top was stated to be a fifty-foot round with two thirty-foot wide middles, into which were placed ten lengths of “blues” [general admission plank-type seating] and four lengths of reserved seats. The staff and cast were listed as: L. H. Ranft, proprietor and manager; C. L. Alderfer, general superintendent [an experienced circus man, originally associated with the Ben Wallace operation and who took out his own four wagon circus in 1912]; Charles E. McLoon [might actually have been Maloon, another circus name], general agent; Mrs. L. H. Ranft, treasurer; Mrs. C. L. Alderfer, superintendent of cookhouse and reserved seats; Jack Stevens, privileges and adjuster; James. H. Smith, band leader; Miss Sylvia Alderfer, slack wire and rolling globe; the same or another Alderfer doing head-balancing trapeze; Fluhrer and Fluhrer, sketch artists; Robert Pearson, rings and contortion; Charles E. Bybee, boss hostler; Nick Carter, boss props. I would not be surprised to learn that Ranft might have trouped with the Alderfer shows before and after his own circus was on tour. Alderfer can be traced out of Peru and Denver, Indiana. For further information I’d check the Niles and Eaton Rapids, Michigan newspapers and local history files. The annual Marcks circus rosters and routes and Chindahl notes in the CWM library may also have further entries. Fred Dahlinger Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 2742. Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey, 01 Jan 2009 - I am Cheri Whitehouse from Las Vegas, Nevada. I'd like any info on my Grandparents who had a horse show in I believe the 20's 30's and 40's. Tex and Gota Elmlund. I know he was in the fire in 1944. I was told he saved a burned little girl by carrying her in his arms out of the tent. I just learned he had serious problems after the fire. Mental breakdowns. He was supposed to be a renowned horseman and my mother has an extensive photo collection of the entire circus and performers including Wild West Show. Some are so large they are rolled into tubes, these include entire circus performers and all hands who worked the shows. These are so old I would be afraid to unroll unless a professional restorer was doing it. And who could restore these photos? Any info at all on my grandparents and photos would be greatly appreciated. At cherisrecipes@aol.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2741. Van Amburgh Menagerie Co. 1875, 31 Dec 2008 - Van Amburgh Menagerie Company World of Wonder. Was wondering if you had heard of this circus/menagerie? Saw a letter from July 25, 1875 from a gentleman who was traveling with the band of people. Wanting to know what it was and what kind of work was to be had. Carolyn. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Keep the heritage of the circus alive, join CHS today! Membership 2740. John Marion, artist, 30 Dec 2008 - Hi, I am the great grandson of E J Hayden. I am just learning about him and would appreciate if you can point me into the right direction to find some of his art work. Thanks, Geoff Hayden. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2739. RBBB 1956, 30 Dec 2008 - I need some information and more details concerning when the Ringling show struck it tents in Pittsburgh, Pa in 1956 and the tent was put up again I think for a Republican convention by Bill Hill, is this true? Would like to know more about the date set up again and when and where the Ringling tent was set up the VERY last time ever. Thanks circus historians, Harry Kingston. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
If you want to pursue the story further, I'd recommend reading Joe Bradbury's "White Tops" coverage of the 1956 RBBB tour, as well as a wonderful article that he wrote about the Sarasota quarters in that journal some years before. You might also scan through Henry North's family chronicle, "Circus Kings," which has just been re-issued. I would also recommend reading Richard Reynolds's two articles about the Venice quarters in "Bandwagon." These can all be located via the journal indexes on this website. It may have been RBBB practice to carry the prior year's big top on the show train, in the event of a loss. There had been about six to eight big top fires in circus history, not just the several well-known instances. One of the RBBB authorities may know the story on the practice and where on the train it was placed. Perhaps it was in one of the "stock" cars that also served as show storage, as had box cars years before? In one of the last RBBB seasons the prior year's big top may have been pressed into service because of distress of some type that occurred with the one then in use. There are also documents relating to the disposal of properties and equipment from the Sarasota quarters in the RBBB business records in the CWM library. They cover some of the dealings orchestrated under Art Concello by Bill Perry whereby ex-RBBB items were sold to other shows, showmen [a steel arena to Clyde Beatty's FL compound] and people and firms outside the business [Caterpillar tractors], including the sale of various pieces of canvas. Fred Dahlinger Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 2738. Ringling Brothers Elephant Rider, 30 Dec 2008 - My Mother tells me that she was an elephant rider for a 6 month period w/ Ringling Brothers when she was 16 yrs old: "Princess Maralyna (sp?), Queen of the Arena", in the Madison Wisconsin area - this would have been sometime in the mid to late 1940's. Do you have any information on her, or (even better) pictures? Thank you - Julie Wallace. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2737. Willy Pantzer, 28 Dec 2008 - Hello I am the grandson of Willy Pantzer (of Willy Pantzer and his midgets). I have a good collection of photographs, however I feel sure that somewhere there must be old film of his act. If there is such film I would love to see it as I never saw the act. Thank for anyone that can help with more photo’s, memories, or indeed film of the act. Paul Littler. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Keep the heritage of the circus alive, join CHS today! Membership 2736. Jan Anderson, lion tamer, 28 Dec 2008 - I am looking for information on the ex lion tamer Jan Anderson and the tiger named Rosie Royal who was killed after an accident during which the trainer/tamer was injured. This has been around 35 year ago(?) Please help! jillyannecape@yahoo.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2735. Circus auction, Houston TX, 28 Dec 2008 - I am researching a story in an old newspaper, I think the Chicago Tribune of 1887, about a man named Buzzard that bought some animals and other assets from an auction of a circus traveling through the Houston, Texas area sometime after the Civil War. I would be appreciative if anyone could help me find out more about this or send me in some direction that might have some information. Thanks. lifeway2 at aol.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 2734. Yacopis, 28 Dec 2008 - I am looking for any family member related to Roberto Yacopi, Alfredo, Victorio, Roger, Rosita, Maruja. He and his troupe used to present the trapezist show in the Royal Dumbar Circo in Ecuador, in the decade of the 50's. They were from Argentina. Also looking for Alfredo Yacopi Jr and his sister Aida, son and daughter of Alfredo and Rosita. Pls if you can get me in touch with any of them, I will be grateful for your kindness. My email is Gary 1942. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2733. Hort Campbell, 28 Dec 2008 - My husband has always told me that his uncle, Horton Campbell, owned one of the largest road shows in the world. He traveled by personal train, Hort Campbell did. My Husband's mother, Vera Hubbell Cummings, was a bareback rider in that circus (road show). This is everything I know. It doesn't appear to have been very large, if I can't even find it. Does anyone out there know anything about this show? Has anyone ever heard of Hort Campbell? I look forward to your reply - whenever. Thank you for considering this message. Mary Cummings. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Keep the heritage of the circus alive, join CHS today! Membership 2732. Circus, War Memorial Stadium, NY, 27 Dec 2008 - Back in the late 1940 or early 1950 I went to a circus at War Memorial stadium (indoor) in Buffalo New York. At that show a high wire act collapsed and I believe a man was killed. Do you have any information about a high wire accident in Buffalo New York around the late 40’ early 50’s? Butch Rodgers, Buffalo, New York, Butch998@verizon.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2731. William J. Levi, 26 Dec 2008 - I am looking for some information about my Great Grandfather William J. Levi. It has been told back through my family that at one time he was involved with Ringling Bros. & Barnum Bailey circus. He had what they called the tiniest Monkey in the world. We have a newspaper clipping about the monkey from Gadsden Ala., date June 22, 1947. If you have any information please let me know. Thank You, Shelley Geyer. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 2730. John King, boss animal man, 25 Dec 2008 - Does anyone know anything about John King, boss animal man with the John Robinson Circus, 1875-80? He was killed by the elephant Chief, September 27, 1880 - crushed while unloading the elephant from a train car. I can find a fair amount of information about the elephant but little about the man. I realize that he was with the show such a short while so long ago. But I found a mention in an old newspaper of the circus band going to lay a wreath and play music as a tribute in 1901 - so he meant something to someone for people to visit his grave after 21 years. I know folks who are not visited after two. I would also really like to know if the John Robinson circus had a fund to bury workers or if they made a special effort for Mr. King (I do know that the circus donated his stone). Also, why was an image of an elephant placed on Mr. King's stone? I have read a lot of conflicting material about how elephants are viewed by circus personnel and am presently conflicted myself. What do you think? Thank you for your time and Happy Holidays. Kelley, Kelley.logan@gmail.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2729. Geraldine Plunkett, 22 Dec 2008 - I was wondering if anyone has any information on a Geraldine Plunkett she was a trapeze artist. She is the mother of my half brother (Dewayne I think). Our father has died and I would like to find her or Dewayne Plunkett to let them know. I do not know much more than that only that the Plunketts were all trapeze artists and they were in the area of Hamlet Nebraska sometime in 1955 or 1956. if anyone can tell me anything about Geraldine Plunkett I would be forever grateful. Thank you, Dru Ann Paul, tiger9657@msn.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Keep the heritage of the circus alive, join CHS today! Membership 2728. Circus (Strasburger?), 22 Dec 2008 - ik wilde graag infromatie van het circus elli belli strasburger 1960 ik werkte daar toen bij ikasisterden toen wollfie tronk de domteur toen en werkten ook in het retorant van kees timmer graag een bericht van jeullie F c van oers [Attempted translation: I wanted worked eager infromatie of the circus elli belli strasburger 1960 I that then by ikasisterden then wollfie tronk the domteur then and worked also in the retorant of kees build gladly a message of jeullie F c of bog ore]. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
On behalf of the board of directors of the foundation responsible for www.circusmuseum.nl/eng I wish ms. Judy Griffin and all the visitors of this board a merry Christmas and a happy new year. Herman Voogd
2727. Thanks and Happy Holidays, 20 Dec 2008 - I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. It has been a pleasure to have this discussion board available to us. I want to particularly Thank Judy Griffin for all she has done. She keeps this website up and running on a daily basis. If anyone knows anything about website design, I'm sure she would love to hear from you as she has a full plate. I Thank all my colleagues who have graciously offered information and directions to go in my research on the Campbell Bros. Circus. I also Thank Mr. Fred Dahlinger Jr. and Mr. Richard Reynolds III who have been my mentors in becoming a Circus Historian, in documenting the tiniest details and in showing me how to become a better author. Many Thanks go out to Mr. Fred Pfening Jr. who has single-handedly kept the Bandwagon rolling for all these years. Happy Holidays to all. Bob Cline. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 2726. Sascha the Great, 20 Dec 2008 - I am wondering if anyone has any information on a former Ringling Brothers employee whose real name was Paul Anderson but who appeared as Sascha the Great in an act that involved lifting things with his hair. Thank you, Sabre Gilmartin. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2725. Great show promotion, 20 Dec 2008 - Today I had the privilege of attending a reading of the Dr. Seuss book, "If I Ran the Circus". Dave and Cherie Gregg of RBB&B present the show. Dave, an Auguste and Cherie a precious White face clown are GREAT. The show promotes the circus. Here in Orlando we get the Red unit with the "ZING, ZANG, ZOOM" on Jan 15 - 19. If any one sees an advertisement for the Greggs, This is a must see. Primarily for children, but all the adults enjoyed the presentation. (I am 66) For information, the blue unit is in Orlando for the "winter" stand down. A check of the consist has one additional car that was not in January consist. Car 42016 was added between 41305 & 42105 (178 & 179 ). Terry. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Keep the heritage of the circus alive, join CHS today! Membership 2724. Evelyn Currie, 20 Dec 2008 - I have written an authorized biography of Evelyn Currie, Lion and Tiger tamer, who was with Ringling Brothers, Hammid Morris, and several Shrine Circuses. She also owned a rare Tiglon for 20 years. I have pictures, news articles, correspondence, and audio tapes of Evelyn telling me her entire life story, not just her circus life. Prior to her circus life, Evelyn had a life that included the Mafia, prison, carnival owner, actress, dancer/stripper, and much more. I am the only person who has proof af her entire life. The book is finished, and I am looking for a publisher and or agent. Contact me at omadsen@bresnan.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2723. Presidential election and George W. Hall, 19 Dec 2008 - Given the extensive news coverage of the 2008 elections, thought some of the regular viewers of this page might enjoy this item on the presidential election 120 years ago. Judy Griffin. "George W. Hall, popularly known as 'Popcorn George,' and one of the most celebrated Southern showmen, is undergoing trial at Memphis, Tenn., charged with illegal voting at the last Presidential election, owing to his uncertain abiding place. The defendant owns property at Memphis, and in many other cities in various states." - New York Clipper, February 22, 1890, p. 829.
2722. Card circus, 18 Dec 2008 - I am interested in finding out about a circus that my family owned in the 1930's. Their names were Card. It was a small circus that traveled around New england and originated in Rhode Island. Everyone who knew anything about this circus is dead and I would be interested in finding out anything I can about it. Thank you, Linda Ilgen, Hollywood, FL. E-mail: Michael33021@peoplepc.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 2721. Riverside Printing, Milwaukee, 17 Dec 2008 - I would like to know years of operation of Riverside Printing in Milwaukee. As they turned out some beautiful posters in there day and we have some in our collections today. Then I was told Central printing got what was left over and sold many to collectors way back. I know Christy Bros used Riverside. So anything you want to add please do, always like circus history. ColeBrosFan at aol.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Even if my poster is not from this information packed circus, it is still a very colorful, and beautiful poster. If anybody has info on another circus titled "Buffalo Ranch Real Wild West" I would love to hear about it as the show I reported on (Kit Carson's Buffalo Ranch Wild West Show) lacked the word "Real", and every historian worth their salt knows that one word could be the difference between one show and another, so PLEASE email any additional information you have to my personal E-Mail address: flabbychucs@gmail.com. And again Thank You, Chris and all the others, Wyatt Williams
2720. Starits Circus, 17 Dec 2008 - I am looking for any information on a Starits Circus that was based in West Nyack, NY and traveled up and down the east coast in the early 1900's. I have old family pictures of ancestors from the circus but can not find any info on the circus itself. Any info would be greatly appreciated. David Iler, ilerdavid@yahoo.com, Charlotte, NC. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Keep the heritage of the circus alive, join CHS today! Membership 2719. Carter Family, high wire, 16 Dec 2008 - Sometime in the 1930 - 1940's there was a High Wire act called the Carter Family. The female in the act was killed. Does any one have any information on this family act? P. Jaquay, hjaquay@twcny.rr.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2718. Edgar Boone's circuses, 14 Dec 2008 - Greeting from the UK. Looking through the list of circus's I can't find any reference to "the Great Boone Railroad Shows and trained animal arena" or "Boone's Monster Aggregation"? The life and times of Colonel Edgar Daniel Boone has become my speciality over the last couple of years... and if you would like a few minor references to his "circus" Mid 1894 - 1896 I will gladly share them with you? Regards, Paul Griffiths, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire UK. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 2717. Penman and Millar, 14 Dec 2008 - Still looking for information on my Great Uncle Bill or Will Millar and his partner Bill Penman. It is possible they toured the USA with Hannefords Circus in 1910, and I have a photo of them supposedly taken on 28 January 1910 at Redondo Beach, California at that time. Other notes say that they could have been a high wire act and that Bill Millar fell from the wire and broke his knee. After the accident they became clowns and strongmen and were known as the Gymnastic Messenger Boys. Stuart Macleod. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2716. Hattie Childs, 14 Dec 2008 - Seeking information about a woman named Harriet "Hattie" Childs who joined the Buffalo Bill Circus after 1884. She was born in 1867 in Brooklyn, New York. Her father was Henry Childs, an immigrant from England to NY; he died in 1875. Her mother was Jessie Martin Childs, an immigrant from Scotland to NY; she died in 1884. Hattie had four brothers: Albert, Henry, Ariel/Earl, & Ambrose who were all young. It is believed Harriet or Hattie was put on the Orphan Train west with her siblings. Her brothers found her sometime after 1884 when she was working in the Buffalo Bill Circus but they were not reunited for some reason. Thank you for any help. Brenda H. Reed. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Keep the heritage of the circus alive, join CHS today! Membership 2715. Baby Frances, fat lady, 12 Dec 2008 - I am looking for information on Frances Josephine Voges aka "Baby Frances." She was the fat lady of a circus in California, I believe, in the mid-1960s. I would appreciation any information you have. Thank you, Diane. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
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2714. Larry & Cora Davis, 09 Dec 2008 - Looking for my 1st cousins Larry Davis supt trainer of elephants and his wife Cora Bailey Davis trapeze artist. Regards, Peter Shaer, Sudbury, MA, Cher37@comcast.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
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Any amount appreciated. 2713. Penman and Millar, trapeze act, 08 Dec 2008 - Can anyone help me with information on a trapeze act called Penman and Millar. They were both Scottish, and apparently worked with the Paris International Circus probably in the 1920s, given that Bill Millar was born in 1880 and died in 1948. Bill Millar was the high flier, and reportedly missed a catch and injured himself on the edge of the net. After that, the pair became strongmen and comedians. Stuart Macleod. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2712. Bajamuseum, 08 Dec 2008 - Does anyone have Bajamuseum memorbilia? A circus long ago from Alsenborn, Germany. Thanks, Johann. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 2711. Great Eastern 1902, 1906, 07 Dec 2008 - I realize that a number of circuses/shows used Great Eastern in their title. However, I ran into two items for which I have not yet found more information. I will be checking at the Circus World Museum library in January. Judy Griffin Jas. H. Smith, proprietor of the Great Eastern Show, died here Sunday, May 4, of blood poisoning. [Kansas City, Missouri] New York Clipper, May 17, 1902, p. 272. Unsure if this was a circus but Parkinson's Directory lists a Great Eastern Circus for 1902. Mansfield's Great Eastern, W. J. Mansfield. Mansfield Bros., proprietors. New York NY Clipper, July 7, 1906, p. 532. Is listed in Sturtevant. Question. Name, email address. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2710. Princess Corita or Cora, 05 Dec 2008 - I have a question regarding a side show performer (midget) whose stage name was Princess Corita or Cora? She was born in Huntsville, Ontario and performed with Barnum and Bailey sometime between 1900 and 1960? I was told that the street that I now live on (Cora Street) was named after her. Is there any information that you can send me about her, her stage name and years of performance who be great! Jim/Kristen Murphy, 4murphys@sympatico.ca. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Keep the heritage of the circus alive, join CHS today! Membership 2709. Razzore Circus, 03 Dec 2008 - One of my earliest memories is of a performance of the Razzore Circus (one of the best Latin American circuses) in Cuba. I will never forget the midget clowns (my father told me their names, which I remember, but I do not know if he made them up). Tragically, the ship in which the Razzore was travelling sank, and there were very few survivors. Emilio Razzore’s wife and children drowned along with the others. Emilio Razzore was not on board. I presumed the midget clowns died as well. Now here are my questions. I find contradictory information as to the date of the shipwreck. I found the dates of 1942, 1946 and 1948 in various Internet articles. Of these, only 1948 is possible if I saw it, as I would have been three if indeed I saw it shortly before the tragedy. But I recently came across a message from somebody, referring to the Razzore in 1953. So Emilio Razzore may have restored his circus afterwards. Depending on the dates, I may have seen the restored circus and not the one that sank. And the midget clowns may not have drowned after all. Can anybody enlighten me? When was the sinking of the Razzore’s ship? Was the circus restored and if so what years thereafter did it perform? Did it return to Cuba? At least one version has the shipwreck on the trip from Cuba to Venezuela. Has anybody ever seen any reference to the midget clowns of the Razzore? Pedro Saavedra, Kensington, Maryland, vatecubano@yahoo.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2708. Movie, 03 Dec 2008 - I am looking for a movie that had a circus theme where the wife and kids die around Christmas time. Its a pretty old movie but I can't recall the name or anything. Can someone help? Anglea Motts. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 2707. Cooper Brothers circa 1934, 01 Dec 2008 - Looking for info. Cooper Brothers Circus circa 1934? This was a 2 car circus "gilly." Any information appreciated. Thanks, Richard Fisher. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2706. Bates, giants, 01 Dec 2008 - Good morning, I am a writer of children's books. I am currently researching the lives of giants Anna Bates (née Swan) and Martin van Buren Bates. I am looking for exhibition posters of both while in the employ of the P. T. Barnum and the W.W. Cole Circus. Would anyone happen to have visuals that I might use for illustration purposes for my book. Best, Anne Renaud. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Keep the heritage of the circus alive, join CHS today! Membership 2705. American Fliers act, 30 Nov 2008 - I am looking for information on the American Fliers act that worked with the Pollack Brothers Circus and the Russell Brothers Circus in 1939-41. They were booked by Marin Mammad (sp). The family name was Croutcher. Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated by the family. John French. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2704. Flying Wallendas, Flint MI, 29 Nov 2008 - I was wondering if you could find out if the Flying Wallendas ever performed their high wire act in a circus tent in Flint, Michigan sometime in the 1950's. I do not know which specific year it might have been, but know it must have been in the 50's. Thank You, Ed & Donna Collins. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
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Any amount appreciated. 2703. Rodgers Bros., 29 Nov 2008 - Anyone have any information on the Rodgers Bros. Circus? Bob Albright, Centerville, Indiana. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2702. Strongman Arturo, 28 Nov 2008 - Hi there, my friend is searching for information on a "Strongman" who lifted two mules or oxen from a yoke on his neck and shoulders. Probably, west coast. We believe his name to be Arturo Amaral? Sometime in the mid 1800's to early 1900's? He was from the Azores, Portugal. He came to America by way of Panama on a whaling ship and jumped ship in San Francisco with his brother. Not sure at the moment what the brother's name is. Can you help us? Thank you so much for your vested time and interest. Sincerely, Stacy Czerny. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 2701. Mitchell's Trevelion or Mitchell's Pavilion, 27 Nov 2008 - I am searching for information on a traveling circus in WV named either Mitchell's Trevilion or Mitchell's Pavilion. I am interested on the timeframe this circus existed, the area where it traveled, types of acts performed, the size of the circus, or any other facts about the circus. I have a picture of this circus and it has a date on the back of it 1898. I believe my great grandfather, Cyrus Mitchell owned the circus and my grandfather, Harvey L. Mitchell was a performer in the circus. I believe they lived in Clarksburg, WV. When my grandmother, Lettie Lowther Mitchell married Harvey Mitchell, I believe she and her family provided music for the circus. My name is Linda Westfall and I live in Williamsburg, VA. My e-mail address is lwestf@cox.net. Any help is appreciated. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
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