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Message Archive: Messages 2901 - 2950
2950. Blumenfeld family, 02 June 2009 - Hello! I have been researching my family history for a number of years, and am hoping someone here might be able to help. I am searching for more information on any of the following, most especially their connection to the Circus Blumenfeld or other German Blumenfelds: Simon Blumenfeld (abt 1829 Wassenberg [sp?] Germany - 1911 London) married Wilhelmina Blenon or Blennon (abt 1841 Trier Germany - 1915 London). Simon was a circus performer and horse breaker. They had at least four children: Charles Blumenfeld (1867 Warsaw - ?), Baptist (1868 Braunschweig - 1943 New York), Paul (abt 1875 Eulendorf Germany - ? US), William (abt 1876 Rentlingen Germany - 1943 US). Simon & Wilhelmina, along with sons Baptist, Paul, and William moved to England before 1901, where the three brothers performed in circus and vaudeville. In 1914, the sons moved to the US where they performed (along with their wives) in a vaudeville show called The Victoria Troupe. I have a website with more details available at: www.demodecouture.com/genealogy/ Any information would be most appreciated! Thanks, Kendra 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 2949. White horses, 01 June 2009 - Why did they always use WHITE horses in circuses? Does anyone know how this began? Had this question posed to me and could not answer. nedcircus. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
1) Spectacle and showmanship – matched teams are always elegant, and stand out from everyday horses. In their day, they were popular for coaches and fire apparatus — in modern use, check out the military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery with matched teams. 2) The slang term "rosin back" — where a human and horse performed together, powdered rosin, which is white, was sprinkled on the horse's back to improve the rider's grip. White powder won't show on a white horse. ;) Lance Burton
2948. Julius Goldberg, lion tamer, 31 May 2009 - am the great Grandson of Julius Goldberg, by one line of the family. My understanding is that he had two seperate wives. (don't know if I have the spelling correct) At any rate... My Great Aunt Rubie Stewart who died a couple of years ago was his daughter. We have an old record album in the family that is a recording of a radio interview with the Lion Tamer Julius Goldberg. In it he tells a story of being in one of his favorite hotels and how he always took his tigers with him when he traveled. He kept the tigers in the basement of the hotel and was throwing a dinner party in the ballroom. Apparently he didn't get the cage door latched properly and the tiger wandered up to see what was going on causing a panic. Says he was never allowed back in the hotel as he refused to travel without his tigers. It's an old inteview, back in the days when radio shows incorporated all the in studio sound effects in the broadcast. You here the scream of party attendees and the lion roar. Later you hear the rain as Mr. Goldberg and the interviewer appear to be walking down the streets during the interview. Originally we had it on an old 78 album that was later transfered to a 33 album. I have spent many years off and on trying to find mention of him and have never been successful. Someone once told us his name showed up in an old McMillan reader but we have never found it. I would appreciate any historical info on him that I might be pointed to. By all reports he was a Russian Jew immigrant and worked for Barnum Bailey. Thanks, Jeff Richardson, jeffery@mind.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2947. Michaelovich/Marinkovich family, 30 May 2009 - With reference to your message board, I am still looking for my long lost family, I am related to the Ringling and Bailey Circus. Does any one know the Michaelovich Family or the Marinkovich Family from France? My name is Catherine Marinkovich, my married name is now Georgeovich. I am the youngest of the Marinkovich Family, I know the circus people were looking for us. I have moved homes since I used to live in Lenchwick Evesham England. Since I have moved there was no forwarding address. If there is anyone out there that knows my family, or the name please do not hesitate to contact me. This is really important for me. The names of Ringling and Bailey was slightly different in those days It was Bailia and Ranlia these are the names given to me. I am searching for my family, can you help, the circus is related from my Mohters side so if you know any information pleasse let me know. Catherine Georgeovich. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2946. Carlos Rosario, 29 May 2009 - I am looking for Carlos Rosario who was with Chipperfields circus from Hampshire England back in the the late fifties/early sixties. Does anyone know what happened to him. Tom. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 2945. Romanian circus history, 27 May 2009 - Wanted. Romanian circus history dating to the mid to late 1800s. My great grandfather was a strong man in the circus around that time. The last name is Cepanariu. His son, my grandfather, was Pavel born sometime around 1880. He came from Bistrita and immigrated to the US around 1915. My father Emil was born in 1917. Suzanne C. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2944. Anna Cannaday, 27 May 2009 - I am looking for information related to my great-grandmother. Her name was Anna Cannaday and stories have been told that she was in a traveling circus. She was born @1859 and left the circus by @1895 because she bought land in Wayne County, WV at this time. I have an album with several pictures of possible circus people (one very tall man and one with three ladies with very long hair) and her picture is of her and a child with a very large head. Mantha7230. 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 2943. Chipperfield circus clown, 27 May 2009 - I am researching my family history, and was told that my Grandfather in law was a White Clown with Chipperfield Circus, this would be in the 20s and 30s we think. His name was Michael Cavanagh, although I have no way of knowing if this is the name he used during his career. I have no idea how to begin to find out whether this is fact or fiction, although we did have a clowns suit, which has is now lost, and doesn't really mean that a family member was a clown. I would appreciate any help you could give me. Yours Sincerely, S White. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Poole's Caucasian Circus, Sandow Chipperfield 11/06/1945 Clowns Micky Cavanagh, Butch Reynolds, Bimbo and Tomato; Chipperfield's Bengal tigers, presented by Frank Carlos; Sandow's troupe of Shetland's, with monkey and dog; Chipperfield's bears; Miss Violet and partner, on the wire; Amazing Gridneffs, from Russia; Marjorie Chipperfield, liberty horses; Sandow Sisters, on trapeze; Jix, Jax and Max, comedy bar act; Miss Margaret, with wonder horse 'Emperor'; Miss Christine, ballerina on HB. Tenting. [NB: Marjorie Chipperfield was my Mother] also, the late John Turner sent these entries from his book 'Twentieth Century Circus Shows, 1901-1950' (Lingdales Press, Formby, 2007) ........ courtesy of Erik Jaeger Chipperfield's Circus and Zoo, Chipperfield, at Southampton, 22/4/1946. La Petite Eva, riding clown; Jimmy Chipperfield; Mickey Cavanagh; Jax & Max; Dick Chipperfield's high school act; Marsaline, lady wire walker; Field & Chase; Dick Chipperfield's Bengal tigers; The Gridneffs. Opening of tenting season. World's Fair, 4/5/1946, p.12, col.3. Chipperfield's Circus and Zoo, Chipperfield, at Lyme Regis, Dorset, 14/5/1946. World's Fair, 25/5/1946, p.13, col.1. Chipperfield's Circus and Zoo, Chipperfield, at Torquay, 8/6/1946. World's Fair, 8/6/1946, p.12, col.4. Chipperfield's Circus and Zoo, Chipperfield, at Torquay (Walls Hill Quarry), 8/6/1946. La Petite Eva (Eva Gridneff), voltige; Johnny Chipperfield, rider, with Micky Cavanagh whitefaced clown; Jix, Jax and Max, double bar act; Marsaline (Bertha Gridneff), on the wire, with Roxana; Dick Chiperfield's animals, bears and bulls; Marjorie Chipperfield's liberty horses. World's Fair, 15/6/1946, p.16, col.2. .... from Jim Stockley, South Africa. email: ndlovu8@gmail.com
2942. Flying Eugenes, 26 May 2009 - Hi, I am looking for information about a group of gymnasts called the "Flying Eugenes" who travelled the world with a variety of circuses. I have been lead to believe that one of my relatives were part of the troup in the 1890's and I have a number of original photos of the troup. So far I have not come across anything that names the members of the group and I would be very grateful to anyone that could give me any information regarding the group. Thank you Anne. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2941. Lemoyne family, 25 May 2009 - I'm looking for the Lemoyne (spelling may be wrong) that were a family circus (trapeze on motorcycle) act in the 50' and or 60's. I met them in Salinas California after they were semi-retired. Daughter of the matriarch Claudia was in Germany the last I heard. That was in the early 70's. Would really like to hear from someone. Shirley O'Keefe (formally Wood). Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2940. Photos 1940s, 25 May 2009 - Hi, I have pictures from the 1940’s, most of them I cannot really identify except for my grandparents and occasional the photographer which may indicate what state they were taken. I am particularly intrigued by one photo that shows a skyline in the back ground which I think is new York and would love to verify. I also have some documents concerning employment opportunities. My grandfather was a topmounter in a high wire (tightrope?) act, so that is what most of the pictures contain, although there are others. Is anyone in this sort of thing for historical purposes? Respectfully, Cher Young. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 2939. Herb Corey, 25 May 2009 - Have photo 1944 of clown signed Herb Corey. Photo of face only any ideas? ddx15. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2938. Perry family, 24 May 2009 - My father was Clifton Perry; Circus wise it was initially the Perry Bros Circus. The circus later became the Sole Bros Circus. His brother was Joey. I have 4 half sisters out there- Donna, Ava, Lana and Kimmy. My mum Jan looked after all of you girls when “Cliffy” passed away. Just to let them know that I am looking for any history (I’m, the fourth girl/sister-Shayne). Cliffys grand kids are something to be very proud of! We certainly know were the “circus” blood comes from! Any info re my half sisters would be much appreciated! Shayne. 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 2937. Prince Lucky Ball, 23 May 2009 - I am doing research on Prince Lucky Ball (John G. Ball). I have read that he was a lion trainer who was injured by a big cat. I am interested in the particulars of that event. I know that he became a famous sword swallower and wanted to find out the circus he worked for and the routes that he followed in 1927. Any information would be appreciated. Lee. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2936. Stilt walking, 23 May 2009 - Dear friends, I am currently writing a book titled 'Stilt Walking - a History and How To'. I have covered about 30 fascinating areas in stilts. I am touching base to see if there is someone at your end who would have the time to send me an email with any names of artists and or other performances that involved stilts over circus' history. I have already covered artists such as Doug Hunt, Roy Maloy, Blondin and The landes Shepherd. I'm looking for stilts that were around in the golden age, such as in the Ringling camp and so on during the 1900-1920's period. Any thoughts, names and so on that you may have tyo offer would be of huge help to me. Many blessings, Tim. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2935. Bachelor family, 23 May 2009 - My maiden name is Bachelor, and I know my great-grandfather's Charles Benjamin's father, and his family were in the circus, their trick was supposed to have been jumping elephants. I've been reading through these boards, and history pages, and have thoroughly enjoyed it. If anyone has more information on our family I would really appreciate it. I know my grandfather could train horses to do tricks, we have pictures of him having them roll over etc. Please email me at CindyLBW@gmail.com if you have any information you would like to share. Sincerely, Cindy. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2934. Memory Lane, 23 May 2009 - My name is Betty Lunsford/Olive. Sometime during my younger days when I was married to Richard(Dick) Lunsford I owned a 'great' white German Shepherd named "Mr. Bunk ". I am not sure where or why but for reasons I can't remember, Dick and I gave the dog to Buckles Woodcock to keep around his elephants. Later we heard he grabbed someone by the seat of his pants as he was leaving the area where the elephants were tethered. Seeing your blog brought the memorie back to me. I am wondering if you can tell me anything about a wonderful elephant friend that I had to sell because my husband Ray Olive and I had to retire our show off the road for his health reasons.We were in partners with R.A. Miller and had a Shopping Center unit on the road with him for about 11 years. The elephant was Jesse,one of three elephants that R.A and Mayburn and maybe Bo Miller owned.The elephants were Jesse,Jenny and Mim. The elephants were very young when they got them. I sold Jesse to Dave Hoover because he was going to take his own show out the following year. He was going to take her with him on the Clyde Beatty Show that spring but could't for reasons I don't know. I do know she was a very gentle and willing animal all the time she was in my charge. We rode many children on her back and she did a great single routine. I worked and saw to her keep while we had her and she worked by mostly voice commands and not much else. Logans son tried to work with her but she disliked him and hit at him ( she had never done anything like that when I had her.) Anyway Dave sold her to The Great American Circus from what I heard. We, my daughter and I saw her in Daytona,Fl. where the show was set up.My daughter was 6 weeks old when she and I met Jesse. I have not heard about her and would like to know if you have any knowledge of her.Hoping to hear from you. Betty. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 2933. RBBB glass item, 20 May 2009 - I have recently received a gift to commemorate my time at RBB&B Clown College back in the 1980’s but I have no idea what it is. It was purchased from an antique store and there was no tag or back story to identify what it actually is. It is a small roundish piece of clear glass, about the size of a quarter (1” x .75”) and bent. Imagine if you took a quarter and pressed it against a half-inch diameter dowel rod so that it started to curve around it. That is what this looks like, a clear piece of glass, roughly the size of a quarter that is curved in such a way as to lie flush against a cylinder. In the center in raised letters it reads “GF”. The G is above the F. On the left in sideways lettering from top to bottom it reads “RBB&B” and on the right in sideways lettering from bottom to top is reads “CIRCUS”. It is about a 1/16th of an inch thick and there seems to be the residue of some gold paint on the top. I am guessing it is older because something like this would be made out of plastic these days. Any idea what it could have been used for or was taken from? Any help would be appreciated, Best regards, D Chris Ferguson. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2932. Mowatts tour, Joey Jaures, 19 May 2009 - Thanks for any information that anyone can provide about a tour of Europe that the Mowatts juggling act made in Europe in 1911-12. I am particularly interested in information about a female performer who was 18 and whose stage name may have been Joey Jaures. She apparently was a cyclist. During her career and life she used a variety of names including Josefa Jarocki, Josephine Jarocki, Nadja Jarocki, and Josia Jarocki among others. Her family emigrated from Poland in 1904 and landed in Baltimore, Maryland. They settled in Chicago. Other participants in this European tour may have been Dyke Frank Engleman, the father of Bird Millman, and Dolly Summers, his companion and eventually his second wife. Joey Jaures returned from Europe with Engleman and Summers in May 1912. She sent a holiday greetings to her father from Mannheim, Germany, apparently in 1911. The Mowatts who participated in the tour were Benjamin, Thomas, Arthur, George, and Alec. They returned from Europe in August 1912. Jim Leonhirth Murfreesboro, TN. 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 2931. Charles Lee Siegrist, 18 May 2009 - Hi, I'd like to get more info on Charles Lee Siegrist, as I am a descendent to him. My mother is Carol Siegrist. Thank you, Christine Voight. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2930. J. H. LaPearl, 17 May 2009 - My gr grandfather is J. H. LaPearl. My gr uncle is Harry LaPearl and from what I understand he was very versatile with many acts he could perform, but his forte' was being a clown. His second wife Loretta was also a clown. I am doing geneaology on my family and as the older ones who could help me are deceased, I really need help. My grand father was Roy LaPearl and my grandmother was Estelle Swoyer who had an act with her sister which started as the Miaco Sisters and changed to the Delno Sisters. They were contortionists and trapeze artists. Any help I can get on this would be greatly appreciated. You can answer to this website or e-mail me at bowlingnanny1@verizon.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2929. Ada Briggs, fat lady, 17 May 2009 - Circus, dime museum fat lady, Ada Briggs. We have recently acquired an original 1850s daguerreotype portrait of the sideshow attraction, Ada Briggs. We are seeking biographical information - her life dates, time associated with Barnum, etc. Can anyone provide information? Thank you. Cliff Krainik, Warrenton, Va. krainik@aol.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2928. Jack Dempsey, Sells-Floto, 14 May 2009 - Would anyone have any information concerning the tour that Heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey aka The Manassa Mauler did with the Sells-Floto circus around 1919 or 1920? What did his show consist of and how many appearences and where? apemonsterman. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 2927. Chameleons, 14 May 2009 - Hi I am doing some research on a trend of the 1950's. I have been looking everywhere for this trend that came about in the 1950's. This lady told me that they would purchase alive chameleons with little collars and chain leashes that end with a pin to attach to clothing. The chameleons would crawl all over the lady all day and they would later put them on the drapes at home. I have researched all over the internet for pictures of this, and I assume that someone would have taken a picture of this or written about it somewhere. I'm hoping that someone has come across any information about this or has actually witnessed this in their lifetime. If not maybe you could recommend a place to research further. Nicole. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2926. Trapeze accidents, 14 May 2009 - I am looking for information about trapeze accidents/disasters as research for a novel. Please reply to aafmom@hotmail.com. Any pictures from the early 1900s are also appreciated. Vicki Fountain. 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 2925. Kelty photo, 13 May 2009 - I recently saw a large mural size photo hung at Albany International Airport in Albany NY. It was titled: Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Combined Circus-1934. Photo by EJ Kelty. Century, 74 W47 NYC B.. I would like to get a copy of this photo (not a mural size of course) and was hoping you could help me out. Thank you, Sue Schwarting. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
While I am not certain of the photo you saw, you will find some of his prints for sale on eBay every now and then. Then can be very pricey to the low end $50 to 75.00 range. His photos of the Side Show performers have traditionally brought the higher purchase prices. From time to time, Circus collectors pass away and their estates are broken up and sold off whether by local auctions or eBay offerings. Unfortunately, most of these are never know by most people. Most of the auctions are offered by people trying to make money fast and have no idea what they are offering. In all fairness there was also a set of 30 prints that were re-produced and offered for sale maybe 20 years ago. The quality is very good although they are not done on a photo paper as I recall which is a real good indication of his print vs. re-production. His works were almost always sold in a tube for safe keeping as many of his clients were the show people themselves and they had very little space to keep anything other than clothes and costumes. As a result, most of his work tends to curl from being rolled and the age will have taken its toll so you might see some crazing of the surface or discoloration of the papers. I hope this helps. Bob Cline
2924. Circus pennants, 12 May 2009 - We are looking for old or new circus pennants to use for our 50th anniversary of the youth circus in Peru, In., Circus City Festival Inc., a non profit organization. I have searched the internet and have only come across pennants for sale from the Ringling circus. Any suggestions? Don. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2923. John Bill Ricketts, 11 May 2009 - Does anyone have information on the details of John Bill Ricketts' demise? He apparently died when his ship sank on his return voyage to Britain from the West Indies sometime in the early 1800s. I am wondering about the name of his ship, where it sank, etc. Romel and Claire. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2922. Milwaukee, 10 May 2009 - Hello CHS MEmbers. See you in Milwaukee. Bob Unterreiner. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 2921. Merrill Sisters, 07 May 2009 - I am looking for information on an act that appeared in a Charity Circus in Huntington, W.Va. Jan. 13-18, 1930. The name was The Merrill Sisters, with their double loop. Bill Strong, yesterday1@verizon.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2920. Tippo, Fillis Circus, 06 May 2009 - I’m searching for information on my grandfather who may have been with Fillis Circus in 1892. Their travels were from far north Queensland in Australia to Sydney in November 1892 and Melbourne in March 1893. He was a young aboriginal boy and given the name “Tippo.” Any information, please email me. Many thanks, Jeanette Brown. 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 2919. Midget, 06 May 2009 - I have a cabinet card of a very small "man" "boy" in a large chair. The midget is sitting on one arm. Dressed in a three piece suit and top hat. Wendt Boonton, NJ is stamped on card. This was in a box of unidentified family photos. Does anyone know if this was a performer? Please let me know. pcranch2000@aol.com, Thanks. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2918. Circus stranded, Middletown, 06 May 2009 - I am trying to find the date that a circus was stranded in Middletown due to lack of funds in 1956 or 57 or 58 for a friend. He thinks that it was Cole Bros, but I found an article on this site that talks about King Circus having the last date in Middletown in June 1956, so perhaps that is the only one. My friend says that he read about it in a Life or Look magazine while he was stationed in Germany and would like to get a copy of the magazine. Does anyone remember this, or know about this coverage? Any help that you could give me would be appreciated. Thank you, Catherine Ferguson, Madison, CT. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2917. Atlanta, GA 1850-60, 05 May 2009 - I'm trying to model a circus in HO in Atlanta Georgia 1850-1860. Does anyone have info as to who performed there (route sheet ), especially a small Railroad Circus. Thanks for the help. Bob Judge, bigjudge@comcast.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Bear in mind that with the exception of the unusual and unique Spalding & Rogers train, any other circus traveling by railroad in the 1850-1860 time slot was doing so on a string of cars hired from the host railroad. There were no show-owned conventional cars until 1872. The circus used a different string of cars on each line on which they traveled. I've never seen an illustration of a train carrying a circus between 1850 and 1860. The earliest available pieces are a cut of the Dan Rice show [circa 1863] and another of L. B. Lent's [1866]. These are in the above mentioned article. The Rice cars apparently bore his name, either in paint or on a banner. The Lent cars had no show titles. Flamboyant decorative schemes were still in the future. The next view is the well known Barnum show photograph taken at Kalamazoo, MI in 1872, showing show-owned flats. The "railroad circus" from the 1850s to 1871 was typically a reduced scope show, mostly the big top operation and little else other than a free act [balloon ascension]. They were gilley outfits, mostly using box cars and day coaches. A bandwagon might have served in parade, hauled on a single flat. A team or two of horses and the performing animals were the only beasts. Any wagons would have been of the overland style, with larger diameter, narrow tread wheels. A few overland troupes did make jumps from one territory to another, because of weather, attendance or competition, but they, too, were loaded onto leased system cars. These were all shorter vehicles, twenty to maybe thirty feet long, whatever the railroad had accumulated over time. None of these trains would have been as eye appealing as later show-owned trains. They were likely loaded from the side, at freight platforms. I'm sure that if you can find early illustrations of Georgia railroads that you can satisfactorily model the locomotives, cars, architecture, track work and associated apparatus of the era. Concerning Georgia circus history, Greg Renoff's book "The Big Tent," is also recommended. The late Bob Brisendine scanned most surviving Georgia newspapers. His material is now housed at Emory University. If any description of a 1850 to 1860 train carrying a circus was printed within the state, you'll likely find it there. Fred Dahlinger
2916. Walton Brothers Circus, 04 May 2009 - My grandfather was Fred Walton, he and his 4 brothers owned and toured Kansas, Ok and Nebraska in the early 1900's as the Walton Brothers Circus. The Walton's were from Traer, Kansas and Oberlinm Kansas. A long lost cousin and I are doing research on their circus. Any information or links are most gratefully appreciated. Thank you, Melba Walton, Seattle, WA, mew52541@yahoo.com; Marie Britt, Mesa, AZ, lafoerne@q.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 2915. Hamid Morton Circus, 02 May 2009 - Hi, my name is Carole and my aunt joined the Hamid Morton Circus back in the 1950's she rode the Unicycle and played the trumpet I would love any information of her as possible. Her name was Elizabeth Rocks and she travelled from England to New York U.S.A on the SS Washington around 1951-54 in the care of George Hamid. 10 The Plaza New York City. Her address in England was 10 The Crescent Thornaby on Tees and her father was Francis Rocks. Would appreciate any help, regards, Carole. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2914. Franconi's Circus, Paris, 30 Apr 2009 - I'm looking to communicate with anyone out there who has a reasonable knowledge of Franconi's Circus in Paris. I'm particularly interested in finding out about certain artistes who may have appeared there during the 1830s. Thanks, Dave Page. 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 2913. Wilson’s Circus, 29 Apr 2009 - I am trying to discover the locations where Wilson’s Circus performed. I am not sure if this was a UK- or US-based circus. I know they were in India in 1912, specifically at that time in Bombay (Mumbai). My great aunt was a pianist with this circus at this time and I would like to know where else they performed. Any information would be great. Many thanks, Angie. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2912. Kay Brothers Circus, 28 Apr 2009 - I'm looking for pictures of the Kay Brothers Circus. My father worked for them at the same time that Burt Lancaster did. He supposedly had a sideshow fire eating act. His name was Jim Huggins. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Lisa Huggins. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2911. Great Elmourne, 24 Apr 2009 - Just reponding to some requests for information on the Great Elmourne. Emma Tompkins, from Margaree Forks (Emerald to be exact) married William Elmourne on July 10th 1904 in Margaree. It states that he was born about 1876 in London England. His occupation was listed as a tightrope walker, and we always got a kick out of that. They lived in New York in 1904. Miles Tompkins. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2910. Removed, 23 Apr 2009 - Message removed at request of sender. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership
2909. Robert Stickney, 1926, 23 Apr 2009 - Hello, I am working on a music video and I am trying to clear a film clip of Robert Stickney performing the Charleston on stilts in 1926. I am thinking he is the son of Robert Stickney, the trick rider in the New York circus, but I am not sure. Do you have any idea where I could look to find any more information out about him and if he had any children or grandchildren who are still alive? Attached is a photo of the film clip we want to use. Any assistance you can give me would be very much appreciated. I can be reached at this email or by phone at (323) 270-9298. Thank you! Colleen. [photo was not attached to Colleen's email] Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2908. Conrad Cadona, 23 Apr 2009 - My name is Greig Allan son of Glenda Salvona, father Brian Allan. As far as I know my mum was brought up by the Cadonas, of which I'm supposed to have an older brother called Conrad Cadona. Thanks. 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 2907. Ray DeCota Phillips, 23 Apr 2009 - I am looking for information on Ray DeCota Phillips. He traveled with Zeidman and Pollie in Bay City Michigan in the early 1900's. Any information is helpful. Lori. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2906. Need research help, 21 Apr 2009 - I have a piece of sheet music that is autographed "Hello Lovell Chattanooga 10/17 "I am here in the interest of the Barnums and Baileys show to- day only." O. L. Burnett. The date is 1896. It is also signed by the same person at least 2 more times. It appears that it may have been the Calliope player that signed it for someone who followed the show. Do you have any history of the signer? I can't find anything. The sheet music is "WHY DON"T YOU TRY or The Rolling Chair Song. Any info would be apprieciated! Thanks, Mark Feather. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
The Harry Williams and Egbert Van Alstyne tune "Why Don't You Try" was copyrighted in 1905 by Jerome H. Remick. The "rolling chair song" subtitle ties in with the cover illustration on the sheet music, which shows the Atlantic City boardwalk and the rolling chairs that gained fame there, starting circa 1884. To the right side is a representation of the Blenheim Hotel, which opened in 1906. Follow this link for the sheet music: https://jscholarship.library.jhu.edu/handle/1774.2/20560 The steam calliope with Barnum & Bailey was reported as wrecked in 1905. The circus didn't parade that season, or in 1906 or 1907. The air calliope wasn't employed with the big show band until a few seasons later. So, there was no need for a calliope player on the show. Thus, it seems certain that Mr. Burnett wasn't a calliope player. I have no other record of him in that position. The use of first and middle name initials was then a common practice with showmen, but you might also be open to the possibility that the signer may have been a woman. A quick check of the 1900 and 1910 censuses failed to disclose an "O. L. Burnett," but they may have been missed or entered using their full first name. A check of any roster in the 1906 Barnum & Bailey route book might provide the insight that you desire, as to his occupation with the circus. If he was a musician with the circus, it might explain his possession of the sheet music, purchased or received as a gift and then sent to a friend back home. Sverre O. Braathen compiled a listing of circus bands and bandsmen and copies of his work are filed at the major circus museums. Be aware that musicians came and went from show bands, with many playing for only brief periods. Fred Dahlinger
2905. Margaret Clarke, 21 Apr 2009 - Hi, Does anyone know of a lady by the name of Margaret Clarke whose mother's name was Janet and lived in Liverpool approx. 60 years gone. Margaret, I believe, worked in a circus as a trapeze artist. Cheers, Ashdown. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2904. Plunkett family, 20 Apr 2009 - You have the information below on the Plunkett family: 15 Jan 2009 - If I am not mistaken, the Plunkett’s were best known for their trampoline act, rather than for trapeze. The Plunkett Trampoline Act worked through the 1970s and into the 1980s. The Plunkett Family that I am referring to were from Texas and they had several sons. One of them, James Plunkett was a tightwire star who took over the Great Hubert Castle’s Act taught directly to him by Mr. Castle. The Plunketts appeared regularly with the Hubert Castle Circus, as well as many other shows. James Plunkett currently owns the James Christy Cole Circus based out of Texas, which regularly produces the Omaha Shrine Circus. Neil C. Cockerline Does anyone know the name of the father of the original act? I'm thinking Corey, but I could be all wrong. He was the understander for the three-highs on the trampoline. Thanks, John Towsen. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 2903. Ringling, accident, 20 Apr 2009 - Hi, I attended Ringling Brothers when I was in either Kindergarten or first grade, the year would have been 1971 - 1974. A woman performing on the high swings (trapeze swings? acrobatic swings?) fell off of the swing into the "ring." An ambulance was called and of course, the show did go on. I'm interested in knowing what happened to the young woman who fell; my son is now ten and just went to his first Ringling Brothers Circus yesterday. I told him about the woman and the accident, and now that we are thinking about her, we would like to know how she ended up. Can this information be found? Please let us know. Thank you! If you email me, you can email at this address, or to mhavens@voanews.com. Thanks so much! Melissa H. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
2902. Sam B. Dill Circus, 20 Apr 2009 - I’m looking for posters or pictures of the Sam B. Dill Circus. My Great-Aunt was Nettie (McCabe) Dill, Sam’s wife. My Grandfather was Nettie’s Brother. Thanking you, Gerald McCabe, gmccabejr@comcast.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 2901. Vicki Sherry, Belle Vue Circus, 20 Apr 2009 - Hi, my name is Debbie Della Gana and I live in Southampton, England. I have recently come across a wonderful photo album which I believe belong(s) to a Miss Vicki Sherry. She was in the Belle Vue Circus during the 1940’s. Her partner was called Speedy (surname possibly Barham). They seemed to have done everything together including knife throwing, balloon shooting, the Globe of Death and the motorcycle/acrobatics act. They seem mainly specialised in the motorcycle acts. Does anyone remember or know of any information regarding these people? Does anyone know anything about the New Zealand Air Aces, The New Zealand Hell Riders or the Globe Infernal? Please, I would be very interested to learn more. Many thanks. Can’t wait to hear from you! peach21@hotmail.co.uk. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
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