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Message Archive: Messages 4301-44004400. Cyril DeForrest, Bessie Meier, 04 Aug 2014 - Hello, my name is Tammy DeForrest Edwards. I'm researching my family history and have come to find that my great grandfather and great grandmother were circus performers. It is known that they were performers in Quebec back in the 1920's. Cyril DeForrest and Bessie Meier, it is also known that they had a baby boy in 1927 at which time Bessie passed away during child birth. I'm trying to find any type of record that they we're performers and possibly and documents for our family. Please feel free to email me with any information at trdeforre@yahoo.com. Thank you for your help, Sincerely, Tammy DeForrest Edwards Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
An advertisement for further Meier family bookings was also found in spring 1901, when Bessie was said to be age 15; Tommie 12, Elma 5 and Minnie 3. It also states the 1900 park engagements that were filled. [New York Clipper, March 16, 1901, page 64] Meier booked his family at amusement parks in 1901; they were at Wildwood Park, Minneapolis in 1901. [Minneapolis Journal, August 19, 1901] In 1902 he booked them on the DeKreko Bros. traveling carnival. [New York Clipper, July 26, 1902, page 473] In 1903 it was announced that Bessie had married and given birth to another baby boy swimmer. Meier gave a new address of 1402 Vine Street, Cincinnati. The presentation was “The Diving Children, Famous Meier Family.” [New York Clipper, June 13, 1903, page 384] The fact that she was later billed as Bessie Meier may indicate that she declined to reveal her private life in public bookings, as occurred in the trade with some frequency. In a December 1905 Billboard advertisement to book his swimming family, Thomas Meier stated that he ran it 1882-1902 and before that had been Instructor of Swimming at St. Louis Swimming Schools. He was then, late 1905, located at Summit and Wyandotte in Columbus, Ohio. He was seeking 1906 bookings. Bessie may have retired from travel to raise her son for some period of time. Bessie Meier wasn’t found again until she booked with the Polack Bros. Winter Circus, during the winter of 1910-1911. [New York Clipper, January 14, 1911, page 1194] She may have done spot and seasonal bookings, rather than long tours and engagements. Sister Elma Meier did free act diving on the Leon Washburn carnival in 1914-1915. She reportedly did a 100-foot high dive, which at other times was set at 75 feet. [New York Clipper, March 14, 1914, page 24 and May 15, 1915, page 34] Bessie did high diving at Dominion Park, Montreal, in 1915. She was presumably the headliner in the presentation “Mermaida and Diving Girls,” the new nickname perhaps explaining the absence of ongoing references to Bessie Meier. [Entries in Variety, July 1915] In 1911, Mermaida was declared to be the only rival to Annette Kellerman, the famous Australian swimmer. [Daily Argus (Mt. Vernon, NY) October 16, 1911] Mermaida was with the Krause Greater Shows, a railroad carnival, in 1914 and was identified as being a member of the famous Meier family of aquatic fame. [Auburn (NY) Citizen, June 30, 1914] Confirmation of her being Bessie Meier is provided by an illustrated advertisement. The dates of 1884-1913 are at the top of the ad (1884 being her birth year), followed by “Originator---Not an Imitator/Mermaida/Champion Lady Diver and Foremost Fancy Swimmer of the World.” “The oldest daughter of the famous Meier family. Her past record is her guarantee.” She was playing vaudeville and could be contacted c/o Billboard or at 49 W. Dodridge Street, Columbus, Ohio, which may have been her residence. [Billboard, November 29, 1913, page 125] There is confusion in the matter, owing to an imitator. Another Mermaida was reported as having been in vaudeville, too, which is confirmed by newspaper entries covering 1911-1915, as well as a burlesque company in 1917. This may have been a different girl using the same name, one Bessie Shefler, who managed “The Lady Buccaneers” in burlesque. [New York Clipper, March 13, 1918, page 15] The act was the usual “dunk tank comedy,” where everyone ended up in the water. The two women using the identity “Mermaida” should not be confused. The war may have interrupted bookings in the late 1910s, when no more were found. Meier was featured with the J. F. Murphy Shows, a known railroad carnival, by 1921-1922. She would have done her act as a free act, to attract a crowd to the midway, or as part of a swimming and diving back end show. In 1921 she was advertised as: “World's Champion High Diver. She Excells All Others.” [Sampson Democrat (Clinton, NC), October 27, 1921] She remained with J. F. Murphy as a feature for 1922, [Billboard, January 21, 1922, page 97] per: http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2015/Billboard/Billboard%201922/Billboard%201922%20-%201502.pdf Advertisements in 1922 declared her to be the “Diving Venus,” with “Mermaida” also being referenced when it was announced that a large water show would be framed around her. [Billboard, June 10, 1922, page 86] She encountered an unknown health challenge in late 1922, when Murphy advertised for a replacement high diver. [Billboard, September 2, 1922, page 87] I suspect that Meier may have continued her bookings with carnivals, amusement parks and fairs after the Murphy engagements. You will need to access ProQuest to facilitate further searching in an expeditious manner. Once you locate her in the years up to her passing in 1927 you will likely find a clue as to the identity of Cyril DeForrest and then be able to research his career, and life. He may also have used a stage name. There is a possibility that the birth of Donald Cyril DeForrest (1927-), as related on another genealogy website, could have been announced in Billboard magazine, along with the passing of his mother. If you can gain access to ProQuest’s Entertainment Industry Magazine Archive you may be able to find reference to those events. Often obituaries contain career information, as well as naming the next of kin. His birth certificate ought to provide the names of his parents and perhaps other important information. Fred Dahlinger Jr., Curator of Circus History, “The Ringling,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, FL
4399. Ryan Bros., 01 Aug 2014 - Ryan Bros., Matthew J. and William Patrick. Does anyone have information on their careers in the circus? They were acrobats and performers in many circus' from 1872 (age 13) to at least 1893. Daniel Shields Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
There was also this entry for Matthew J. under the surname of Ricardo, at < http://www.circushistory.org/History/Bios2.htm >, which provides a bit of insight on his use of the name Ricardo and also two men who were his partners in the subsequent Ryan Brothers act. “Matt J. Ricardo (Ryan), well known as an acrobat and gymnast, died at Silver Springs, N.Y., on Nov. 22 [1906], aged forty-seven years. He was well known as one of the Three Original Ryan Bros., Wm., Matt and George. George was killed while leaping with the S. H. Barrett Show, at Effingham, Ill., a number of years ago. Matt, for a number of years, was of the team known as Ricardo and Fitz(?), and a test of his ability as a performer was a continuous engagement of seven years as the feature team with the Robt. Hunting Show. He was a member of the B. P. O. Elks, K. of P. and A. O. H. He is survived by his wife, who is a non-professional; one brother, William, of Utica, N.Y., and five sisters. Interment was at is old home, Tidioute, Pa.” New York Clipper, December 15, 1906, p. 1140 I would assume that the Three Original Ryan Bros. act had been assembled for 1881 and parted company by 1883. George W. Ryan’s life was lost on the S. H. Barrett circus at Effingham, IL on September 20, 1883, per an entry in Clipper, September 29, 1883, page 457. The mishap happened during a rehearsal , while he attempted to turn a double somersault as he leaped over ten camels and two horses. It was his second injury of the season. He was from Meadville, PA, just 19 years of age; his real surname was Marsh. The Ryan Brothers, Matt and George, advertised for a place in the November 20, 1880 issue of the Clipper, page 279. They listed themselves as “Gymnasts and Acrobats,” “The finest Brother Act in America, introducing Double Backward and Double Forward Somersaults. Somersaults on Shoulders and from Back to Shoulders.” They were based in Tidioute, PA. The career of Matthew J. Ryan, 1859-1906, is traced in detail in a transcribed biographical entry here: http://www.pagenweb.org/~warren/obits/obits-r.html The original source was “A Great Performer” in the Silver Springs (NY) Signal of November 29, 1906, which is available online at www.newspaperarchive.com. It’s an obituary, published after his passing, but seems to be fairly accurate in most aspects. You are already familiar with it. There’s a couple mistakes in the original document, corrected in the entries below. Each of the entries is a query unto itself, given the vagaries of circus titles, proprietorships, silent partners, variants on the above, etc. You will also find variations on the show titles, some of which, like Transatlantic, toured under different proprietorships. I consulted the Sturtevant list for some initial checks, but much more is mandated if you want complete accuracy in Ryan’s career. His brother, who survived him, is named as William therein. He likely provided the basis of the career chronicle for the obituary, likely supplemented by mementoes or a scrapbook kept by the deceased. The dual career and show engagements of Matthew and William Ryan are given as: 1871 [Matthew, when aged 12] public exhibitions; 1872-1873 Elliott Robinson, 2 seasons [perhaps not a circus, but a stage operation; no Clipper entry for Elliott Robinson; might be Alexander Robinson’s North American circus, out of Utica, NY, but Glenroy, who was with the troupe, doesn’t mention a Ryan as present (in his book http://www.circushistory.org/Glenroy/Glenroy3.htm), nor do Clipper pre-season rosters; the Ryans could have appeared under a stage name, the Alex Robinson show having several acrobatic and tumbling acts; Glenroy lists the Maynard Brothers (Mark and Eugene) as acrobats (listed with Alex Robinson 1872-1877), Sanford Hoegel, acrobat, and Clarence Burton, gymnast (a brother, Tony, is also known); Clipper, April 13, 1872, page 12, lists gymnasts, leapers and tumblers as Burton Brothers (Clarence, Henry and Mark, flying men and dancing globes), Polar Brothers (John, James and Edward, three bars, stilts and hat spinning—no other Clipper listings discovered for the Polar name), and several other singles]; 1874-1876 Thayer & Noyes circus, 3 seasons [an erroneous entry needing more research; Thayer & Noyes toured only 1862-1869; Noyes closed out in fall 1874, and laid low through spring 1877 owing to having had typhoid pneumonia (Clipper, May 1, 1875, page 39 and February 10, 1877, page 368); Thayer wasn’t a proprietor from the failure of Thayer & Noyes in 1869 until 1877]; 1877 John O’Brien circus, 1 season [his “Six Separate Shows Consolidated” title]; [1878 Ryan Brothers listed in pre-season rosters with Hilliard & Hunting, Clipper, April 6, 1878, page 15; and also with Hamilton & Sergeant’s Great New York Circus, per Clipper, April 13, 1878, page 23]; 1878-1879 Transatlantic circus, 2 seasons [Boyd & Peters Transatlantic in 1879, from Royal Oak, MI; confirmed in Clipper, August 9, 1879, page 159]; 1880 Hilliard & DeMott [title in 1879 and 1880; not Hilliard (not Hilyard) & Hunting, which was 1876-1878]; Some basic searching in Clipper failed to reveal the name Ryan as a tumbler, acrobat, leaper, etc., between 1872 and 1877, suggesting that the brothers may have used a stage name in that interval. Given that they were minors, there may have been some desire to conceal their real identity. William apparently withdrew and Matthew then soloed on: 1880 James L. Thayer circus, single season, 1880, as a clown [show closed early and was auctioned at Chester, PA on August 26, 1880; acrobats often turned to clowning when they could no longer take the rigors of gymnastics; or it may have been a case that with the retirement of his brother that he lacked a partner]; 1881 Shelby, Pullman & Hamilton circus, one of the “Three Ryans” [see note above, perhaps the first year of a new trio]; 1882 with John L. Fritz [also Fitze?], under the name [Matt/Matthew J.] Ricardo [Fritz was another acrobat, not known as a proprietor; Matthew was likely part of the act organized and booked by Fritz, for which 1890 and 1893-1894 engagements are listed in Slout or elsewhere; see below for possible 1889 entry with Ryan/Ricardo]; 1883 Miles Orton circus, then United States show in San Francisco [latter perhaps non-circus]; 1884 Boston Novelty [non circus, there was a Boston Novelty Co. headed by Murphy and Mack in 1885, which played indoor spaces; acrobats could also work the variety and vaudeville house stages]; 1885 Pullman, Dingess & Co. circus [not Pullman & Dingels]; 1886-1892 Bob [Robert] Hunting circus [Hurlbut & Hunting 1886-1887, Hunting solo owner thereafter; there was a listing for Matt Ricardo, Ricardo and Fitze (sic?) on Hunting 1889 (Clipper, April 20, 1889, page 97); Matt Ricardo alone and also Ricardo & Fitze in 1888 (Clipper, March 10, 1888, page 832 and May 5, 1888, page 7)]. Mathew then retired to the life of a hotel keeper, a trade that had been pursued by other showmen. The best continuum of information about the Ryans will be the weekly issues of the New York Clipper. These can be searched online at: http://idnc.library.illinois.edu/cgi-bin/illinois?a=p&p=home&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN------- Be sure to use name variations when seeking specific Ryan/Ricardo entries; full names, initials, last name then first name, act names, etc. You might also search the hometown newspapers, or those in the closest cities and county seats. They may have reported periodically about the traveling showmen, whose lives presented such a contrast to those of the local people. Fred Dahlinger Jr., Curator of Circus History, “The Ringling,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, FL
CHS is on Facebook! Join our online community! - click here 4398. Evelyn Currie Christie, 31 Jul 2014 - Hamid-Morton 1960 performer Evelyn Currie Christie, big cats. Does anyone know if she is still living and if so where she resides? Would love to re-connect with her. Esther Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4397. Robertson's circus, 28 Jul 2014 - I'm searching for information on a circus my great-grandmother's family owned. Their name was Robertson. I did see a listing that mentioned Robertson's circus in the 1800s. Do you know where I could find more information on this circus and it's owners? Thank you, Debra Question. Name, email address. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4396. Hairdresser, August Glaudell, 23 Jul 2014 - 37 Bowery, New York, 1842. I have a (possible) relative that I am researching, who was a hairdresser at this address/date (same year PT Barnum was there). I was wondering if anyone would know if this location had regular barber shops, too, or if he would have been a hairdresser for the menagerie or circus there? He later becase a barber, and ended up in St. Louis in 1873 (coincidentally, the circus was there that year) and ended up in Piedmont in 1880 (another coincidence that the Cooper & Bailey circus ended there in 1879). Any help or thoughts would be appreciated. His name was August Glaudell, b. 1820. If you are on Ancestry.com, here is what I have on him so far. http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/144226/person/-591513233 Thanks, Brent Price Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4395. Baker Brothers, 22 Jul 2014 - I am looking for information on an English acrobatic family, the Baker Brothers. A acrobatic/hat spinner act. I believe they were in Billy Smarts Circus around 1920s to mid 1930s. brmcondo@yahoo.com Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 4394. Kool Aid Circus, 15 Jul 2014 - I was wondering (hoping) you might have any more information on the Kool-Aid Circus. I'm surprised I can't really find anything considering the fact that it had at three circus icons performing in the show (Faye Alexander, his wife with their "Al's Lemon-zine" tramp car act and of course the show's producer Eddie "Hugo"Zachini and his human cannon ball act). I understand he had perhaps four units running at once. But I am most interested in the shows that played the Iowa State Fair. Phil "Pappy" Granger and Gary "Maxo" Maxamina were two of the clowns as were three little people named "Gizmo", "Dinky" and "Petey" All of whom were from Chicago, Il with the exception of "Petey." If you could direct me to any stories, reviews, video footage, photos, etc. I would be very grateful. One of the reasons for inquiring about this info is that I became Petey the clown at about age 8 when Gizmo's son was fired while the show was on the road. My parents were concession vendors who had become friendly with the fellas from clown alley. They were in a spot for another little person, which became ME. I performed with them for two summers in the mid west, mostly got wired with pyrotechnics, set on fire, stuffed into all sorts of contraptions , and along the way learned some real craft, i.e. juggeling, unicycle riding, chin balancing etc. I continued this into my teenage years after my Kool Aid circus days then kinda forgot about it. I'm in my forties now and my wife came across some photos I had tucked away some where. When I told her what they were she was so amazed that she demanded that I write about this experience and share some of the stories that she seemed unable to get enough of. But if or until that ever happens she thought that I should at least post what little I personally had. i.e. photos, programs, posters on line. Well, low and behold I get an email from a relative of Phil "Pappy" Granger. He tells me that all of his memorabilia was lost in a fire that destroyed his home, (His son actually wrote me and explained that Pappy doesn't use the internet (or computers a all for that matter) but that he had printed the few photos, I posted, for Pappy to see.) He asked his son to get my phone number and after ALL these years he actually called me. He was really hoping I had more memorabilia that he could pass along to his children and grandchildren and if not, if i'd try to help him find some. Well, this is me trying to find some. Thanks for listening and I would appreciate any help possible. Peter Brafford Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4393. Lottie & Daisy Belmont, 14 Jul 2014 - Is there a record of the real names of circus perfomers somewhere? I am researching Lottie Belmont and Daisy Belmont, who are supposed to be my Aunt and cousin. I believe that Lottie's birth name was Jemima or Juliana Patrick. Lottie was a trapeze artist in the late 1800s. Thank you for any direction you can give me. Penny Palmer, Olympia WA Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Daisy Belmont is described as the daughter of Charles and Lotta (aka Lottie/Lotine/etc.) Belmont in an extended and illustrated biography of William Showles by Dan Draper in the CHS journal, Bandwagon, Jan-Feb 2001, pages 19-23. It can be purchased as a back issue. Aunt and cousin could, therefore be a correct relationship. There is additional information, references that must be checked elsewhere, in Dan Draper’s extensive notations about equestrians: http://www.ringlingcircus.org/equestrian/ The last name “Belmont” and variants thereon yielded 167 hits. These are largely employment citations, but an obituary for Daisy is noted (New York Clipper, February 8, 1896, page 777). She died January 22, 1896, at the home of her mother, given as Chicago, and was interred in Hinsdale, a suburb, and perhaps the actual location of her mother’s residence. The only name given for her other than Belmont was “Showles,” which was the name of her husband, William “Billy” Showles (1857-1924). No other name other than Belmont came up in any search. It bought to be possible to locate her death certificate, which ought to give her birth name. Draper reported the Showles-Belmont marriage, his third to an equestrienne, as taking place on October 8, 1889, after a performance of the Belmont Elite Circus. The location was Chicago; the circus had been playing the outskirts of the city, organized as a ten cent show. The event, which didn’t come up via key word searching, is in the Clipper, October 19, 1889, page 541, column 4, “Under the White Tents.” You might search for their marriage certificate, which ought to give her birth name. No other vital statistics are provided for Daisy’s parents. Fred Dahlinger Jr., Curator of Circus History, “The Ringling,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, FL
Problem replying to a message? 4392. Caroline Barry, 12 Jul 2014 - I am trying to find a newspaper or other contemporaneous account of a trapeze accident around the turn of the century in which my great-great-grandmother, Caroline (Jarvis) Barry, was killed, and where her husband John C. Barry (see post #3773) lost an eye. The incident would have happened sometime between 1893 and 1910. I'm not sure where the incident took place or which show they were affiliated with at the time but it may have been Dieffenbach, J. E. Henry, or the Sun Bros shows. Would anyone have any insight on where or how best to look for this information? The NY Clipper and Billboard appear to be available for those dates but don't seem to be searchable. Thanks very much for your time and assistance! Greg Barry Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
The Billboard and the NY Clipper are both entertainment sources of this period but the Billboard didn't begin until 1894 and very little circus information was offerred in the first several years. You would want to at least try searching the New York papers collection at http://fultonhistory.com/Fulton.html I use the Boolean search. try searching the name (s) in different formats such as John Doe, Caroline doe, Mr and Mrs. John Doe, etc. Billboard is included in this website. You can also search the New York Clipper online by going to http://idnc.library.illinois.edu/ This is very easy to search and will occupy your time for many days to come. Best wishes, Bob Cline
4391. Matlocks, 07 Jul 2014 - I'm looking to track down some old relatives that worked for the circus between 1900 and 1920 or even later than that. They worked at B and B and also in Cuba and the islands for a guy named Domingo Gonzales. They were hi wire walkers. My aunt was Anna Mary Moore/ Matlock. Her husband was (William) Marvin Matlock. They may have been under totally differnet names to work. If you can give me any info at all I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks so much, Holly 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 4390. Wayne Boettcher, 07 Jul 2014 - I am looking for Wayne Boettcher. He was w/ Foley and Burke at 1974 or 75 county fair in San Mateo, Calif. He worked the fun house, and yes it was fun. Andi Leeka Ward Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
You might try contacting the Pacific Coast Showmen’s Association, to determine if any of their members have knowledge of Wayne Boettcher. One online person database yielded a Wayne Boettcher in Ontario, CA, but whether he’s the person you seek would only be confirmed by a contact. Given that your knowledge is now nearly 40 years old, the chance exists that he may have passed on. A quick check of LDS death records for 1974-2014 deaths for “Wayne Boettcher” yielded over 8000 hits for California alone. You may need to enlist more professional search services in locating a “lost” person from decades ago, but hopefully you’ll get a lucky break. Fred Dahlinger Jr., Curator of Circus History, “The Ringling,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, FL.
4389. Harry Dale, 04 Jul 2014 - Hi can anyone tell me if they know anything or a photo of Harry Dale who was a part of Wirth circus and died working for the circus in 1909. kellych12 Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. CHS is on Facebook! Join our online community! - click here 4388. Internment Camps WWII, 30 Jun 2014 - I have been seeking information about "Entertainment" in the Japanese Internment Camps during WWII. I am unable to find any. I recall entertaining at many US Military Camps where prisoner's of war were in the audience. On occasion I was even served dinner by some, and we purchased apples along the apple orchards in Kansas where some worked. Is it possible that there was no form of cultural entrainment provided for the interned Japanese? It's probably just my lack of computer research expertise. I would appreciate any information. Billie Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4387. Purchase family, 27 Jun 2014 - Do you know if the Purchase family owned a circus and sold it in the early 1900's. Regards, Graham Masters Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Andrew's son, (Captain Tom Purchase) was a famous lion trainer who died in 1932 following a bad mauling by a lion. Capt.Tom's daughter, Rosie Purchase, was married to my Uncle Jimmy Chipperfield (Rosie & Jimmy were the parents of Mary Chipperfield). Does any of this help? I have quite a lot of information on the Purchase family if you need more? jim@stockley.co.za
4386. Laura Petrello, 25 Jun 2014 - I just wanted to let you know of the passing of Laura May McKenzie Petrello, 89 passed away June 17, 2014 in Miami, Florida. A Visitation will take place on Tuesday, 6/24/2014 from 7-9PM, at Stanfill Funeral Home, 10545 South Dixie Highway, Pinecrest, Florida 33156, (305) 667-2518. Burial will be 11:00AM, Wednesday, June 14, 2014 at Southern Memorial Park, 15000 West Dixie Highway, Miami, Florida 33181. Laura May will be laid to rest next to her Husband Mike Petrello in the “Showman’ s Rest” Section of the Cemetery. Craig Rogowski, Funeral Director, Stanfill Funeral Home Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4385. Mamie Ward, 24 Jun 2014 - I am looking for more information on Mamie Ward. I'm hoping to find out whether I am related to her or not. My family records show that she is Mamie O'Hara, but we know that she was probably born around 1860-1865 and was in the Colorado area about 1880. I'm not sure if she possibly changed her name from O'Hara to Ward or if she got married. Family stories say that she was either involved in the circus, vaudeville or burlesque, some type of an entertainer. I've seen pictures of Mamie Ward with the Sells Floto Circus group and was just hoping to gather more information about her (birthdate, death date, married, what she did in the circus, where she's from - anything). We show that she had an illegitimate son about 1880 in the Colorado area and gave him up for adoption. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! callmestacy@yahoo.com Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Explore, Enjoy circus history with Bandwagon, join CHS today! Membership 4384. Clyde Beatty circus, 23 Jun 2014 - I am looking for a way to get copies of the Los Angeles Times, with a story and pictures of the march of dimes parade featuring the Clyde Beatty circus. It's was 1950. We do have one very old copy so I can get exact date & page number. My grandmother was in the parade riding the front elephant :) and we recently lost her and found these pictures and want to know if there is any possible way of getting picture ect of this parade? I would also love any information on this circus that I can get! Thank you for any information and or any suggestions as to where I can obtain anything regarding "the Clyde Beaty circus"! 1950-51. My email is rorykandee@aol. Thank you for your time. Kandee Kirkpatrick Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4383. David W. Sorg, 23 Jun 2014 - I am looking for information about David W. Sorg who worked for Johnny J. Jones Exposition in the early 1900s. I believe he was head of the electrical department and had served in the army for awhile. Brdoaks Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
His obituary is given below; you might eventually find a trade journal reference to his marriage. Most trade journal entries are about employment, visits with other showmen, or to home, etc. Over a dozen hits came up for David Sorg. An immediate hit occurred in Clipper, February 21, 1917, page 14, listing him as the show electrician. http://fultonhistory.com/Process%20small/Newspapers/New%20York%20NY%20Clipper%201853%20-%201924/New%20York%20NY%20Clipper%201917-1918.pdf/New%20York%20NY%20Clipper%201917-1918%20-%200079.pdf He may have been responsible for the show’s light plant(s) and for the cabling that delivered the “juice” to rides, shows and joints on the midway. It was one of the more technically demanding positions on the carnival. illboard, May 2, 1942, page 30, listed David Sorg as the show’s chief electrician. http://books.google.com/books?id=LwwEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT2&lpg=PT2&dq=dave+sorg+jones+exposition&source=bl&ots=zOsu4VbV2L&sig=5zjWvxOZXmLOpOWX5BFUv-EeksI&hl=en&sa=X&ei=8ey7U5iMGIWgyAS20oD4DA&ved=0CDUQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=dave%20sorg%20jones%20exposition&f=false Perhaps he was a long-term Jones employee, across changes in ownership? The first readily found entry was dated 1908 [name in letters list, Billboard, might be him] or for sure in 1914 as the electrician on JJJ, and the last 1946, but they may continue later. The references him with JJJ in many seasons; Rubin & Cherry in 1921 and Brown & Dyer in 1922. One mentions service in Uncle Sam’s army in 1919. He could have joined out at age 22 and was still with it 40 years later, other than military service. He died, age 63 from a stroke, at De Land, FL, was reported in Billboard, January 15, 1949, page 49. That would yield a birth year of c.1886. He was survived by his widow, Minnie. He was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery, De Land. His last two seasons were with Penn Premier, a motorized carnival. Here is his Billboard obituary: http://books.google.com/books?id=8BYEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA50&lpg=PA50&dq=david+sorg+jones+exposition&source=bl&ots=gHneyYwXri&sig=u-np_ICFMZotIhw9YteKleHCL_A&hl=en&sa=X&ei=nu-7U43mJYSUyASP_YKwDg&ved=0CBwQ6AEwADgK#v=onepage&q=david%20sorg%20jones%20exposition&f=false His FL death certificate may give his city and state of birth. That would be a community to search for city directory and other entries. Jones wintered in Orlando, De Land and elsewhere and you might examine resources in those communities. Bob Goldsack published a book on the JJJ operation and there’s also a website on Jones; there’s also a book on Rubin & Cherry by Chris Audibert. You might get lucky and find a photo of Sorg. There are also photos of Penn Premier, but Brown & Dyer items are hard to locate. Try doing some simple Google searching, then get more detailed. If you pursue these resources, as well as genealogical, military, local and vital records research, you should be able to develop a substantial dossier of information about the gentleman. Fred Dahlinger Jr., Curator of Circus History, “The Ringling,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, FL Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 4382. Gilberts circus, 18 Jun 2014 - I am looking for info on Gilberts circus. John Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4381. Human cannonball, 16 Jun 2014 - I'm from a Circus in Brazil. Please, could you help me to find a company or someone that could manufacture a human cannonball? Thank you very much, Alan Fabre Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Problem replying to a message? 4380. Chipperfield circus 1963, 16 Jun 2014 - I am interesting in tracking anyone who worked with Chipperfields circus in early 1963? A relation of mine named Diane Noble worked with the circus looking after the Arab horses. Would be great to get any information. Sally Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4379. RBBB poster, 15 Jun 2014 - I have an RBB&B poster from "Sunday July 29," showing the circus to be playing "Lincoln." Checking the circus routes, going back to the mid-1930s, I couldn't find a Sunday, July 29 where the show was in "Lincoln." However, in 1956, the year the show folded its big top for the last time on July 16th, I find that July 29th did fall on a Sunday. Could my poster be advertising a show that never happened? I can't check this on the 1956 route card, because it ends on July 16th. Does anyone know if Ringling was scheduled to play "Lincoln" in 1956? Thanks! - Rick Whelan 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 4378. Barnum and Bailey, 14 Jun 2014 - There is a location in NW fl called Floridale or Harold where Barnum & Bailey wanted to build their winter home in Santa Rosa county. They poured curbs, which remain out in the woods there, to this day. There was a hotel, restaurant, and bus terminal called Floridale tower. All these were torn down and I cannot find pictures or history regarding this. Would really love to see pictures and know more. Santa Rosa County couldn't come to acceptable agreement with the circus, so they chose Sarasota, FL. Thank you for seeing what you can find. I have searched & searched in vain. Look forward to hearing from you. Bobbie Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Barnum & Bailey never indicated a desire to relocate from Bridgeport, Connecticut, which became their quarters in the early 1880s; they remained there until the consolidation with Ringling Bros. for the 1919 tour. John Ringling’s focus in Florida was always Sarasota, where he acquired property starting in 1911. The Haag Bros. circus was quartered in Marianna, FL in the 1930s and other shows also wintered in Florida by the 1880s and 1890s. It really became a big time haven for show winter operations with the 1927 relocation by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey to Sarasota. Fred Dahlinger Jr., Curator of Circus History, “The Ringling,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, FL
4377. Madison Square Garden, 09 Jun 2014 - I was wondering if anyone knew where the performers stayed while a circus was playing Madison Square Garden until 1925. Since MSG was rebuilt as an indoor arena in 1890, did circuses playing there in 1915-1920 have performers board in hotels for the month Ringling's 1919 route book says it showed there, or did they sleep in their usual train cars? Thank you so much! Chloe Kayne Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Train consists for the time are rare, train consists for the Garden train(s) being unknown, at least to me, so it’s hard to gain an answer from that perspective. You might search local newspaper coverage, circus performer memoirs and other period documentation for a more authoritative answer, or at least circumstantial evidence of hotel occupancy. I suspect one or more references mention residing in hotels either adjacent to the Garden, or that were favored by show folks through the years. You might look at the location of the Garden vis a vis the position of the railroad yards in which the show sleepers would have been parked. It may have been a long distance trip between the two, making hotel accommodations more attractive. Show sleepers certainly lacked air conditioning, and although some cars may have been built with heating capacity, providing heat during the late winter months at a freight car siding may have been awkward at best. Employees would have been very uncomfortable in unheated cars. Fred Dahlinger Jr., Curator of Circus History, “The Ringling,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, FL
CHS is on Facebook! Join our online community! - click here 4376. History, rope and wire walking, 05 Jun 2014 - I am in the process of writing a book on rigging wires, and I want to include a brief history of wire walking in this book (part of the Introduction to Rigging series of textbooks). The problem I have is that I can find very little on the history! Anyone have any resources that might help me? Any experts on this history? Steven Santos, Director, Simply Circus Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Rigging for rope and wire walking is a subset of the field of performance properties, providing the means by which acts were accomplished by securing apparatus in an open air ring, inside a structure, under a canvas top or in unique spaces. Each venue presented different challenges in terms of access, anchorage, support, erection, adjustment, etc. It was necessary to devise rigging for any act above the ground, and for some on the ground. Examples of the former include rope and wire walking, bar acts, trapeze and diving acts. The latter could cover perch acts and wheels of various types. Training and safety apparatus is also part of the discussion; consider the Stokes mechanic for the training of riders, and the rigging for flyers. Rigging, as a topic, is seldom covered in the literature, as you have discovered. I recall one recently reprinted article about a maker of safety nets: A. Morton Smith, “The Man Who Builds the Flying Trapeze,” “Popular Science Monthly,” October 1935, reprinted in CHS “Bandwagon,” July-Aug 2011, pp. 13-15 [which can be purchased as a back issue]. Searching of Google Books, digitized newspapers and other repositories may reveal additional pieces. Tradesmen and craftsmen are reluctant to disclose trade secrets, so it’s often via subsequent accident investigations that the actual technology employed is eventually revealed. Civil and criminal trial transcripts can be a rich source of insights; infrequently they are summarized in the popular press. Popular science and technology journals (“Scientific American,” “Popular Mechanics,” etc.) and a few newspapers, like the “New York Sun,” infrequently published articles on circus topics that can provide special insights. The Sun is particularly good and is available online with key word searching at a Library of Congress site, “Chronicling America.” When any performance apparatus fails, the “rigging” immediately becomes under intense scrutiny, as recent incidents have shown. It’s highly unusual to see a rope or wire break in use. The manufactured hardware, fasteners, clips, tensioners, eyelets, swivels, etc., used with the basic support apparatus are often the root cause, owing to fatigue limits being reached and exceeded, as in the case of Lillian Leitzel’s fall (not “crystallization”). Inherent metallurgical defects that are undetected can also be an initiator of failure. One recently deceased maker of performance properties, Jake Conover, told me that he had to furnish apparatus that could be repaired with parts from the local hardware store. At the other end of the spectrum, some high end productions use NASA specifications for hardware, yet, they, too, have experienced unfortunate failures. Rope walks are an ancient form of technology. Wire wasn’t available until foundry and draw benches were developed. Each material caused different forms of associated apparatus to be devised for its implementation. Low or high elevation, angle of inclination, length and whether taut or slack, weather or other performance conditions were also factors in the specific development of the rigging. The type of performance, walking, dancing, vehicle riding, etc., as well as the total weight imposed also must be considered. Here’s a tertiary and illustrated summary of rope manufacture that looks interesting, which also suggests transfer of the technology to North America: http://www.neropes.com/resources/history_of_rope.pdf. Wire drawing via dies came about by 1100, but control of the chemistry, alloying and hardness were later developments. Here’s a piece about wire for musical instruments, but similar techniques applied: http://books.google.com/books?id=sE1mk8ed1dkC&pg=PA19&lpg=PA19&dq=wire+drawing+history&source=bl&ots=2Pnq6dWaiK&sig=5FOnhJjA-XbXtLnma67rKjp8GPw&hl=en&sa=X&ei=0G6QU9PKJ8etyASHxYGQAQ&ved=0CCcQ6AEwATgK#v=onepage&q=wire%20drawing%20history&f=false Wire rope is a different development, a sort of combination of the two technologies. Here’s a reference: http://www.fastlift.co.za/pdf/CASAR%20-%20Short%20history%20of%20wire%20ropes.pdf For those seeking insight on contemporary rigging, this paper presents a cogent discussion: http://community.simplycircus.com/pdf/Airspace_Acrobatics_Circus_rigging_standard_v2.pdf. Fred Dahlinger Jr., Curator of Circus History, “The Ringling,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, FL
4375. Rose Gold, 05 Jun 2014 - I wonder if you have any information regarding a trapeze artist called Rose Gold? I saw her performing when I was a small child, somewhere in England in the early 1950s. Many thanks, Marilyn Aslani Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4374. G A Warthan Shows, Cincinnati, 02 Jun 2014 - I am trying to find out about this business, haven't found anything after long and varied searches. It may have a different trade name and this is a business name, based in Ohio. I have a grand-uncle who was a mechanic and worked for this circus/sideshow/carnival (we are guessing!) before and after WW1. He traveled far and wide with this group (according to his paper trail), so we assume it was a circus. His name was Carl Alanson Clements, born in Alvo, NB, lived in Stanley SD and eventually settled down in Kelso, WA in the early 1920's. Any info about the company or Carl would be greatly appreciated, you can contact me at jayclements@ymail.com. Thank you so much! Jay Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Unfortunately, there’s no current knowledge of any of the show’s business records, including employment data. They were presumably destroyed years ago, after Wortham’s premature death and the liquidation and sale of the shows to others. The best continuums of knowledge about Wortham operations will be the weekly issues of the trade journals Billboard [online at Google Books, ProQuest Entertainment Industry Magazine Archive, Fulton History] and New York Clipper [via Illinois Digital Newspaper Collection, Fulton History]. All of the sources provide key word searching. Local newspapers will also have content on the public aspects of the Wortham Shows activities. Fred Dahlinger Jr., Curator of Circus History, “The Ringling,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, FL
Carl Clements, with the rest of the Worthan Carnival, is listed in the ElCentro City, Imperial County, CA 1920 census on Ancestry. Also draft registration 1917. There are some newspaper ads on Ancestry, but of course they don't mention Clements. I have no connection, just curious. Billie
4373. Baby Mistin, 31 May 2014 - OK guys, I watched the old Colgate Palmolive Hour with Baby Mistin and was astounded at what he could do. I had to find out what happened to him. It was a long search but here: http://www.huisvanalijn.be/product/xylofoonspeler-roland-d-avell-baby-mistin. Tom Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Explore, Enjoy circus history with Bandwagon, join CHS today! Membership 4372. RBBB poster, 31 May 2014 - I just came across some things and one is a Original Vintage 1950s Ringling Bros and Barnum Bailey Circus Poster Red Background Leopard 28 x 52 litho poster size. I would like to get some info on it. Tx, Michael Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4371. Zeiger shows 1938, 28 May 2014 - I have a post card from my uncle Zack Hargis who was traveling with C. F. Zeiger shows in 1938. The post card is from Mexico, while they were there. Postcard is photo of Mexico / USA border At Sonora, Mexico "wet" - the border is s short yard fence - Nogales, Arizona "Dry". It is dated - March 19, 1938. Up Popped the Devil. I am Traveling with C.F. Zeiger, United Show, in Mexico now will head for the north soon and swing back with this summer wind up in Phoenix, Arizona in Nov. don't know if I will hit Denver this summer or not, but we may. Will let you hear from me B.4. long I am fine hope all is well - Zack. Wondering if you may have any history about this tour in 1938 or possibly photos of people who were employed during that time. Thank you, Kelly Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
I don’t recall seeing any recent writing about the enterprise or principals. The best means to acquire knowledge will be to pursue entries in the weekly trade journal “Billboard.” You can access later 1940s issues directly online, via a Google Books advanced search. The earlier years can be accessed via ProQuest’s Entertainment Industry Magazine Archive, to which you can perhaps purchase access, or utilize at a larger library. Both provide key word search capability. If Zeiger was active pre-1923 in the trade, you could also check directly for him in issues of the “New York Clipper,” which is available online with key word searching at Illinois Digitized Newspaper Collections. There are also various trade journals accessible at the Fulton History website. Simple Google searches for “C. F. Zeiger” + shows yielded a number of 1940s hits, a 1935 photograph, etc. It’s a way to get started until you have specific access to 1938 issues. Your uncle may have traveled with other shows and you might search for him in a similar manner. Generally, it will be difficult to find photographs of the show, but at least one exists. Once you establish the community(ies) in which the show wintered, you might visit or contact local repositories for information about the owner(s) and activities. Digitized newspapers along their routes, which were published in Billboard, may also provide insights. There are also entries in lesser known publications including “Greater Show World,” “Big Eli News,” and so on. Fred Dahlinger Jr., Curator of Circus History, “The Ringling,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, FL
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 4370. Holland Brothers Circus, 26 May 2014 - I’ve been told that my great grandfather was an acrobat with the Holland Brothers Circus in the US in the nineteenth century. He went by the name of Francis (or Frank) Holland, although I am not certain that he was actually a member of the Holland family. I believe that his real surname might have been McHugh. Is there any information available about the Holland Brothers Circus? About the Holland family? Or about anyone who performed with them? Thank you. Kit Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
There was also a troupe of performers named Holland Brothers that performed on the vaudeville and variety stage, and perhaps the circus, based in Des Moines, Iowa. They were active c1872-c1882 and have been the subject of inquiry before; see CHS message postings 394 and 3694, both of which lack responses. There seems to be some ambiguity in specific name knowledge. That may arise from the fact that not all members of the “duo” were actually named Holland. There were also a variety of members of the act. This may have been the act that involved Francis Hugh “Frank” Holland [McHugh?], but there’s no specific reference to him per se in the period literature. Trade references to the Holland Brothers start by 1872. They performed on an elevated, offset double trapeze, situated at a substantial height above the stage or ground (estimated at fifteen to twenty feet in 1876), and also did a horizontal bar act. A comedic “triple aerial bar” act, with hat spinning, was mentioned in 1875. They did not do double or triple somersaults, but did have a very accomplished and daring act they’d perfected at their Des Moines base of operations. Joseph Paul was a member of the Holland Brothers in the late 1870s, taking the stage name Paul Holland. He performed with his wife, who was billed as Mlle. Violetta, and a gentleman known publicly as Billy Holland. He may have had claim to the actual name of Holland. The act was billed as “Mlle. Violetta and the Holland Brothers.” Among their engagements was a stint at Col. Sinn’s New Park Theatre, Brooklyn, in February 1876. On February 24, while presenting their triple bar act, they incurred a failure of their apparatus, in which the lower bar on which Paul was seated “swung away,” precipitating both Paul and Billy to the stage, critically injuring them. The heavier Paul fell upon the lighter Billy, who took the brunt of the impact. Billy Holland was injured to the extent that he was compelled to retire, “crippled for life.” Mlle. Violetta was situated on the top bar during the incident and never lost her composure. The local accident account termed the two men “brothers.” The local newspaper published an extended editorial about the presentation of high risk acts the following day, taking both thrill-seeking audiences and stage managers satisfying them to task. [Brooklyn Daily Eagle, February 25, 1876.] Reportedly the act was presented vin violation of the law, which called for the placement of a net under the performers. [Clipper, March 4, 1876, page 391.] References to the act are inconsistent. The act was carried on by Paul, continued as Holland Brothers, along with another “boy” from Des Moines, name not given. In 1878 their location was given as 220 West Walnut Street. The identity of the replacement youth has not been determined. Conceivably he may be the man you’re seeking. [Clipper, September 7, 1878, page 187.] Violetta and the Holland Brothers were mentioned several times in 1881. They may have served part of the 1872, 1879 and 1881 tours with the John Robinson tour, but that’s not confirmed. [Clipper, April 13, 1872, page 12; December 27, 1879, page 315; July 9, 1881, pages 258 and 259.] Paul was recovering from an unnamed ailment in late 1882, but noted as having liver disease. He was then seeking his son, Charley, who’d left their Des Moines home, the address of which was 69(?)9 Second Street. [New York Clipper, December 23, 1882, page 634.] Paul eventually succumbed at the home of his mother in Des Moines on January 19, 1884. [Clipper, February 2, 1884, page 783.] The local Des Moines newspapers may have further coverage of the 1876 accident as well as an obituary for Joseph Paul, aka Paul Holland. I would also recommend pursuing research in local city directories, census records, etc. Fred Dahlinger Jr., Curator of Circus History, “The Ringling,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, FL
4369. Elephant Cindy, 23 May 2014 - My Name is Sean Browne Castlerea and I am looking for information when Cindy died. He died in Athenry and is buried in Castlerea. We have the spot marked and I intend to erect a headstone over Cindy but we need a date to put on Cindy's headstone. Below is an article that appeared this week in our local paper. Cindy Grave Marked. (May 16 in Demesne Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.) We have arranged that cindy's Grave will be marked at 5 O'Clock this evening, we must remember that he died 47 years ago, this is a very historical occassion, not every town has an Elephant buried in it, you are welcome to come along. It is a great opportunity to meet Michael Raftery the man who buried Cindy he will tell you the story of that infamous day. This is a very famous picture of Cindy the Elephant coming out Mannions Bar in Castlerea in 1963. Patsy Glynn was coming from a wedding when this photo opportunity came his way. Then Cindy died in Athenry and Castlerea was the chosen place of burial. It was only to day that Michael Raftery marked the spot of burial in 1967. It was Michael who got the job of burying Cindy. He worked for John Waldron at the time. The other picture shows Austin Waldron grandson of John Waldron at the grave.The place is going to be marked with a plaque and the grave marked soon. Cindy belonged to Fossetts Circus. He was talked about for years afterwards. Anthony Cahill from Castlerea Town Trust gave us his blessing. The other picture shows Andy Malone my neighbour who came to witness and verify the grave of Cindy. Thanks Andy. [Message Board does not include photos included with messages.] Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Problem replying to a message? 4368. Richard Reynolds, 22 May 2014 - My grandfather Richard Reynolds states on a document he was showman in the circus maybe the 1930’s. He was from Norfolk but may also lived in London. He was also known as Rex. Regards, Sylvia Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4367. Barbara Seal, 21 May 2014 - Looking for information concerning Ringling Bros. Circus performing in Minnesota 1970 when a female performer Barbara Seal with the Flying Braytons fell due to an equipment failure. Also any documents/photos showing Barbara Seal performing with the Flying Braytons (1969-1970). Thanks, Chuck Vasek 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 4366. La Petite Ethel, 20 May 2014 - We are looking for any pictures or flyers for our Grandmother/Great Grandmother Ethel May Harvey. Her stage name was 'La Petite Ethel'. She was a contortionist and trapeze artist from about 1895 to 1912. She toured with Bernard's Circus to Hawaii in 1901. She was married to Russell Packer, who looked after the horses and was a 'bounding Jockey'. She may also have been with 'McMahon's' and 'Wirth's' circuses in Australia and New Zealand. She lost her mother at an early age and was fostered by her Aunt and Uncle who were in the circus and may have gone by with the name Ethel Bernard or Gooseman before she married. All momentos were lost in a fire so we are hoping that someone may have something. Email: crimson@aapt.net.au. Regards, John Crimson Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4365. Sarah Smith, Burnell Raphael, 16 May 2014 - Requesting any information on Sarah Smith & Burnell Raphael. (my Grandparents). Sarah apparently joined the circus as her father was not able to look after 2 children after their mother died and still work, story has it the she joined the circus while it was in town in the Maronoa District in Queensland. Sarah going by her marriage certificate was a dancer. Burnell's brother Joseph Andrew Rowe Raphael was also in the circus as a trapezist, amoung the family performers were also Emmaletta Selina Raphael, Catherine Isabella Raphael, I am also curious on when exactly the profound bareback rider Gambor Raphael who was part of Rowes Circus actually started his career in the circus, if I am correct he was a child himself when he had joined. Where was he when he had joined. Any photos that maybe available I would also appreciate seeing. I have a photo of Gambor and 3 of his children from Mark St.Leon, if there is anything else out there somewhere I would so much love to see them. Did any of the family continue in the circus after the death of Gambor in Surry Hills NSW under the name of Rafael Gamboa. Regards Delveen Raphael Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. CHS is on Facebook! Join our online community! - click here 4364. Marianne Crosby, 16 May 2014 - I know that Mathew Buckley married my 3rd grt Grandmother Marianne Crosby in St. Mary’s Chapel, Lambeth, Surrey, England, 11 October 1825. She was a young equestrienne. Do you have any more information about her prior to, and whilst working with Mathew? I do have a contact in Wisconsin, who has provided me with her life / children / death details AFTER they arrived in the States. I would be extremely interested in any more information that you could garnish. Sincerely, Diane Andrews Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4363. Richard Lingard, 14 May 2014 - I'm looking for information regarding my great grandfather, Richard Lingard. He is from Ellis Island and have heard that he was in a circus for a period of time, catching on the trapeze, or an acrobat. I would really love to see a picture if one turns up or get information. He is originally from England, came to Ellis Island in the 1920s on the Celtic ship. Ledonna Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4362. Hairless cow sideshow, 14 May 2014 - My Great Uncle Theopolus from Culman, Alabama, had a hairless cow sideshow in the 1930s and 40s. I would love to find info or photos. I'm not sure of his last name, possibly Wells, Moore, or Mann. Thanks, Dee Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4361. W. W. Cole 100 sheet, 14 May 2014 - I’m looking for more information on the famous 100-sheet poster printed by Strobridge for the W.W. Cole show in the early 1880s. I presume no copies still exist? Does anyone know where the small photo of the poster in the Fred Pfening article in Bandwagon comes from? Is there any more information anywhere about where the poster was put up, or any descriptions of people’s reactions to it? Many thanks. Jessica, London UK Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
There is a well-known description from the March 10, 1883 issue of the “New York Clipper,” which you can access online in the digitized newspapers at the Illinois Digitized Newspaper Collections. There is also an extended description in the “Cincinnati Commercial Tribune” of March 22, 1883 in the catalogue. Other newspapers may have commented on the piece because it was so unusually large; however, local reporters may not have realized its unique status because large outdoor stands, probably with more than 100 sheets of paper, had already been erected by circus lithographers. The Cole poster is a montage that combines, with artistic license, various aspects of the circus menagerie and performance in the pavilion. The scenes shown together never took place simultaneously. Additional posters were placed outward from the 100-sheet assembly, creating an even larger presentation. No portion of the Cole piece is known to exist today. The only known print of the photograph documenting the actual existence of the poster was taken from a photograph of an example identified for the date at Cherokee, Iowa on July 31, 1883. It is in the Howard C. Tibbals collection and is reproduced in the book on page 23. The Louis E. Cooke memoir, available on the CHS website, includes a representation of his involvement with the piece: http://www.circushistory.org/Cooke/Cooke22.htm. Harry A. Ogden, who did the actual design, provided some insight on the work in a letter quoted in an article by Fred D. Pfening Jr. that can be found here: http://www.circushistory.org/Bandwagon/bw-1973Nov.htm At least one other 100-sheet lithograph was designed and actually printed by Enquirer, for the Buffalo Bill’s Wild West of 1899. 80 of the 100 sheets comprising it survive at the Circus World Museum library. Also preserved are the small wooden design blocks that reveal the entire 100-sheet design. These can be seen in the book by Thomas P. Parkinson and Charles P. Fox, “Billers, Banners and Bombast,” color plates 8 and 9. The library files also include a photograph of the entire remaining sheets temporarily erected upon a special wall erected for the purpose. The BBWW piece is four 24-sheet scenes butted together, a somewhat different concept than the 1883 Cole piece. Both had descriptive narrative panels at the ends of the 100-sheets of pictorial paper. A 128-sheet poster was proposed for the Adam Forepaugh circus of 1887, but is not known to have been completed and printed. Information about it is in footnote 26 on page 27 of the catalogue. Fred Dahlinger Jr., Curator of Circus History, “The Ringling,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, FL Explore, Enjoy circus history with Bandwagon, join CHS today! Membership 4360. Thomas Pool, 14 May 2014 - Kotar and Gessler in their book, "The Rise of the American Circus," cast doubt on the 18th century trick rider Thomas Pool's claim to being an American. They claim that Pool performed for ten years from 1774 to 1784 in Sainte Domingue, Jamaica and other Caribbean islands. There are Pool advertisements for those places in 1774 and 1784, but nothing in between. I believe that he was an American and that he was not in the islands after 1774 until he appeared again in 1784. Does anyone know of any other documentation that would place Pool in the islands in the intervening years? Thanks. Judith Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4359. Frank Large, 14 May 2014 - My great grandad joined the J Robinson circus around the 20s and was a fiddler. He signed on out of Ironton, Ohio. He died on the road and we don't know where he is buried or anything. His name was Frank Large. How could I find him? Thank you! Victoria Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 4358. Ringling Bros. early 1900s, 14 May 2014 - I am hoping you might be able to help me. I am trying to find out when the Ringling Bros. Circus might have come into my area in the early 1900’s. The reason for my investigation is this. I am an avid metal detectorist. At a home built in the 1890’s, I recently found a novelty ring sold by George Auger, The Cardiff Giant. From what I have been able to find out, he traveled with Ringling Bros. from around 1904 till maybe 1910, I’ve not been able to find that information. The real question I have is how close did the circus come to my sleepy little home town? I live in Bryson City NC. I just can’t imagine that big of a circus coming here back in those days. From what I have read, the ring had to be bought from George Auger himself so someone had to actually be at the circus. Do you have any information of the stops or travel schedule for Ringling Bros. for the early 1900’s? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Andy Turbyfill Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4357. Circo Americano, 01 May 2014 - I am attempting to write an article on Circo Americano which toured South America in 1940-50s. I would be grateful to anyone who can give me any stories or history on: Emil Schweyer, James B. (Jimmy) Harrington, Jerome & Janis Wilson, Dorothy & Willy Storey, Billy (Evans) & Renee Pape, Albert and Judy Storey or any others inc. Fay Alexander at the time he toured with them. jeanshields@yahoo.co.uk from London, UK. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Your best bet is to search Google Books and use the search terms 'Billboard' and 'Circo Americano'. A number of articles from the late 1940s & 50s show up about the circus playing in South America. A few pieces of correspondence list the show as Gran Circo Americano, 2028 Benefit Street, New Orleans, La. and Jerome C. Wilson, Director and Secretary, Janis K. Wilson. A January 10, 1951 letter notes that the show was owned by Giustine Loyal and he was at that time with Circo Atayde in Mexico City. He was having a new tent shipped from New Orleans to San Juan Puerto Rico. A letter March 9, 1954 lists the permanent address as 162 E. Oakridge Park, New Orleans, La. U.S.A. Jerome O. Wilson, Director with James B. Harrington, General Manager. The letter references the purchase of a 120 foot round with a 40 foot middle tent that was used in Puerto Rico last year. The show only used it ten weeks and then stored it. It was set up the prior week but was problems and Mr. Wilson requested that someone from the United States Tent and Awning Company in Chicago, Illinois come to have a look at it. The show was to be in San Juan until March 22. On October 25, 1954 Mr. Harrington notes that he arrived in New Orleans to confer with his partner Mr. Wilson in regards to the 1955 season. They discarded plans for an extended tour and decided to confine their tour to Puerto Rico only, again this coming season. John Polacsek
Problem replying to a message? 4356. August Cote, 01 May 2014 - My grandfather, August Arthur Cote, ran away from home (so the story goes) when he was 17 years old and joined the Ringling Brothers Circus. This would have been in 1906. Do you have act archives that confirm this? We know the act under the name of Scanlon Denno Scanlon also played the circus. We lost the circus playbill (a handsome leather bound volume) with pictures of all the acts when the house burnt to the ground! Would your archives show anything on these names? Thank you, Claire Bjelland Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4355. Mangan Bros. Circus, 25 Apr 2014 - Wondering if anyone heard of Mangan Brothers Circus – 1898–1900. Bailey & Madison, Bailey & Austin. Had relative George Stuckey who was an acrobat? Any info is appreciated, thanks. Anne from Orlando 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 4354. Dwight Nifong, 23 Apr 2014 - I am trying to find info on my ancestor Dwight Nifong. He was a lion tamer in the Cole Circus in the 40s. I am wanting any info or picts. of him & the lions. Billboards any copies of anything you have. Jan Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
The first mention of a Dee Nifong is in 1942, when he and Lester Stare, San Francisco and Sacramento, were to head east for the opening of the Just for Fun show. Nifong had been doing defense work. [Billboard, January 31, 1942, page 33] In 1943 he was identified as having been with Lester Stores Shows. [Billboard, June 5, 1943, page 31] Dwight “Dee” Nifong joined the U. S. Navy on August 27, 1942, per an entry in Billboard magazine [October 17, 1942, page 33]. He was said to have been with two well-known carnivals, Beckman & Gerety and Cetlin & Wilson. He went to the South Pacific and may have been wounded as Billboard [December 4, 1943, page 35] noted he was in the U. S. Naval hospital in Long Beach, CA, after ten months duty. By spring 1946 he was released and planned to book onto a small western circus. He was residing in Fresno, CA. [Billboard, March 23, 1946, page 77] He did fair and park dates through 1946 before returning home to Los Angeles. [Billboard, November 30, 1946, page 62] In late 1946 and early 1947 Nifong, then resident in Los Angeles, advertised for bookings for his “blind man” hanging act, “The Leap of Death.” [Billboard, December 28, 1946, page 72 and January 14, 1947, page 78] Presumably he placed a bag over his head before leaping from an elevated platform with a noose around his neck. It was an act that had been performed previously by others, sometimes with tragic results. The Great Peters was one example. Nifong was hired to join the Cole Bros. circus, where he worked a fighting lion act in the side show. Typically this presentation was a single lion, usually advertised as “untamable,” shown in a smaller enclosure than a steel arena. Some of the early untamable lions were called “Wallace,” and the name was used frequently thereafter. The intent was to make a loud showing, with much snarling and threatening activity by the lion against the presenter. [Billboard, June 7, 1947] At Erie, PA on June 16, 1947, Nifong slipped and was bitten by the fighting lion. That may have been the time when elephant superintendent Arky Scott came to his aid. [Billboard, June 28, 1947, page 73; Bandwagon, July-Aug 1979, pp10-11] The incident is recalled at the following link, where it was noted that Scott filled in for him for a few days: http://bucklesw.blogspot.com/2009/02/honest-bill-show-1915-1.html Nifong was listed as being with Dailey Bros. in 1948. [Billboard, November 29, 1948, page 60]. Early in 1949 he was looking for bookings for a side show fighting lion act, as well as his hanging act, from his base in Shreveport, LA. [Billboard, February 12, 1949, page 82] His age was given as 32 in 1949, when he went on with the show despite an arm and shoulder injury after being attacked by a lion at El Dorado, AR. The wound required 12 stitches to close. He was rescued from the situation by elephant man John Ragsdale. [Blytheville, AR Courier-News, April 14, 1949.] He has been reported as presenting the Wallace untamable lion act in the King Bros. side show in 1949. [Bandwagon, March-April 2011, page 35] Originally he planned to present his act on a carnival in 1950, but in Capt. Dee Nifong spent the 1950 tour with Dailey Bros., a railroad circus, and was wintering in Red Bluff, CA. [Billboard, January 7, 1950, page 55 and December 30, 1950, page 33] He was also injured that season by a lion, receiving lacerations on his left hand, arm and right leg. It was said that he’d switched from aerial performance work to lion training five years earlier. [Abilene Reporter-News, April 23, 1950] It may be quite difficult to locate a photograph of Capt. Dwight “Dee” Nifong given that most of his appearances were under the big top and in the side show, where little photography was accomplished owing to poor lighting. I would recommend contacting the various circus repositories and making a specific request about him. He might be found in general photographs of the troupes noted above, by title and season. Perhaps someone reading this response will review their holdings for the desired photograph. Perhaps you can post some other information relative to his life after he left the business? Fred Dahlinger Jr., Curator of Circus History, “The Ringling,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, FL
Thank you, Fred Dahlinger, curator of Circus history for giving me info. on Capt. Dwight “Dee” Nifong. I can give some update on what happen to Dwight after his circus days. He worked in a nursing home for 22 yrs. in High Point, NC. He never married nor had children. I knew he served in Military in WWII. I had met him before yrs. ago, back when I lived at my grdmt. house where he was visiting her. Jan
4353. Gainesville Community Circus, 17 Apr 2014 - Looking for Gainesville Community Circus posters! My mother and father-in-law were performers for many years. Also, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law were small children and performed with their parents, walking on large ball and riding baby elephant! Would love to get one for my husband to have! Gayla Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. CHS is on Facebook! Join our online community! - click here 4352. Charles Myrtle Collins, 17 Apr 2014 - Looking for information on the above mentioned Charlse Myrtle Collins. He was born in the usa abt 1876, but where? It is rumoured that he came to the UK and Wales in particular with a circus, so looking for any details of this. It would have been before 1901 as he is in Wales then. Thanks in anticipation. Mike Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4351. Claude Loftus, 15 Apr 2014 - I am looking for information about my great uncle, Claude "Speedy" Loftus. He was from LA Junta, Colorado, served in WW1, and then joined a circus. I was told he rode a motorcycle with a lion chasing him. I know that circus went through Amarillo, Texas in the late 1930's. Thank you much. Greta Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
There were no hits for Speedy Loftus, using different word combinations, in the Google Books advanced search through available issues of “Billboard,” early 1940s-1950s. You can search the microfilmed issues of “Billboard” in the post-WWI era, which, for now, is the only alternative for the 1920s and 1930s. They’re possibly obtainable via interlibrary loan, so see your librarian. You can do a Google search through the CHS message board postings of the past and find relevant entries for other riders and the lore surrounding them. Quite a few of the riders were nicknamed “Speedy,” a common one in the era of ever faster internal combustion vehicles, which gave people independence. A few drome operations featured lions, which rode in a side car. Speedy Loftus, along with riders I. T. Watkins, Alice Lowell and Cyclone Feliz, was with the Watkins Wall of Death on the Clarence A. Wortham’s World’s Best Shows, a carnival per “New York Clipper,” August 24, 1923 [Illinois Digital Newspapers]. In 1925, Speedy Loftus was a rider in the drome on the Lackman & Carson Exposition Shows, the former Con T. Kennedy Shows, which were bought from the government. The drome belonged to Capt. Hartley and also included Bobb[ie?] Loftus and Grace Hicks as riders. This was in “Variety,” July 1, 1925. The “Corsicana (TX) Daily Sun,” March 19, 1927, carried a piece about the George Loos Shows, a carnival, which listed Speedy Loftus as a featured drome rider, along with Del Couch and Miss Bobbie Loftus. In 1936 he was with the Hennies Bros. Shows, per the “LaCrosse (WI)Tribune and Leader,” June 17, 1936. Further research through troupe listings would likely fill in other employment engagements between the two wars. There were hits for his name, for letters, in “Billboard” into the 1940s, likely when he was retired from the traveling shows. You may find additional hits for him in www.newspaperarchive.com and perhaps in other digitized newspapers. Here is one web page that can guide you to many such newspapers: http://guides.library.upenn.edu/historicalnewspapersonline. There was also a “speedy Loftus,” a baseball player, in 1925. Fred Dahlinger Jr., Curator of Circus History, “The Ringling,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, FL
4350. Circus boat sunk, 05 Apr 2014 - I’m looking for the names of a Circus and a Boat which left Germany (en route to North America) sometime around 1907 (an estimated year). The boat sank soon after leaving port, and all aboard died. The name of the Port would be extremely helpful too. The story was passed along regarding my grandfather, via my grandmother. He survived because he missed the boat. Amy Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4349. Cannonball act, 04 Apr 2014 - I am hoping someone can provide some answer for me. In the sixties when I was a small child my dad took my brother and I to what I remember to be the circus which had a human cannonball act. It may have been a Barnum & Bailey Circus or a Shriner’s, not sure too young, in either Jacksonville, Florida or Maryland. There was an accident the woman went out first and landed in the net then bounced up in the air as the second person flew right into her. They both appeared lifeless as the crew quickly took the net down with the both. We were asked to quietly get up and leave the arena. I believe she may have died and he was paralyzed. I can not find any information about this accident. Does anyone know about this? My brother and I both have very vivid memories and want to have more clarity of this terrible accident. Delores Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
See this newspaper article: http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1964&dat=19700206&id=-38yAAAAIBAJ&sjid=GLYFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2959,2169414 Explore, Enjoy circus history with Bandwagon, join CHS today! Membership 4348. Circus in Schools, 25 Mar 2014 - My name is Lindsey and I’m from Melbourne, Australia. I am conducting research on the engagement and well being potential of ‘Circus in Schools’ programs. I’m looking for vaguely academic style resources (articles, books etc), either modern or historical, about the circus or circus performers. In particular, resources on how the circus environment benefits performers (eg. through a sense of belonging and group solidarity etc) would be helpful. Any information or advice would be greatly appreciated. Kind regards, Lindsey Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4347. Best wishes, 22 Mar 2014 - My prayers and best wishes to all circus traveling shows for this season 2014. For Safe travels, good health and the bringing enjoyment to Children of All ages under the Big Top and in building. May the History of the circus continue to grow as we cherish its long history of bringing enjoyment to Children of all ages for over a hundred years in the United States and in Europe and other parts of the world. Bro. J. Francis Dolphin, M.M. Maryknoll missionary in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 4346. Hal Urback, 21 Mar 2014 - Does anyone know of a dancer with one leg working at the Hunt Bros circus mid 1940. Name Hal Urback? Romona Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4345. Norman F. Wilcox, 17 Mar 2014 - I am trying to find information about my grandfather Norman F. Wilcox. I was told that he worked the traveling OC Buck shows in the New York and Florida areas. I am not sure what type of work he did there, but have a feeling he was perhaps a ride operator. Any information you have would be helpful. Thank You, Angela Baldwin Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
The best means to locate information about your grandfather would be to do advanced key word searches in Google Books, restricting them to issues of Billboard [enter in title block]. Then use variations on his name, or search for coverage of the show, etc. I did some initial searching and didn’t have luck, which isn’t uncommon. You may have to get inventive in your searching, especially if he went by a nickname, etc. The Buck operation was a traveling carnival, so you’ll want to look through the news columns on that industry. The Billboard coverage on Google Books starts in the mid-1940s; you’ll have to look for microfilm if his show travels predated that time. Establishing the precise years he may have been on tour can help to limit the search period. Verify his location and employment through Social Security records, military service, local city directories where he resided, census records [up to 1940 now available], correspondence or other paper documentation held by the family, etc. You can start by yourself, via www.ancestry.com, www.heritagequest.com, or other online help sites, or learn from other genealogists how to trace his existence. You will find some O. C. Buck information of interest in message 3220 on this message board. There is some tertiary coverage of the carnival operation in this recent article about the family’s carousel manufacturing trade: http://www.carouselnews.com/New-Carousel-News/Feature-Current-and-Historic-Stories-2011-2013/O.-C.-Buck-Little-Known-Golden-Age-Carousel-Carver.706.html Fred Dahlinger Jr., Curator of Circus History, “The Ringling,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, FL
Problem replying to a message? 4344. Buck Lucas, 15 Mar 2014 - Nobody knows much about my Grandfather other than he was in WV traveling through WV stayed awile, then moved on to the Ohio region, leaving the family in WV never to return. I happen to find this site where it discusses a name of "Buck Lucas" in the Ohio region with a circus. http://www.circusfans.org/res_det.php?res_id=342 Supposedly my Grandfather's name was Texas "Buck" Lucas. I do not know if this is the same person or not. Is there some way to find out exactly where "Buck" Lucas might have ended up at for more research? Thank you for any assistance that your Circus History may provide. John David Lucas, Provo, UT Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4343. Advertising item, 10 Mar 2014 - We recently purchased a circus advertising item just because it was unique to us. It may be common as we are not versed in this subject. The item is an electrified display mounted on a stand. A poster separates and is replaced with another. There are three posters in all. One is the wonderful elephant holding a performer in his trunk on a blue background. I apologize for not including descriptions of the other two. We await delivery of the item. Do you have any information on such an item? Thank you for sharing your expertise. Candi 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 4342. Lody Smith, 10 Mar 2014 - I'm look for pics of my grandfather his name is Lody Smith. He would have been in his teens between 1920 1930. He started in California went all over the USA they also came to Apalachicola FL where my grandfather from. I know he lived with the little lady. She would come to his house when the Ringling brother came to town. My mother said she could remember her coming and them all geting to go see the show for free. This would have been in 1943 to 1955. If you can help me in any way God bless. Melissa Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4341. Royal American Circus, 04 Mar 2014 - Would like to find out the history of a proprietor of the traveling Royal American Circus & Carnival Co which was around the turn of the 20th century. Looking for info on King Edward Ziemer and Dora Hoechst Schwoch. Apparently King Edward was a knife thrower and Dora was his assistant. Please contact me through my email at Trostbubble8194@aol.com Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
CHS is on Facebook! Join our online community! - click here 4340. Hunt Bros dancer, 01 Mar 2014 - Does anyone know of a dancer with one leg working at the Hunt Bros. circus mid 1940. Name Hal Urback? Romona Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4339. Priscilla, performer, 01 Mar 2014 - I am hoping to locate a poster of a lady who worked as a snake charmer, was on the high wire and I think did various other jobs for Wallace Brothers Circus around 1959. She went by the name of 'Priscilla' but her real name I think was Jane Chapman. She ended up marrying Norm Arnold from Canada who also worked for the circus. I look after her with a volunteer organization and she has told me so many tales of her days with the circus. She would love to have a poster of herself as a keepsake of those days. Thanks to anyone who can help. Sharon Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4338. Peggy Mills, 26 Feb 2014 - In 1972 and 1973 there was a girl on the high wire and trapeze of the King Brothers 3 ring circus. Her name was Peggy Mills or Peggy Miller. She was a friend of mine I am trying to locate to say hello. Any info? Jpquintani Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4337. Elephant Wando, 25 Feb 2014 - According to an essay about LaMont Bros Circus, an elephant named Wando was with the LaMont Brothers from 1913-1917 and an elephant named Mabel was leased from William P. Hall in 1919. I’m unable to find information about any elephant named Wando and wondering if the elephant is actually WANDA. Also, could the 1919 also be a typo, should be 1929?, as according to Buckles Web and Cline records Hall did not purchase Mabel (imported from Louis Ruhe) until 1926. Does anyone have information about these particular elephants? “Wando” (“Wanda”??)was under the care of Omer Eddings, the African American who worked with LaMont. Thank you all, Laurie Champion (Harrington, of Harrington's Nickle Plate great-granddaughter) Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Explore, Enjoy circus history with Bandwagon, join CHS today! Membership 4336. Circus performers, 1860, 21 Feb 2014 - Hello my name is Diane French. I am researching my ancestors and I think some of my ancestors worked the circus. I found photos of them taken by Charles Eisenmann. The mother was born in the Fiji Islands was said to have been married to an English ship captain after he died his family put her and her children out of the house and they performed for a living. The youngest child was born in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, named Lilly. I don't know their names I just saw their photo with other circus acts from 1860. Thank you for any info. Diane E French Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Most “internal” circus material will be in the realm of employment data; aggrandized stories often accompanied the presence of sideshow and “dime museum” employees. The phenomenon is in Robert Bogdan’s book “Freak Show.” The biographical material you related may be true - or it may have been a “legend” created for public circulation. A bit of early Barnum documentation is on the CHS website, like the 1870s Barnum show route books, which include limited staff entries. Sometimes the sideshow staff was provided under a privilege contract, meaning that they were not direct circus employees. As a result, their names weren’t published in circus employment listings. Often they would have been in the side show. A few made appearances in the pavilion, where the ring performances were staged. In the 1880s-1890s Barnum & Bailey had an ethnological congress, of the type seen previously at world’s fairs. These were all opportunities for the presentation of native-born Fiji peoples. You may also ascertain their presence on non-Barnum shows and some of these may have been faux Fiji people. Period newspapers are available in abundance online. The “New York Clipper,” the trade paper focused on the circus business, is also available online. Search other CHS message responses to learn about possible sources to access. From them you may be able to compile a list of names for those that came to the US from Fiji. Unfortunately, some of those names may be accurate, some may be stage names; only further research will reveal the truth. A quick Google search revealed multiple images of Fiji-identified people in show business, with Barnum’s American Museum in New York City [closed after the final 1868 fire]. Perhaps by seeking out more images with names given you can establish their name identities? The Eisenmann photos that you discovered may well have been from non-circus engagements, such as with Barnum’s museum. You may want to peruse the books by Harris, Saxon and others concerning Barnum in that regard. The Becker collection at Syracuse university (online, I believe) may be helpful, as well as the book “Monsters of the Gilded Age.” There are also a number of books about ethnography and sideshow personalities at the circus that can be accessed. At some time in the future the CHS journal “Bandwagon” will be publishing a scholarly paper about Fiji people and their presentation by American showmen. I recommend that you monitor the website and ascertain when it reaches print. You can then acquire a copy for reading. Fred Dahlinger Jr., Curator of Circus History, “The Ringling,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, FL
The Clipper for February 9, 1884, page 803, places the Fiji Family at the Dime Museum in Columbus, Ohio. The Cincinnati, OH, Enquirer of March 30, 1884, noted the arrival of a Fiji princess, which OCR read as Kalnmalaka, at the Harris Museum, a local dime museum. The actual name spelling may be different than given in the transcription. These may be references to Mme. Dumont/Durant and her daughters. “Fiji family” also garnered nearly two dozen hits. In one she was billed as “Cannibal Princess and Fiji Family [Clipper, May 2, 1885, page 107], followed by Barnum’s Cannibal Princess [Clipper, April 18, 1885, page 72]. The Cannibal Princess title was revived in 1890, with one entry giving her name as Kamehaka [Clipper, June 20, 1891, page 249]. The hits, in aggregate, suggest that the mother and children appeared anonymously, aggrandized as a bona fide Fiji natives, rather than being advertised by her Americanized or married name. The photograph by Henshel, 3136 Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago, IL, would have been made during a booking in that city. Mrs. C. Henshel (also possibly William Henshel) photographer, was at the Cottage Grove address in the period 1885 to 1891. Thus, the image would seemingly portray Mme. Dumont and her two daughters sometime 1885-1892. Dime museum personalities often contracted for many copies of their portraits, in cdv and card format, which they then sold as souvenirs during their engagements. It was a common method to supplement their booking income, some of which may have gone to an agent that secured the bookings. It is also viewable at: https://www.facebook.com/fijimuseum?sk=map&ref=stream&filter=1 A search of the Chronicling America newspaper resource for “Fiji princess” yielded several hits for 1884-1892. One commonly printed 1889-1890 account said the father of one of the Fiji princess’s daughters was a white man living in New York. The Troy (NY) Daily Times of October 8, 1891, reported that Frank Durant, the agent for the show company then appearing at the local Eden Musee on River Street, and the husband of the Fiji princess, dropped dead during the afternoon presentation from heart disease. The issue is on the Fulton History website. His passing did not turn up in a Clipper search, but Lillie Durant and the Fiji Family were at the Dime Museum in Washington, D. C. in February 1888. The October 22, 1892 issue of the Clipper, page 527, noted the passing of Mme. Dumont, “one of the best known museum curios in this country,” on October 12, of cancer in New York City. She left a son and two daughters. Her remains were shipped to Pittsburgh, PA for internment in the family vault. Her age was given as 44. A further Clipper search for “Mme. Dumont” yielded no hits, which suggests the OCR system isn’t entirely comprehensive, since the name appears in the issue cited above. Her death was also noted in the New York Clipper Annual for 1893, which can be examined in Google books. http://books.google.com/books?id=Vmg9AAAAYAAJ&pg=PA10&lpg=PA10&dq=%22fiji+princess%22+museum&source=bl&ots=U030fp-iJW&sig=a4-bGOKkFRhSQPhTsKbbrHHGJ7w&hl=en&sa=X&ei=q4YhVJKqGNGKyASi34DoDA&ved=0CDEQ6AEwAzgK#v=onepage&q=%22fiji%20princess%22%20museum&f=false In summary, it appears that the Dumont/Durant family fulfilled dime museum bookings from as early as 1884 to as late as 1892, using a variety of names, Fijian and Americanized, and aggrandized titles. More searching through newspapers will yield additional insights. There were Fiji natives that traveled with the Barnum show in 1872. Their photograph is included in the Kunhardt book about Barnum, pages 225-227. There are other limited Fiji listings on the Barnum show in the early 1880s. The New York Sun ran a large, illustrated article about dime museums in the issue of March 15, 1891, page 24. Another is in the San Francisco Call of March 20, 1898, on the California Digital Newspaper Collection website. It mentions other Fiji people. These provide some insight on daily and life rituals for dime museum personalities. Fred Dahlinger Jr., Curator of Circus History, “The Ringling,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, FL.
4335. Jimmy Spriggs, clown, 20 Feb 2014 - My grandfather, Dr. L. C. Holland, was a dentist in Suffolk VA in the early to mid 1900s. His hobby/passion was the circus and clowns. His idle and friend was Felix Adler. His clown costume was designed around Felix’s. Felix gave my grandfather a pair of his clown shoes. Felix said that they were his first pair given to him by Jimmy Spriggs clown cop. I have the shoes. I am interested in any information/history about Jimmy Spriggs including photos so I can put it with the shoes to complete the history. He was clowning in the early 1900s. I haven’t been able to find out much about him except that he was from Toledo. I saw on the net that his name shows up in “Billboard” and “Bandwagon”, Vol 50 issue 6. If Ringling Brothers was any where in the east coast my grandfather would close his practice and take the train to Baltimore, NY etc. He would perform as a guest clown. I have his clown trunk and costume plus two albums full of early circus photos. Also, he had a walk by part in the “Greatest Show on Earth”. His clown name was Ta-Ta! Thanks for any information, Warren Holland Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 4334. Jess Lefevre, 20 Feb 2014 - Hello, everyone. I would appreciate any information known about my great grandfather, Jess (Bryant) Lefevre. It is sometimes spelled Lafever or Lefever. We don't know much about what he did in the circus, but his wife, Bertha, was a seamstress for the circus. He was born in Ohio but lived in Brooklyn for awhile in the early 1900's. I have searched everywhere I can to find information but haven't found anything about his time in the circus. Thanks, Jodi Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4333. Dixie Carnival Co., 13 Feb 2014 - I have had a delightful introduction to circus history as I research family. As a student in University of Washington’s Certificate in Family History and Genealogy program, I'm researching the life and times of Pearl and Josie Ostrander, my grandmother and great grandmother, who worked for at least one year with Dana Thompson's Dixie Carnival Company. I have questions about the Dixie Carnival Company that historic newspaper sites, The Idaho State Historical Archives, the Circus History Query page, and one file from the Emory University Special Collections – Brisendine Papers - have not yet answered. The Dixie Carnival Company traveled for at least 35 weeks in its 1903-1904 season. Its Show Manager was the young high diver and swimming champion, Dana Thompson, and its Privilege Manager was James “Jimmy” Simpson. Its headquarters may have been Montgomery, Alabama. I have documented its season starting on Dec. 14, 1903 in Dublin, Georgia. It performed in Georgia, Florida, and Alabama before shooting across Texas to El Paso. There were performances in Arizona, California, and Oregon. Dixie reached Salem, Oregon on Jun. 27, 1904 and turned east, performing in The Dalles, Pendleton, and La Grande, Oregon. Its final shows were in Boise and Pocatello, Idaho. It disbanded in Pocatello in August of 1904 (“The Carnival and Carnival Company Both Expire.” Pocatello Tribune, Aug. 14 1904, at the Idaho Historical Society Archives). I have collected news articles that so far document 29 of its 35 performance weeks. Its acts included: Dixie Land, or the Old Plantation – This minstrel show was made up of about 10 African American actors, including the popular Joe Dokes, “the man who made the mule laugh.” High Divers: Dana Thompson, and then starting in Oregon, “Dare Devil Mangles”; The Berger Brothers - Edgar and James were “head and hand balancers in the air”; Samson – the 27 foot long boa constrictor; No Name – “the Malay Wonder”; Esau – “the snake eater”; The Statue Turning to Life – representing the Greek myth of Pygmalion and Galatea; The Electric Palace – it showed a variety of motion pictures including “A Trip to the Moon” and “The Life of an American Fireman.” The Luna Company – it might have been headed up by Professor Roberts. He used electricity to recreate the 1902 volcanic eruption of Mt. Pelee, and he may have managed the “pose plastique” performers and female acrobats: “Madame Celeste,” Miss Pearl Spencer, and Miss Shirley Everett. Professor Roberts may be the Mr. James Roberts mentioned in the Pocatello Tribune obituary of Josie Roberts, who died on August 22 of heart failure who was a member of the Luna Company. Her daughter, a 13-year-old named Pearl Ostrander, with the same company, traveled with Mr. Roberts to Butte, Montana and "sang and danced" in theaters there until placed into foster care. I would appreciate help in finding answers to these questions: Did a “Professor Roberts” or “James Roberts” manage the Luna Company? Did a “Professor Roberts” or “James Roberts” manage or work in other carnivals in electrical displays and “pose plastique” performances? And, in general, what is known about: The career of Dana Thompson, James Simpson, or Joe Dokes? “Pose Plastique?” – this is still a novel art form for me. Memoirs of circus or carnival performers (1890-1900) – It would especially be useful to read memoirs of mothers or their daughters, or of any that detail family life and customs of marriage, divorce, or cohabitation in the heyday of the circus or carnival. Thank you so much for reading this and for any assistance that you can provide. Tom S. Brown - tom5brown8@earthlink.net Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
"The Final Curtain, James C. Simpson," The Billboard, October 16, 1943, 31. James Chelton (Jimmie) Simpson, 72, died at his home in Powderly, Birmingham, Ala., October 6 after an illness of over two years. For more than four decades he had been a figure in outdoor showdom as a carnival executive. He was a native of Louisville. During his career his connections included: Cincinnati Carnival Company, with Jim Sturgis on Minstrel Show, talker and trainmaster. 1902; Smith Greater Shows, trainmaster, 1903-'04; general agent, 1905; K. G. Barkoot Shows, manager, 1907; Barkoot's Southern Shows, manager, 1910; Parker Shows, manager and presenting Essie Fay's Society Horse Show, Arabia, 1911. From then till 1921 he was manager of a Barkoot No. 2 unit and manager of the Hampton Shows, Rutherford Shows and World at Home Shows. Wortham Shows' staff, 1921; manager of Wortham rides, Fair Park, Dallas, 1922; Rubin & Cherry Shows, general agent, 1923; then manager of Zeidman & Pollie Shows and general agent of D. D. Murphy Shows; Morris & Castle Shows, concession manager, 1931-'32; Royal American Shows, general agent, 1933; New Johnny J. Jones Exposition, general agent, 1934-'38; Amusement Corporation of America, executive staff, 1939-'41. He was a member of the Showmen's League of America and other show and fraternal organizations. Survived by his widow, Marie; sister-in-law, Mrs. Tom Simpson; nephews, Bertrand and Percy Simpson, and niece, Mrs. George Donahue, all of Louisville. Services October 8 at 11 a.m. in Luquire Mortuary, Birmingham, and October 11 in Donnelly Funeral Parlors, St. Louis, with interment in the family plot in Calvary Cemetery there. "Simpson Rites Largely Attended In Birmingham and St. Louis," The Billboard, October 23, 1943, 51, 56. St. Louis. Oct. 16. - Remains of James C. (Jimmie) Simpson were interred in Calvary Cemetery here October 11 after impressive funeral services from Donnelly Funeral Parlors at 10 a.m., Father James P. Johnston, St. Patrick's Church, officiating. many show folk were in attendance, and floral pieces and expressions of sympathy came from all parts of teh country after his death at his home in Birmingham October 6. Services were held in Birmingham October 8 at 11 a.m. from Luquire Chapel, Father john M. Hogran officiating. The body was brought to St. Louis, and accompanying the widow, Marie, on the journey were Mrs. Bertha (Gyp) McDaniels and Mrs. Sam Perry. The party arrived here October 9 at 3:45 p.m. and the body lay in state at the Donnelly home Saturday night and Sunday, when many show people paid their last respects. St. Louis is the former home of Mrs. Simpson, and the funeral party was met at the train by her relatives here, Mr. and Mrs. William Bachman, Henry and Boots Drupp and Mrs. Averill Mechan, sisters and brothers-in-law. Also attending Mrs. Simpson were Mrs. John O'Shea, Chicago, and Mrs. Daisy Davis, of the Marks Shows, both of whom rushed here to be with their friend. Corp. Clarence Hunter, who has been associated with the Simpsons in concessions for a number of years and who is now in the armed forces, obtained a furlough and came here for the funeral. Bernie Smuckler came from Mobile, Ala., and Cliff Liles and Harry Beach from Alexandria, La. Active pallbearers were Ray Marsh Brydon, Bernie Smuckler, Cliff Liles, L. M. (Pete) Brophy, William Dolezal and Benjamin Doerr. Honorary pallbearers, all of whom were present at the services, were Cash Wiltse, Claude Saunders, John Brophy, Harry Beach, Francis L. Dean, Dee Lang, William McCoy, Sam Gluskin, Tom W. Allen, John Lorinzini, Corp. Clarence Hunter, and Frank B. Joerling. Among those who attended services in Birmingham were J. C. McCaffery, Carl J. Sedlmayr, Mrs. Betty Jane Hartwick, Mrs. Rachel Lilly, Mrs. C. W. Bradley, Mrs. Paul Pierce, Mrs. H. A. Atchison, Mrs. Flonnie Barfield, Mrs. A. W. Wallace, Mr. and Mrs. H. T. Wallace, Mrs. Ann Avery, Izzy Cervone, Mrs. Clara Bohne, Mrs. R. L. Whittington, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Solomon, Mrs. Alfred Duprey, Mr. and Mrs. L. R. Abdul, Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Russell, Mr. and Mrs. Johnny McMath, Odell Putman, Allie Moore, Mrs. Grace Patterson, Mr. and Mrs. Irving J. Polack, Nat D. Rodgers, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Sparks, Louis Brittain, J. P. Graham Jr., William L. Andrews, Mr. and Mrs. H. D. Gray, Louis Leonard, Mrs. Roy Bullion, Mrs. E. C. Beckham, Mrs. C. Smythers, Mr. and Mrs. Bethel Powell, A. J. Bath, Joseph Gelb, Joe Redding, J. C. Donahue, Mr. and Mrs. Max H. Kimmerer, Max Goodman, Murray Goldberg, Mrs. and Mrs. D. Friedenhelm, Walter F. Kemp, Lolita Kemp, Mr. and Mrs. Sam F. Perry, Mrs. Bertha McDaniels, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Blakely and Lula Gerson.
Problem replying to a message? 4332. Renz-Nock, 13 Feb 2014 - grüss gott,ich habe im moment ihre intressante hompage gefunden...haben sie auch berichte oder bilder vom circus Renz-Nock das war meine eltern johann und katharina nock ihr unternehmen meine eltern und geschwister sind leider schon gestorben, ich suche jetzt nach errinnerungen soltten sie was ausfindig machen können oder vieleicht mit ehemaligen artisten die bei uns angagiert waren erfahren ,wäre ich ihnen von ganzen herzen dankbar...wir sind bis 1960 in der ehemaligen ddr gereist unter den namen Renz wir hatten die lizenz von der Therese Renz der schulreiterin aus berlin ,von meiner mutter ein verwandte...nach der flucht aus der ddr.fingen wir hier im westen erneut mit circus an ...bitte melden sie sich doch mal bei mir, meine mail adr.haben sie ja jetzt .mit freundlichen grüssen verbleibe ich bis dahin yvonne nock [Attempted translation: grüss god, I have at the moment found their intressante hompage ... they also have reports or pictures from the circus Renz-Nock that was my parents johann and katharina nock her take my parents and siblings are unfortunately already died, I am now looking errinnerungen soltten they can make pinpointing whatever or maybe with former artistes who were angagiert with us experienced, I would be grateful to them all by heart ... we are up to 1960 traveled to the former ddr under the name Renz we had the license of the Renz Therese the school reiterin from berlin, from my mother a related ... after the escape from the ddr.fingen we here in the west again with circus on ... please login times but for me, my mail they adr.haben yes now. Yours greet, I remain until then yvonne nock] Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4331. Tekla Johanna Nygaard, 11 Feb 2014 - My name is Kay Doty Shipley. Our Circus story in our family is that our Grandma Tekla Johanna Nygaard, was born in Denmark and left for this country around 1888. She arrived in New York City, she had a sister working in a hotel there. Sometime after she arrived its said that she joined the Ringling Circus as a bareback rider. We do not know where she supposedly did this but that she ended up in St. Paul Minnesota, where she supposedly married and had a daughter Emma. She arrived in Pottawattamie County Iowa about 1890 and married Ben Doty. She had a little store in Weston, Iowa and everytime any circus came to town she would get posters and put them up in the windows of her store and she received free tickets so her grandchildren could go to see the circus. I am wondering if you might could find any information about this. It’s a fun story and Grandma was a little woman that never took anything from anybody, kind of a spitfire sort of person. I don’t know where to look to see if I can find any thing about this. If you could help with advice on where to look I would greatly appreciate this. Thank you, Kay Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
The 1890 federal census is mostly gone, but you might check for state censuses for Minnesota and Iowa to check for her presence. Also look for local city directories and newspapers where she may have been mentioned. I would also recommend finding her exact date of arrival, as that’s when the entire sequence of events in her life in America commenced; it’s the starting point. Ellis Island records are available online, and genealogists and librarians can help steer you to other immigration and naturalization documentation. These documents may also provide you with the exact name format she used after arrival---it may have changed thereafter. You can start by searching for her on ancestry.com, which has a lot of material. By tightening up on the dates when she can be confirmed elsewhere, as a resident, it will limit the years in which she may have been with a traveling circus. The Ringling circus was still an overland show in 1888, played the Midwest that year and 1889. It didn’t go onto rails until 1890, when it made a foray east for the first time to Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. The routes in 1891 and 1892 again place it back in Midwestern territory for the most part. It didn’t cross into New York state until later. I offer this because this may be another instance when a familiar circus name, Ringling, was recalled when lesser names were forgotten. The Ringling route book for 1890, including a performer roster, is available on this website starting on the Home page—Virtual library—Circuses—Ringling—1890. She’s not listed therein. Rosters for 1888 and 1889 may be available in the “New York Clipper,” which is available online for those years. See other messages here for links. Beyond ephemera issued by circuses and reports in newspapers, the Clipper provides the best continuum about show history in the period of interest to you. Fred Dahlinger Jr., Curator of Circus History, “The Ringling,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, FL Keep the heritage of the circus alive, join CHS today! Membership 4330. Madame Yucca, 10 Feb 2014 - Does anybody have information on the strong woman Madame Yucca (her married name was Mary Kumpf)? I'd like to find out about her career - her resume, so to speak - on the years she was with different shows. For instance, Yucca performed for Barnum and Bailey (date unknown), the Adam Forepaugh & Sells Brothers' Circus combo (date unknown), and Billboard entries mention her working for Welsh Brothers in 1901 and again in 1911. The Library of Congress collection has the popular poster of Yucca that shows her lifting an elephant, a horse, three men and different weights on dumbells for Forepaugh-Sells Bros. but I can't even find a date for the poster (this particular poster is prevalent throughout the internet). Thank you, Michele Collins Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
This may have been her first major circus contract; the Barnum show was at the pinnacle of the circus world and would have sought out acts for their debut on the road. There is commentary newspaper coverage that connects Madame Yucca with the 1898 Forepaugh-Sells tour. The copyright date on the Forepaugh-Sells poster is 1898, readable per the TIF file online from the Library of Congress. Forepaugh-Sells was then a partnership between James A. Bailey, who owned the Barnum show, and two of the Sells brothers, and others. Reference place her with: the Wm. H. Gillmeyer’s Show in 1900; Welsh Bros. and Walter L. Main in 1901; Welsh in 1904; Sautelle-Welsh in 1905; and Welsh in 1909 [New York Clipper abstracts at: http://www.circushistory.org/Clipper/Clipper1900s.htm In 1913 she was with the Wyoming Bill Wild West, which was likely a Welsh operation. [online newspaper reference]. An online newspaper ad places her on Welsh in mid-August 1915, augmenting your dates from Billboard of 1901 and 1911. There is an actual photograph of Madame Yucca doing a heavy animal lift, a horse, on Welsh Bros. in the CWM collections. I believe that it is the original of a titled print that is on this website: http://www.fscclub.com/history/iron-e.shtml There may also be a photo of her lifting a small elephant. CWM has a photo of her on Ringling, or at least thought to be Ringling, in the ladies dressing top, perhaps c1902. It has been published as Katie Sandwina, but Jan Todd, University of Texas-Austin, the authority in such matters, thinks it is indeed Madame Yucca. You can see it on page 43 of Jerry Apps, “Ringlingville,” and also elsewhere. Buckles Woodcock’s blog published (June 1, 2012) a photo identified as the Walter L. Main circus sideshow in 1890. http://bucklesw.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2012-06-09T05:54:00-04:00&max-results=100&reverse-paginate=true The identification is a bit suspect since the banner beside it is for the “Streets of India,” which suggests a street fair or carnival operation. A lady on the bally platform was identified as Yugao (sp?), but she may have been the actual Yucca, or an imitator. Yucca’s obituary was published in the New York Clipper, November 21, 1917, page 35 (viewable online). Oakland, CA was her birth place. She passed 53 years later at her Philadelphia home on November 11, 1917. She was interred at Norwood Cemetery, Philadelphia. On December 12, 1904 she was married to John T. Welsh, which explains her frequent appearances with that show. It also places her with Barnum & Bailey, but no date is given. There is brief mention of her pre-circus activities and her title-winning actions. There’s a slight mention of the couple’s non-circus life in Billboard, October 26, 1907, pages 22-23 [Google Books]. Much, much more can be learned about her life and career by searching all of the usual biographical and genealogical resources, digitized newspapers and show trade journals, circus advertising and ephemera (programs, route books) and more. Be certain to search under variations in Madam/Madame. A fundamental question will be: what was her real given name? It may be revealed in her marriage certificate. I have not heard that her personal papers survive nor have I seen any published biography, but there may be one in journals devoted to physical culture. Fred Dahlinger Jr., Curator of Circus History, “The Ringling,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, FL
If the Barnum & Bailey poster (object# ht2000123, Tibbals Collection), with illustrations of “Madam” Yucca lifting a horse and performing other feats of strength, originated in 1892, that would’ve been the year following her marriage to William Kempf (1891). In 1893, the New York Times mentioned Madame’s search for her husband, a vaudeville minstrel, after he’d deserted her. Apparently, she didn’t finalize her divorce until August 1904, though, four months before she married John T. Welsh. As you mentioned, finding Madame’s real name is my next gargantuan task. A lengthy search on Ancestory.com for a marriage license, based on her husband’s name, has been unsuccessful, but I’m undaunted and haven’t exhausted the website’s records. Besides, I can still follow the other sources you suggested. Thanks, again. Michele Collins, Image Researcher, Ohio Historical Society
4329. Danilo Stevanovich family, 09 Feb 2014 - I hope you can help me find the family of the Gran Circo Norte Americano Circus, the circus caught fire back in 1961 15th December, it was all over the news papers. The owner's name was Danilo Stevanovich, in Brazil Rio de janiro. I want to know what happened to him and the rest of the family, I am searching for them as they could be related to my mums family her maiden name is Mikhaelovich from her mothers side from her father side the name is Marinkovich. Please I ask for help or if you know someone who knows the Stevanovich family we would be appreciated. Thank you very much, Elaine Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. CHS is on Facebook! Join our online community! - click here 4328. Mabel Stark, photo album, 02 Feb 2014 - I just purchased an original photo of Mabel Stark (gorgeous photo of her in costume outside a tent - with a training whip and surprisingly, a revolver at her waist) that is part of an album grouping. Other photos on the same page include an older moustached man with a cigar in his mouth happily holding 2 tiger cubs outside a circus tent. I cannot identify him and was wondering where I could submit the photos for identification? I am hoping that one of the wonderful members here might help. Thank you so much! Laura Mercer, Bloomington, Indiana Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4327. Jane King, 31 Jan 2014 - I am researching my grandmother who I understand was called Jane King and was born in approximately 1881 in Hertfordshire. I understand she used to dance with the bears in the circus. I would like to add more relatives to my family history. Any info would be very helpful. She was married to my grandfather Thomas Whiteley approx. 1903. I think in the North West of England. She used to talk about a man called Arthur Smith. Thank you, Susan Parkes Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4326. Sells Bros. posters, 29 Jan 2014 - I just purchased a historic grist mill in New Market, Virginia (built in 1847) and there are remnants of old Sells Brothers Circus posters on 2 of the walls, and I was wondering if you could help identifying them and estimating a timeframe on them? I would like to preserve them, either on the wall or having them removed and restored. I have been researching online, but I have not found these particular posters anywhere. I have found record of the Sells Bros Circus being in this area of Virginia from Sept. 27, 1878 to Sept. 30, 1878. On one wall you can make out Sells Brothers promoting the "Flying Gymnasts" and another one promoting "La Venes(?) aerial ladder show." The other wall is a little harder to make out what it is, but it has 2 girls with long sticks (or spears) at the top, and also has the words "black ostrich" and a visible black ostrich head and the words "Prof Felix." That is about as much as you can make out. Any help would be greatly appreciated! I enjoyed looking through your website, you have an amazing collection of information! Thanks, Zach Grandle Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4325. Harmston Circus William Batty, 28 Jan 2014 - Harmston Circus William Batty. Hi I am looking for decendants of the Stoodley Circus, Pinder Circus and Richard Bell Circus who had a daughter Mary Bell (there appears to be too different Richard Bells). Also Ginnett circus and Henery Welby Cooke circus. I would very much like to make contact with anyone to share information? Kate Besley, email me on on.thego@xtra.co.nz Thank you Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 4324. Ringling-Barnum 1937, 24 Jan 2014 - Does anyone out there have a complete roster of the Ringling-Barnum 1937 Sideshow? The one Joe Bradbury ran in his May/June 1975 White Tops article (I assume from Billboard) does not list all of the personnel. Thanks, Whitey Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Clyde Ingalls- mgr; John Doc Oyler- Ass't mgr; Austin King- inside mgr; Ticket Sellers- Bobbie Hasson, Bennie Levine, Buck Saunders, J. Candy Shelton; Ticket Takers- Paul Sallie, Charlie Langdon; Ticket Auditor- Tommie Marchant Attractions: Mossad Habib- Egyptian Fakir; Sam Pappalardo - Pop Eye (the sailor); Jack Earle - Sky High; Eko & Iko - Ministers from Dahomey; Miss Jean - Iron Tongue; Eagan Twist - Rubber Man; Ma'am Rhonda - Crystal Gazer/Seer; Mr. & Mrs. Al Tomaini - Giant & Half Woman; Bennie Benard - Punch & Judy; Miss Suzanne - Snakes; Paul McWilliams- Big Mouth Mac; Betty Broadbent - Tattooed Lady; Baby Lee - Fat Girl; Chang - Demon Ape (B.F. Strom-keeper) Midgets - Baron Paoucci, Thasia Gardner, Tiny Doll, Harry Doll, Jennie Reynolds, Major Mite, Daisy Doll, Grace Doll. South Sea Islanders - Thomas Makaena - Steel Guitar, Al K. Jones - Second Guitar, Billy Shaw - String Bass. Dancers - Maile Rice, Phillis Taylor, Helen Schaumloffel, Mili Aloha, Mary Levine, Rosita Figueroa, Anita Velez, Juanita Delgado, Jean Kauinna. Arthur Wright's Minstrels - Tommy Stevens - Solo Clarinet, Johnny Brown - First Clarinet, H.K. Franklin - Solo Trumpet, Clarence Williams - Solo Trumpet, Chas. A. Holloway - First Trumpet, Rufus S. Wiggs - First Melophone, William E. Fields - Second Melophone, Edward Carr - First Trombone, Homer C. Griffin - Second Trombone, William Thomas - Baritone, H.R. Hall - Bass, J.W. Wright - Snare & Traps, Ed Warren - Bass & Traps, Arthur A. Wright - Trumpet & Leader. Entertainers - Leo C. Boatner - Comedian, Dusty Cunningham - Comedian, Leroy Morton- Singer, Ed Green - Singer, J.C. Woodards- Accordionist & Arranger So, this is the complete list of the folks that went on the road tour. Hope this helps - Steve
4323. Carl Hess, 24 Jan 2014 - I am doing some family history research on my father’s side. I am looking for some information on Carl Hess, he was with the Busch Circus in Germany and was a Kunsreiter. He was probably born around 1874 so probably was with the circus around 1894 or later. He had some siblings that may have been with the circus to don’t know their names are Katharina Hess and Xaver Hess. Thank you, Sharon Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Problem replying to a message? 4322. Midget circus, newsreel, 22 Jan 2014 - Hi, my name is Madeline Moya. I work for the Texas Archive of the Moving Image, and we are trying to fill in the missing pieces of a story in a Universal Newsreel about a "midget circus" that got stuck in San Antonio during a flood. We don't have a date or, really, any other details. I was wondering if your organization had a listserv or newsletter that the film (our current Mystery Video for the month) could be sent to in search of answers or leads. Who better to help us out than the Circus Historical Society? If you think people would be interested or could help us out, we would really appreciate your circulating the video. The link is here: http://www.texasarchive.org/library/index.php?title=News:Mystery_Video:_January_2014 Thank you so much, and I hope to hear from you. Best, Madeline Moya, Curator, The Texas Archive of the Moving Image Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4321. Music, Italian circuses, 18 Jan 2014 - I am doing some research into what music was performed at Italian Circuses in he 19th century - might you be able to put me in touch with someone who could help? Many thanks for your time. Kindest regards, Thomas Blunt Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Explore, Enjoy circus history with Bandwagon, join CHS today! Membership 4320. Felice Bernardi, 18 Jan 2014 - My Great-Grandfathers' cousin was Felice Pietro Paul Bernardi (1880-1934), owner the "Bernardi Exposition Shows" and the "Bernardi Greater Shows". He was born in Cardiff, Wales (UK) in 1880, and emigrated to Boston, Massachusetts in 1892 aged 11. He married Mary T. Young - maiden name Trueman in Boston in 1908. She had circus connections, and it was through her that Felice became the proprietor of the carnival businesses. Mary died in Richmond, Virginia in 1922. Felice retired from the circus business in 1933 (according to Google Books, his carnival was destroyed in a fire in Heppner, Oregon in that year), and moved to Tampa, Florida. He died there in 1934, and was buried in the Showmen's Rest section of Woodlawn Cemetery in Illinois. Apparently, his widow was Dorothy Evelyn Bernardi. I am hoping to find any information, or photo's of Felice and his business. I am especially trying to find when he married Dorothy Evelyn, and what became of her after his death. I know that there was a train crash in Farmington, New Hampshire involving the Bernardi Greater Shows in the late 1920's, but it is my understanding that Felice had sold this business by then, even though the new owners carried on using the Bernardi name. Can anybody help with any information or photo's? Thanks, Darin (England) - mazzie@tiscali.co.uk Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
The Bernardis were reportedly concessionaires up to 1917, when they took out their first traveling show, and bought their second in 1922. The 1919 shows was reported as being 25 cars, in 1920 on 20, a good-sized aggregation. The initial show was Bernardi Greater [Exposition inserted 1919-1920] Shows, the same title, minus Exposition, being transferred to the late “Honest” John Brunen’s Mighty Doris-Ferari outfit, which was bought in 1922 and sold off in 1923. Their own show was re-named Dominion Exposition Shows, for a brief period, until it was closed and Bernardi moved to manage the former Brunen property. The loss of his 1933 show by fire at Heppner, Oregon in the autumn of 1933 may have taken its toll on him and resulted in his passing (“Billboard,” September 23, 1933, page 40). Recovering from such a loss in the midst of the depression would have been very, very difficult. The best continuums of information about the Bernardis will be issues of “Billboard” and “New York Clipper.” See note 4131 about gaining access to many issues online. Unfortunately, the latter 1920s and 1930s are not yet scanned and posted. Given his relatively high profile in the carnival trade, Bernardi’s second marriage was likely announced in the relevant “Billboard” news column, but it will take some searching to find it. At this time, the issues and key word searching are not available for the relevant period. His obituary will also be there, in an April 1934 issue. I found several personal photos that you posted several images on wikitree. Pre-1923 Bernardi Greater Shows images are not common; I could not locate any before it was sold to others. No Dominion Exposition Shows photos were located. CWM has a 1917 Bernardi Greater Shows letterhead in the William P. Hall Papers, reproduced on page 100 of Bob Goldsack’s book “Those Wonderful, Colorful and Exciting Carnival Trains.” Additional Bernardi information may be found in that volume. Fred Dahlinger Jr., Curator of Circus History, “The Ringling,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, FL
4319. Ava Cole, 15 Jan 2014 - My grandmother was in the Barnum and Bailey Ringling Bros circus approx 1942-1950. Her name was Ava Broncile Cole. Her nickname was Toni Brown. Her married last name was Anderson. I'm trying to find anyone who knew her or who has pictures. She use to ride the elephants and some trapeze acts. Jaime 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 4318. Elephant bridle, 15 Jan 2014 - Not sure where to find this info, but I purchased at an upstate NY auction (about 10-12 years ago), a leather elephant head bridle. Not sure if I am calling it the right thing, so I'll describe it. It would go over the head of an elephant with 5 straps attached to it, The center part (that sits in the forehead of the animal) reads "Dolly" in brass rivets. The edges of the straps are all lined in larger brass/copper rivets (each the size of a quarter). There are also rivets around the outside of the center piece that make a sort of "heart shape", again, all done in a series of rivets. This thing is old and was repaired numerous times during its use. Leather was reattached with rivets, at various points. It all appears to be there except for what ever the understrapping was for some of the straps. You can tell its used a very, very long time due to the repairs and wear. Anyhow, thought I might be able to identify what circus it may have come from (assuming it was a circus elephant because why would it have a fancy parade type bridle otherwise)? Only info I can find on an elephant from before the 70s is one that was part of the Barnum circus which killed a boy in 1950 (Saraota, FL) and subequently put to death. Is itpossible it came from this animal or were there numerous Elephants named Dolly over the years in this country (no idea). I know there were a finite number of elephants in the country at that time (only 288 today) so thought there "might" be a list of names somewhere? I assume few records were kept. Anyhow, any info would be appreciated as Ive always been curious about it. Thanks, Marcus Blanchette Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4317. Morris Hepston, Randolph Epsteyne , 13 Jan 2014 - Am currently researching the Epstein Family and wonder if anyone has information on Morris Hepston aka Paddy Hepston and his younger brother Randolph Epsteyne aka Ronald Styne after their break-up from "Clicko the Wild Dancing Bushman." Kind Regards, Walter Scott Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. CHS is on Facebook! Join our online community! - click here 4316. Gene Plowden, 08 Jan 2014 - I am seeking contact information for the family or colleagues of Gene Plowden, author of Gargantua: Circus Star of the Century. I am looking for specific materials associated with Gargantua, and I am hoping that Mr. Plowden's files might still be accessible. Thank you, GPA Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4315. Eddie Jabcynski, 07 Jan 2014 - I am looking for Eddie Jabcynski. If any one has any information of him, I would be so grateful. Thank you, Joanne Canaday Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4314. Leopold Troupe, 04 Jan 2014 - I am trying to find some information on the Leopold Troupe. My grandfather writes in his memoirs "that he was named Charles after his father's younger brother who was an acrobat, one of the famous Leopolds. He was killed in Buenes Ayres (circa1900), performing a high wire act". I would be grateful if anybody has any information about the person, incident and The Leopolds. With kind regards, Lynda Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4313. Winter quarters, 28 Dec 2013 - Does anyone know of a source I could read or have memory of what life was like in “winter quarters” 1900-1940? kind regards, Laurie Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Winter quarters were located across the US, with different factors being used to select a particular location. The predominant weather pattern in the locale dictated the type of quarters structures, particularly for the animals. Some shows kept exotic animals in one location and shipped baggage stock off to another. Some circuses erected their own quarters, others leased a variety of sites. Some provided hotel or dormitory lodging for workers, others simply allowed employees to find their own accommodations. The size of community also had an impact on the lifestyle, as did the duration of time that a city served as a host. Not all people wintered in the quarters city; many sought winter employment elsewhere. You can check the article indexes on this website and also Google search for coverage online of circus winter activity. My recommendation, though, is that you set some basic, limiting parameters for your search as there’s no “generic” character to circus winter quarters life and existence. The various factors imbued each with a different environment. Fred Dahlinger Jr., Curator of Circus History, “The Ringling,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, FL
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 4312. Leroy P. Sample, 26 Dec 2013 - My great grandfather, Leroy P. Sample, joined the circus between 1880-1890s. He was in Texas. How would I find information? Shellie Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
In the 1880 census there was a illegible entry for what appears to be Laray Sample, the 2-year old son of Mordella and Sarah Sample (T9/1316/25, Lee County). A simple Google search provided a hit for a Leroy P. Sample, born about 1884, in the 1940 census. His wife may have been Pearlie and they resided in Poteet, Atascosa, TX. If he joined a circus in the 1880s, it’s not him; the latter 1890s is perhaps possible. Another means is to search family archives for any residual correspondence, diaries, memoirs or other data that might pin down the specifics. One shred might serve to initiate a search. Building a chronological dossier of information about him can prove very helpful. Do you know where he ended up after leaving the circus business? He may have established himself in a community known as a circus winterquarters site. Circus World Museum’s library has a name finding aid that could be checked. Contact librarian Pete Shrake for assistance. You can also search through issues of the “New York Clipper,” a weekly magazine with circus news, routes, etc. Via the information therein you may be able to identify circuses touring Texas, in the vicinity of where your great-grandfather resided. Check message 4131 on this website to find a link to Clipper material online. Unless you have additional information that may serve to initiate tracing him, it is a veritable needle in a haystack search. Fred Dahlinger Jr., Curator of Circus History, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, FL
4311. Frederick Hastings, 23 Dec 2013 - When my ancestor Frederick John Hastings died in Hermosa - Redondo hospital, Los Angeles in 1939 his occupation was circus proprietor. He had been a circus proprieter for about 20 years until 1935. Frederick John Hastings is recorded as an actor on the stage in the 1930 census for Hermosa Beach Los Angeles. Maude Kennedy also lived in the same house as Fred in 1930 and was an actor too. He died in a car accident on July 22 1939 in Hermosa Beach, when he was married to Maude Kennedy. Does anyone know anything about him or the circus he worked for? Some background: Frederick John Hastings was born on 4 Jan 1886 (sometimes mistakenly recorded as 1887) in Christchurch New Zealand. His family sailed to Portland Oregon in 1888. His first marriage was in 1910 to Shirley Mable Disler. He divorced and married Maude Kennedy who was also divorced. Do hope someone knows something about Fred, the circus he worked for. Thanks, Elizabeth Hammond Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
http://www.redondopier.com/about-the-pier/history-of-the-pier/ One view of the Looff Hippodrome at Redondo Beach can be seen here: http://www.redondopier.com/about-the-pier/reinventing-the-pier/ and then there’s another, with a different profile: http://antiquecarousels.com/product/redondo-beach-ram/ The Looff installation reportedly endured 1912-1940 according to one undocumented source. Fred Dahlinger Jr., Curator of Circus History, “The Ringling,” John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, FL
Amusements: J F Hastings 155 Strand, Redondo; Hippodrome Municipal Pier, Redondo I think I mentioned that in his death certificate Hastings was recorded as being the proprietor of a circus from 1915 until 1935 and I wondered if the Hippodrome was known as a circus? He seems to have lived on Broadway, Los Angeles at least from 1915 into the 1920s so I am thinking that he was a stage actor in a theatre too. I would welcome your opinion. Many thanks, Elizabeth Hammond
Problem replying to a message? 4310. G. S. Fitzgerald, 21 Dec 2013 - G. S. Fitzgerald with the Lemon McCart Carnival, June 1921 in Kansas. We are at a dead end. My wife's mother Arnetta Georgetta Fitzgerald was abandoned as an infant and left on a blanket when the Lemon McCarth Carnival left town in Lyons, Kansas June 1921. Her father (G. S. Fitzgerald) did eventually come back for her, but by then she was adopted. And we don't know the mother's name. My wife's mother never found her parents or her biological family. So at the point my wife is searching for any info she can find on G. S. Fitzgerald. We do have the newspaper articles from Lyons, Kansas and we understand G.S. Fitzgerald could be from Texas. We don't know where my wife's mother was born or her birth date. And the same for G. S. Fitzgerald, no birth date, marriage license, death Certificate, etc.. Any help will be so greatly appreciated. We were hoping the Circus History website folks might be able to help us. Thank you so much! Ken Recoy Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
After scripting the above entry, I did another Google search and found this entry [http://registry.adoption.com/records/597158.html?close_js_warning=true], posted by Patricia Peterson-Recoy seeking the same birth mother. “My mother was born in El Paso, Texas on October 5, 1920 as far as I know. Her father was listed as G.S. Fitzgerald. He was listed as living on Ochos street in 1920.he and my biological grandmother went to work the Leemon and McCart Carnival. This carnival traveled to Oklahoma and was in Kansas in June, 1921. My mother was left with a Mrs. Baird the manager of the hotel where Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald stayed. Mrs. Fitzgerald left with someone else and Mr. Fitzgerald followed to find her and was unsuccessful . He was stranded and unable to get back to my mother. At that point the court took custody of my mother and she was adopted. She was approximately 7 to 9 months old at this time.” Lemon/Leemon McCart would have been a predecessor to the Fairyland operation. I doubt that any business records survive from any McCart show. One 1920 Deming, NM newspaper gave the title as Leemons and McCart Amusement Company, with the sub-heading High Class Shows and Riding Devices; in 1921 it was Leemon McCart; but in 1922 it was the J. O. McCart Midway Shows and J. Ordway McCart carnival. McCart, whose first name may have been James, was shot by an unknown assailant in January 1921. Walter Leeman, identified as one of the 1921 proprietors, shot a drunken member of the crew at Stanton, NE in September 1921, likely bringing about the name change in 1922. You may find additional entries on www.newspaperarchive.com or in other digitized newspapers from the states played by the McCart organization. Seldom do they mention members of the troupe, unless they were involved in some newsworthy incident. Show titles can usually be confirmed in newspaper advertisements, but none were found in the available resources. For the moment, the correct spelling of the name of McCart’s partner remains elusive. The best resource for McCart show information will be the weekly issues of “Billboard” magazine, which contained carnival news columns; sometimes they posted staff, cast and crew rosters. A secondary source would be the “New York Clipper.” Here are links so that you can check them online, page by page. Perhaps you have a search methodology that can do a key word search through a large number of pdf files? http://www.fultonhistory.com/my%20photo%20albums/all%20newspapers/Billboard/index.html http://fultonhistory.com/my%20photo%20albums/All%20Newspapers/New%20York%20NY%20Clipper%201853%20-%201924/index.html Unfortunately, smaller outfits seldom gained coverage. You might find it in a listing of carnival winterquarters communities that were published in some years. That might provide a lead to identifying and locating the proprietors or other members of the troupe. El Paso seems to be a likely base for the McCart operation. Moving by train, it would have been easy for a railroad employee to join up. Many troupes had Ferris wheels provided by the Eli bridge Company of Jacksonville, IL. They published a house journal, initially titled “The Optimist” 1916-1925 and thereafter “Big Eli News.” There are some listings in it for the Fairyland Shows. The firm may still survive; files of the journal may be in different locations. It would seem that with the birth known to have taken place in El Paso, TX, and with Fitzgerald residing there in 1920, that the city of El Paso would provide the most likely location to secure the birth mother’s identity, as opposed to trying to locate a roster for the itinerant carnival. I assume that you have already searched the local files and recruited assistance from professional genealogists in the community. Look for people residing at the same address, or nearby, in the city directories, and also in the census records. Yet, you might search 1919-1921 issues of Billboard for any McCart operation rosters and reports. Fred Dahlinger Jr., Curator of Circus History, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, FL
4309. Human statues act, 12 Dec 2013 - When I was young in 1982-1984, I don’t remember the exact year, I went to the circus in Dayton, Ohio there was an act, I think it was called the Human Statues. The same group did trapeze act also. I believe One of the names was Armando Christiana but can't remember for sure. Can you help me out? I found old pictures and I am putting them in a scrapbook but I like to put names with them. Thanks Lisa from Dayton, Ohio 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 4308. Old circus billboard, 04 Dec 2013 - Recently we found part of an old circus billboard/poster on the exterior wall of our 100 year old store in Montana. There are pictures of men, with the names of Baron Renthrow and maybe Charles (?) Holton. Also are pictured a woman on a bike, ostriches (bridled) etc. I'm wondering if you could help me find more informaton? Therese Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4307. Josephen Drushka, 04 Dec 2013 - I am researching my family history and been lead to believe that my grandfather worked in a circus in central/western Canada in the late 1920’s or early 1930’s. I have not been able to discover which circuses were travelling and performing, in this part of Canada, at that time. If you have more detailed records and can search his name please let me know. His name was Josephen Drushka, born in 1911 and he ran away from home in his teens, and joined a circus. From the information I have hear he worked with the bears. Any help to point me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Terry Anderson Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender. CHS is on Facebook! Join our online community! - click here 4306. Mayer Sisters, 03 Dec 2013 - I am trying to find anything out about a trapeze act for Ringling Brothers Circus circa late 1890’s. My grandmother was part of an act called the Mayer Sisters. Thank you, Darlene Roman Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4305. McNutt family, 03 Dec 2013 - I am researching the McNutt family who performed in the circus and vaudeville approximately 1900-1940. Cameron Thomas (Thompson?) McNutt and his wife Laura Smith were originally from Mayfield and Paducah, KY and had a trick bicycle act. They also owned a nightclub in the Clayton, NY area. They committed suicide in Boynton, Florida in 1940. Their stage last name or alias was "Pop." Family says they were called "The Three Camerons" at one time. Laura was my great grand aunt and I would really appreciate any information, pictures, history, anything. Thanks! Brian Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4304. Van Amburgh wagon paintings, 26 Nov 2013 - After the Civil War, the Van Amburgh Great Golden Menagerie was very popular. I am doing research on the paintings that were on the wagons, vans, and chariots. I believe the first reference to this was in the March 28, 1868 The New York Clipper: "Van Amburgh & Co.'s Great Golden Menagerie ... put on the road this season an entirely new ... exhibition. The wagons, chariots, vans and dens are all entirely new ... Emblazoned on the panels of each are splendid illustrations of the Holy Bible, after designs from the French artist Gustav Dore." For the next decade or so, Dore Van Amburgh wagon paintings were featured in ads for the circus. Does there exist any illustration (photo, drawing, engraving) showing Dore paintings on the wagons? I don't suppose there is any remote chance that any of those Van Amburgh circus wagons still exist? Thank you, Dan Malan Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
The application of Dore’s Biblical scenes, which can be found in published volumes from the 1860s onward, was inspired by attempts to diminish the complaints lodged against traveling showmen by speakers in the pulpit. They were intended to cultivate favor among the clergy, and Christians in general. As early as 1815 there were Puritanical rants against showmen because their labors didn’t produce useful products or did not provide a service. Later, when showmen like the Van Amburgh proprietors termed their aggregation a “Menagerie and Moral Exhibition,” the euphemistic second half of the phrase was the ring show - the actual circus. It was permissible to attend and view the menagerie portion of the presentation, but the ring displays were to be avoided, especially if they contained any exhibition of flesh, particularly anything that revealed the female form; that was to be avoided. There were various means to separate the menagerie and the circus visitation: by the timing of the visit (by separate admission fee), in advance of the ring show; by a canvas panel placed between the two entities (since they were generally in the same round pavilion until about 1870); and ultimately by the implementation of separate tents, one for the menagerie and the other for the performance. Despite the segregation by time, dividing wall or enclosure, many visitors enjoyed both, often on the pretense that it was "to take the children." Renoff explores this ruse in his book. Overland travel was hard on circus wagons. The Van Amburgh-named shows started out in the 1840s and by the 1860s the cages would have been rebuilt several times, the urine-rotted floors replaced, the running gears salvaged for use under new bodies, etc. The vehicles that received the Dore side panels may well have been entirely new in 1868, an investment by the proprietors in the years after the Civil War. At least, their Clipper statement portrayed them as “all new,” an often spurious characterization. The VA troupes were reported to have had between 15 and 24 cages in the 1860s-1870s. They were likely to be small vehicles, generally two-horse size, six to eight feet long, with only the performing den that was rolled into the ring being larger. The two Van Amburgh troupes (one out of Connersville, IN, the other out of Brewster, NY, I believe) were outfitted with new bandchariots by the Fielding brothers of New York City in 1866 and 1868. One also received a tableau car executed in an Egyptian theme. These vehicles are illustrated in period posters that can be seen in Richard E. Conover’s booklet “The Fielding Bandchariots.” All three survived adequately long to be photographed later, testimony to the fact that the poster depictions were extremely accurate. They were described in “New York Clipper” issues and elsewhere in their initial seasons. There were limited areas, between the carved ornaments, that may have been filled with scenic paintings, as was then the custom. The artists that executed these pieces were often local artisans and sometimes their commissions are mentioned in the newspapers; at least they were later. They accepted commissions wherever they could ply their trade. An 1871 account named the Dore representations to be seen: Esther confounding Haman; Elias bringing the widow’s son to life; Moses on the Nile; Ruth gleaning; Death of Ahab; Jephthah’s daughter going to meet her father; Jonathan destroying the temple. The list may have been provided to the reporter by the show’s agent. Mention of the Dore applications continued to 1878, and perhaps later, but by that time the circus had won many converts and few resisted its allure.. It’s possible that the Van Amburgh cages and dens were also fabricated by the Fieldings, if they’re not attributed to others. The same artists that applied decorative treatments to the bandchariots may have been commissioned to do the Dore pieces. The show reportedly received ten Concord cages in 1873, which were among the first to be fitted with carved corner images. Exactly what “Concord” meant is unclear; it may have been a style of construction, as opposed to their city of origin. Stuart Thayer accessed the surviving records of the dominant builder in the city, Abbott Downing, but their ledgers document only a fraction of the vehicles that were described in the period literature as “Concord.” The Concord cages also received the Dore painting treatment, and gilding. Other VA wagons originated in Cincinnati and St. Louis. Fred Dahlinger Jr., Curator of Circus History, "The Ringling," John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, FL
4303. Baby Viola, fat lady, 26 Nov 2013 - I’m looking for information on Little Baby Viola, the fat lady in the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus. She was born in 1898 in Michigan as Viola Fales and then married my great great uncle Art Whitman and later an Arthur Barton. – Cindy Allen Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
Why join CHS? Find out here - Membership 4302. Fat Lady, 23 Nov 2013 - I am looking for the story of a circus fat lady, born around 1947. I read an interview with this lady in a magazine article, around 1970, in which she described that when she was little she was given a new untested medicine that could cure whooping cough, but the side effects were unknown. This medicine made her gain extreme weight, so she became obese and subsequently the fat lady of the circus. My cousin and I were given were given this medicine. She developed asthma and I started gaining weight, but was put in diets ever since I can remember and still I battling this condition. Thank you for your help. Miguel Miguel Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
4301. Circus, Olathe Twp, KS 1870, 18 Nov 2013 - Do you know what circus might have been in Olathe Twp., Johnson Co., Kansas on June 1, 1870? My great-grandfather, Anthony Gibson, was listed on the 1870 census as working for a circus on this date, and I would really like to discover the name of it, if possible. I used the search function on this site, but did not find anything. Thank you for any help you can give me. Carol Reply to this message, replies go to this board, not to the message sender.
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