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Message Archive: Messages 2751 - 2800
2800. Doris show poster, 12 Feb 2009 - I have found (as floorboards in my home) a nearly complete poster of a John B Doris Show featuring James Robinson. My question: from approx what year would this have been. I live in Vermont and assume it must have been a show that passed through. Tom Harty. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2799. Barnum & Bailey, Worcester MA, 11 Feb 2009 - Hello, I would like to know what dates the Barnum & Bailey’s Circus came to Worcester, MA. from 1900 through to 1915? Thank you. Alan LePain, Holden, MA. 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 2798. Trunk, 10 Feb 2009 - I have a trunk that says Barnom [sic?] and has many inside secret drawers. It is leather and quite large. My grandfather and mother traveled back and forth from California in the 40’s and 50’s. I wonder if it was owned by the circus because my grandfather worked for the circus in Wi in early 1900’s. Thank you, Pamela. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2797. TV Circus Special 1960s, 10 Feb 2009 - TV host Garry Moore emceed a TV circus special, produced by Joe Cates, from Circus Hall of Fame, Sarasota, FL, in 1960s. Interested in complete talent lineup, that included Emmett Kelly, Tarzan Zerbini cage act, Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus elephants directed by Rex Williams, Flying Palacios, Fire-eater Tagora, Hanneford Family Riding Act. Who were other performers? Thank you! Bill Hall Entertainment And Events, Churchville, PA. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 2796. Unicycles, 09 Feb 2009 - Hi, I was wondering if you could tell me a little about the history of unicycles and their history in the circus. Thanks much, Rachel. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Bicycle acts were one manifestation of the broadening of the traditional program of circus acts in the 1880s. The bicycle craze seems to have been manifest with: the Elliotts on the Barnum show 1883-1884 [and perhaps other years] and W. C. Coup in 1887; and the Stirk family on Barnum & London [1881-1885, per Slout], later with Sells Bros. and Great Wallace; and there were others. Do some "edit" type searching through Slout's "Olympians of the Sawdust Circle" on this website and you'll find the names of other unicycle practitioners. Then you can proceed to do further searching elsewhere. The key to the research is to obtain the act names, and individual troupe member names, as the latter may differ from the public act title [William Edwards was in the Stirk act, for example]. You will find the acts in the circus, with other representations on the vaudeville and variety act stage, which flowed into variety television shows. Learning exactly which stunts were done on unicycle is difficult, unless you find illustrations of the acts in photographs, engravings in newspaper ads, heralds and couriers, etc. You might try searching newspaper and magazine databases as surely at least one period reporter was adequately intrigued to report on the novelties on a single wheel that he witnessed at the circus. Any journals pertinent to the bicycle industry would also be fertile research ground. Once they mastered the ground, unicyclists then took their acts up in the air, via specialty thrill acts, coming down elevated stairways of great height, crossing the tight wire, riding up and down up circular and tortuous ramps, balancing one on top of a rola bola [on top of an elevated platform], combining unicycling with juggling, carrying a second person, jumping from a teeterboard to someone on a unicycle, etc., all to stretch the limits of the act of balancing on a single wheel. There's also the unicycle variants, such as the wheel with offset pedals and no seat, the fall-apart bike to unicycle, tall seats and elongated chain drives, multiple unicyclists together, clowns/performers on unicycles playing basketball [staged by the King Charles troupe] and more. There's a developing lexicon for the variations, the unicycle seemingly making something of a comeback as an alternative to skateboarding. Fred Dahlinger
2795. Kit P. Carl, 09 Feb 2009 - Aloha my name is Paulette Carlos and I am looking for any information that my pertain to my grandparents Kit and Pearl Carlos aka Kit P. Carl aka K.P. Carl. Kit was my grandfather and he was a "Manipulator of Heavy Weights", my grandmother was a "Trapeze Artist". My grandmothers maiden name was Hutchinson. I have no background of where they originated or who their parents were. I believe they traveled with Barnum & Bailey for a number of years possibly starting in Europe. I still retain a few of my grandfathers calling cards which are quite large and portrays his picture on them. I do not know when they started with the circus but I believe they may have been in it's employ until the 1920's-50's. Does anyone have any information as I am a genealogist who needs to fill in the gaps. Respectfully, Paulette Carlos. 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 2794. Jane Ward, Robert Dowding, 09 Feb 2009 - Hello, My name is Jason Carpenter; I'm a historian and author in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. The subject of my work is the history of disabilities; specifically, the Rhode Island School for the Feeble-Minded. In my research as of late, I've come across some individuals who, admitted to the institution in the early 1900s, may have been circus performers or the children of circus performers. I am wondering if you might be able to offer some information on these individuals. One is Jane Ward, believed to be a part of Bailey's Circus. She gave birth to a child in 1894 in Valley Falls, Cumberland, Rhode Island. Do you have any information on a Jane Ward, or, could you perhaps tell me if the Bailey Circus was in Rhode Island in 1893? The other person is Robert Dowding. He was born in 1880 (some sources say 1890) and admitted to the institution in 1915. Family rumor has it that he may have been at one time known as "General Mike the Midget" in the Barnum & Bailey Circus. Do you have any information on a circus performer by this name? Thanks for any assistance you may be able to offer. Sincerely, Jason Carpenter. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2793. Senior thesis, circus history, 08 Feb 2009 - I am writing my senior thesis on circus history - and I am still in the very early stages. I am interested in so much about the history but unfortunately I do not have enough time to study it all, and I need to limit down my research to a more narrow field. I am looking for any suggestions. I was also interested in studying how the circus has grown to be so big, and why it has survived so long - but for this subject I need to find primary documentations from circus patrons, and visitors explaining why they were so captivated by the circus. Any help would be much appreciated. Thank You, Corey. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
There are no actual compiled circus attendance statistics to call upon, therefore one must go to indirect means to measure its growth. It might be explored by looking at the increase in number of rings [and stages], which went from one to two in the early 1870s and then two to three in 1881, but not unilaterally; by the 1920s it was three rings and four stages, and others with five rings, with quite a few variations. Bill Slout has already explored the one to two ring topic in two "Bandwagon" papers that you can locate in the on-line article index. Thayer has done some work on the formation of the three-tent circus operation [big top, menagerie, side show] in 1871 in his Joel E. Warner in "Bandwagon," but more could be said. Size can also be traced via the dimensional size of the big top, which is an indicator of total seating, but that data isn't readily located. More data has been compiled on train sizes as an indicator of show breadth. There's a series on the development of the railroad circus in the early 1980s "Bandwagon." Survival and popularity are definitional issues; the genre hardly did so in 1938; comparing 1900 show numbers [about 100] to today's operations questions what "survival" means. Truzzi charted the number of circuses per year as listed in the back of Chindahl's book, but a comparison to the data in Thayer's "Annals," Sturtevant's list serialized in "White Tops" and Parkinson's book reveals gross discrepancies and disagreements. It's also difficult to measure overland, indoor only, short-term, fraternally-sponsored, amateur & youth and railroad shows against one another to provide relevant comparisons and contrasts. People have also mixed in all sorts of things into their compilations, from aquarial gardens to Wild West troupes. Doing a qualitative analysis of survival might be easier than a quantitative analysis, especially if you're resource limited. Greg Renoff dissertation, now a book, did a fine job in converting Bob Brisendine's innumerable extracts of Georgia circus activity, as reported in the newspapers, into a good analysis and you might give it a look if a regional approach is a possibility. It's supplemented by other documentation to give it context and additional interpretation. You might find a state, or a city, wherein the newspapers are available on line and consider a narrow focus investigation. Fred Dahlinger Keep the heritage of the circus alive, join CHS today! Membership 2792. John Robinson Circus photos, 05 Feb 2009 - Does anyone know of an archive of old John Robinson Circus photos? I am interested in ads and actual pictures between 1875 and 1880. I would actually faint with joy if there were elephants in any of them. Thank you for your time. Kelley. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Gil Robinson's book "Old Wagon Show Days" and Richard E. Conover's book "Give 'em a John Robinson" both contain some vintage Robinson photography. The bulk of these are later images, post-1890. This can be supplemented with a scrapbook of photos at the Cincinnati Public Library rare book room and the collection of John Robinson materials at the Cincinnati Historical Society, in the former railroad station. Robinson ads abound in old newspapers, which can be found via on-line repositories and the old reliable "go to the library" or historical society researching. There are also images in Robinson-distributed couriers, heralds, and 1890s to early 1900s route books in specialized collections. There are dozens and dozens of generic engravings of elephants that might serve your purposes. Fred Dahlinger
2791. Lelands, jugglers, 05 Feb 2009 - I have a post card of my father's taken in around the era of '20's and wanted to know who the "Five Lelands Human Jugglers" are. I can hardly read what is on the back, but on the front it says The Orpheum season 1923, and it has 2 small pictures of 3 men and one woman and a child possible a male child. Peggy Gordon. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 2790. circo Hermanos Mirras, 05 Feb 2009 - Hello, My name is Joe Ortiz from Dallas TX. I am trying to locate any information and pictures relating to a Mexican circus called "el circo Hermanos Mirras." My father Francisco Ortiz (as a teenager between 1957-59) used to wrestle a bear as well as fill in from time to time for other acts with this circus. I would love to have any info. or pictures to share with his grandchildren. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2789. Golden Gate Exposition, Ripley's 1939-40, 05 Feb 2009 - Could you please forward to me amy information on the 1939-40 Golden Gate International Exposition "Carnival" located on Treasure Island, San Francisco Bay, CA. The midway carnival rides were owned by Nate Miller from San Diego, CA area. Across the street from the scooter (bumper cars) was Robert L. Ripley's Believe It Or Not Odditorium where a talker by the name of Johnny Meir would turn the tip. Any information about these two would be greatly appreciated. I thank you very much. Bobb. 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 2788. Chris Hansen, Wirths circus, 04 Feb 2009 - Hi from New Zealand. I'm researching Chris Hansen who lived locally here after retiring from Wirths circus around 1926 when he would have aged 55-60? Chris had fox terriers which he trained to walk in and out of his legs as he walked,and they would run up and down ladders and balance etc on top,catching things in mid air etc. He could have possibly been William Chris Hansen. His small cottage here had its lounge wall covered in showgirls and circus acts etc. Can you shed any light on this man who was of norwegian descent, regards Graeme Duckett, Historian, New Zealand. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2787. Ira William Robertson, 04 Feb 2009 - I am researching family history, in particular Ira William (I.W.) Robertson who was Assistant Treasurer of Ringling circus years 1936 and 1937 and his wife Eva Robertson who was secretary to the General Manager Gumpertz. I have information from Route Books for years 1936 and 37 and am looking for years 1930 through 1935 as well as 1938 if it exists. Most importantly is any information that would confirm Ira's role in the circus at different times. Also anything about his separate when John Ringling North took over in the 1938 - 1939 time frame. Prior to working directly for the circus, Ira worked for Charles Ringling's bank, the Ringling Trust & Saving Bank from 1925. He married Eva Hill Browder in 1931. Edith Ringling, the widow of Charles Ringling, was an officer both at the Bank and later with the Circus under Gumpertz when Ira was there. I would greatly appreciate any information to supplement or confirm above. James Robertson, North Bethesda, Maryland. James G. Robertson, James@jgrobertson.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
In the era of no RBBB route books, the best continuum of information is the weekly trade publication "Billboard." Extracts from it, supplemented by other research formed the basis of Joe Bradbury's series on RBBB under Gumpertz. The issues of "White Tops" containing his series can be found on the CHS website; go to the home page, then select the "Publications" button; scroll down to "White Tops" and search for the three or four issues containing the Bradbury 1932-1937 coverage. They may be available for purchase as back issues from the Circus Fans Association. There are also some memoirs and books published about the Gumpertz era, as well as newspaper and magazine articles. You'll have to do a bit more searching to ferret those out. I don't know if they mention your man or not. Fred Dahlinger Keep the heritage of the circus alive, join CHS today! Membership 2786. Virginia Serenaders, 04 Feb 2009 - Hello- I'm looking to find the travel schedule/itenerary of the Virginia Serenaders. Did they ever tour Virginia? Or were they strictly a Northern group? Thanks, Greg Starbuck. cwkepi@earthlink.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2785. Ricky Brothers Circus, 03 Feb 2009 - Dear Friends, I am writing you today in hopes that your historical society might be able to help me find any information you might have in your files on the Ricky Brothers Circus. The New York Clipper has the following information concerning this circus: "Closes tent season at Bath, NY, week of 9/27-10/2, then takes to road to play in halls" from the Clipper of 10/2/1886, p. 455. My Grandfather Clarence Ricky Hammond told me about the circus that was named after his mother’s family Ricky and that the Ricky Brothers were headquartered in Plattsburg, New York. I found a two line article in an old issue of the New York Clipper confirming the existence of the circus, but have not found anything else about it. Can you help me? Sincerely, Ricky LoBello. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 2784. Musical Marshalls, 03 Feb 2009 - I'm looking for info on a pic that was seen at Circus world Museum. It was title the Musical Marshalls. Would like the names of the Marshalls and a copy of the pic. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2783. Steam calliope, Henry Ford Museum, 02 Feb 2009 - I would like to know the history of the steam calliope in the Henry Ford museum in Dearborn, Mich. I have heard that the whistles were mounted on the top of the wagon because someone thought that there was danger of fire from Steam? in the wagon. Were the whistles ever hooked up to the calliope with them on top of the wagon? Was the wagon ever paraded after the 1949 Chicago Railroad Fair? Was the wagon built for the John Robinson Circus after the circus was acquired by the American Circus Corporation? If these questions are answered in a Bandwagon magazine please let me know. Thanks, Dickbritton@wzrd.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
The wagon was fabricated by the Bode Wagon Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. The steam calliope instrument was made by the Thos. J. Nichol Company of the same city. A few , but not many carvings on the body were replaced, which can readily be observed by a comparison to vintage photography. The instrument has lost the wooden keyboard housing. Otherwise, the two pieces are preserved substantially intact. After the end of the calliope's utilization by circuses, 1929, the wagon was donated to the Henry Ford Museum. It was recognized at that time that the era of the railroad tent circus was quickly slipping away to oblivion. It was to serve as a memorial to those troupes. Before that action was taken, the instrument was salvaged and removed from the interior. After receipt of the wagon by the museum, the instrument was sought out and also acquired by the Dearborn institution. The proper interconnecting steam piping was lost in this transition. As was done with a number of artifacts, the Ford museum staff, possibly with the "assistance" of Henry Ford himself, decided to re-engineer the calliope and "improve" it. Thereby the instrument was placed above the roof. That is how it came to look as it does today. The Ford's curators have expressed no interest to correct the error, despite having copious proof, photographic evidence and personal testimony, of the "Henry-izing" of the calliope since as early as 1940. The best known example of such "conversion" work was the reconstruction of a full size steam locomotive of lesser renown to one that would represent a major builder. It was exposed in an article by John H. White, Jr. The calliope was utilized in several events, locally and elsewhere after being acquired. The instrument was connected to the boiler and was played by steam. Though the calliope is errantly presented, in total, the "John Robinson" steam calliope is the only vintage circus unit of the type that is truly intact to a large degree. All others have had boiler replacements or other major body re-constructions that have substantially decreased the amount of surviving material from actual circus existence. Fred Dahlinger
2782. Circus World 30s or 40s, 02 Feb 2009 - My name is Pat (Vaira) Matthes, I was born in Chicago in 1941 and abandoned in a box marked "CIRCUS WORLD". I have been searching for my birth family, siblings ever since I was 18 years old. Any help or information would be greatly appreciated. Did Circus World ever come to Chicago in the late 30's or early 40's? Thank You, Pat, Darien, IL. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2781. Circus SE Asia 1925-30, 01 Feb 2009 - I am seeking information about a circus that toured South East Asia in the 1925-30 era. Perhaps called The Royal Carnival and Circus Company. My grandfather Charles Henry Whitworth was General Manager at one time. Linda Constable. 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 2780. Elephant Buried near Cottonwood, AL, 01 Feb 2009 - The Dothan Progress, a weekly paper in Houston County, AL, printed an article in it's January 29, 2009 edition regarding an elephant buried there. Although the copy of the paper I received was missing the main portion which covered the elephant burial, there is a picture on page 4 of the paper which has a picture of the large limestone tombstone which ws pulled over the elephant, according to the article to "prevent wild animals from digging into the grave." The article further wrote that the tomb could be seen from Hwy 53, which runs North to South through this serene, peaceful town. Sorry for the small amount of info, but your info is right, there IS an elephant buried in the SE corner of Alabama. Ed Lewis, Dothan, AL [this is probably a reply to archived message No. 2033, but I was not sure - J. Griffin, webmaster] Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2779. Paul A Miller Circus, 31 Jan 2009 - Do you have anything on the Paul A Miller Circus in 1960 that promoted shopping centers with free shows. Some of the performers on the show were The Hannerfords, Bumpsy anthony, Kinko the contortionist, The Great Arturo? Any info you could provide I would appreciate it as I was Ringmaster for that circus at the time. Thanks, Ben Brigman. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 2778. Keller Bros. Colossal Show 1909-10, 30 Jan 2009 - Hello, I am trying to find out some information on the show name of "Keller Bros. Colossal Show" . I contacted Circus world Museum in Wisconsin, all they have is the title and the dates being 1909-1910. If possible I would like to know anything you might find on this show, where they were from, what type of show etc. Keller Bros.' Colossal Show. Ezra J. J. and R. E. Keller, props.; K. E. Iseminger and Ezra Keller, mgrs.; R. E. Keller, gen. agt.; J. J. Keller, local contractor; Frank Oskin, supt. priv.; Joe Hulsizer, equestrian director; H. Pilkington, mgr. side show. Roster Advance Car No. 1: Geo. Mintmeyer, billposter; W. M. Fisher, lithographer; S. Alex Skinner, cook; D. Wolf, stock; B. Ityre, canvas; Bill Finnin, properties; A. L. Iseminger, treasurer. Thank you very much for any information you may have. Sincerely, Kimball Keller, "The All American Ringmaster." email: kkeller848@aol.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2777. Robert Snyder, 29 Jan 2009 - Hi - I am looking to find out if Robert Snyder was in the circus with my uncle, Ottley R. Coulter, in the early 1900's. Thank you, Adrienne. 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 2776. Motorcycle act, 28 Jan 2009 - Looking for any information on a circus around 1910 that began the motorcycle in a steel cage act; may have been somewhere from 1910 to roughly 1920; the circus would have traveled through Tennessee. Contact Jim Hamner, jhamner3@cinci.rr.com. Any help would be appreciated, Thanks. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2775. Marcus Hunkeler, high wire, 28 Jan 2009 - My grand father was in the circus, he was an immigrant from Switzerland, who settled in Columbus, OH for a short time. He did a high wire act, where he balanced on a chair on one leg as he sat on it. We have searched for a poster or some sort of history about him. This would have been in the 40’s maybe even earlier; his name was Marcus Hunkeler, but not sure if he went by that name. Does anyone have any info or know of anywhere I may be able to find any history? Joy. 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 2774. Ringling Bros. trains, 27 Jan 2009 - Looking for info about "old" Ringling Bros. circus trains being stored at rail yards in Orlando, Fl. Thanks, John Koitsch, joko3rd@yahoo.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
The Ringling Bros. circus first routed into Florida in 1905. The successor Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Combined Shows visited Florida in the inaugural season of 1919 but didn't relocate there until 1927, and then remained in Sarasota through 1956/1960 and re-established a quarters at Venice. More recently rail car operations have been in Palmetto. The end of Sarasota and the beginning of the Venice story was covered by Richard J. Reynolds III in "Bandwagon" articles. Are you seeking information about former U. S. Army hospital cars that were added in 1947 and then sold away for private use in Florida? Some of these issues were addressed in articles by Bob MacDougall about the 1947 vintage cars. Or, are you seeking information about the interim storage of more recent [post-1960] RBBB train cars in the Orlando area? There are aspects of this topic in other MacDougall articles in "Bandwagon." Fred Dahlinger I should also have asked if you're sure about the "Ringling" identity. The James E. Strates Shows, a railroad carnival, has a quarters along the highway in Taft, near Orlando, and their cars can been seen when passing. Are they your interest? Fred Dahlinger
2773. Thomas Kelly, 26 Jan 2009 - Can anyone please tell me anything about Thomas Kelly, Commissary and layer out, P.T. Barnum's 1876-79, layer out, 1880,layer out and forage agent, Barnum, Bailey & Hutchinson, 1882. Very keen to learn more. Sheila. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
The Commissary was a sales outlet, usually housed in a baggage wagon specially appointed for the purpose with internal shelves and compartments, or one emptied of the normal daily baggage loading. The wagons usually had a counter in the back, with a top door that was hinged and lifted upward. The Commissary was in the back yard and did not serve the public. Circus people could buy various sundries on the lot, snacks and treats, soap, needle and thread, etc., that would save a trip into the community. You might think of it as a sort of "old time" dime store on wheels. They were generally found on larger shows; on smaller outfits I suspect one or more people made trips into the community after compiling a list of needs, their efforts usually rewarded with some tip or payment. A layer out was a workingman, a member of the crew that hit the lot first and laid out the tents, pole positions, stake lines, etc. They used iron stakes to mark positions, a tape measure and so on. On some shows it was called the "squadron" or "flying squadron," on one they used a wagon called the "Telegraph," but terminology differed between shows and across time. A Forage Agent was as the term would indicate, someone who foraged for supplies, materials and items needed on the lot for the conduct of the circus operation. It's derived from "forage," meaning fodder, and relates to securing food for horses, supply of items, etc. It relates somewhat to "living off the land," but within a community setting where the circus was erected. Most of these operations suggest military operations, or the railroads and their construction, which inspired them. You can find some limited descriptions of show set-up in older magazine articles. A really good one is available on this website: www.circushistory.org/History/Moffett.htm You might also check: www.circushistory.org/History/OnRoad1.htm. You might find others by Googling. Fred Dahlinger
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 2772. Nicholas Vander Wall, clown, 25 Jan 2009 - My great-uncle Nicholas Vander Wall was a clown in a circus in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I don't know the exact dates but it was probably around 1900. The family story is that he was able to jump over ten horses and he knew many tricks. Does anyone have information about this man? Or are you able to tell me which circus was in Grand Rapids, Michigan at that time? Thank you for any help you can give me. Donna. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2771. Tina Cristiani, 24 Jan 2009 - Does anyone have any information on the Tina Cristiani? I found an old magazine with a circus layout of her posing in the nude. Trying to find out how old the magazine is because I only have the pages not the whole magazine. I think the photos were shot on the Carson and Barnes show. Irwin Royes. 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 2770. Silas Beebe, B&W Circus 1890-1906, 24 Jan 2009 - Happy to share info about my grandfather. Ray Silas Beebe. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2769. Tiny Kline, book, 21 Jan 2009 - "Historical" Circus Friends. Just got my hands on a really good Circus book titled: "Circus Queen and Tinker Bell: The Memoir of Tiny Kline"(University of illinois Press, ISBN 978-0-252-03312-4, plus a paperback is available as well). Was happy to see a familiar name in the editor's dedication, Fred Dahlinger! Janet Davis, Tiny's editor, did not go into details about his contribution except to say it would not have been possible without him. Can't help but notice Fred's continuing contribution to this unique world we all love, he's all over this discussion board and when he writes - I read! This is a good read for those who love the under canvas days, with lots of inside stuff and gossip, and all from the lady who later in life would play Tinker Bell for Disneyland. I found it a very good read with lots of historical details that matched some of my cursory knowledge on the subject The lively memoir managed to name a few big names such as The Cadonas, Leitzel, and many other RBB&B cast members and adding Tiny's own perspective on early the the century Circus life. I recommend it highly. R.T. (Circus Historical Society Member) 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 2768. Buffalo Bill, winter quarters, 21 Jan 2009 - I am looking for more information on the winter home of the Barnum and Bailey Circus in Bridgeport CT. I have a postcard that shows Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show there as well and wondered if there was more documentation of that event. The date on the back of the post card is 1907. Did the Wild West Show winter in Bridgeport often? When and why? Any information would be greatly appreciated. M. Houston, Newtown CT. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
The property was initially owned by P. T. Barnum, James A. Bailey and James L. Hutchinson. Several changes ensued and starting in 1894 it became an asset of Barnum's heirs, who leased it for circus use through 1927. They then donated the property to the City of Bridgeport, which converted it into a municipal park. It remains as such today. When any digging is done on the site, old red bricks from the former circus buildings are often uncovered. Buffalo Bill's Wild West was a symbiotic partnership between Wm. F. Cody, Nate Salsbury and several minority shareholders in one group, and James A. Bailey and others in another group. Cody et al principally presented the performance and Bailey's side managed the physical plant, conducted the marketing, etc. With the responsibility to sustain the trains, wagons, canopy and other equipment, Bailey found it expedient to accomplish the winter work at the Bridgeport, Connecticut winter quarters. It made for extremely cramped conditions at the site, Barnum & Bailey being a sixty-car enterprise and BBWW somewhat less, in the forty to fifty car category. BBWW was framed in the winter of 1894-1895 at the former Adam Forepaugh circus winter quarters in Philadelphia. It toured domestically through the season of 1902, spending each winter through that time at Barnum & Bailey's Bridgeport, Connecticut site. BBWW was then routed to Europe for four seasons, 1903-1906, returning to spend the summer of 1907 and thereafter in the U. S. It was again prepared for the road at Bridgeport, a practice that continued through the winter of 1908-1909. Thereafter, starting in the winter of 1909-1910, it was taken into quarters elsewhere. Your postcard, postmarked 1907, probably includes an image that was taken no later than the spring of 1902 nor earlier than the winter of 1906-1907. The aggregation was out of the country in the interim. You can garner some further insights on the background story from "Out of the Wild West Thundered the First Circus Train of Steel," in "Bandwagon," Nov-Dec 2005. It's available for purchase as a back copy. Photographs of BBWW housed at the Bridgeport quarters are not common, there being less than ten known illustrations. Two are included in the article. There have been a couple articles published about the Bridgeport site. They can be located via the article indexes on the CHS website, under the "Bandwagon" and "Publications" [for "White Tops"] buttons on the home page. Some of these may be available for purchase as back issues, too. Fred Dahlinger
2767. Alayne Penzes, 21 Jan 2009 - I am trying to find some information about my mom who had her picture in a Life magazine spread from April 1946. The story said it was the Ringling Bros circus. Ive been told she was a gillipin(?). Her name was Alayne Penzes, also spelled Helayne, nickname Penny. Please help, Roger Smith. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 2766. World of Mirth, 20 Jan 2009 - I am trying to document "World of Mirth" in Miami, Fla in the 1950's. Probaly around 1955. Interested in the names of the Ferris wheel, Octopus, Merry go round owner operator Pepe and his wife Marie. Any help is for a 72 yr orphan who was cared for by these 2 carnival workers. Thank You, Donald Anderson, donald@outrageous.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2765. Ashton Brothers, 19 Jan 2009 - In the Netherlands, since about 2001, four young men are very successful with their theater show with amongst others acrobatic acts. They have already performed in Switzerland, Belgium, Spain and Canada, and are looking forward to their performances next season in Paris, France. When I asked one of the young men why they call themselves "the ashton brothers", he told me that in about 1900 in Australia 5 successful acrobats performed under that same name and as acrobatic acts are part of their show they chose this name. As this intrigues me very much, i would like to know more about the Australian Ashton brothers. When looking on the internet, I found this website. I do hope anyone can tell me more: maybe a website with their history and with photos!? Marianne Meter, the Hague, the Netherlands. 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 2764. Matej Triska, 19 Jan 2009 - I know a Matej Triska and would like to know more about him. He is my Grandfather but I didn't get to know him. Irene. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
HITOFF&p=1&u=/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50 &d=PALL&RefSrch=yes&Query=PN/4132032 I hope this helps you and if you have any other questions feel free to contact me at mikeclmail at gmail.com. I ommited the @ (at) sign to insure I don't get spammed buy a net bot. Thanks, Mike P.
2763. Hanneford Circus, 19 Jan 2009 - About 15 years ago we saw the "Royal Hanneford Circus." It was AMAZING! Are they still doing shows? If so, where? Michelle & Dan. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 2762. Clowns Varro, Wentworth, and Varro, 18 Jan 2009 - Friends: I am an artist who is fascinated by and actively use vintage circus images and materials in my work. I have fallen completely in love with a vintage c. 1905 poster the depicts a group of clowns that used the name Varro, Wentworth, and Varro in their act Down By the Sea for an Al Field Minstrel show. The three gentlemen Charles Varro, Jack Wentworth, and Olie Varro are shown on the poster. I have a project in mind using this wonderful poster and the folks shown. If there is anyone with information about these three men or this act I would be very very interested to know more. Also, is there a publication that tells the vocabulary of early circus workers. The slang and trade words used by insiders. Thank you so much. Mark W. Schlemmer, Lake Oswego, OR. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2761. Lavelle or Levelle, 14 Jan 2009 - Loooking for information on stage name of Lavelle, or Levelle around the turn of the last century. They were a married couple, Charles Ehrgott, and Frances (maybe Stendman). He was dog trainer, and she a tight wire artist, who crossed over Niagara Falls at the turn of the century, suspended by her teeth. They were my ggrandparents. Charles Ehrgott was born about 1861, and died about 1914. Frances was from Sweden, and died about 1904. Can you point me in the right direction? Thanks, Michelle Ehrgott-Rendelman. 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 2760. American Eskimo Dogs, 14 Jan 2009 - My family and I own two American Eskimo Dogs and were are interested in learning more about their history. While reading (on internet) we came across a photograph called “Russian Circus” from the Jorgen M Christiansen Collection which was published in the “The Circus Historical Society’s Bandwagon Magazine” May/June 1964 (page 4) and wondered if their where any more photographs/articles regarding American Eskimo’s in the circus? Also came across a the name “Stout Pal Pierre” with the Barnum & Bailey Circus and can't find a photo — I only seem to get a description of the “American Eskimo” and not of “Stout Pal Pierre”. Thank you for your time and any information you can give me. I can be emailed at krcanda@kazpur.net. Kathy Canda. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2759. James E. Kelly, 13 Jan 2009 - Can anyone please tell me more about James E Kelly or Kelley? He was always involved in the circus, especially London, UK during the 1870's. I know he was in partnership with Henry Barnum 1870s - 1880s. I'm a distant relative trying to trace my family history and looking forward to some help. Sheila. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 2758. Alf Ringling's book, 12 Jan 2009 - I am Don Brewer, Toledo, Ohio, CMB and CHS. I am interested in modeling the early Ringling wagon show. In "A Ticket to the Circus," page 22, there is a repro of a drawing identified as in Alf. T. Ringling's book on the early days of the show. Does anyone know what this book is titled? Where there are any? Anybody have anything on Ringling 1884-1889? Thanks for any help you might send. don.brewer@bex.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3caPZighrDAC&dq=life+story+of+the+ringling+brothers&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots= yFO5-GsQYI&sig=mOVBHqr05hBXsOQuGX8Rq1k6t_g&hl=en&sa=X&oi= book_result&resnum=3&ct=result#PPA3,M1 [OR you can type or copy and paste "Life Story of the Ringling Brothers" into a Google search including the quotation marks] Be aware that the sketches in the book are rather fanciful drawings made more than a decade after the events depicted therein, probably not by Alf T. but by an artist retained and educated for the purpose. The Ringling Bros. Composite Route Books also include limited descriptions of the early wagon show operation, including the numbers of baggage wagons in some years. The data therein includes: 1884, nine wagons and privilege wagons [Parson wagon(s)], big top 45 x 90, side show 30 x 45; 1885, 12 wagons plus privilege and side show wagons, bandwagon in parade, 80-foot round top, side show 30 x 50; bought cages, advance wagon from Burr Robbins; 1886, 18 wagons, all included [privilege and side show presumably], two cages [hyena, bear, monkeys, eagle] and Shetland pony, ticket wagon, band wagon, 90-foot round top, added 30-foot middle piece during season, side show 75 x 45; 1887, five cages, ticket wagon, bandwagon, 60 horses including advance, two advance wagons, one camel that died, cages with animals [elk, bear, 2 lions, kangaroo, hyena, birds, monkeys, deer] four Shetland ponies, 90-foot round top with 30-foot middle, museum 45 x 55, 70-foot round top menagerie; 1888, two advance wagons, big top 100 x 148, menagerie 70 x 100, side show 40 x 80, two or three horse tents, 35-foot dressing room, six cages [three lions, hyena, deer, kangaroo, zebu, emu, birds, monkeys], tableau wagon, ticket wagon, bandwagon, two camels [Samson and Queen] and two elephants [Babylon and Fannie, an Asiatic and an African, I believe, see Chang Reynolds story in "Bandwagon" for further information on Ringling elephants], 80 horses and ponies [most wagons were two and hour horse hitches]; 1889, three advance wagons, 110 horses and ponies, big top 100 x 145, menagerie 70 x 100, annex (side show) 40 x 80, three horse tents, cook tent, dressing room, nine cages [three lions, two leopards, American panther, kangaroo, emu, hyena, zebu, stork, monkeys, birds]three elephants, two camels Thereafter the Ringlings were on rails. The flavor of that time is somewhat captured in an article about the 1890-1891 show in "Bandwagon," July-August 1993. I would disagree with some of the observations made therein. The first Ringling bandwagon was likely not the portrayal in Fox's parade wagon book [pages 26-27], but one with a cut out and painted lion on the sides. In the original correspondence between Fox and Henry Moeller, Jr., which survives, the latter, after much questioning by Fox, admitted that he didn't remember what it looked like. The vehicle with the lion on the sides appears in one photograph, as does another wagon with several mirrors that may have been the first tableau. The second bandwagon added in 1889 was the readily known ex-Burr Robbins bandwagon, illustrated in various places [Fox, page 82, upper left]. The earliest known Ringling wagon photographs date to circa 1888-1890. A number of them were reproduced in "Bandwagon" at various times and elsewhere. The semi-famous "Telegraph" wagon can be seen in the image in the Fox book, page 27, top, and also illustrated in a close-up and text in "Bandwagon," Sept-Oct 1999, page 11. Therein the front of baggage wagon number 15 can also be seen, providing an insight into wagon sizing, construction and identification. One of the Parson family concession wagons that was utilized on the Ringling overland show is preserved at CWM. It is largely intact today, except for the canvas top. The one applied in the 1980s is a fanciful replica, embellished with title and an image based on the illustration in Alf T.'s book [page 23]. A photo of it is in the Fox book you cited, page 31, right center. Also be aware that the cookhouse on page 27 is not Ringling, but Burr Robbins. The cage in Fox, page 31, top, may have been on the overland show. The cage at the bottom of the page, with carved images, was not. There are also some useful images reproduced in Jerry Apps's book, "Ringlingville." The 1888 ticket wagon and tent layout is on page 35. His text may also provide you with relevant information. Some of the Ringling vehicles were former Burr Robbins equipment. You might look at photos of his show in "Bandwagon," Nov-Dec 1969. There are other wagon show images in many other articles and texts that might provide a guide as to general equipment design and construction. The show arrangement started to change dramatically in 1890 when it went on rails. Much more was added and that's when a lot more photography becomes available. If you're being true to the prototype, you'll need to sort out the railroad show images from the wagon show photos. There's an oft-reproduced painting that is alleged to portray the early Ringling wagon show, but it's also very unreliable. One wagon depicted therein was actually an M. L. Clark shows ticket wagon. Stuart Thayer's book "Traveling Showmen" has excellent discussions of overland show physical plant and other data. Though his cut-off point was 1860, there wasn't a lot of change between then and overland shows of 1884-1889. Therein you'll find a listing of the types of wagons and so on. Fred Dahlinger
2757. RBBB pennant, 11 Jan 2009 - Hi, I would like to know if you could tell me the approximite year of a pennant I have. It has a picture of a court jester and then the words Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus and is blue with yellow tassels. Any help would be appreciated. It is 27 inches long. Thanks again, Robert. 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 2756. Bello Nock, 10 Jan 2009 - Where is Bello Nock? No longer with RBBB? Thanks, Frank. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2755. David Knupp, 09 Jan 2009 - Could some one confirm with me the passing of David Knupp. He was a catcher for Del Graham and toured with Wirth's circus in Australia in the 1950s. I am not sure but he may have married animal trainer Madam Kovar Daughter. He was from the USA. Robert Perry, Australia. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 2754. Lingo, boss animal man, 07 Jan 2009 - Hi, I am confused by some lingo and would love for someone to help me out. What is a boss animal man? I get what the boss canvas man and the boss hostler and boss candy butcher were all doing - But don't circuses have too many animals for one person to be boss animal man? Wouldn't there have been a boss elephant man, etc? Or does the boss animal man coordinate the other animal bosses? Thanks. Kelley. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2753. Wooden rule RBBB, 07 Jan 2009 - I have a wooden rule marked Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Combined Circus. It is made of twelve types of wood used in the equipment of the circus.I would very much like to find its age and anything you could tell me. Sincerely Ron Cazemiro , Attleboro Ma. zzacron@aol.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 2752. Circus, Brooklyn 1927, 06 Jan 2009 - Hello - I'm trying to find out what circus or circuses would have been playing in Brooklyn in 1927. A relative wrote in his diary that when he was 14, he planned on running away and joining the circus not far away. He grew up in Flatbush. Any ideas which circus that might have been? And would there be any records left from whatever circus might have been playing there? Many thanks, LNF. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2751. Sandy Ledeux/Wisberg, 06 Jan 2009 - I am seeking to find someone and have just a few details. There was a circus in the Tacoma, Washington area that had a "fat lady" who was raising a pretty little girl. This was in the late 1950's or early 60's. The little girl's name was Sandy and she ran away, I believe. We know that her name was Sandy Ledeux/Wisberg and she had a son (Ricky) and went to Asa Mercer jr. high. She also had another son w/M.Dunn. His name is David Merrill (now 42 yrs. old) and he would like to find her. David was adopted into our family 40+ years ago, and I am his sister, Cindy Merrill Maynard. Thank you for any information or links to possible information. Sincerely, Cindy Maynard. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership
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