Circus Historical Society
Charles Wilkens, minstrel
Principal comedian Primrose and Dockstaders Minstrels, 1904-05.
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This is my great grandfather, Charles Thomas (Gardella) Wilkens. He had a vast performing history, even working with Charlie Chaplin, Bill 'Bo Jangles', W.C. Feilds, Fatty Arbuckle, Jimmy Durante, etc. He beat Bo Jangles twice in the world tap competition (when the judges sat under the stage to listen). Charles, who played the tinman in the Wizard of Oz company, married Adelaide Reilly. His cousin was Tess Gardella, a comedienne who became popular as Aunt Jemima in radio, television, stage, etc. - Jim Gardella
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CHS webmaster J. Griffin, last modified December 2010.