Circus Historical Society
2010 Convention Slide Show (Next photo)
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Dorita and Walter Estes opened our first day with Our Family Owes A Lot To A Short Man With A Cigar. Dorita was treasurer of Alan Hill's Great American Circus in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Her parents were China and Dorthy Durbin, who were in one of Concello's flying acts on Ringling in the late 1940s and early 1950s. We viewed movies of the backyard of Ringling in early 1950's - focused on flyers, but had many of the famous folks of the time - Tuffy, Tex, Mary Jane, Jeanne Sleeter, Lou Jacobs, several of the Doll Family, the Fishers, Curt Genders, Alfi Freddie, and even young Randy Concello. Walt joined her to talk about highlights of Kalidoscape and the other shows they were with, including Allan Hill's Great American Circus, Roberts Brothers, Royal American, Royal Palace and Kelly Miller. Some great memories - why the right side of the front yard was always the "Macy's" side, an interesting encounter with Wolfgang Puck, how not to celebrate the Fourth of July, too much money on Allan's show, refreshments for Hoxie and more . . . (John Gilmore photograph)
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