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Message Archive: Messages 3001 - 3050
3050. Virg and Cordia Ward, 22 Aug 2009 - My grandparents were both circus performers in the late 1800's and early 1900's. They were in the circus business for about 12 years. They lived in Coyle, Oklahoma. My grandfather's name was Virgin Evan Ward "aka" Virg. My grandmothers name was Cordia Neomia Ward "aka" Irene. Virg was the band leader and Cordia thrilled audiances with her dog show. "Dick The Wonder Dog". Her dog act was presented as "The Wards Troupe of High School Dogs, featuring Dick the Only Back Wire Walker". They performed with such groups as "Neffsky Troupe", Captain Jack Howard", "Little Emil", "Bogger Reds" group and many more. (I have several pictures) Some of the shows they performed with were the "Rice and Dore Water Circus", "S.W. Brundage Shows", "The Great Gowdy Shows", and "John Robinson". When they were with the "Rice and Dore" they lived on a paddle wheel boat that pulled up to 8 barges up and down the Mississippi river. On the barges were their tents, bleachers, animals, and equipment. They said that they would dock along the shore of a town and do their show. The people would come set on the bleachers that were already set up on one of the barges. My grandmother got the name "Irene" early in her circus days because when the announcer would annouce he couldn't remember her name so he called her "Irene" which she went by for the rest of her cirsus days. My grandfather was the bandmaster of many circuses. (I have 4 or 5 pictures all with different uniforms) One of the bands he conducted must have had Merle Evans in it because they wrote home that he was leaving the group to go conduct the Ringling Brothers Circus. I have some pictures of grandparents performing and alot of letters as well as Virg's route book where he paid the band members and what days and songs that they used. I found the paddlewheel picture and barge picture in my grandmothers pictures. I emailed them and they are on www.riverboatdaves.com web site. The boat was named the Liberty, City of Parkersburg, 1915. I found one picture that shows a banner or sign with my grandmothers name on it. It was Rice and Dore Water Circus, Grand Island, Neb. 1913. In the picture to the top right of the sign is one of her dogs and my grandfather in his band conductors uniform. I have several different pictures of the Rice and Dore when they were in Grand Island, Neb. All say, after the tornado June 25, 1913. I'm only getting started with my search of their days in the circus. I hope you will be interested in my search so far. Jody Dowdy at 1okiejo@att.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
The fact that you only need explore a twelve-year window of opportunity makes your task fairly straight forward, it will just take time. Having an abundance of documentation already in hand makes it a fairly straight forward task, as compared to some of the very difficult searches undertaken by descendants who start with essentially nothing. Being methodical, in establishing a basic framework and then systematically filling in the gaps will yield a very good result. I'd also recommend to think intelligently about what resources will yield immediate dates and titles, as that will help to refine the resultant search work, sort of like building an outline by the Roman numerals, then the capital letters, etc. My recommendation is that you start by compiling a chronological document that brings together the information you gather and the source of that information. You can do this as a simple WORD document, or use a database program with which you're comfortable and that can be expanded and modified. It provides a framework for all of the material, photos, etc., that you will gather in your research. This also enables you to know and to judge the relative reliability of conflicting accounts. Later day items, memoirs and obituaries, generally aren't as accurate as period references. The photographs and other materials that you already have in hand can start the work. Your next greatest source of references will be the circus and carnival news items, advertisements, routes, etc., in the pages of the weekly show trade magazines "Billboard" and "New York Clipper." A few are now on-line, but you will likely need to borrow microfilms to gain access to the remainder. Speak with your local interlibrary loan person. You may find your grandparents listed in the early season write-ups about carnivals, circuses, etc. For many of these troupes, there are no surviving business records, only the trade papers and limited numbers of programs and photographs. You can also use Internet resources, Google searching, on-line newspaper files, etc. You'll need to be ingenious in how you search, vary search terms, and also realize that often you'll only be able to trace the travels of the troupe by the title, with little specific information about your grandparents. For dating carnival operations, there's a convenient but undocumented listing of show titles in the back of Joe McKennon's "Pictorial History of the American Carnival." There are similar undocumented circus title listings by Robert L. Parkinson (book, "Directory of American Circuses," alpha title listing), George Chindahl (book, "A History of the Circus In America," alpha title listing) and C. G. Sturtevant (serialized in issues of "White Tops," listings by season). Sverre Braathen compiled listings of bands and bandleaders. You can access his lists as per the response to query 3035. Merle Evans was bandleader on Brundage and thereafter he became the RBBB bandleader for 1919. You might contact the Circus World Museum library and ask if there's any listings in the "yellow tickets" for your grandparents. They can also check for other holdings as listed in their compiled folder headings. Books by Capt. Fred Way about packets will yield more data on the "City of Parkersburg." There is coverage of the Rice & Dore outfit in "Billboard," including photographs, and I believe that Rice later wrote and published in "Billboard" a story about his unusual river-based operation. The Murphy Library at University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse also has a huge photo file on steamboats. You should enjoy this project and I hope that you eventually turn the results into a published narrative of your grandparents' lives. Good luck. Fred Dahlinger
3049. Ringling parade wagons 1903, 15 Aug 2009 - I believe that Ringling Bros. circus contracted with Bode to build 4 wagons for the 1903 parade. I believe that these wagons were United States, Russia, Germany and a snake den. Does anyone know of any other wagons in the order? I know that Germany was changed to America prior to 1919 due to the war with Germany. I have a photo of America showing the German on the rear side panel replaced with an allied soldier with the German sword holding a painting of an American flag, the torch in the ladie's hand in the center panel seems to have been modified to look like the torch in the Statue of Liberty's hand, a shield next to the lady had been created to look like part of an American flag and the German shields on top of the posts separating the side panels had been simplified and painted with stars and stripes. Dick Britton. 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 3048. Frank Buck, 14 Aug 2009 - I am writing a story for a magazine in which I profile Frank Buck. This is a rather large publication. I am looking for people to interview who knew him, or ran across him, and recall an interesting story or two to tell. Something that will kind put meat on his bones if you will — I have his books and movies — but his actual day-to-day life is a bit sketchy. I am of course referring more to his life in the 1930s and 40s. If you could direct me to anyone in the circus world who I might contact, I would appreciate it. Steve Taylor, stx4477@verizon.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3047. Trefflichs, Sam Houston, 14 Aug 2009 - I have two telegrams from Trefflichs Wild Animal company of New York sent to J. Sam Houston in 1947. They deal with the sale of male and female chimps, diana monkeys, civet cats and rhesus monkeys for Mr. Houston's Mexican tour. One is a Mexican version of Western Union and the other one is CIA. Telegrafica Mexicana. Is anyone interested in these? Lynne Bell, b3725@aol.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 3046. King Kalkasa, 13 Aug 2009 - Does any reader have any information on an old time juggler who was billed as "King Kalkasa, the American Jap?" Many thanks, Whitey. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3045. Sanger, ca 1946-47, 13 Aug 2009 - As the godson of George and Poppet Sanger I used to travel with the show as a kid on my school holidays. About 1946/7 George bought an 8mm cine camera and used it to film everything in sight! I particularly remember him recording the tent being ripped open by a gale at Worthing, in 1946. Does anyone know if these films still exist? Possibly Pat Freeman's sons, Peter & Michael, have inherited them from their grandmother, Vicky, but I have no idea where they are. John Nixon, Hookwood, Surrey. 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 3044. Ringling Bros. 1973-74, 13 Aug 2009 - Hi - I'm wondering if anyone can clue me in as to when Ringling Bros. visited Alexandria, LA in 1973 or 1974. I'm trying to track down a newspaper clipping, and I need a date to use as a starting point in my research. Your routes page falls just short of what I'm looking for, but maybe there's somewhere else I should be looking? Thanks very much for your help. Julie Robichaux, Montpelier, VT. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Ringling generally issued what is called route cards for their travels including the dates, the town, the railroad used and the mileage of that jump or travel distance. There are people that have collected these over the years that might help if they see this question and there again, you can find these pop up on eBay as well. Another way to determine these dates is to look in the local newspapers for that year. They are usually on microfilm at the local library. Ringling advertises heavily. You will find ads for the show in those newspapers giving the dates along with the location of the arena they used at that time. I point the location out as many of the older arenas have been torn down and rebuilt elsewhere, but not necessarily in the same location. I hope this helps. Bob Cline
3043. Elephants Jan, Bunny, Marie, 10 Aug 2009 - I am updating our files on our elephants and am looking for info on the importation of Jan, Bunny, Marie, to the Hubert Castle Circus in the early 70's. I am Looking for an exact date if possible and the animal dealer who imported them. I know that the trainer was Bert Petus and that Maries was imported a year or so later then the other two, any info would be of great help. Thank you. Sincerely, Patricia Zerbini. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 3042. Alfred Burton, 10 Aug 2009 - I am doing research on the late Alfred Burton who was on the Ringling Show in 1953-56. He had a sister Monica, and I know they were from Nuremberg, Germany. I would like to know when he passed away, if he married, if he had any children, and where he is buried. He was an excellent center ring performer and a wonderful person to boot. Bill Taggart. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3041. Danny McCarthy, RBBB, 10 Aug 2009 - In the fifties there was a chap around the front end of the Ringling show that ran errands, acted as a chauffer at times and was very well liked by everyone. His name was Danny McCarthy and I am wondering if he is still alive and where he is. I would appeciate any help in finding him. Bill Taggart. 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 3040. Johnny J. Jones, 09 Aug 2009 - I am hoping that you can help us. We are a small historical society in northern Pennsylania, in a town called Bradford. We had many circuses and carnivals over the years, but currently we are writing a book on the 1909 Old Home Week celebration here. Johnny J Jones was one of the main attractions; we would like to include some information on him, and his sideshow (our newspapers described his show as “unlike the old worn-out Street Fair and Carnival as Radium is unlike Brass”. I can find nothing on Johnny J. Jones on the Internet, except for a few isolated photographs and a brief reference that they joined Clyde Beatty in the 1940s. Does anyone have any kind of bio on Johnny J. Jones? We have heard he was from Pennsylvania, but that may have been made up. Any help will be appreciated. Please reply to woodline@penn.com. Thank you. Sally Costik. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3039. Prince Lutgard, Oklahoma Midget, 09 Aug 2009 - I inherited a very small outfit and an old photograph that belonged to my grandfather. My grandfather told me that the outfit belonged to his step-brother who passed away when my grandfather was a young boy. The back of the photograph says "Prince Lutgard The Oklahoma Midget born June 7 1891 Weighs 6 lbs 17 in high Walk ??? a.k.a. Smallest on Earth". The photograph is on some kind of card stock and looks like it may have been something that was handed out at a circus. I also have the original negative of the photograph but it's difficult to see the picture clearly. I was wondering if anyone had any information on Prince Lutgard, I'm curious to read about this man and his history. Thank you. Jo - Mesa, AZ. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 3038. Bear wrestling, Mckeesport PA, 09 Aug 2009 - I was told once that my grandfather wrestled a bear at a circus in Mckeesport, Pa. near Pittsburgh. He was born in 1895 and returned to the US in 1912, so my best guess as to when this happened would be, say, 1920 or so. Anybody out there conversant with bear wrestling, especially at a circus that performed in Mckeesport? Bill Sabol, sabol.william@gmail.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3037. John Lindholm Olson, 09 Aug 2009 - I am looking for information about an Uncle that came to the United States from Sweden in 1903. The only information that has been handed down through the family is that he died in a circus accident in Boston in the early 1900's. We have no documentation and we don't even know where he was buried. His name was John Lindholm Olson or Johan Lindholm Olsson. He was born in Mörrum, Sweden in 1876 and immigrated to the US in 1903 at the age of 27. He wasn't married and didn't have any children. In Sweden he worked as a stone cutter in a quarry. The story passed down in the family was he was a trapeze performer that died in an accident in Boston in the early 1900's but the exact date or year isn't known. If anyone knows anything that can help me find documentation on John I'd really appreciate it. Finding it would put the last piece in the puzzle. Thank you beforehand. Sincerely, Valerie Jennings. 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
3036. Emil Barbish, 08 Aug 2009 - I'm looking for information on my grandfather. He joined a circus at Pittsburgh, Pa. at the age of 14 in 1923. I only know Ringling brothers passed through for sure. His name was Emil Barbish, he also used the name of Edward Bodie. Any information will be appreaciated. Thank You. Art Noland. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3035. Barnum & Bailey Circus orchestra, 06 Aug 2009 - Hello. Does anyone happen to know of any photos of B&B Circus orchestras from around 1900-1915? The orchestra was described to me first-hand as being composed of only violin-family string instruments: violins, violas, cellos, and an oversize bass fiddle. There were no horns, woodwinds, etc. If anyone has or knows of any photos fitting this description from around this time, I would be very interested in seeing them. One of the violinists was Joe Dixon (or Dickson), from downstate Illinois, should that information be useful. Thanks, Garry Harrison. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 3034. Mills Brothers, 05 Aug 2009 - My name is Lawrence Moran. I am the great-nephew of Jake Mills. My Grandmother was Anna Millins (Milinsky) (Husband Paul) e.g. Ann Favorite later in life. My mother Frances Rose (Milins) was born in 1939 in Columbus, Ohio. I have never been to Ohio but used to hear stories about the circus as a young boy. I became a professional child actor in Hollywood (20 years) e.g. guess it's no surprise where I get my blood. If anyone has any information, pics, absolutely anything on the Mills Brothers I would be greatful. I am trying to track down my family. Lawrence, Saint Louis, Missouri. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3033. Texas Jay, Lone Star Marie Davis, 05 Aug 2009 - My name is Beulah. I have a picture post card from the 20s of a man and women, it is signed Texas Jay and Lone Star Marie Davis. I'm thinking this was a circus of the 20's and 30's. I live in Indiana. 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 3032. Blow down ca. 1934-36, 05 Aug 2009 - My good friend, (Peggy Lou) and I are new octogenarians. We remember being taken by my father from suburban Maryland to Washington D.C.to see the wonderful circus. We do not know the date but it had to be between 1934 and 1936. A tremendous storm came up and blew some tents down that afternoon (and I vaguely remember some fire (lightning?). there was at least one death. We are trying to pinpoint the date, and would be so appreciative of that information. Faith. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
"Merle Evans Stands Out In An Emergency" "Washington, D. C., May 18th - While exhibiting here, today, the Ringling-Barnum Circus, during the matinee was amid an electrical windstorm that ripped the brand new big show top and a panic was avoided when Merle Evans, Band-leader with the 'Greatest show on Earth' taking the situation in at a glance, hastened his band boys onto the centre stage, and started in playing swing popular music. This action on the part of Evans, avoided what might have been a panic among the ten thousand or more people seated beneath the big top. During the storm a small pole struck Betty Randebusch, 13 of Shenandoah, Pa., who was rushed to Georgetown Hospital at Washington, D. C. While the Merle Evans musicians calmed the patrons, animal trainers rushed the 42 bulls into the rain where they became quiet. The big top was repaired following the matinee and the show went on as usual for the night performance." What was not stated was that one of the poles had fallen onto the bandstand. There may be additional coverage in the local newspapers as well as in "The Billboard." Fred Dahlinger
3031. Talmage Allison, 03 Aug 2009 - Does anyone know of a Talmage Allison who worked for the John Robinson circus in 1917? He may have dressed as an Indian and may have worked with a midget who had a white German Shephard named "King"? Mary Ann. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 3030. Ringling-Barnum, Pittsburgh 1956, 02 Aug 2009 - Was Pittsburgh scheduled for more than one day’s performances in July of 1956? What other cities are scheduled on the “last” under canvas Ringling-Barnum Route Card? I know that some circus fans traveled many miles to Pittsburgh for that final “under canvas” performance on July 16. When did the word begin to circulate that it would be the last time the big top would be raised? Chris Berry, circusposters@gmail.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3029. Larry Benner, flea circus, 01 Aug 2009 - I am researching the history of the Flea Circus and spotted that the clown and musical saw player Larry Benner also was a flea circus performer. Some of his props ended up at the Circus World Museum in Baraboo but that's all I know about his act. If anyone has any additional information about his performance or any photographs they would care to share then please contact me at the Flea Circus Research Library. Thanks in advance, Andy Clark, Flea Circus Research Library, www.fleacircus.co.uk. 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 3028. Vernon Pratt, 30 Jul 2009 - I'm looking for a picture of Vernon Pratt of the Hugo Bros. circus from the 1940s. If anyone has one or can tell me where to find one, please let me know. Thanks. Marilyn Custer, Circus City Museum and Park, Inc, Hugo, Ok. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3027. RBBB train 1939, 29 Jul 2009 - I am looking for information about the Ringling-Barnum circus train of 1939. Specifically – how many cars were on the show that year and if possible a breakdown by section and type (sleeper, flat, stock car, etc). Thanks. Chris Berry, email: circusposters@gmail.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
1st section- 3 stocks, 16 flats, 3 passenger coaches 2nd section- 1 stock, 16 flats, 6 passenger coaches 3rd section- 2 stocks, 12 flats, 2 passenger coaches 4th section- 7 stocks, 11 passenger coaches This list originally appeared in the Dec39/Jan40 issue of The White Tops and again in the April/May 1970 issue of The Little Circus Wagon. Flint
Because the Barnes herd had been added over the winter of 1938-39, it was necessary to convert car # 27 to an all elephant one. Previously, it and the other three had all ridden on the 4th section. Prior to 1939, #27 had housed the elephant men in one half of the car and there were doors all along the side to accommodate them. The other half was given to equipment and extras, including, in 1932 and 1933, an additional 5 and 4 elephants, respectively, that would not fit into the other three cars. But for '39 the entire car was given to elephants. Beginning in 1939, # 27 rode the 2nd section. The elephants there were used to load and unload the 2nd and 3rd sections. The draft stock was eliminated in 1938. Walter McClain, from Barnes, became RBBB elephant boss at the end of 1938. He was a strong proponent of using elephant power and used elephants for train pull-over power in place of the former draft horses. He had work elephants on both the 1st and 2nd sections. In fact when the show went to the Garden dates in 1939 -1942, elephant car #27 and its bulls stayed back in Sarasota in order to help load the 2nd and 3rd sections for the under -canvas opening. So, New Yorkers and Bostonians saw fewer elephants than were later out on the road under canvas - -one less car full. The elephant herds in the McClain years (1939 - 1942) were the largest ever seen on the road except for 1955 and 1956, to wit - -1939 (43); 1940 (45); 1941(47). The poisoning in Charlotte in 1941 knocked down the herd by 11 bulls (10 died in Atlanta and one a few days later). The Hagenbeck -Wallace bulls were sent to Sarasota from California to fill the gap so that 41 went on the road in 1942. The 1955 and 1956 herds were larger but the ranks of those herds were swollen by punks. Richard
Actually, the first new steel Warren car bought by RBBB came to the show in 1927. It was a combination car for zebras and the white elephant, "Pawah." The sacred bull was in the short end while the zebras were in the longer part. Photos clearly show the typical horse type screened ventilation opening along the zebra end. Why a car for zebras? Well, John Ringling bought an entire herd of them for 1927. With new ones being born as the years rolled by, the zebra herd was impressive indeed - 25 in 1928, 26 in 1931, and a top of 31 in 1932. This car was assigned no 33 and always rode the 3rd section. The white elephant was on the show only in 1927. Afterwards his end of the car given over to misc. equipment while the zebras used the longer part. As best I can determine #33 was last on the show in 1936. It was certainly gone by 1939. - Richard Reynolds Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 3026. Tommy Cropper, 29 Jul 2009 - My uncle, Tommy Cropper was a trick rider and did liberty horse displays for Ringling Bros. from 1940-1950. He was married to Roxalena (Walsh) who also worked with the circus horses. If anyone has any information or pictures of him please let me know. I would also be interested in information/pictures of my Aunt Roxalena. Radigan42@verizon.net. Thank you, Andrea, Pearl River, NY. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3025. J. "Jingle" Hammond, 28 Jul 2009 - I have in my possession some amazing documents authored by J “Jingle” Hammond. Some of them indicate he may have been from Adrian, Michigan. These are very detailed hand-typed descriptions of acrobatic and circus acts, clowning routines, etc., along with hand drawn illustrations. Does anyone know who this guys is? I’d love to know. I’m a circus buff – and an ex-Ringling clown – Clown College Class of ’95. Thanks for any info or contacts you may have. Steven Hogue. 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 3024. Martinek, Gontard, Schulz, McDowell, 27 Jul 2009 - Martineks - circus performers - acrobatic dancers and equestrians. Unsure if the equestrian Martineks are related to the acrobatic ones but my guess is yes. Both disciplines travelled widely abroad and two of the acrobatic Martineks, Leo and Oceano, performed in 1904 with Barnum and Bailey's as part of the Great Florenz Troupe. Leo married Louise Gontard in 1894 but subsequently had another relationship with an Edith Churchill. I don't know what happened to Louise Gontard and would love to know if they had a child. Oceano married Elfrida Steigernatal, another acrobatic dancer. As far as I know, they only had one daughter and I have traced this branch of the family. (Leo and Oceano both might have had other relationships and offspring.) Leo and Oceano had two sisters, Ivy and "Unknown". Ivy became a silent movie performer and I don't know if she ever married or had children. "Unknown" married into another circus family Schulz, and had a daughter, Lucia. By 1911, this "Unknown" daughter has died and Lucia is living with her maternal granparents, presumably because her father is touring. Another Martinek, Emilie Olympia Rudolphine, married John B McDowell, who became a film producer. They had one daughter, Adrienne Amiee Franklin McDowell but I don't know what happened to her or if there were other children from that marriage. I am directly descended from Leo Martinek and am looking for any other descendants of the Martineks, Schultzs or McDowells, as a result of marriage or any other liaison, and any information about the Martineks, Gontards (although I have some info for this family) Sculz and Mc Dowell families. You can contact me at freyamartinek@yahoo.co.uk. With many, many thanks. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3023. Elephants death, 1960s, 27 Jul 2009 - We believe 2 Elephants from a circus held in St. Louis, Michigan in the 60's died shortly after their performance. We are remembering the King Bros. Circus and the Elephants died at the Detroit Zoo where they were being treated. St. Louis is where Michigan Chemical Co. was in business and they were located on a 55 acre piece of ground up stream of the site on the Pine River where the circus was held. The Elephants were using the river for bathing and such down stream. The distance would've been less than a mile. Michigan Chemical Co. was bought out by Velsicol Chemical Co. They are known for the PBB contamination of dairy cattle when the PBB was accidentally sold as cattle feed. The chemical plant was also a major producer of DDT among other things. Much of this went into the river. It is our thinking this may have been the cause of the Elephants demise. We are trying to find out anything we can about this incident. If any one can help with information of any kind we would be most gratefull. Please respond to email address; gjsgilmore@yahoo.com. Thank you, Gary. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 3022. Hugh & Rosina Burns, acrobats, 27 Jul 2009 - My great grandmother and her father were Acrobats in a Circus. Circus unknown at this time. I have a census entry and family story which is vague. My guess would be that they were in John Swallows circus maybe? His name Hugh Burns Equestrian and Acrobat and his daughter Rosina Burns (Acrobat). I think she was also a contortionist if my mothers old stories are correct. Regards, Dean Ladds.
Hugh Burns death cert - acrobat married to Agnes Travers - 3/7/1871-122 Gallowgate Glasgow - father Bernard Burns - Mason's labourer, mother Agnes Burns deceased/nee Burns? - bronchitis - 5 days - regd by Agnes Burns 4/7/1871. Rosina married William Merrick a few months after her fathers death in 1871. Any experts in here that can help identify.
3021. Gary Moore Circus Spectacular, 26 Jul 2009 - I am trying to locate a video or some information on a award show in Sarasota called Gary Moore Circus Spectacular, it was filmed for TV in 1966? Do you have any information? Please answer to awagent@aol.com. Thank you, Eva Williams. 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 3020. Karl Wallenda's souvenir spoon collection, 26 Jul 2009 - Greetings. In Ron Morris book (Wallenda. A Biography of Karl Wallenda) reference is made to a souvenir spoon collection (p. 78) which was owned by Karl Wallenda (he apparently inherited it from his Aunt Marta and he himself collected souvenir spoons from places that he visited on his tours). There is a picture of Karl and his collection in this book as well. (opposite p. 121). Apparently this collection was sold at auction in circa 1983 (when the house in Sarasota was sold) to a collector who lived in Port Charlotte who apparently (????) indicated that the collection would be kept together. I am trying to locate information (and more pictures) about this collection for an article which I am trying to write for Silver Magazine. ( I am a souvenir spoon collector and editor of a monthly newsletter for souvenir spoon collectors - See our website: http://www.campanian.org Today amongst souvenir spoon collectors no one seems to know anything about this collection. If any one has any information and or pictures related to the Wallenda Souvenir Spoon Collection, please contact me. Thank you. Robert M. WIlhelm, E-mail: campania@hvc.rr.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
St. Petersburg Times. Dec. 13, 1970. Paragraph about Wallenda's spoon collection in the article: More to the point is his collection of 700 souvenir teaspoons, which represents an estimated 1-million miles of circus travel. The hobby began with a desire to have a memento of each town visited and the lack of packing space for anything but the smallest items. The spoon collecting has become almost an obsession. Karl has paid as much as $60 for one spoon and there was the time he flew a quick round trip from Madrid to Lisbon to pick up a Portuguese spoon he coveted. "If someone offered me $15,000 or $20,000 for the collection, I wouldn't take it." Ron Morris. Wallenda. A Biography of Karl Wallenda (1976), p. 78. Aunt Martha had retired to Berlin having bid adieu to her awesome lions. Karl visited Auntie with Lena and she proudly showed the young people her teaspoon collection. Rather than buying postcards the spoons served Aunt Martha as souvenirs of the man cities in which she had performed. Karl considered it an ingenious idea and bought a spoon in Berlin. Aunt Martha later willed him her spoons. Today he has a collection of almost 1,000 teaspoons in his Sarasota, Florida, home. Book includes b/w plate of Karl Wallenda looking at his spoons in the glass table Boca Raton News. March 25 (1979) p. 5. The Show Goes on for the Wallenda Family. Paragraph from this newspaper article about the spoon collection – She (Helen Wallenda) still lives in the white two-story house in Sarasota's old sector, where she and Karl first made their home many years ago. The house is filled with memories and mementos: photographs, a sculpture of the Seven Man Pyramid, scrapbooks, medals, plaques, paintings and Karl's collection of 760 spoons collected from around the world and arranged beneath a clear tabletop. "He loved those spoons," says Mrs. Wallenda. "He could tell you where he got each one. On a rainy day, it was his greatest pleasure. He'd sit there and play with the spoons, rearranging them, talking about them."
3019. Lamont Bros. circus, 25 Jul 2009 - Hi, I am interested in any info on the Lamont Bros Circus who wintered in Salem Illinois. I have a relative Eugene Marcum and his wife Alta listed as performers. I would like to known what the performed and any historical info on the Circus itself. Thanks, Tom Caniff, azhtc@zona.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 3018. Moscow State Circus, 25 Jul 2009 - I believe that I saw the Moscow State Circus in Los Angeles at the Sports Arena between 1959 and 1962. Can you tell me the dates that they were in Los Angeles? Thank you for your help. Jack Grasham. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3017. Clown College, 24 Jul 2009 - When did the clown college leave Venice, Florida? The only information that I have been able to find is that it left in the 90s, returned to Sarasota, Florida and then closed in 1997. Any information that you could give me would be appreciated. Thank you, Cindy Blair. 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 3016. Paulsons, 23 Jul 2009 - I was in the circus in 1980-81, part of an aerial act called the “Paulsons.” I am looking for photos that may have been taken at shows we were in, in particular an engagement we did over Thanksgiving weekend in 1980 in Evansville, IN. I have very few photos of me performing or in costume. We had a “meet and greet” during this time and I know several photos were taken of me by guests. Is there any hope of finding any of the photos? I would greatly appreciate any help/suggestions you can give me. Sincerely, Teresa Carruthers, Oldsmar, FL. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3015. Pigott, Fossett's, 23 Jul 2009 - I am trying to trace my great grandmother who's surname was Piggott or Pigott. She was a bare back horse rider in the Fossett circus. I have no idea when although this is my father grandmother and he was born in 1948 if that helps. Im wondering of anyone has heard of her or knows where I might find something out about her. Thank you, Lisa. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 3014. Ray Phillips, 23 Jul 2009 - I am looking for information on my great grandfather. One article states in the "49 camp will be found Ray Decota, floor manager. His real name was Ray Phillips born in South Dakota between 1889-1893. He was in the Zeidman and Pollie feature in Bay City Michigan in the early 1900's. I have something that says: "In the old '49 camp will be found Ray CeCota, floor manager. This young man was born on the white river 65 miles west of the missouri river in 1889 and was raised and reared on a ranch as a cowboy. His father was owner of the noted W.P. Ranch. He began to ride when just old enough to sit in the saddle and at 13 years of age was the youngest cowboy attempting to ride outlaw horses. He was employed by the government in running down bandits or cattle rustlers which at the time were a terror to the ranch owners. Mr. DeCota is one of the few clean cut cowboys now before the public. He was the feature for several seasons with 101 Ranch Wild West. In the 'Days of '49' he presents a very interesting western scene, 'calamity Janes Dance Hall.' His real name is Raymond Delos Phillips, said to be born in South Dakota. Any information would be helpful. Thank You. Lori Ramon. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3013. Circus blacksmith, 21 Jul 2009 - Hello: I work as a blacksmith in a living history village, set inthe 1930's. This summer we have are having a "Circus Day." I am preparing an article on the role of the blacksmith in the circus. I have spent a couple of days at Baraboo and found quite a bit of material but I'm hoping there might be some personal recollections out there. I am particularly interested in the 1930's circuses, but any info, stories, anecdotes are welcome. Some specific questions I have about the circus blacksmith department: 1. How many men would be employed in the blacksmith shop? 2. Was it a seperate department, or part of the mechanical department or horse department? 3. Horseshoeing would have been an almost continuous task. What other repair jobs were common in the blacksmith shop? 4. What tools and equipment would be available to the blacksmith? 5. How were supplies ordered and delivered (coal steel horseshoes etc)? 6. Would a circus patronize a local blacksmith shop for repair work they could not handle? Thanks in advance, Robert. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
1. How many men would be employed in the blacksmith shop? For a show of 30 rail cars, eight men were attached to the shop – boss blacksmith, helper, carpenter, horse shoer (fire), horse shoer (floor), lead bar detective (checked wagon poles, body poles and double-trees daily), painter and harness maker.
Keep the heritage of the circus alive, join CHS today! Membership 3012. Axel Gautier, 21 Jul 2009 - I have great photos of Ingeborg Rhodin on Baby available for the asking. Does anyone have a photo of Axel Gautier - her brother the elephant tamer? lyricist@mindspring.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3011. Richard Palmer, 21 Jul 2009 - I'm looking for a Richard (Dick/Rich) Palmer who worked for Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus 1977-78. If I remember correctly he usually drove the truck that carried the Big Top. He got into a bad accident while driving the truck with the cats, and lost both his legs. Mother lived in Chester, PA. He was from Philadelphia. Birthday in September. He'd be around 63 yrs old now. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Please reply to cherryluna419@aim.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 3010. Clyde Noble, 21 Jul 2009 - Could someone please tell me when Clyde Noble died. Nancy. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3009. Bagonghi, clown, 20 Jul 2009 - Can anyone provide the correct name of the clown who was with the Cristianis for years and was known as "Bagonghi"? Thanks, Whitey. 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 3008. Wm Coup circus, 19 Jul 2009 - I am looking for any information about Wm Coup Circus. Do also know where I could view pictures etc. Thank You Patricia Coup Rich. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
After withdrawing from the Barnum show, Coup undertook his own operations, including a railroad circus in his own name from the late 1870s until 1882. A disastrous wreck brought about its demise and a public auction where it was dispersed. His post-Barnum activities never equaled his work with the former museum owner, which has sparked some debate as to his own capabilities. In general, he was highly regarded in the business as an idea man. The most recent biography of Coup is contained in the book "Badger State Showmen." There are previous writings by Sverre O. Braathen [Bandwagon, March-April 1970] and Col. Sturtevant [White Tops] on him, too. There are no known photographs of his own circus of circa 1880, other than a view of one of his steam organs. The vehicle was covered in three installments in "Bandwagon" [March-April 1983, July-Aug 1983, May-June 1989]. There is an excellent story about the 1882 sale. See John Polacsek's story in "Bandwagon," Sept-Oct 1984. There are several surviving Coup posters, which can be found in various books. There are images of the Barnum circus of the 1870s in the book by Kunhardt, with further coverage in the articles and books by Stuart Thayer and William Slout in Bandwagon and also their co-authored book "Grand Entree," as well as Slout's "Royal Coupling." The Coup coverage is extensive and the above references only scratch the surface. You'll find a cameo biography in Slout's "Olympians of the Sawdust Circle" on this website and much more. A Google search will turn up more leads. You should also check out his posthumously published memoir, "Sawdust and Spangles," assembled from notes made during his lifetime. It was previously serialized in a national magazine. Fred Dahlinger
You might try contacting W.Gordon Yadon through the Delavan Historical Society (I understand they’re trying to obtain a “home” at the moment, so contact information may not be working or delayed at this time) for additional assistance. Lance Burton
3007. George W. Potter, 19 Jul 2009 - My g-grandfather came to Georgia with a circus as an acrobat and tight rope walker. The circus went bankrupt in Georgia and he settled in Emanuel County. His name was George Washington Potter. Born in Illinois in 1864. If anyone has any info about the circus and especially about George. Thanks. Gerri. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 3006. 24 hour man, 18 Jul 2009 - Hi once again. Still researching for the story I hope to write. Could someone tell me the status (economic, social) of a 24 hour man? I am looking at the 1920-1940 period in Europe (mainly France), but any information will do. Was he generally well off – have his own car – by necessity did he have to know the area very well to set up things for the circus? Was he quite well paid? I figure he must have known a lot of people and had a lot of contacts to do what he did. Were they part of the circus or did they work for themselves? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Caroline. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3005. Clown week, 17 Jul 2009 - (Inter)National Clown Week observance at Showmen's Rest is in our 10th year of celebrating this spectacular event and we are the official Chicagoland location! This event is a loving and festive remembrance of circus artists past, held in the nation’s most well known final resting place for circus artists, remembered especially for its elephant statues and roustabout headstones. This event includes speakers, placing of flowers, circus arts performances, lots of fun stuff for kids including activities and entertainment and contests with prizes, snacks and drinks, and many many many clowns. The event is for kids of all ages. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and a youthful attitude. Children’s entertainers are welcome to come and share your talents after the ceremony. This year's special guest: Marshall Brodien, world famous magician and Wizzo the Wizard on The Bozo Show 1968-1994. Sunday August 2nd 2009, 1-3pm, free, all ages. Woodlawn Cemetery, 7750 W Cermak Rd, Forest Park IL. East of Des Plaines Ave. Western end of cemetery. Our website for more information: performforthelove.com/showmensrest. 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 3004. Clown photos, 16 Jul 2009 - I have a photo of Red Skelton, relatively young at the time, Count Popo de Bathe and Joseph the clown. It was supposedly taken on the lot of the Beatty Show. Do you have any more information on Joseph? This was in the personal effects of Popo. I also have a photo of Popo with a Clown named Bones Hartgett (?) at the Ringling Show. Probably taken around 1940's. I can send copies of the photos if it will help identify the people. Lynne Bell b3725@aol.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3003. Hillsboro, OH circus, 13 Jul 2009 - We are in the process of tearing down a barn in Hillsboro, Ohio. In talking to the current owners we discovered that they had been informed that the barn was once used to house part of a traveling circus that came thru Hillsboro. We believe that this would have been pre-1930. We were wondering if you had any information that could confirm if this barn in fact did house part of a circus when it visited Hillsboro, Ohio. I thank you for any information that you may find for me. Thank You, Dawn Turner. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 3002. Circus ponies around 1917, 13 Jul 2009 - Does anyone have a picture of a white pony that was part of Barnum & Bailey, perhaps approximately around 1917? (I have a poem about him) The main attraction There was a blonde pony - although a pony, he felt more like a stallion. He was weightless - with a long silky mane that ruffled like angel hair. He danced under the light of the main circus ring - on his hind legs he stood and danced with his front legs in the air. He was the greatest spectacle and crowds oohed and ahhed over his beauty and grace. He loved being under the bright circus lights. He wasn't bound by his trainer, (who wore a black hat and suspenders), his front legs were in flight. In the evening he stood under the moonlight, by a wooden fence, in the open air, uncaged. - Jackson. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3001. DeWayne Bros., 13 Jul 2009 - I have been looking for information on the DeWayne Bros. Circus date in Alaska in 1961. My wife Nancy and I and kids drove the Alaska Highway with the DeWayne equipment, with Ted leading the way. We were living in Petaluma, Calif. at the time and met Ted and his entourage at Sacramento. Nancy and I had resided in Alaska for years from the early 1940's. We met there when I had my "Jungle-Land" wild animal and reptile show in Anchorage June of 1955. My show was next to the lot the Ward-Bell Circus played. According to the route for Ted's show on your website, we played in Fairbanks June 10-18. The show never did play Fairbanks. We had the eight day stand in Anchorage for the Shrine Club. I was the fire eater. Dave Nelson was the catcher for Del and Babs Graham's "Flying Viennas". The great Leon Forte high wire act, the late Jimmy Troy and his high comedy trapeze, a Chinese couple Chi and Soumay (not sure of the spelling), Ben (Meyer) Dewayne, Mike Foster, Dana Smith, Capt. Maynard, the bull man and a host of others played the date. My step-mother lived in Palmer, AK and Nancy's mother and her siblings lived in Mt. View (a suburb of Anchorage). Nancy was not working because we had our 4 little kids along and they spent time with the grandmas who also came and watched the show. No top was used and the show was open air. I haven't the foggiest where the idea that we played Fairbanks came from but it is incorrect. I imagine there are a few who played the spot with us still around and they can verify my claim. Of course, there was a lot of publicity in both the Anchorage Times and the News as well as two local TV stations and at least 3 radio stations doing interviews and/or public service announcements. I believe the route was also in the Billboard. We would be thrilled to hear from anyone that was on that tour or saw the shows. We came back to the lower 48 and I went directly to Lake Isabella for a July 4th celebration. Ben (Meyer) DeWayne and Mike Foster and I caravaned to the spot after I dropped my family off at home (then) in Petaluma, Calif. Because of the trip in 1961, in 1964 I got a call from Desilu Studios with a contract to appear doing my fire act in an episode of "The Greatest Show on Earth" starring Jack Palance and Stu Erwin. After auditioning 22 fire eaters, they called me because Dave Nelson had remembered me and recommended me. During the years 1962-67 Nancy and I owned Delano Society Circus, a small show playing indoor sponsored dates in winter and shopping centres in summer in the San Francisco Bay area. Thanks. Donn and Nancy Moyer, Tacoma, Washington. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
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