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Message Archive: Messages 3301 - 33503350. Wooden pull, calliope, 15 May 2010 - Wooden pull behind calliope that has Barnum as a label, where can I go to get information? EdwaLowm8. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
This link might be the item in your possession: http://infomotions.com/etexts/gutenberg/dirs/1/6/6/3/16638/16638.htm. Unfortunately, the illustration of the item isn't included; it might be obtainable from a library holding an original copy of the publication. Here's a transcription of the listing: Golden Days for Boys and Girls, Vol. XIII, Nov. 28, 1891 [Illustration: (BARNUM CALLIOPE)] A MUSICAL CART. Something new for the children. It has a musical chime which will play if the cart is drawn forward or pushed backward. The music is similar to BARNUM'S CALLIOPE. The handle is three feet long, but is not shown here for want of space. A nice Christmas present for only 50 cents. W.T. THOMSON, 69 Dearborn Street, Chicago, Ill. There is another calliope pull toy mentioned in an 1892 newspaper [Brookfield Courier (Utica, NY) December 21, 1892]:
http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper4/Brookfield%20NY%20Courier/Brookfield%20NY%20Courier%201891%20-%201893%20grayscale.pdf/ "Barnum's "Calliope" on wheels. Draw it across the floor and hear the hideous melody, 25 cents." It might be the Thomson example, though Thomson may also have been just another toy retailer, as was the lister of this item. It's possible that the device may have been patented. It is possible to do generic searches on Google patents, but their search engine leaves much to be desired. I tried a few ways, without success. There are dozens of terms and hundreds of patents for pull toys and related devices. If nothing else, circa 1891-1892 looks appropriate to the timing of the item. Fred Dahlinger CHS is on Facebook! Join our online community! - click here 3349. Benjamin Bostater, 13 May 2010 - Hello, I am looking for info about my great grandfather who we think was a trapeze performer with possibly a circus that came to Michigan in 1903. His real name is Benjamin Franklin Bostater of Michigan. My mom remember seeing old photo's of him with an alligator boy and Tom Thumb. We were told that he fell and was badly injured and the circus left him in the town where his accident happened, which was believed to be in Maple Grove, Mich. or maybe Nashville, Mi. Can anyone help me find some info about him? Cyndy. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3348. Jean LeRoy, 12 May 2010 - I met Jean LeRoy at a Michigan mall while spending the summer with my older sister in Detroit. I was fascinated by the display of animals, people and other circus delights. Jean let me stay with him behind the ropes all day as his ‘assistant.’ We wrote letters back and forth for several years in the early to late 60’s and even visited his workshop where he showed us how he began a piece. My sister still has the horse. I have a number of letters and a photo of Jean with his circus. Is this an interest to any family? Nancy Wright. 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 3347. Circus history documentaries, 11 May 2010 - I'm developing a feature film based on our short film called "The Butterfly Circus" (http://www.thedoorpost.com/hope/The%20Butterfly%20Circus/) and I'm wondering if you know of any great circus history documentaries. I'm using all forms of research of course, but would love to know if there's anything on film. Thanks very much, Josh Weigel. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Though it has a fictional plot, nothing quite equals Cecil B. DeMille's glorious 1952 "Greatest Show on Earth" in documenting the last years of the railroad tent circus. It's not a documentary per se, but it does an excellent job of providing a window to the past. National Educational Television did a series of programs, perhaps ten or more, about the circus several decades ago [predating the 1970 formation of PBS], but finding them and gaining access will prove very challenging. I want to say that B roll material may be in the CWM library. "High Grass Circus" is a 1976 Canadian production centered on the Royal Bros. Circus. It received an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Film. Check with the National Film Board for access and availability. There are also the annual airings of RBBB on broadcast television, which likely exist somewhere. These were not made as documentaries, but they do serve as such today, as do series like "International Showtime." The Wisconsin Sesquicentennial Commission partially funded a 1998 video documentary about the Ringlings and their circus, "World's Greatest Showmen," which is likely available in various locations. Based on a partnership between Circus World Museum and Wisconsin Public Television, it is set apart from other Ringling-focused productions by having involved a panel of humanists like Stuart Thayer, William L. Slout and Janet M. Davis. The cable channel series "Trains Unlimited" did a video segment on circus trains that similarly has more merit than other productions. The Kunhardts produced an excellent video documentary about P. T. Barnum, which complements their book on the man. Arthur Saxon served as their consultant. There's also the engaging film made about Alexander Calder and his circus. It can be quite enlightening. This just scratches the surface. Research in journals, Googling and asking around should reveal many more pieces of varying quality, accuracy and so on. Fred Dahlinger
In 1991 the PBS series The American Experience produced a 60-minute segment titled “Barnum's Big Top.” Narrated by historian David McCullough, it told the story of P.T. Barnum and how the American Circus grew into a large business and cultural force during its so-called golden age of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This was the program that unearthed and first used the British film of the 1898/99 Barnum parade mentioned by Fred Dahlinger above. I’m biased given my involvement in the production but I think it gives as good an overview with a rich display of visuals as anything yet produced. Unfortunately, it is not among the segments from the series that is still commercially available though it can be borrowed from the Circus Fans Association educational library. An apparently now-lost hour-long TV special titled “Roll Out the Sky” about the big Cristiani family circus and hosted by Charles Van Doren was shown on the NBC series Kaleidoscope on May 3, 1959. It was one of the very earliest videotaped television productions and that may be why it has not survived. Those that recall the broadcast have quite favorable recollections. Finally, what I regard as the best documentary about the perennial appeal of the circus and life on the show itself was made for NBC’s Project 20 documentary series and aired on January 21, 1962. It was narrated by Emmett Kelly and written by circus veteran and skilled author Bill Ballantine. Do not be satisfied with the much abbreviated 20 minute commercial version that was widely sold but seek the full 60 minute version because its impact is vastly superior; I know that the Ringling Museum has a copy of the hour-long edition. As to early film, Edison made shorts which survive of a number of acts, including dancing horses and trained elephants, with Barnum & Bailey in the 1890s before it left for Europe. His rival Lubin was on the Forepaugh-Sells lot in April 1902 in Philadelphia and did extensive filming, including a sequence of feeding the rhino, but these do not seem to have survived. – Dick Flint, Baltimore
3346. Circus Historical Society, 10 May 2010 - The Circus Historical Society is currently renewing the memberships of most of its members. These renewals are due now and can be paid with Paypal on the front page of this website at the join now button. They can also be mailed in. Our National Convention is rapidly approaching in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois in July. Your registration can be paid with Paypal and sent in from the front page of this website as well. Many people do not know however, that ANYONE can register to attend the Convention. You do NOT need to be a member of the CHS to be there. Quite frankly, you'll never have the opportunity to see Tony Steele, Richie Gaona, Juan and Miquel Vasquez and Terry Caveratta all in the same place talking and teaching the Flying trapeze ever again. Join us now for this most unique opportunity. It is truly a chance of a lifetime! Bob Cline, CHS Secretary. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Explore, Enjoy circus history with Bandwagon, join CHS today! Membership 3345. Two-headed calf canvas painting, 08 May 2010 - Hello, I have the opportunity to purchase a tent/canvas of an advertisement, which I think would of come from a travelling circus. The canvas is of a two headed calf. Would you know of any artists that may have been the painter of such. I would like to do some research. Thanks, Valerie. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3344. Hollywood, vaudeville stars & the circus, 06 May 2010 - Hi, I'm working on a museum exhibit on the circus and would like to include some information on its impact on Vaudeville and early Hollywood. Can anyone help me find information on some Hollywood and Vaudeville stars that started out in the circus? I know Cary Grant and Burt Lancaster, but am looking for some more names to include in my exhibit. Thanks! Johanna Wickman, Museum Manager, La Quinta Museum, La Quinta, CA. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 3343. Mollie Bailey, 04 May 2010 - Please, if you could help my ten year old daughter find a picture of Mollie Bailey as a circus performer or just a description of how she would have dressed when performing as a child it would be greatly appreciated. As a school project of "Famous People in Texas History" my daughter chose Mollie Bailey. She loves everything about Mollie's adventurous life. She wants to help educate her classmates on the many sides of Mrs. Bailey but feels the circus costume would be more exciting and appealing for the kids...a little extra something to peak their interest. Thank you in advance for your time and effort. Tonia Hittson. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
One account states she went into show business at age 16, about 1860, based on a birth year of 1844 (as entered in census documents). Other birth years back into the 1830s are given elsewhere, as well as 1841. Mollie was part of a group of minstrels that entertained Confederate troops in the winter of 1864-1865. Her husband was a musician and she was the "star." One presumes that she played a musical instrument, or danced or sang. This is the earliest mention of her as a performer, but it's from a later military memoir. I've seen no references to her doing acrobatics, riding, animal presentation, etc., more typical circus ring activity. The reference to a circus associated with her husband's family shortly after the Civil War is without supporting references. He was a theatrical manager and Mollie an actress in the 1880 census. They later had some type of show navigating along the inland rivers, but it wasn't a circus, nor even a floating theater, but some type of dramatic boat according to one story. They subsequently operated the Bailey Concert Company, a tent or stage variety show. I suspect that it eventually developed into the Mollie Bailey circus in the late 1880s. The fact that Mollie Bailey owned and operated a highly respected circus in the Texas hinterlands, benefiting ticket buyers, her employees, her family, people in need, churches, etc., is testified to by numerous period references. Unfortunately, Olga Bailey's biography and most other writings about this lady are not reliable and form the basis for most information readily available today. Mollie Bailey needs a biographer. Thus, concerning your request, to supply an image of Mollie as a child-age circus performer, in wardrobe, is not realistic. There are images of childhood circus performers, cartes de visite and perhaps posters, from the post-Civil War era that could serve as a general inspiration for that time frame. There are increasing numbers of them as time passes into the 20th century. Portrayal of a child performer that may have been in the ring of the Mollie Bailey Shows between the 1890s and the 1910s is a possibility. Fred Dahlinger
http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/BB/fba12.html. This article from the Handbook of Texas, online is a good one. The footnotes at the bottom have links to photos, such as the ones at the end of my e-mail. http://www.texasescapes.com/They-Shoe-Horses-Dont-They/Mollie-Bailey.htm photo of cemetery marker at Hollywood cemetery, Houston http://www.findagrave.com/photos/2004/240/9374084_109367479250.jpg Local account of the circus coming to town http://www.montgomerycountynews.net/archive01/ivebeenthink03-05-03.htm
Photos of Mollie Bailey and circus:
More on google, if you search "Mollie Bailey Circus". Good luck! Margaret Mills, Austin, TX
3342. McCall Bros., 03 May 2010 - We have this small photo of a team of pony's drawing a caged wagon with the McCall Bros. painted on the side. It may be the McCall Bros Dog and Pony Show that you have on your website. The location and date is unknown, but may been taken at Perry Missouri in Ralls County. Can you give us information on the show? Ralls Co MO Hist. Soc., Ron Leake. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
CHS is on Facebook! Join our online community! - click here 3341. 1820-40s circus, 03 May 2010 - Hello, I do not know if anyone can help. I am looking for information on my great grandfather. It is said he and his wife traveled with the circus and he was a preacher. It would have been a circus that came around the south eastern mass area and the time would have been 1820-1840s. He also it is said traveled over seas with this circus. I cannot find the name of the circus or any information or even an idea where to look for the information. Any help would be appreciated. His name was Ezra and his wife's name was Elizabeth. Thank you, Sharon. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3340. Rose Flanders Bascom, Al Ewing, Art Rooney, 01 May 2010 - I seek biographical information on Rose Flanders Bascom (1880-1915), possibly the first American woman wild animal trainer. I look to verify this and her death of infection from being clawed by a lion. Also seek information on Al Ewing, bookkeeper for Ringling interests when employed on the Barnes show, and was accused of major embezzling. Want history of Art Rooney, believed to have been of the extensive Rooney circus family. Both Ewing and Rooney were married to Mabel Stark, and information on these marriages will be appreciated. Thank you, anyone, who can lead to solid history for these requests. Roger Smith, steelarena314@hotmail.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Googling the Bascom name revealed a descendant named Joanne Savitkas, who may have further knowledge of her great-grandmother. http://genforum.genealogy.com/flanders/messages/890.html. The same biographical data, undocumented, appears to have made the usual circulation across the web. Surprisingly, no period documentation appears for the or variations thereon, which is unusual. Perhaps it's a case of her using a stage name, or employment with an enterprise other than a circus, such as a carnival back end show, an amusement park animal show, etc.? Bascom and Bastien aren't listed in 1909, 1910, 1912, 1913 and 1914 circus performer listings on the CHS website, nor were there hits on www.heritagequest.com for Bascom, Rose or Bastien, Rose that applied. A search via www.ancestry.com might prove more fruitful. I'd suggest checking the obituary index for "Variety." Presumably you've already checked the Joanne Joys book and also Fred Pfening Jr.'s article on wild animal trainers in "Bandwagon." Same name checks cited above for Rooney could also be done. Fred Pfening III partially covered the 1929 Barnes tour in a "Bandwagon piece," and Joe Bradbury wrote about some Barnes seasons up to 1938 in "White Tops." You can locate those articles in the article indexes on this website and secure copies. These will perhaps provide Ewing's years of employment with Barnes and leads on any criminal activity. Same name checks for Ewing as above, too. Fred Dahlinger
Keep the heritage of the circus alive, join CHS today! Membership 3339. Hattie, Reno McCree, 01 May 2010 - Hi, I am a descendant of trapeze artist Hattie McCree who was with the Hagenbach - Wallace circus from about 1898 until her death in 1918 in the horrific circus train crash fire that killed the majority of the troupe near Gary, Indiana. I am hoping someone has a photograph of her and her husband Reno. Thank You, Genny Smith. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3338. Performers, lists, 01 May 2010 - Are there any books or information that lists performers before Ringling bought out Barnum & Bailey? Luann. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
There are certainly other places to find these valuable route books. You'll want to at least try the Milner Library at the Illinois State University. The Ringling Museums in Sarasota, FL. are currently building a new archives center that when completed will house one of the largest single owned collections of circus materials ever known about. Searching through the trade journals of the day such as the Billboard and the New York Clipper gave many reports on the Ringling show over the years. Rosters were given for advertising cars, by departments and by performances that I am aware of. Both of these fine journals are now found on Microfilm through Interlibrary loans however, the Billboard is much easier to locate than the NY Clipper. A website has been put on the internet now with many old New York newspapers on it which includes the New York Clipper. Try http://fultonhistory.com/Fulton.html You don't have to sign up for anything and the site includes a search engine. As a paying site, I think http://www.newspaperarchive.com may be of some help to find articles but not complete rosters. I hope this helps. Bob Cline
I would also inquire about other Altwasser name entries; was Ida her real name, or simply a familiar nickname? The 1880, 1900 and 1910 U. S. censuses, as searched via heritagequest.com, had no hits for "Ida Altwasser." However, a search for just "Altwasser" led to an entry [T623/263/48] for William and Hannah Altwasser (German immigrants) and their six children in West Town, Chicago, Cook County, IL, who had a daughter named Ida, age 20 at the time of the canvassing. Her employment entry is not discernable. William Altwasser appears to have come to the US in the 1870s, making that Ida born in the US. Some of their children appear to be in the 1920 census for Chicago [Otto, Leo, Katherine], but Ida is not listed as such, meaning she could have married, moved away, deceased or simply have been missed. You might try using ancestry.com, which has a better search engine. Riding acts and acrobatic troupes, as well as other ensembles usually took the name of the lead performer, or a stage name. Because of that practice, performers in subordinate roles are often unknown except for listings in rosters. Thus, you are on the right track for discovering any documentation. However, I can also advise that family heritage, told and re-told, often confuses actual circus titles with those that are more commonly known or sound similar. Therefore, do not be surprised if you learn that she wasn't with Barnum & Bailey but another tent show. Those entries would also turn up if you ask for the contents of the yellow tickets. John D. "Dan" Draper conducted an enormous amount of research on circus riders, having listed some 10,000 or more. You might try locating Dan in the vicinity of Jacksonville, FL, and ask him about your great aunt. He's in current directories. If you know your great aunt's birth year, that might also be helpful in narrowing down when she may have been active. Her name is Germanic [literally meaning "old water"] and perhaps you can also find some record of her or her family's immigration to the US. They may have come from Germany, a German-speaking area in Russia, Austria, etc. That can also provide further understanding and limit the search period. Knowing where she may have resided during her circus time can also be a clue. Just Googling Altwasser+circus turned up one hit that may or may not be relevant: http://members.shaw.ca/d_y_g/3_florentine.htm. Fred Dahlinger Explore, Enjoy circus history with Bandwagon, join CHS today! Membership 3337. Dora Hobbs, 30 Apr 2010 - Whitey, Ned Kronberg, and Fred Dahlinger. I wanted to thank you again for the help you gave me in researching "Dora Hobbs, the Early Years." It is posted online: http://chsclassof1963.webs.com/dorahobbsearlyyears.htm. Carol. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3336. Noel Peraton, 28 Apr 2010 - I am trying to find information about my Great Grandfather Mr. Noel Peraton. He was born on the 1st January in the late 1800's. I am not sure if his surname is spelt correctly. Pereton? Peraton? Peretone? I was also told that the family were also pig farmers in Bordeaux France. He was a sign writer and tight-rope walker and APPARENTLY walked in Paris on Bastille Day celebrations without a net. My parents have been long passed and I have no contact or information about the Peraton circus family history. I was told that he was born on a ship in the Rio harbor, Brazil while his father was touring South America with a circus. He had a daughter called Lucia Natalina. I am gratefull for your time and information. Thank you, John Nieuwoudt, South Africa. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 3335. Peter Barlow, 26 Apr 2010 - Hello, I'm trying to find a biography for Peter Barlow, who trained horses & dogs for circus performances & vaudeville shows, and was also a rider for Barnum & Bailey in 1892. Any information appreciated. Vicki D. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3334. Locating an Italian Circus Family, 22 Apr 2010 - Hi my name is Pamela Salveen, the reason I am writing is because my grandmother who is 90 years old does not know her parents. Untill today when we manage to find some clues that could lead us to her parents or relatives. My grandmother re-calls being looked after by a family by the name of Meerwald and she was given away by her biological parents. We manage to find an article attached below and we believe that the little baby girl is my grandmother. We are looking for her parents who used to be an italian circus in Malaya during the 1920's. I hope you could provide me with some details or even direct me to the right path in finding some information. I really appreciate your help. Regards, Pamela Salveen. [Article: Ipho, March 6. Mr. Justice Watson for the last two days has been engaged in hearing an application by the Children's Aid Society for the custody of a girl child, four years of age, which its Italian parents, circus performers, had made over in 1923 to Mr. and Mrs. Meerwalk of Teluk Anson. It appears that the parents now transfer the child to the Society. The mother admitted that the child was well looked after. The Judge ordered the return of the child to its parents, granting compensation.] Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. CHS is on Facebook! Join our online community! - click here 3333. Circus token, 22 Apr 2010 - My family is from Zanesville Ohio and the year the circus came here we think in the 1970's not sure and we have a token and would like to know when they were made. And do you still make them the token has the name of Ringling Bros & Barnum Bailey circus on it but no year. Juanita Hill. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3332. Tent Makers, 20 Apr 2010 - Where can I find info on circus tent makers particularly those for PT Barnum? Especially looking for Grillbortzers. Mielkele. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
There are a number of resources within the circus trade pertinent to the "Barnum show," but the identification cuts a broad swath across history. The Barnum name was attached to traveling tent enterprises back into the 1840s, with the "Barnum show" also meaning P. T. Barnum, Barnum & London and Barnum & Bailey as late as 1918; some people [New Yorkers] even referred to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey as the Barnum show into the 1960s and beyond. It will be important for you to place some date limitations on your searching, in order to be effective. Also be aware that memoirs, obituaries and such often seize on a commonly known or prominent name when stipulating an outdoor show business affiliation. Barnum would have been much better known than almost any other circus name. Grillbortzer is also a longer, more difficult ethnic name. In the trade, something else, a nickname or an alias, may have been used. The outside-the-circus research will take you to U. S. censuses, city directories, newspapers and other conventional genealogical, biographical and business resources. Placing some geographical limits on your work will be necessary to pursue these references. The census hits on www.heritagequest for Grillbortzer were limited: 1870-none; 1880-one, a clerk, initials only, G. A., in Alexandria, VA; 1890-no census available;1900-one, a farmer, Jacob, and his family in Mt. Vernon, VA; 1910-six, mostly descendants of Jacob in VA, and a laundress in PA; 1920 and 1930-repeats of 1910 entries. You may want to try the greater resources of www.ancestry.com. Google searching also yielded no useful results. The route books for most tours of the Barnum show in the 1870s and 1880s are now available to access on this website. Go to the home page, then history, and then go to the relevant listing. They will list people involved with the tent operations. You can do an "edit" search of the transcriptions. Stuart Thayer published articles about the 1871 to 1873 Barnum show operations in "Bandwagon." These can be found in the article index on the CHS website and back issues ordered. Thayer and Slout collaborated to publish a book, "Grand Entree, The Birth of the Greatest Show on Earth." Their findings will summarize the material found in the New York Clipper and elsewhere. If the show purchased tops, and the name was released, it will be listed therein. Thayer's summary of 1825-1860 circus logistics, his book "Traveling Showmen," mentions the names of several tent suppliers to the trade. His "Bandwagon" paper on tents might also prove useful in providing a start. Finding the names of tent maker employees will be relatively difficult. Employers might be noted in city directories; census records will provide only an indication of employment or trade, not the employer's identity. Two large name listings are the "yellow tickets" in the Circus World Museum library and the 1938-1956 employment records of RBBB, also in the same facility. If you lack any basic information, you might try those as a start. If you have any other knowledge that might serve to initiate a search, making it available might suggest other courses of research. Fred Dahlinger Keep the heritage of the circus alive, join CHS today! Membership 3331. Frank S. Murray, 19 Apr 2010 - Anyone looking for the decendants of Frank S. Murray. I am his grandson. He worked circus and carnivals in the early 1900's. Bill. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3330. Fairground directory pre-1900, 19 Apr 2010 - I am looking for a directory of pre-1900 fairgrounds where circus stops might have been made - or even other activities might have happened at those fairgrounds. Are there any? Thank you. Ken. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Starting in 1825, overland circuses using a tent often contracted with hotels for their lots, since they could also provide lodging and stable facilities. Later, land adjacent to railroad stations proved to be convenient. These two operations were typically in the heart of the community, where people aggregated during daily rituals. With larger lots needed to serve big railroad circuses, a piece of farmland, a city park or an undeveloped piece of private property might be contracted to serve as the lot. Fairgrounds were a separate phenomenon, proliferating with the rise of agricultural fairs. The movement started in late 1810, by action of Elkanah Watson, with the first taking place in September 1811. The fairgrounds, typically a city or county-owned property, were more than likely to be at the edge of or outside the city, since large farm animals would be present for an extended period. Tracks for racing also required a large plot of land. Over time, the fairgrounds were encompassed by city growth, sometimes causing their relocation further out from the center of the city. In some instances, the fairgrounds was moved several times within a century. Booking a circus at a fair was not always a wise decision. It might have been an issue of timing, and license fees, but at a fair the circus was just one of many attractions, many of which were free. Some shows, including Wild West operations, did book fair dates, especially in the fall, to fill their routes. A few big railroad shows, including Hagenbeck-Wallace, booked fairground appearances in the 1910s, with Barnum & Bailey even erecting its tents at an amusement park in 1917. These may have been compromises, when no lots were available, or after fair management lobbied state legislatures or county and city governments to prevent circuses from appearing in a community within a certain time span before or after a fair. Yes, "exclusionary" arrangements are nothing new in show business. It's possible that showmen's guides, such as those compiled by Charles E. Griffin, might provide some listings of fairgrounds. Some of these took form as route books for various circuses. There were a few hotel guides compiled and published for the use of the traveling fraternity. A Google Book search revealed this 1861 volume, of 63 pages, which I have not personally examined: Wyman the Wizard, "Wyman's showman's guide and directory to the principal theatres, museums, concert and exhibition rooms in the United States and Canada: also, containing a list of popular hotels, newspapers, job printers, bill-posters, and a variety of matter useful to showmen." There may be others like it in print, but they are quite difficult to locate. Because communities were less complex then than today, be aware that actual street locations, according to some sort of grid and numbering system, might not be provided. Locals and the post office employees knew where a facility was located and an exact street address wasn't always necessary for the "fairground." Itinerant showmen with fairground attractions and primitive rides moved from fair to fair, alone and sometimes en masse by train, but there doesn't appear to have been a trade paper that substantially catered to their needs until the "Clipper" started to print frequent "carnival" news coverage after the 1893 Chicago fair. There were accounts of fairs and itinerant showmen printed before then, but they are widely scattered. I don't recall the "New York Clipper" publishing compiled fairground listings in the 19th century, but that was accomplished in the 20th century by "Billboard." An early 20th century listing might prove useful, depending upon your purposes. Fairgrounds were relocated in some cases, but others have been in place since their inception. The situation varies within every community. You might investigate other commercial enterprises that utilized fairs, such as horse breeders and sellers, agricultural implement dealers, state agricultural associations, etc. Exhibitors that moved between sites would have desired to know dates and locations. Perhaps one of their journals catered to this need by printing a list of fairs, their dates and locations. State agricultural board reports might also be a source for this information. A volume titled "The American Agriculturalist" had some listings of fairs, suggesting that a search might reveal your exact desire. Donald B. Marti's "Historical Directory of American Agricultural Fairs," 1986, 300 pages, is likely worth a look. It lists 2600 fairs and provides detailed profiles of 205 of them. A second hand copy is available on-line for less than $10. Fred Dahlinger
Explore, Enjoy circus history with Bandwagon, join CHS today! Membership 3329. Ida Altwasser, bareback rider, 17 Apr 2010 - I have been told that my great aunt, Ida Altwasser, was a bareback rider in the Barnum & Bailey circus before Ringling bought them. Is there any way that I could find out if this is actually true? Thank you for any help that you can give me. lprosek@bellsouth.net, Luann. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3328. Circus, winter in Wisconsin, 15 Apr 2010 - I am curious as why a circus would winter in Wisconsin. It would seem the logical place would be in a warmer climate.Why select Wisconsin with its` cold winters? Any informative reply will be appreciated. With Thanks. Rod van Dall, Keswick, VA. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 3327. Joseph Reed, 15 Apr 2010 - Bonjour. Je recherche un Joseph REED -Ecuyer- exercices équestres - en France en 1867 - Est-ce qu'il y a un Joseph REED ?... dans cette Famille Reed's Circus !... Merci de me donner des renseignements - Cordialement Jocelyne. [Translation: Good morning. I'm looking for a Joseph Reed equerry equestrian-exercise - in France in 1867 - Is there a Joseph Reed? ... Reed's in the Family Circus! ... Thank you for giving me information - Regards Jocelyne] Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3326. Exploding chair, 11 Apr 2010 - In the early 70's, a tv show emceed by Telly Salvalas with Evel Knievel, Mario Wallenda Family, a man that would sit on a little pink chair and it would explode. Did anyone else see this or know how to obtain a copy? Jonne, College Station, Texas. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. CHS is on Facebook! Join our online community! - click here 3325. Bartone Circus, 11 Apr 2010 - Do you have any information on the Bartone Circus that used to visit Madeira, Ohio? I can find none. Sincerely, Les LeFevre. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3324. Bill & Peter Kourmpates, 11 Apr 2010 - Looking for any info you may have on my uncles that were in the circus. They started w/Barnum & Bailey and they did a rings & trapeze act. Their names were Bill & Peter Kourmpates. Also pics. Cynthia Springer, cspri3@aol.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Keep the heritage of the circus alive, join CHS today! Membership 3323. Ursula Bottcher, 10 Apr 2010 - Just found a really great circus website called Circopedia. Very entertaining. Saw a great video there of Ursula Bottcher, who died recently. I remember her from her Ringling days. I will always remember how small she looked standing next to those polar bears. She was amazing. Gracie in Los Angeles. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3322. Etta, fat lady, 09 Apr 2010 - I'm looking for a picture of Etta the fat lady in the circus that was in Oregon back sometime in the 1900's. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Explore, Enjoy circus history with Bandwagon, join CHS today! Membership 3321. Cdvs, cabinet card, 09 Apr 2010 - Greetings, I've recently discovered several cdv's and one cabinet card fromt he 1860's-1900's that pertains to circus history. Two of the photos are of Tom Thumb and his wife, one is when they were married with a faux autographs and the other when they were much older. I also found a cdv of Charles and Eliza Nestel, aka "Commodore Foote and his Sister" and a cabinet card of "Harry Hill, the child acrobat," Sun Brothers Circus, from 1902. Are these common or are they rare? I will be happy to scan and email the images to you if you don't have them. I hope you can shed some light on these folks. Thanks Steve Lohrmann. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3320. Flying Alizes, 08 Apr 2010 - I am trying to get some information on The Flying Alizes trapeze artists they were in London around 1951 are Polish and the person I am looking for is called Joseph he would be in his late 70s early 80s now any info would be appreciated. Thanks, Beverley. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 3319. Slivers Johnson, 08 Apr 2010 - I am researching my grandfather Slivers Johnson (Walter William Parker) who was a clown for Hamid-Morton and John Robinson Circus from the 1920's to 1960's. I never had the opportunity to meet him and I know very little about his life. If anyone could help by sharing any information on Slivers, my family and I would greatly appreciate your help. Thank you, Tom Parker. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3318. Omni Circus, 07 Apr 2010 - I have a picture of a woman that I think is a relative of mine. She is dressed is a circus type outfit, she does not have arms, and it says Omni Circus on the bottom. Any information would be helpful. Ramona R. Kinne, Buena Park, CA. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
CHS is on Facebook! Join our online community! - click here 3317. Sarah Ellen Johnson, 06 Apr 2010 - I am looking for any information on my grandma life as a Circus Performer her was Sarah Ellen Johnson her father was George Johnson of the Johnson Brothers Circus, My gran's mother was called Georgina Pinder who was a relation of the pinders Circus people, that travelled the UK and France, They came over from Belguim and were French speaking, but grandma was born in Scotland in 1910, Grandma married Sammy (Bat Sullivan) Hallmark from a Sullivan Boxing Family based in the Preston Lancashire, any information would be gratefully received, I do not know anything more about my grandma's life than this statement, I would love to learn more about her if possible aquire photographs flyers anything? Can you help me. My Contact Information, s.hallmark@ntlworld.com or kramllah@hotmail.com. Yours Sammy Hallmark. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3316. Agnes Leclerq, 06 Apr 2010 - I am researching the early life of Agnes "Leclerq" JOY (ca. 1840-1912) who became the Princess Salm-Salm, when she married Prince Felix Salm-Salm in 1862. There are several near contemporary reports (1870) that she had worked as a tightrope walker in a circus in 1857-58. Her forte was supposed to be an outdoor ascent to the top of the center tent pole. I thought I'd hit paydirt when I found adverts for the Spaulding & Rogers Circus 1857 describing Mle. Agnes doing exactly this. Then I found information on this site stating that these adverts would have referred to Agnes Lake. What I'd like to know is if there are any records of a US circus performer, say 1857-1860, named Agnes Leclerq? One circus mentioned was the Walnut Street Circus of Philadelphia. Cities her curcus was supposed to have toured included Chicago and Marysville, (Maysville?) KY, where the circus was supposed to have folded. Thanks! Donald Newcomb. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
The Philadelphia newspapers would be the best place to check for LeClerq's presence in the Walnut Street Theater. It has a strong circus connection and is still in operation today. Check with your librarian to determine which publications might be available to you locally with key word searching. Lent's tours for 1856 to 1859 were all based out of Philadelphia and he may have had his circus in the theater before taking it on the road. Rufus Welch & Lent definitely had an operation there in 1855, but the troupe did not include Ms. LeClerq. The 1857 Lent overland tour started from Chicago, April 27-28, having transported from Philadelphia to there in order to do a "western" route. The troupe was attached at Maysville, KY on October 22. Based on this factual knowledge, I would suggest that the 1858 date assigned to the events in the November 1870 issue of "Overland Monthly" is in error. All subsequent writers who have accepted and repeated the recollection dating have done so in error. The 1857 Lent route included: IL; WI; IA; MO; AR; TN; AL; and KY. It would seem to satisfy the travel description in the article ["Western and South-western states" being defined differently in 1857 than 2010]. The fact that the 1857 tour was misdated 1858 infers that her 1857 training activities actually took place in early 1856. In that event, co-owner Rufus Welch was still alive in the spring of 1856. Presumably either Welch or Lent arranged for her training. Louise Brower, G. J. Cadwallader and W. Johnson were the riders with the outfit, at least when it was on the overland tour. William Kinkaide was a clown on the 1856 show, when she was trained, and also was with the 1857 troupe, as a clown. Perhaps he was the man who saved her from her fall? He died in 1881, of a broken neck, doing a leap. I would think that the fall in Chicago would have been mentioned in the local newspapers, perhaps the Chicago Tribune or another. Cameo biographies are available in Slout's "Olympians" for all of these performers. The 1856 overland route took the circus across DE, PA, NY, Ontario [Canada], MI and OH. A close reading of the "New York Clipper" and also the circus columns of the "Cincinnati Daily Commercial" might prove rewarding. They are the best continuums of circus knowledge available for the era. Be advised though, that Thayer sleuthed through both during the course of preparing his "Annals." Richard Hemmings was part of the 1857 Lent outfit, as a tightrope walker, having joined it during the 1856 tour at Guelph, Ontario [July 24]. He may have trained LeClerq in the art of rope walking; if such was the case, one would think he mentioned it in a memoir at one time. A memoir is in "Billboard," March 21, 1908, pages 45 and 48. There is another in the "New York Clipper," December 25, 1915, page 36, which I do not have at hand. Also check "Billboard," January 26, 1907, page 37, August 24, 1907, page 8 and June 6, 1908, page 10. His cdv albums are preserved in the Circus World Museum library. Whether they may contain an image of LeClerq I don't know. A listing of their contents, compiled by Thayer, is with the volumes. Hemmings mentioned a number of circus personalities, but not LeClerq, in the one article. He also discussed the apprenticeship of riders. You might also check the amusement trade journals at the time of the lady's passing. If her circus affiliation was made generally known when she passed, they may have picked up the information. You would benefit from reading Thayer's "Annals," as well as his other volumes, "Traveling Showmen" and "The Performers." Copies are available for purchase. Fred Dahlinger Keep the heritage of the circus alive, join CHS today! Membership 3315. Pierre LeClaire, aerialist, 06 Apr 2010 - My dad was an aerialist during the late 1930's. He was a flyer with the Flying LeClaires, I believe. Pierre (LaFramboise) LeClaire. I think he was with the Wallace circus when it was acquired by Ringling Bros in 1939. He left in 1939. We have pictures and a few newspaper articles but I'd be interested to know where I might find more information. Thanks, Mr. Pfenning. Michelle. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3314. Johnny J. Jones Jr., 05 Apr 2010 - Please help: I have a silver cup left to me from my parents’ estate. The reading engraved on the cup is “Souvenir” from: Johnny J. Jones Jr. “August, 1926.” Do you have any idea if the circus toured in Ontario, Canada? Thank you in advance for any information that you can provide; especially if this cup is related to the circus. J. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Explore, Enjoy circus history with Bandwagon, join CHS today! Membership 3313. Andrew M. Slack, 05 Apr 2010 - My name is Mike Jones. My great-grandfather had a distant cousin Andrew M. Slack who was in Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus. He was part of ring stock which I really don't know what that is. He was there I know in 1941 and 1942. He somehow was killed while in the circus but don't know how. Do you all know how I can find out this information. I think Andrew M. Slack was from Pennsylvania. Also wondering what kind of job he did for the circus and if there are any photos of him while in the circus? Any information would be helpful as I'm doing family history (geneology) research on my family. Thank you, Mike Jones. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3312. Alice Schitt, 04 Apr 2010 - I am interested in the circus career of my great-aunt, Alice Schitt, who retired in St. Petersburg, FL in the 1980's. I was able to visit it her in the early 1990's. She told me of leaving home in Evansville, IN in the 1920's and travelling with circuses her whole life. She mentioned working in the sideshow, "the iron lung" and "fan dancers" and an encounter with Ronald Reagan. She was married several times with last names of Sturm, Morrow, Weisenhut. She had a son, Edward Sturm, who travelled with her off and on. His wife was Ruth, and they had an adopted son named Eddie. Alice, Ruth and Edward have all passed away. I have no idea about what ever happened to Eddie Sturm. Alice's maiden name was Mauzay. Her full name was Olive Alice Mauzay. When I visited her, she lived in a travel trailer in St. Pete. I would love to know more about her and her life with the circus. My grandmother always told me about her, and I remember her visiting us in the early 1960's in Indiana. Do you have any ideas about how I could track down more info about which circuses she was with and what her performances were? Thanks. Karen Stormont. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
A general reference is Joe McKennon's "Pictorial History of the American Carnival." Locating your aunt on any show will be a challenge. You might try asking the Circus World Museum library to check the "yellow tickets" for entries for the various name variations that she employed through her life. You might also consider trying to access her Social Security information, which might reveal employers. Otherwise, try using the on-line Google Books search function to find mention of her in back issues of "The Billboard." Someone residing in Evansville might have gone over to West Baden or Peru, Indiana, to join one of the American Circus Corporation troupes that wintered in those cities; Sells-Floto; Hagenbeck-Wallace; and John Robinson. If she was with a traveling show when she visited you in Indiana in the 1960s, you might be able to identify it by searching the local newspapers during the time of the visit. You might seek her St. Petersburg, FL newspaper obituary, assuming she's no longer alive [born circa 1899, she'd be about 110]. Sometimes it mentions a person's occupations and employment, or the locations of the next of kin. Without any specific anchoring points, it's going to be a challenging search. You might try starting with www.ancestry.com or other genealogical sites, just to see if there are any readily accessible hits for her. The 1920 census [T625/471/141] for Indiana, Vanderburgh County, Evansville, lists only an Alice Mauzay, age 21, divorced, a boarder who worked as a cigar maker in a cigar factory. She was born in Kentucky, her father from France, her mother from Virginia. She could read and write. Fred Dahlinger Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 3311. Jack Mexeldo St Ledger born c1878, 02 Apr 2010 - I'm seeking information of the above who came to Australia as a 13 year old on the 1891 tour by Sell Bros Circus. Many years later, in 1957, he writes of arriving in Rockhampton Qld with 286 members of the circus troupe aboard "Mariposa". He also mentions the crash of two circus trains near Tenterfield NSW. He went back to USA but apparently returned around 1900. He talks of his parents being in the Wild West part of the show, and joining up with the Buffalo Bill Cody outfit about the same time Annie Oakley joined the show. He says he was a sharpshooter on horseback, with a rifle shooting glass globes thrown into the air by an Indian. I wonder if you have any records of this person. I'm particularly interested to find his parents and what they did in the shows. You can find his writings in the Australian National Archives http://naa12.naa.gov.au/Login.htm. Logon as Guest and search for Jack Mexeldo St Ledger. Then click on the "view digital copy" Icon at the top of the pages. You will need to print pages separately. His actual submission can be printed in six pages, if you exclude all the blanks and official papers. I am related to his descendants by marriage. Peter Booth - Family Historian, Sydney. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3310. Cairn Brothers, 02 Apr 2010 - Have you every heard of a show in the 1920's called Cairn Brothers? They supposedly played in Zearing Iowa on June 3, 1921, and returned several subsequent seasons. They played theatrical shows in a tent. The show also had a baseball team which played the local team in the afternoon before the show. Any help confirming this show existed, or what show it may have been would be appriciated! Eric Brown, member #3904. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. CHS is on Facebook! Join our online community! - click here 3309. Wonder Shows, 30 Mar 2010 - My grandfather worked in carnivals for years. He was the manager and on his world war 2 draft card he lists his employer as Wonder Shows based in Little Rock. His name was Dennis Eugene Howard and he used to travel in his own train car with my grandmother, mom and aunt. Thanks for the info on the show. Laura. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3308. Eileen Day, tightrope walker, 28 Mar 2010 - We are looking for information about an interesting great-aunt, Eileen Day. She was born in Jeddore (Halifax), Nova Scotia between 1907 and 1916. The story is that she joined a circus, married and became a tightrope walker and died in Buenos Aries in a tightrope accident. Her parents, the late Pearl and Edward Day received a letter informing them of their daughter's death which would seem to be before 1945. We would appreciate any information, whether about her directly or where we should go from here to find more about her. Thanks, Carrilee, carrileeb@hotmail.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Keep the heritage of the circus alive, join CHS today! Membership 3307. Troupe Ostianis, 26 Mar 2010 - Hello, I would like some information about the spring board act TROUPE OSTIANIS in the 1949 till 1952! It was a German troupe, worked in about 1948-1950 in a German circus, and 1952 by Chipperfield's. If any information please contact me (marisa.biasini@yahoo.fr). In this troupe worked my Mother. Her name was Ursula Morche. Thanks in advance! Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3306. Elizabeth Griffith, 26 Mar 2010 - How can I find Elizabeth Griffith, We danced together in the 80's in Glenn Cove New York. Stay well, Robert G. Davis. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Explore, Enjoy circus history with Bandwagon, join CHS today! Membership 3305. Howard & Rutherford, Bill Howard, 26 Mar 2010 - Hi: I was always told that my grandmother's brother (Billy Fandrop) stage name Bill Howard with Howard and Rutherford worked for the Ringling Bros. Circus - probably in the early 1900s. I know he met his wife Violette thet. I know he traveled in New York with the circus and I have a picture with Howard and Rutherford (as comedians). It looks almost like a poster that was used for advertising. Can you give me any more info. I would appreciate it. I also have a piciture with other men in uniforms (looks like circus uniforms). Thank you, Anita Janzen, dajanzen@charter.net. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3304. Erik Jan Hanussen, 24 Mar 2010 - For a book I'm writing on Erik Jan Hanussen, who's often called Hitler's Jewish Clairvoyant, could you please post a message asking if any of your members know anything about him. Primarily a mentalist, he performed in the US (mostly NYC, NJ and the Boston area) in 1923-23, and then back in Europe, especially Circus Busch and the Scala Theater in Berlin, until 1933, when the Nazis killed him. Also, does anyone know the address of the original Circus Busch building in Berlin that was destroyed during the war? Thank you, Arthur Magida, Baltimore MD. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 3303. Flying Gillettes, 23 Mar 2010 - I'm looking for information about the Flying Gillettes, specifically a girl/woman named Pat who used to perform and even lost her father in an accident during a performance. She was my moms best friend when they were 12 years old, my mom is now 70 and has been trying to find her for years, to no avail. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Things I know: They used to live in Laytons Park in south Florida. Daughters name is Pat. Father died during a performance (trapeze). Mother and daughter rejoined the circus after his death. Did at least one season in Wildwood NJ while on the circuit. Associated with the Hunt Brothers circus. Thank you very much in advance. Melody. My mom is Katherine "jenne" Nuttall. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
3302. Captain Luck, lion tamer, 23 Mar 2010 - My brother and I are trying to find any information about our late Grandfather who was with the Bostock & Wombwell managerie Circus he went by the name of Captain Luck but his real name was Arthur Wigg and I believe his work was mainly in Scotland, He was a Lion Tamer and worked with other animals I believe. I think he was born around 1881. I would like to hear any information from anyone as my mother his daughter has died and the bits of information she had was vague, she told me her mother died when she was very young about 7 or 8 years old, and was brought up by her step mother, this was probably in and around 1925, I would be grateful for any information you might have or any suggestions where I can find out about our grandfather. Many thanks, Carole Tutheridge. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
1728. Captain Luck animal trainer, 08 February, 2007 - Information on Captain Luck animal trainer with Bostock and Wombwell menagerie? Real name Arthur Wigg. Looking for any information at all. Send to: jacqueline@jacquelineevans.wanadoo.co.uk. Reply: 14 February, 2007 - My 'Twentieth Century Circus People (Lingdales Press, Formby, 2003) contains the following entry; - LUCK, Jack. Animal trainer. Real name Arthur Wigg, born about 1881. Married Elizabeth Lamont. With Andrew Purchase's Circus and Menagerie, touring in 1912. With Bostock and Wombwells' show, directed by Frank Bostock, in Birmingham, 1920-21. In 1926 was working with two groups, leopards, and a mix of wolves, bears and hyenas. Lion tamer with the company, at Aberdeen, in May 1929, titled Bostock's Jungle and Fun City, at Leeds, in December 1929, at Birmingam in January 1930, and at a number of venues later in the year. At that time he was referred to as an old-timer. Bostock and Wombwell's show closed after its 1931 tour. Succeded by Tommy Kayes. Retired to Glasgow. Died in July 1946. See also under 'Cardona' sources - World's Fair, 20/7/1946, p.1, col.4; ibid, 28/1/1950, p.14, col.5). John Turner. P.S. Does anyone ever get any thanks for suppylying hard-won intellectual property? Just a thought!
CHS is on Facebook! Join our online community! - click here 3301. Patricia Scott elephant girl, 20 Mar 2010 - My aunt was Pat Scott who was married to Eugene "Arky" Scott and later to William Kay. She was part of the elephant act and was Gloria Grahame's double in the movie, "The Greatest Show on Earth." Does anyone know if she is still living and where she is located or where and when she died? She would be about 84 now. I would appreciate any help you would be willing to share. Thanks! Ann Jaggers Mabe, email: lilorphanannie@insightbb.com. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
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