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Message Archive: Messages 3051 - 3100
3100. George Rowe, Kalamar, 30 Sep 2009 - We are looking for Mr. George Rowe "Kalamar" who was a supportive part of our space for the performing arts, A Better World. We closed in 1996 and have spent years developing a place for artists to gather and develop performances. We have a ranch in the Mojave Desert that is an oasis in the California landscape. Kalamar was an important part of our learning curve, we would like to invite him to visit the ranch as our guest. We hope you can help us contact him. Judi and Jim Sarkisian, Newberry Springs, CA. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3099. Announcements, 29 Sep 2009 - "Rides and Spangles," circus exhibit, Clarke Historical Library, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, Sept. 15 to Jan. 31, feature various events and speakers throughout the months. Featuring videos, books, artifacts, and a miniature circus and carnival train. Sept. 29 and featured Detroit circuses and maritime historian, John Polacsek and Erin Foley, archivist at the Circus World Museum, discussed their circus research, research trends on the topic and the museum, home of the Ringling Bros. and Gollmar Bros. circuses. Mike and Karen “Janke” Janczewski from the Janke’s Circus will speak at the event on Oct. 13. They will discuss circus fans, model buildings and miniature circuses. Pat Pagel, current national president of Circus Fans of America Association also is scheduled to speak that day. Google Books has digitized Billboard from about 1942 to the present. http://books.google.com/books?id=LRMEAAAAMBAJ&dq=billboard&client= firefox-&source=gbs_navlinks_s#all_issues_anchor. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 3098. Trapeze, triple somersault, 28 Sep 2009 - My name is Finn Hansen. I’m trying to help Lasse Lønholm, an old friend of my family here home in Denmark – Scandinavia. He tells that his father was the number 3 or 4 in the world to make a triple somersault in the flying trapeze and want to find anything in the history that can verify the information’s given to him since childhood only, by his father Sven Aage Lønholm. I here try to give a summary of what I’ve’ picked up. Sven Aage Lønholm born 1907 in Denmark. 1922 – Arrived to New York employed on a freight ship. Sailed approx. one year from NY to South America and vice versa. On one of the turns to NY he meets a flying trapeze troupe which limitedly catches his mind. (Already as a very young child he builds his own trapeze and swung it in the woods home in Denmark). The troupe he meets consists of as - I hear it - maybe a married couple with a daughter and maybe more artists and a catcher which never showed up. While sailing, the troupe parasitized their skills on the deck of the ship and Sven Aage joined the training with huge interest and got hired as a stand in for the missing catcher which also gave access to a working permission in another mans name in the lack of his own permission! 1923 – The troupe performs in two circuses which names should be something as Robinson’s and Sells Floto Circus. Sven Aage now behaves the triple somersault and another catcher may now be in place 1923 – 1924 The troupe perform with the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey circus in the centre show where an accident occurs. While Sven Aage and a catcher stands on a platform, something in the rigging suddenly cracks and results in a vertical fall directly down from the platform. First the catcher hits the ground and is drop dead. In the following second Sven Aage is landing on top of the catcher. Sven Aage wakes up on hospital with a broken neck with no one around him except of the personal of the hospital. He got told that the troupe have left town and he have to stay in bed for several weeks. With no money and no insurance he decides to “escape” from the hospital. For a while he lives as a vagabond before turning himself into an education as a diver in the US navy. Some day in the seamen’s church he recognises himself on a picture. The family home in Denmark is searching for him since he “forgot” to tell about his plans of leaving Denmark for 3 or 4 years ago as a 14 or 15 years old boy. This makes him leave USA having Denmark as the next destination. It’s now here 85 years later his son Lasse is searching for some information which again leads us to the top of the letter. I hope for the possibility that it will start ringing a bell in someone’s mind out there. Kind regards, Finn Hansen, Denmark. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
The only Robinson-titled troupe out in 1923 was the John Robinson Circus, a property of the American Circus Corporation of Peru, IN. That firm also owned the Sells-Floto Circus. An article about the 1923 John Robinson show in the CHS journal "Bandwagon" [VI, 5, pages 3-9] lists just one flying act in the program: Display 13. Trapeze number with the Flying La Vans, Celia Fortune, Teresa Morales, Mrs. [Eddie] Woeckner, Emmett Kelly [the famous clown] and the Moore Sisters. The 1923 edition of the Sells-Floto Circus was also covered in "Bandwagon" [XXII, 6, pages 36-45]. In the performance, Display 13 was the Bert Duo, Oranto Brothers, the Arleys, Jansley Duo and the Uyeno brothers. The Flying La Vans is the only name that really stand out amongst all the names. They received a page of coverage in Steve Gossard's book "A Reckless Era of Aerial Performance, the Evolution of the Trapeze." Perhaps Steve will have further details about the exploits this group? It might also be worthwhile to peruse Emmett Kelly's autobiography; perhaps he covers some aspects of his days as an aerialist. In 1924 publicity, RBBB featured the Clarkonians, the Nelsons, the Silbons, the Siegrists and the Neapolitans. The Clarkonians, Silbons and Siegrists are all well known aerial troupes. What seems clear is that the gentleman that you're seeking did not appear under his own name, but that of an act. This is quite common for riding, acrobatic and aerial acts with multiple members. It is that name that must be determined, and the engagements that they fulfilled. The circumstances of the accident seem unusual; generally, a flyer and a catcher would not both be standing on the same platform. I believe that a catcher usually reached his bar by means of a rope near the static catcher's bar, separate from a ladder that led up to the flyers platform at the opposite end of the rigging. It is also normal that the platform and the catcher's bar would be within the confines of the net underneath, though it's possible that an equipment failure might precipitate a fall beyond its limits. On July 25, 1926, at Chicago, during the last day of a RBBB engagement in lakefront Grant Park, the Flying Cromwells fell 35 to 50 feet from their trapeze rigging to the ground. The act was described as a husband and wife, Frank and Maud/Maude, together in the circus for 20 years. One story told of a hook holding up their apparatus failed, precipitating the fall, while another said that Mrs. Cromwell missed a swing and another trapeze broke. A view of the duo performing their act, likely in the 1910s, can be seen at: http://digitalgallery.nypl.org/nypldigital/dgkeysearchdetail.cfm?trg=1&strucID=137222&imageID=104496&total= 766&num=60&word=col%5Fid%3A199&s=1¬word=&d=&c=&f=&k=0&lWord=&lField=&sScope=images&sLevel =&sLabel=Staten%20Island%20in%20Vintage%20Postcards&imgs=20&pos=72&e=w This is the only trapeze-related RBBB accident that was revealed in a newspaper search. Perhaps another researcher will find another. Your best source of information would be to scan the circus news of the "Billboard" magazine. Another single female trapeze performer also fell during 1925, but it seems unrelated to your description. Her act was sourced from RBBB, but was appearing at a fraternal-sponsored circus. Fred Dahlinger
Two things seem to be definite in this story; there was a catcher, and there was a triple somersault. Both of these elements dictate that this must have been a flying act of some sort, and not just a single or double trapeze act. Someone had to swing from one piece of equipment to another-or to another person. In the 1920s this could mean either a casting act, or a flying return act. The Peerless Potters were said to have done a triple from the hands of one catcher to another in their casting act in the 1930s, but this was not literally a trapeze act, and I don't believe Harry Potter was working at this time due to illness. This leaves only a flying return act. Only two flying acts were doing a triple in the 1920s that I know of: Ernie Clarke, of the Flying Clarkonians; and Ernie Lane of the Flying Wards. Clarke was the first man to catch a triple somersault with his brother, Charles, and Lane was the second, with Eddie Ward as his catcher. Lane died in 1921 in a bad fall to the net. That was too early for the mishap that Mr. Lonholm referred to in his story. During the '20s Eddie Ward provided almost all of the aerial acts for the American Circus Corp., of which the Robinson and the Wallace shows were a part. Harry La Van sometimes practiced with the Wards at their barn on Emerson Street in Bloomington, Illinois, so it is not surprising to hear that the La Vans were with one of those shows in 1923. Harry worked with his wife, Amy, and a number of other flyers, but they never had a daughter, and I've never heard that they performed a triple somersault. Eddie Ward's troupe, howerver, included Eddie and his wife, Mayme; and did perform the triple until Ernie Lane's death in 1921. It may be possible that Mr. Lonholm worked with one of these troupes, but neither of them contracted with the Ringling Barnum show in the 1920s. If Mr. Lonholm moved over to the Ringling Barnum show in 1923 or 1924 he must have changed acts. Of the trapeze acts that worked with the Ringling Barnum show those years, as Fred Dahlinger states, we can eliminate all but the Siegrist Silbons, the Clarkonians, the Nelsons and the Neopolitains because they were the only flying acts. The others were all single or double trapeze acts, and would not have used a catcher or attempted a triple somersault. The Clarkonians were probably doing the triple somersault. They had been catching this trick since about 1909. Tom Nelson's Flying Nelsons had used the Wards' training barn in the past, and had worked closely with some of the Bloomington people. Charles Siegrist's troupe was the Neopolitains. Though he was a great flyer, Charles never performed a triple somersault himself. All of these flying acts were at the top of their profession, and Mr. Lonholm could have been with any one of them. This brings me to the question of the rigging accident. I have never heard of this mishap, and as Fred Dahlinger points out, the Billboard made no mention of it. I would assume that it happened in practice and not in performance. It would not be in the best interest of the show or the profession to publicize it. As Fred points out, the story has been somewhat distorted if it was said that the catcher and flyer both fell from the pedestal board, because the catcher did not come in contact with the board, but climbed directly to the catch bar. I do have a photo of a flyer with the Flying Wards troupe that is dated 1925 - possibly taken earlier - which includes a flyer that I have not seen anywhere else. He is identified as "Whity Galvin," or "Galvith" but I would speculate that he may have been Mr. Lonholm. Steve Gossard
3097. Run off and join the circus, 28 Sep 2009 - Does anyone know the origin of the phrase: "run off and join the circus" or sometimes, "run away and join the circus". Is there a work of literature or early movie where this phrase is used? Patricia. 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
3096. Morton & Hammet, 27 Sep 2009 - I am writing to find out if you have any info regarding a circus that was around in the 70's it was called Morton & Hammet or it was reversed. My mother Donna Lockard and my aunt Debbie Lockard were performers. I have been trying to find a picture of my bio father. His name was Robert F. Atterberry. My ex step father Gary W. Peterson also was in the circus. I would apperciate any help. Thanks, Anna. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3095. Karl King's Golden Dragon Overture, 27 Sep 2009 - I urgently need to purchase a DVD recording of Karl King's Golden Dragon Overture which is being played when you are put on the hold feature of the CVS drugstore in Ocean City, MD. It is requested for a terminally ill friend. Does this DVD exist or can one be made? We would love to purchase or pay expenses for this item. God bless. Pat Templeton. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 3094. Robert Fossett 1890, 27 Sep 2009 - I have a lovely photo of Robert with my Russian bareback rider great great grandfather Alexander Whelan in their Jocky outfits! taken when they are both about 20 in 1890. janinemonterosso. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3093. Flying Behrs, 26 Sep 2009 - I am looking for information on the Flying Behrs, a trapeze group who appeared in the circus of the Ringling Brothers probably from 1934 until the death of Janis Wray in 1953. Janis Wray name off stage was Janis Sarah Rosenberg. The Flying Behrs were initiated by Jerome "Jerry" Wilson who, after the death of his wife, Sarah Janis Rosenberg, migrated to Australia with his son Jerome Wilson Jr. also known as Jay. I would particularly like to know of Jerry's activities in Australia. Best, Jules Feldman, jfeldman@yizrael.org.il. 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
3092. East Tennessee before 1962, 26 Sep 2009 - I was wondering if you could tell me the locations (or how to find them) of where circus' performed in East Tennessee prior to Knoxville building their arena back in 1962 (?). I've done research but the spots are listed generically. Thanks. Roger Thompson. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3091. Back Yard newsletter, 25 Sep 2009 - Hello everyone, I'm trying to establish whether the circus newsletter "The Back Yard", out of Bradenton Florida, is still being published and how to contact the publisher. Does anyone have any knowledge of this publication? My last contact was Jim Olson, but his e-mail address, thebackyard@att.net, no longer works. Thanks for any help you can give me, Sheila M. Hufeld. Milner Library, Illinois State University, Bibliographic Services. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 3090. Hugo Darcy, clown, 25 Sep 2009 - Do you have any information about Hugo Darcy? He was a clown and later had a performing dog called 'Lucky.' He was Italian and died in 1971. Hugo lived with my Grandmother who had nursed him through an illness and lived with them after that, in Beccles, Suffolk. England. He was such a lovely man and I wished I had asked more questions about his life. Jonathan Smith. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3089. Tanit Ikao, 25 Sep 2009 - Does anyone know Tanit Ikao’s real name and history. I spent a lot of time with her as a child and liked her very much. Marsha Hunt Jones. 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 3088. Italian tightrope performer 1961, 24 Sep 2009 - I am trying to trace an Italian tightrope performer who played Portsmouth in 1961. I would imagine it was Chipperfield's Circus. Further to my e-mail today, I have reason to believe it was Billy Smart's Circus that performed at Portsmouth in July/August 1961. The gentleman I wish to trace is Italian and a tightrope walker or high wire performer. Any information you were able to provide would be most appreciated. Regards, John Cordell. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3087. Tex Ella's Wild West, 22 Sep 2009 - I'm looking for information on an old "mud show" from the early 1900's. Tex Ella's Wild West Show was run by my great-grandparents and it would have traveled through the south and lower midwest. Any information is appreciated. Thank you, Susan from Philadelphia. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 3086. Nobu Kawamura, 20 Sep 2009 - My grandfather was part of a circus when he was very young, his name was Nobu Kawamura. I will like to know if anyone out there has any pictures from that old era, specially may of my grandfather and other 2 brothers which they were part of the act. Thanks, Lucy. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3085. Elephants, Zambia, 19 Sep 2009 - This is truly the most interesting story. A "must read." Elephants march through hotel lobby after it was built on their migration trail in Zambia - from The Daily Mail. Warm Regards, Anand Dhotre. www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1065865/Pictured-Elephants-march-hotel-lobby-built-migration-trail.html 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 3084. August deaths, circus, 18 Sep 2009 - In Australia the number of Deaths of some of our most famous circus names including Wirth's, Bullens, Ashtons, Perrys, St Leon, Lennons, Zacchini in the month of (August) is nothing short of incredible. It would be interesting to know if August is a bad month for circus people around the world. Robert Perry, Australia. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3083. Lulu Craston, clown, 18 Sep 2009 - My name is Bev Morley, I come from a long line of Tulley's on my mothers side, can anyone help me with a problem. I have a picture of a lady called Lulu Craston supposedly the first woman clown in Great Britain her father was Joe Craston, I am desperate for any information regarding either or both of these circus acts for my daughters project. Our family album contains a picture of Lulu Craston, this dates around 1930 - 1940 ish. Is there anyone out there who can help me. Always in best regards, Bev Morley. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 3082. Circus personnel, US Army, 17 Sep 2009 - I am looking for information regarding the use of circus personnel advising or even drafted into the US Army for loading trains. Is this true or myth. Any help is appreciated. Best Regards, Jesse G. Camp III, Orlando, Fl. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
You probably need to refine your question, specifying the era of your specific interest: Civil War; later 19th century; turn of the century, WWI, WWII; or thereafter? The responses to CHS messages 530 and 918 provide a partial response to your query. They pertain to the turn of the century and up to WWI periods. Go to "Access Message Archives" to read them. Loading trains is also broad: do you mean the typical "circus style" end-loading of flat cars; the housing and conveying of animals; or the provisioning for personnel? Each has different origins and influences. Another area of considerable interest to military observers was the circus cookhouse operations, which were very mobile and could prepare and serve thousands of meals three times per day. I do not recall reading a memoir or hearing any personal testimony from a former circus person declaring that their specific knowledge of the loading of circus trains was the reason that they were drafted or joined the army. Buckles Woodcock, in one of the responses to the above queries, stated that circus owner Ayres Davies did apply his knowledge to the loading of army trains in WWII after he'd suggested and described such practices to other officers. Davies was in the USMC and attended their OTS in Quantico, VA, per his biography with a 1942 circus history article: www.wisconsinhistory.org/wmh/archives/search.aspx?area=browse&volume=25&articleID=13777. Davies experience included employment between 1937-1939 with Russell Bros. (a motorized show) and RBBB (a railroad circus). He also admitted to being a life-long student of circuses. Be aware that the flat car end-loading methodology wasn't unique to the circus and that learned people could readily devise such a system once the basic idea was in mind. Other commercial and industrial enterprises also utilized it, though many also used simple side-loading from a freight platform. There are pros and cons to both methodologies depending upon specific needs, conditions, etc. Fred Dahlinger
3081. Portland, Oregon, 17 Sep 2009 - I remember going to a circus in Portland Oregon when I was very young, which I was told was the last time the circus came to Portland in a tent - I would like to know what the year and location was - I think it was in the early 50's. Thanks, Bruce. 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 3080. Montgomery Queen, 17 Sep 2009 - I would like to find out any family information anyone may have on Montgomery Queen, of Brooklyn, NY. Born 1821 Brooklyn, and died 1901. He did run various businesses, including stagecoach, feed, and circus. He may be a link to my family. Thank you. Carole. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3079. Frank Foster, Bertram Mills, 16 Sep 2009 - My grandfather's cousin was Frank Foster, Ring Master for Bertram Mills Circus. Born 1892 does anyone have any information about where or when he died and his family. I remember in the early 1970's a grandchild of his coming to visit us at my grandfather's house in York and at least with his parents there was still some circus involvement, though at that point I believe the family were in the USA. I would love to hear any news/information anyone may have. Kind regards, Abigail Lloyd-Jones. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 3078. Clown ball noses, 14 Sep 2009 - Hello, The question recently came up in a discussion: who/where/when was the ball nose/putty nose for clowns first used, and when did it become popularized? I've heard from multiple sources it's a distillation of the Commedia dell'Arte masks, though there is one dissenter, who is a fairly reputable circus historian. (he wrote a book on Dan Rice, for Pete's sake!) It seems the ball nose was more an Auguste thing than a Whiteface thing. We know that Tom Belling used greasepaint on his nose. Lou Jacobs once told me that he jealously guarded his two hollowed-out rubber balls during WWII rubber rationing. I don't believe he originated the practice, but that does place it in time. I'd guess putty noses preceded the rubber, presuming American/European uses of latex are more of a late 19th/20th century development. What do you folks know? Thanks, Rich Potter. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3077. Orton & Older's, 1858-60, 14 Sep 2009 - I am in the process of writing a historical novel based upon a tour of Orton and Older's Great Southern Circus. The show I am researching toured from May 9, 1858 until September 15, 1860. The caravan made almost 700 stands in eighteen states during that period just prior to the Civil War. My ancestors were a part of that circus and any information I may obtain would be invaluable to the historical accuracy of my story. Any information or antidotes would be gratefully appreciated. Nick West, Gainesville, Florida. 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 3076. Horst Hortinis, 14 Sep 2009 - I'm looking for a man who worked as an acrobat for an East German circus, based in Magdenburg, during the late 50's early 60'. His name of art at the time was HORST HORTINIS and should be of the age 65-70 today. During 1959-60 he was on tour in former Soviet Union, todays Russia. If anyone has any kind of information about either him directly or information about East German circuses active at the time in general please contact me. Anything helps as I'm trying to find a needle in a hay stack. Kind regards, Carolina Stalhandske. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3075. Rueben Allen Steere, 11 Sep 2009 - Would anybody have any information on Colonel Rueben Allen Steere? He was in the Stone Murray Circus and Pollard's Lillipution Opera? Thank you so much, Susan Norden. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 3074. Bucking Bronco trick bicycle, 10 Sep 2009 - Hello, RE: Vintage Bucking Bronco trick bicycle (saddle goes up/down to propell along) We are researching the history of our vintage Hawtin up/down bicycle made by Hawtins firm of Blackpool, and wonder if anyone knows if these were used in the Circuses, which Circuses, & which performers? Also what years? Is anyone able to supply us with old photos? or programmes? We wonder if any were used at Blackpool Tower Circus, Bertram Mills Circus at Sutton Coldfield, Sutton Park by the old crystal palace there in 1900s. The bikes have solid tyres, heavily made with cranks, no brakes or chain, & they are propelled along by the rider bumping up/down on the saddle with fee on metal fixed 'pedals'. The wheels had covered in metal spats painted with coloured swirls/triangles usually reds, greens, yellows, orange. We have learnt that they were supplied to funfairs around the 1950's (Clacton, Blackpool, Sutton Coldfield) and people are telling us that some were bought from a circus sale. Hoping someone knows something. Regards, Chris & Di, Circus fans. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
I don't recall seeing any advertisements, but a film of the ride in action is held by the firm, which still exists in suburban Philadelphia, in Hatfield, PA. It can be see in a 1993 compilation, "Coaster & Park Films from the Philadelphia Toboggan Co." issued by Tim Young Productions, Inc., P. O. Box 22134, Louisville, KY 40252. I'm unaware if it's still available. A fleet of PTC Hobby Horses was shown in the film in use on a wooden boardwalk, likely Atlantic City, before WWII. They appear to be suited to level, hard surfaces. They can readily navigate corners. With a bit of decoration, they could be turned into some sort of bucking bronco riding-like apparatus. Perhaps PTC licensed a British manufacturer to issue them overseas, or maybe someone derived a two-wheel version from PTC's three? PTC once made the Skee-Ball game [c1945-c1977], coaster trains and other devices. Perhaps a connection came about via arcade work? You might try doing a search of patent records, but unfortunately the key word searching functions for on-line files often isn't very reliable. You might also try posting a query at www.napha.org, the website of the National Amusement Park Historical Association. Someone there might have knowledge of the Hawtins-made device [see Discussions before posting a query]. Fred Dahlinger
3073. Ferocious tiger litho, real or not?, 10 Sep 2009 - I found a (poster/litho) of the ferocious tiger, 32' x 23 1/4'' and the bottom left side says P 4 - 1916. Right side says copyright 1916 by the Strobridge Litho Co. Cincinnati & New York. It is on a thick poster board and the colors appear to be deeper shades of the blues and brown and more beige than white and a vivid red color. That is, I am comparing mine to the picture on the web site. Please reply. Betty Valentine, New Castle, De. 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 3072. James McIndoo, 09 Sep 2009 - I'm looking for pictures and information about my great uncle, James McIndoo. He appeared with, I believe, the Forepaugh and Sells circus around 1887 or 1888. Dale Blanshan, Rochester, MN. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3071. Bert Williams, 08 Sep 2009 - I am doing research on a documentary film about Vaudeville and we are interested in Bert Williams. I, too, have read his references to training with a European mime named Pietro but have not been able to find anything else about him. Were you able to find any more information about him based on your request below in 2006? Terri Foxman. Pietro, pantomime, 26 April, 2006 - I am looking for a master pantomime named Pietro. Not sure if he was well known or like many performers, just a practitioner of his craft. I Have no last name and not sure if he performed in the circus, legitimate theatre or in the streets. Time frame between 1865 and 1911. Not sure if the location is France, England or Italy. Only information I have is Europe. He was the teacher during the summer months for Egbert Austin Williams, America's most famous black vaudeville artist and instrumental in teacher Bert the techniques evident in his famous poker sketch. I have been searching for a long time, tried almost everything. I hope you have some leads on any bearer of this name. Thank you. Ms. Scottie Davis. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 3070. May Merritt, 08 Sep 2009 - Does anyone have any information on “May Merritt”. I have a colorized cabinet card stamped on the back, Alvin B. Warful, Photographer, Cadiz, Ohio. Steve Shelton in Danbury, NC. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3069. James Ward, 19th Century Clown, 07 Sep 2009 - I write local history for the Pottstown Mercury, Pottstown, Pa. Your Olympians of the Sawdust Circle is very interesting and has given me some good information on Archie Royer - born in Pottstown and Charles Parker who was married to Elizabeth Missimer a Pottstown girl. This note is about your entry for James Ward, who was Elizabeth Missimer's 2nd husband. According to your information Ward died Oct. 28, 1888 while performing on the trapezez. However according to the Daily Pottstown Ledger of Jan. 20, 1890 he was still alive. "James Ward far-famed circus clown and actor whose wife is a daughter of the laste Major M. Missimer, was in Pottstown on Saturday (Jan. 18, 1890.)" The aricle goes on to say that Ward, "Has made no circus engagements for the coming season yet," and the "Recent death of his old friend and patron, John O'Brien - great showman has disconerted his plans." Ward died sometime between the date of that article and Jan. 24, 1893, when the Ledger reported Mrs. James Ward of Philadelphia and her niece, Miss Viola Missimer spent Sunday in Pottstown." Is it possbile there were two James Wards from that period? Your information gives M. as his middle initial, while the Pottstown newspapers and a deed at the Montgomery Court House give his middle initail as "W." In addition an 1878 article in the Ledger states that he "made his debut in the circus of James W. Myers and Co." in 1850 and also lists some of the other circuses he performed with: Gardner and Hemming, 1861; Bailey and Co., 1865; several seasons with John O'Brien's Circus and Menagerie, and that "he has owned several circuses." Other Ledger articles show that in May 1888 he was with O'Brien, Ashley and Co.'s circus; in Nov. 78 he was going to New York City to "conclude negotiations with a manager of a leading variety theatre there for a winter engagement, June 1879"; he was a clown with Bachelder and Doriss' Circus; and May 1886, James Ward was with John O'Brien's Metropolitan Circus and Menagrie as a clown. Please don't take this a criticism of your web site, which I admire. Sincerely, Michael Snyder. 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 3068. Lipkos chimps, 07 Sep 2009 - Can you please direct me to anything available for this act of Lipkos comedy chimps? I was the assistant for the act for 4 years around 1977 and have lost all my memorabilia and pictures. Charles Wynott. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3067. Oceanside NY, winter quarters, 05 Sep 2009 - Dear CHS Members, When I was a child I lived in Oceanside, New York (on Long Island). At the south end of town between Oceanside Rd. and Long Beach Rd. there was an area where a circus wintered its animals. This would have been in the 1940s sometime. A "wallow" near the water was always referred to as "the elephant hole" as long as I lived in the area (until 1957). The site itself was surrounded by chain link fencing and something like plywood to shield it from passersby. None of my family or friends remembers this. I would be so happy to have my memories confirmed and to know the name of the circus. Was it the Clyde-Beatty circus? Thank you for helping me. sbliedell@comcast.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 3066. Hoxie Tucker, 04 Sep 2009 - I am trying to find out some information about Hoxie Tucker's significant contributions and most notable achievements in the circus industry. If anyone has any information please contact me. He is my grandfather and I am trying to put together a record for my children so they can appreciate the man he was and his contributions. Thank you for your time and assistance, Kelly Williams cfprivatei@aol.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3065. Performer photos, 04 Sep 2009 - I have three photos that were found in an old house in Iowa City. They are of three circus performers. The first two cards all have "Newsboy New York" on the front along the bottom of the photos, the last card has "Campbell Neqw York". The performers are: Harriett Vernon (dressed as a risque Roman soldier). Eva Barthold (looks like an acrobat). Agnes Evans (her costume looks like an aerial costume.) Anyone know anything about these performers? From the looks of the cards I'm guessing they are from around the turn of the century. Barb Comstock. 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 3064. Carl & Flora Bruce, 01 Sep 2009 - I am looking for information on two of the Al Barnes Big Show performers in 1922, Carl Bruce and Flora Bruce. Any information you have would be appreciated. Thank you, IceImages. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3063. Walter Jennier & "Buddy", 31 Aug 2009 - Does anyone have a complete list of the years and shows that Walter Jennier and his seal or sea lion named "Buddy" appeared? I know that Jennier had one Buddy on the 1934 Dill-Mix show and that this Buddy died at Mix quarters early in 1935. By 1936 he had another Buddy on the Joe B Webb Circus and I think went from there to Russell Bros. In the late 30s they were with Haag Bros. and then Wallace Bros. according to one Bandwagon mention. The next reference I find to the act is on the 1951-52 Wallace and Clark and later to Hunt Bros by 1961. No doubt I have missed a number of shows. Any help would be appreciated. Many thanks - Dave. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Walter Jennier and seal Buddy, at Fitchburg theater, Fitchburg, MA. Fitchburg Sentinel (Fitchburg, MA), October 20, 1931, p. 1. Walter Jennier and seal Buddy, on Dill's Circus. Logansport Press (Logansport, IN) May 28, 1932, p. 3. Walter Jennier and seal Buddy, on Dill's Circus. Big Spring Herald (Big Spring, TX), September 24, 1933, p. 2. Walter Jennier and seal Buddy, on Russell Bros. Circus. Daily Call (Piqua, OH)June 4, 1936, p. 9. Walter Jennier and seal "Buddy," on Russell Bros. Circus. Morning Avalanche (Lubbock, TX), September 28, 1937, p. 5. Walter Jennier and seal Buddy, on Haag Bros. (not Mighty Haag). Kingsport Times, August 18, 1938, p. 10. Walter Jennier and seal Buddy, on Russell Bros. Circus. Daily Mail (Hagrstown, MD), July 21, 1939, p. 2. Walter Jennier and seal "Buddy," on Russell Bros. Circus. Article says they were on this circus before and are are back this year. Big Spring Herald (Big Spring, TX), October 18, 1941, p. 4. Walter Jennier and seal Buddy, on Polack Bros. Circus. San Antonio Light (San Antonio, TX), October 27, 1944, p. 2-A. Walter Jennier and seal Buddy, on Arthur Bros. Circus. Waukesha Freeman (Waukesha, WI), July 31, 1945, p. 1. Buddy died of suffocation on his way to Portage La Prairie, Manitoba for the Portage exhibition. Winnipeg Free Press (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada), July 11, 1947, p. 4. Walter Jennier and seal Buddy, on Wallace & Clark. Greensburg Daily News (Greensburg, IN), May 13, 1953, p. 6. Walter Jennier and seal Buddy, on King Bros. Great Circus. American Press (Lake Charles, LA), November 7, 1954, p. 11. Walter Jennier and seal Buddy, on King Bros. Circus. Daily Reporter (Dover, OH), May 22, 1954, p. 21.
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 3062. George, Louisa Marinoff, 31 Aug 2009 - I am trying to find old friends of ours George and Louisa Marinoff. Is there some way to contact them? They were performers at Busch Gardens back in the late eighties early nineties. Loretta G Valverde. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3061. 1890s ticket cost, 30 Aug 2009 - Amy Hale would like to ask how much it would cost to attend the circus in the 1890's. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Are you wanting to know solely ticket prices in the 1890s? That's a simpler question. General admission adult tickets were usually fifty cents, children under twelve years of age were 25 cents. Those prices remained in effect for quite a long time before and after the 1890s. There was a difference if you bought tickets in advance [sometimes a reduction to forty cents] or reserved seat tickets [added cost]. In the 1880s there was a movement of cheaper ten-cent circuses, with accompanying reductions in features and attractions. In times of economic uncertainty some showmen didn't declare their ticket prices in advance, sensing what the local economy might bear and establishing the ticket prices on show day. That could mean the usual 50/25 split, or less. Some even adjusted prices between shows, if the crowds were great. There were also instances of showmen charging a ten cent premium at ticket selling locations away from the lot, for the convenience of not standing in the long lines at the ticket wagon on the lot. "Flexible pricing" schemes often brought heated commentary from residents, but it was pretty much a take it or leave it situation. Fred Dahlinger Keep the heritage of the circus alive, join CHS today! Membership 3060. Cole Bros., Clyde Beatty, 30 Aug 2009 - Hey Y'all: I have not been living in a cave, but what happened to the title of "Clyde Beatty" on the "Cole Bros. Clyde Beatty Circus." Why did Cole Bros. drop the name and no "Cats?" I did not even see a kitten on the lot in New-ark, Delaware last week. Ok thanks, "Doc" Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3059. Orchestmelochor wagon, 29 Aug 2009 - Several years ago I recall seeing a good photograph of the Barnum & Bailey orchestmelochor wagon in the B & B menagerie with the top section fully extended. I thought the photo was in Bandwagon but I have been unable to locate it. I have searched the Bandwagon archives and most of the magazines since 1990. I also emailed Fred Dahlinger but he only had access to one photo with the wagon in the background. Dick Britton. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 3058. Thelm Heise, Edward Jeffries, 28 Aug 2009 - Hi my name is Robin Hosmun. And I am doing research on my family. Mainly my Grandfather whom Ive never met. Nor has my mother. Now my Grandmother and Grandfather worked for a circus around 1942 thru 1950? I dont know the name of the circus, but it would have been in Northern California, Sacramento. My Grandmother's name was (Thelma Sydney Heise aka Thelma Diane aka Diane and aka (Jeffries). Born 3/28/26, died 11/1982. My Grandfather's name was/is? Edward Debo (d?) Jeffries I know he was in the World War 2 and thats all. My grandmother worked on the ropes with rings. They had my mother April Ann Jeffries 07/27/1942, still living and they had my aunt Lura Lee Jeffries in 1945?46/ she is deceased 1995. Any information would be appreciated. Sincerly, Robin Hosmun. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3057. Elephant Judy, 26 Aug 2009 - We are looking for some information for the Oklahoma Historical Society about a Stevens Circus elephant named Judy who died in Grandfield Oklahoma either in the late 30s or mid 40s. Everybody in town remembers about the elephant, but nobody remembers what happened to her. Is there anyone from the Stevens Circus who would remember? Thanks for any information you might have. Judie Brigh. 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 3056. Circus bands, 25 Aug 2009 - Hello dear friends, Circuses are not my main subject of research but they appear in several of my researches about jazz pioneers who worked in carnivals, circuses, etc. I am particularly looking for images of colored musicians or bands that were employed by the great shows from 1900 to 1950. I thank you in advance if you can help me. Best greetings from Daniel Vernhettes, Paris, France. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Watkins wisely consulted newspapers that catered to the African-American population and these same publications provided considerable fodder for two other important books about black musicians and traveling shows. Both were authored by Lynn Abbott and Doug Seroff: "Out of Sight: The Rise of African American Popular Music" (2003) and "Ragged but Right: Black Traveling Shows" (2007). Both are well worth a review by students of circus and allied arts history. Another volume that provides background is Bruce Vermazen's "That Moaning Saxophone, The Six Brown Brothers and the Dawning of a Musical Craze," (2004). Circus side show bands provided one means of transporting music, but so did the black and mixed race dance bands with excursion boats plying the inland waterways. Those operated by the Streckfus family perhaps played the most significant role. William Howland Kenney's "Jazz on the River" (2005) is a recent study of that phenomenon. I believe that there was also a mixing of these river bands and traveling show bands. As for images of black bands and musicians with circuses, start by looking for photos published in the Adam Forepaugh and Sells Bros. route books in the 1890s. You might find some on-line, but likely you'll need to make contact with institutions specializing in circus history collections or private collectors. You might try to contact Pascal Jacob, the French circus historian and designer, who has an outstanding collection of circus documentation. Stuart Thayer penned "The Circus Roots of Negro Minstrelsy," a paper about early [mid 19th century] minstrels and the circus ["Bandwagon," Nov-Dec 1996, pages 43-45] and it might be worth your while to review it. There's also the musical groups with late 19th century shows, like Forepaugh's "camp singers," that were derived from the success of the Fisk University Jubilee group. An African-American named J. M. Jackson also published a weekly column in "Billboard" magazine in the 1920s that provided insights for black musicians with traveling shows. This has not yet been mined by any musicologist. There is a compiled resource file about African-Americans and the circus in the Circus World Museum library, with one or more headings for black side show bands and musicians. It might serve as a ready resource for further information and images. One should also not forget about the singers that often accompanied these groups. Ma Rainey, associated with the blues, traveled with many shows, but references to her association with an actual circus is limited, Sandra Lieb [Mother of the Blues, 1983] mentioning activity within the "concert" or "after show." Some of the minstrel troupes with which she was affiliated were owned by circus people [Black circus man Eph Williams owned the Silas Green outfit]. The Sverre O. Braathen compiled circus band and musician rosters, referenced elsewhere in these listings, do contain some side show bands listings and the names of some bandleaders and musicians of interest to your work. You might consult them to expand your database of "famous names." Despite the discriminatory practices by circuses that reflected American life, B&B bandleader Ned Brill did arrange for the black B&B side show band to participate in the grand entree of Barnum & Bailey one year in the 1910s [1916]. Fred Dahlinger
You may want to peruse the extensive materials contained in the gathered African American file on your next visit to Baraboo. It covers all aspects, from audience and snack stands to workingmen, and performers to proprietors, with extracts from everything, diaries and journals to route books and photographs. It's all intriguing, and varies from shocking to satisfying. The gathering was not conceived as comprehensive, but to serve as a lead and inspirational source file for further research, a hard copy prelude to the anticipated "key word searching" sort of discovery in a large document collection. The most heinous episode in American circus history was the lynching of six African American workingmen with the John Robinson circus at Duluth in 1920, an incident that has been covered in several books and numerous articles. You'll readily find them. The story isn't as much about the circus as the community, a prosperous and presumably tolerant Northern city, which is what made it so shocking. What the volumes do not explore was the absence of commentary about the murders in the outdoor show trade journals. They also fail to assess the presence of black workingmen on many other shows and how the incident impacted their existence. The South, as Junior experienced, could still be dangerous, but what about the North after Duluth? Greg Renoff's book "The Big Tent," focusing on circus-community relations in Georgia, serves to provide a contrasting insight to the Minnesota episode. There has been coverage of Junior Ruffin's career in "Bandwagon," at least two articles, and he was invited to address the CHS convention in Sarasota immediately after his participation in the inauguration of the Universoul Circus in the 1990s. Percy Turner's 1960s circus received some coverage in "Bandwagon," too. Pioneering black owner Eph Williams has been addressed in at least three books about Wisconsin's circus heritage. A cryptic note in his obituary suggests that there were several other black shows before his, but they've proven very elusive. Orin King found one and John Polacsek may know of another. Slout's "Olympians" has some cameo biographies of black performers, and one can also find them mentioned in Thayer's "Annals." Hopefully someone will take up the challenge of writing the book we'd like to read. Congratulations, Junior! Fred Dahlinger
3055. Margaret Chipperfield, 25 Aug 2009 - Good Afternoon from Australia, I am trying to get in touch with an old friend, Margaret Chipperfield, daughter of Jimmy and Rose. We all lived in Southampton then. Many years ago! Any Ideas! Please. Graham. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 3054. Lowry/Lowery, Naylor families, 23 Aug 2009 - Can anybody tell me the true story behind a family legend that circus performers called Lowry/Lowery were killed when their ship returning them to USA sank? Does any body have any information, or can tell me where to find information, about the Lowry/Lowery and Naylor travelling showman families, please? Thank you, Laura Simpson. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3053. Damoo Dhotre, 23 Aug 2009 - Dear All, To remember memories of my Great-grandfather late Damoo Dhotre I am arranging Exhibition of Historical Photographs of Damoo Dhotre’s from Circus World on his Birth Anniversary 31st Aug, 2009. I want suggestions, views and feedbacks on Damoo Dhotre’s Life from respected people from Circus World like you, which will be very helpful for Circus Artists and Circus Lovers. I will collect information from each one you and definitely showing in Circus Exhibition. So kindly send me views or comments on mail dhotre.anand@gmail.com as soon as possible. Thanks and Regards, Anand Dhotre (Damoo Dhotre’s Great grandson). 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 3052. New book, 23 Aug 2009 - Same book with corrections, I HOPE!, Pat C. It's a book release, and you're invited - check out my new book at Blurb: www.blurb.com/bookstore/invited/565861/ fd31e1926a136edff1b08dfdf4e5736d. Thank you, Pat Cuneo [Cirque-Circo-Zirkus-Circus Phase 2. Circus Memories.] Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3051. Robert Barbour Johnson, 22 Aug 2009 - I am looking for information on Robert Barbour Johnson. He said he joined a circus sometime after 1923 and quite some time before 1930, in the time touring most of the U.S. and Canada. He did not give the name of the circus. Johnson was living in New Orleans when he answered a job announcement to be a press agent for a circus. Later, bored, he said that he became an animal trainer. Johnson would later in life write much circus fiction for the pulp /Blue Book Magazine/ as well as become a circus artist, both painting and creating miniatures. Any information on Barbour's circus career or tips on how to confirm his story would be much appreciated. Joshua Buhs, JoshuaBBuhs[at]yahoo[dot]com. 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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